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Yang M, Wang B, Hou W, Zeng H, He W, Zhang XK, Yan D, Yu H, Huang L, Pei L, Li K, Qin H, Lin T, Huang J. NAD + metabolism enzyme NNMT in cancer-associated fibroblasts drives tumor progression and resistance to immunotherapy by modulating macrophages in urothelial bladder cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e009281. [PMID: 39067875 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2024-009281] [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: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study comprehensively investigates the association between the expression of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) and clinical outcomes of urothelial bladder cancer (UBC), as well as the molecular mechanisms by which NNMT in cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) modulates tumor progression and immunotherapy resistance in UBC. METHODS Single-cell transcriptomic analyses, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence assays were performed on bladder cancer samples to validate the relationship between NNMT expression and clinical outcomes. A series of experiments, including chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry assay, and CRISPR‒Cas9 (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats and CRISPR-associated protein 9) knockout, together with in vivo models, have been established to determine the molecular functions of NNMT in CAFs in UBC. RESULTS We demonstrated that elevated expression of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) metabolism enzyme NNMT in CAFs (NNMT+ CAFs) was significantly associated with non-response to programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) blockade immunotherapy in patients with UBC and predicted the unfavorable prognosis of UBC in two independent large cohorts. Targeting NNMT using the inhibitor 5-Amino-1-methylquinolinium iodide significantly reduced tumor growth and enhanced the apoptotic effects of the anti-PD-L1 antibody in UBC mouse models. Mechanistically, NNMT+ CAFs recruit tumor-associated macrophages via epigenetic reprogramming of serum amyloid A (SAA) to drive tumor cell proliferation and confer resistance to programmed death-1/PD-L1 blockade immunotherapy. CONCLUSIONS NNMT+ CAFs were significantly associated with non-response to PD-L1 blockade immunotherapy in patients with UBC. Elevated NNMT, specifically in CAFs, upregulates SAA expression and enhances the recruitment and differentiation of macrophages in the tumor microenvironment, thereby directly or indirectly promoting tumor progression and conferring resistance to immunotherapies in bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meihua Yang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Urological Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P.R.China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Urological Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Weibin Hou
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Urological Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Department of Urology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Honghui Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P.R.China
| | - Wang He
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Urological Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Xin-Ke Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Dong Yan
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Urological Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Hao Yu
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Urological Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Long Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Lu Pei
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Kaiwen Li
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Urological Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Haide Qin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Tianxin Lin
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Urological Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Urological Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
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Zhang X, Zhang X, Yong T, Gan L, Yang X. Boosting antitumor efficacy of nanoparticles by modulating tumor mechanical microenvironment. EBioMedicine 2024; 105:105200. [PMID: 38876044 PMCID: PMC11225208 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105200] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Nanoparticles have shown great potential for tumor targeting delivery via enhanced permeability and retention effect. However, the tumor mechanical microenvironment, characterized by dense extracellular matrix (ECM), high tumor stiffness and solid stress, leads to only 0.7% of administered dose accumulating in solid tumors and even fewer (∼0.0014%) reaching tumor cells, limiting the therapeutic efficacy of nanoparticles. Furthermore, the tumor mechanical microenvironment can regulate tumor cell stemness, promote tumor invasion, metastasis and reduce treatment efficacy. In this review, methods detecting the mechanical are introduced. Strategies for modulating the mechanical microenvironment including elimination of dense ECM by physical, chemical and biological methods, disruption of ECM formation, depletion or inhibition of cancer-associated fibroblasts, are then summarized. Finally, prospects and challenges for further clinical applications of mechano-modulating strategies to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of nanomedicines are discussed. This review may provide guidance for the rational design and application of nanoparticles in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqiong Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Xiaojuan Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Tuying Yong
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry and Materia Medica, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
| | - Lu Gan
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry and Materia Medica, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
| | - Xiangliang Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry and Materia Medica, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
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3
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Bao G, Wang Z, Liu L, Zhang B, Song S, Wang D, Cheng S, Moon ES, Roesch F, Zhao J, Yu B, Zhu X. Targeting CXCR4/CXCL12 axis via [ 177Lu]Lu-DOTAGA.(SA.FAPi) 2 with CXCR4 antagonist in triple-negative breast cancer. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2024; 51:2744-2757. [PMID: 38587644 PMCID: PMC11224082 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-024-06704-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Radiopharmaceutical therapies targeting fibroblast activation protein (FAP) have shown promising efficacy against many tumor types. But radiopharmaceuticals alone in most cases are insufficient to completely eradicate tumor cells, which can partially be attributed to the protective interplay between tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). The C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4/C-X-C motif chemokine 12 (CXCR4/CXCL12) interaction plays an important role in orchestrating tumor cells and CAFs. We hereby investigated the feasibility and efficacy of [177Lu]Lu-DOTAGA.(SA.FAPi)2, a FAP-targeting radiopharmaceutical, in combination with AMD3100, a CXCR4 antagonist, in a preclinical murine model of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). METHODS Public database was first interrogated to reveal the correlation between CAFs' scores and the prognosis of TNBC patients, as well as the expression levels of FAP and CXCR4 in normal tissues and tumors. In vitro therapeutic efficacy regarding cell proliferation, migration, and colony formation was assessed in BALB/3T3 fibroblasts and 4T1 murine breast cancer cells. In vivo therapeutic efficacy was longitudinally monitored using serial 18F-FDG, [18F]AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04, and [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-Pentixafor PET/CT scans and validated using tumor sections through immunohistochemical staining of Ki-67, α-SMA, CXCR4, and CXCL12. Intratumoral abundance of myeloid-derived suppressive cells (MDSCs) was analyzed using flow cytometry in accordance with the PET/CT schedules. Treatment toxicity was evaluated by examining major organs including heart, lung, liver, kidney, and spleen. RESULTS CAFs' scores negatively correlated with the survival of TNBC patients (p < 0.05). The expression of CXCR4 and FAP was both significantly higher in tumors than in normal tissues. The combination of [177Lu]Lu-DOTAGA.(SA.FAPi)2 and AMD3100 significantly suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and colony formation in cell culture, and exhibited synergistic effects in 4T1 tumor models along with a decreased number of MDSCs. PET/CT imaging revealed lowest tumor accumulation of 18F-FDG and [18F]AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04 on day 13 and day 14 after treatment started, both of which gradually increased at later time points. A similar trend was observed in the IHC staining of Ki-67, α-SMA, and CXCL12. CONCLUSION The combination of [177Lu]Lu-DOTAGA.(SA.FAPi)2 and AMD3100 is a feasible treatment against TNBC with minimal toxicity in main organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangfa Bao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ziqiang Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Luoxia Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Buchuan Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Shuang Song
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Dongdong Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Siyuan Cheng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Eu-Song Moon
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Frank Roesch
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jun Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Cell Architecture Research Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430030, China
| | - Bo Yu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiaohua Zhu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Xiao Y, Wang Z, Gu M, Wei P, Wang X, Li W. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: heterogeneity and their role in the tumor immune response. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:126. [PMID: 38864912 PMCID: PMC11169017 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01375-3] [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: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
In recent decades, many reports have been published on the composition and function of the tumor microenvironment (TME), among which cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have received much attention. CAFs have different degrees of heterogeneity in terms of their origin, phenotype, and function and can be divided into different subpopulations. These subgroups may play different roles in the occurrence and development of tumors. In addition, CAFs are closely associated with tumor immunity and have been found to regulate immune cell activity and to suppress the tumor immune response. In this review, we systematize the heterogeneity and characteristics of CAFs, discuss how specific CAF subgroups contribute to cancer progression by inducing an immunosuppressive microenvironment, and finally, we examine the future clinical applications of CAF subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Xiao
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyu Wang
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Gu
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Panjian Wei
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojue Wang
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Weiying Li
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China.
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Santagata S, Rea G, Bello AM, Capiluongo A, Napolitano M, Desicato S, Fragale A, D'Alterio C, Trotta AM, Ieranò C, Portella L, Persico F, Di Napoli M, Di Maro S, Feroce F, Azzaro R, Gabriele L, Longo N, Pignata S, Perdonà S, Scala S. Targeting CXCR4 impaired T regulatory function through PTEN in renal cancer patients. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:2016-2026. [PMID: 38704478 PMCID: PMC11183124 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02702-x] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tregs trafficking is controlled by CXCR4. In Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC), the effect of the new CXCR4 antagonist, R54, was explored in peripheral blood (PB)-Tregs isolated from primary RCC patients. METHODS PB-Tregs were isolated from 77 RCC patients and 38 healthy donors (HDs). CFSE-T effector-Tregs suppression assay, IL-35, IFN-γ, IL-10, TGF-β1 secretion, and Nrp-1+Tregs frequency were evaluated. Tregs were characterised for CTLA-4, PD-1, CD40L, PTEN, CD25, TGF-β1, FOXP3, DNMT1 transcriptional profile. PTEN-pAKT signalling was evaluated in the presence of R54 and/or triciribine (TCB), an AKT inhibitor. Methylation of TSDR (Treg-Specific-Demethylated-Region) was conducted. RESULTS R54 impaired PB-RCC-Tregs function, reduced Nrp-1+Tregs frequency, the release of IL-35, IL-10, and TGF-β1, while increased IFN-γ Teff-secretion. The CXCR4 ligand, CXCL12, recruited CD25+PTEN+Tregs in RCC while R54 significantly reduced it. IL-2/PMA activates Tregs reducing pAKT+Tregs while R54 increases it. The AKT inhibitor, TCB, prevented the increase in pAKT+Tregs R54-mediated. Moreover, R54 significantly reduced FOXP3-TSDR demethylation with DNMT1 and FOXP3 downregulation. CONCLUSION R54 impairs Tregs function in primary RCC patients targeting PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway, reducing TSDR demethylation and FOXP3 and DNMT1 expression. Thus, CXCR4 targeting is a strategy to inhibit Tregs activity in the RCC tumour microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Santagata
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Rea
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Bello
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Capiluongo
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Napolitano
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Sonia Desicato
- Urology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Fragale
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Crescenzo D'Alterio
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Trotta
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Caterina Ieranò
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Portella
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Persico
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, Urology Unit, University of Naples "Federico II", 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - Marilena Di Napoli
- Uro-gynecological Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore Di Maro
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Florinda Feroce
- Pathology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Azzaro
- Transfusion Medicine Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia Gabriele
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Longo
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, Urology Unit, University of Naples "Federico II", 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - Sandro Pignata
- Uro-gynecological Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Sisto Perdonà
- Urology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Scala
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy.
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Lang BJ, Holton KM, Guerrero-Gimenez ME, Okusha Y, Magahis PT, Shi A, Neguse M, Venkatesh S, Nhu AM, Gestwicki JE, Calderwood SK. Heat shock protein 72 supports extracellular matrix production in metastatic mammary tumors. Cell Stress Chaperones 2024; 29:456-471. [PMID: 38703814 PMCID: PMC11127224 DOI: 10.1016/j.cstres.2024.04.006] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
This study identified tumorigenic processes most dependent on murine heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) in the mouse mammary tumor virus-PyMT mammary tumor model, which give rise to spontaneous mammary tumors that exhibit HSP72-dependent metastasis to the lung. RNA-seq expression profiling of Hspa1a/Hspa1b (Hsp72) WT and Hsp72-/- primary mammary tumors discovered significantly lower expression of genes encoding components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in Hsp72 knockout mammary tumors compared to WT controls. In vitro studies found that genetic or chemical inhibition of HSP72 activity in cultured collagen-expressing human or murine cells also reduces mRNA and protein levels of COL1A1 and several other ECM-encoding genes. In search of a possible mechanistic basis for this relationship, we found HSP72 to support the activation of the tumor growth factor-β-suppressor of mothers against decapentaplegic-3 signaling pathway and evidence of suppressor of mothers against decapentaplegic-3 and HSP72 coprecipitation, suggesting potential complex formation. Human COL1A1 mRNA expression was found to have prognostic value for HER2+ breast tumors over other breast cancer subtypes, suggesting a possible human disease context where targeting HSP72 may have a therapeutic rationale. Analysis of human HER2+ breast tumor gene expression data using a gene set comprising ECM-related gene and protein folding-related gene as an input to the statistical learning algorithm, Galgo, found a subset of these genes that can collectively stratify patients by relapse-free survival, further suggesting a potential interplay between the ECM and protein-folding genes may contribute to tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Lang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | | | - Martin E Guerrero-Gimenez
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, School of Medicine, National University of Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Yuka Okusha
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Patrick T Magahis
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amy Shi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mary Neguse
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shreya Venkatesh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anh M Nhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jason E Gestwicki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and the Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stuart K Calderwood
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Kundu M, Butti R, Panda VK, Malhotra D, Das S, Mitra T, Kapse P, Gosavi SW, Kundu GC. Modulation of the tumor microenvironment and mechanism of immunotherapy-based drug resistance in breast cancer. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:92. [PMID: 38715072 PMCID: PMC11075356 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01990-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer, the most frequent female malignancy, is often curable when detected at an early stage. The treatment of metastatic breast cancer is more challenging and may be unresponsive to conventional therapy. Immunotherapy is crucial for treating metastatic breast cancer, but its resistance is a major limitation. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is vital in modulating the immunotherapy response. Various tumor microenvironmental components, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), are involved in TME modulation to cause immunotherapy resistance. This review highlights the role of stromal cells in modulating the breast tumor microenvironment, including the involvement of CAF-TAM interaction, alteration of tumor metabolism leading to immunotherapy failure, and other latest strategies, including high throughput genomic screening, single-cell and spatial omics techniques for identifying tumor immune genes regulating immunotherapy response. This review emphasizes the therapeutic approach to overcome breast cancer immune resistance through CAF reprogramming, modulation of TAM polarization, tumor metabolism, and genomic alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moumita Kundu
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Brainware University, West Bengal, 700125, India
| | - Ramesh Butti
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA
| | - Venketesh K Panda
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India
| | - Diksha Malhotra
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India
| | - Sumit Das
- National Centre for Cell Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University Campus, Pune, 411007, India
| | - Tandrima Mitra
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India
| | - Prachi Kapse
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411007, India
| | - Suresh W Gosavi
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411007, India
| | - Gopal C Kundu
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India.
- Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India.
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8
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Sagini MN, Zepp M, Eyol E, Ali DM, Gromova S, Dahlmann M, Behrens D, Groeschel C, Tischmeier L, Hoffmann J, Berger MR, Forssmann WG. EPI-X4, a CXCR4 antagonist inhibits tumor growth in pancreatic cancer and lymphoma models. Peptides 2024; 175:171111. [PMID: 38036098 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.171111] [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: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Endogenous peptide inhibitor for CXCR4 (EPI-X4) is a CXCR4 antagonist with potential for cancer therapy. It is a processed fragment of serum albumin from the hemofiltrate of dialysis patients. This study reports the efficacy of fifteen EPI-X4 derivatives in pancreatic cancer and lymphoma models. In vitro, the peptides were investigated for antiproliferation (cytotoxicity) by MTT assay. The mRNA expression for CXCR4 and CXCL12 was determined by RT-PCR, chip array and RNA sequencing. Chip array analysis yielded 634 genes associated with CXCR4/CXCL12 signaling. About 21% of these genes correlated with metastasis in the context of cell motility, proliferation, and survival. Expression levels of these genes were altered in pancreatic cancer (36%), lymphoma models (53%) and in patients' data (58%). EPI-X4 derivatives failed to inhibit cell proliferation due to low expression of CXCR4 in vitro, but inhibited tumor growth in the bioassays with significant efficacy. In the pancreatic cancer model, EPI-X4a, f and k inhibited mean tumor growth by > 50% and even caused complete remissions. In the lymphoma model, EPI-X4b, n and p inhibited mean tumor growth by > 70% and caused stable disease. Given the non-toxic and non-immunogenic properties of EPI-X4, these findings underscore its status as a promising therapy of pancreatic cancer and lymphoma and warrant further studies. SIMPLE SUMMARY: This study examined the value of chemokine receptor CXCR4 as an antineoplastic target for the endogenous peptide inhibitor of CXCR4 (EPI-X4), a 12-meric peptide derived from serum albumin. EPI-X4 inhibits CXCR4 interaction with its natural ligand, CXCL12 (SDF1). Therefore, malignancies (including pancreatic cancer and lymphoma) that depend on the CXCR4/CXCL12 pathway for progression can be targeted with EPI-X4. Of 634 genes that were linked to the CXCR4/CXCL12 pathway, 21% were associated with metastasis. In cultured human Suit2-007 pancreatic cancer cells, CXCR4 showed low to undetectable expression, which was why EPI-X4 did not inhibit pancreatic cancer cell proliferation. These findings were different in vivo, where CXCR4 was highly expressed and EPI-X4 inhibited tumor growth in rodents harboring pancreatic cancer or lymphoma. In the pancreatic cancer model, EPI-X4 derivatives a, f and k caused complete remissions, while in lymphomas EPI-X4 derivatives b, n and p caused stable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micah N Sagini
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Zepp
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ergül Eyol
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Doaa M Ali
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Svetlana Gromova
- EPO, Experimental Pharmacology & Oncology Berlin-Buch GmbH, Germany
| | - Mathias Dahlmann
- EPO, Experimental Pharmacology & Oncology Berlin-Buch GmbH, Germany
| | - Diana Behrens
- EPO, Experimental Pharmacology & Oncology Berlin-Buch GmbH, Germany
| | - Christian Groeschel
- NeoPep Pharma GmbH & Co. KG., Hannover, Germany and Hannover Medical School, Department of Internal Medicine, Germany
| | - Linus Tischmeier
- NeoPep Pharma GmbH & Co. KG., Hannover, Germany and Hannover Medical School, Department of Internal Medicine, Germany
| | - Jens Hoffmann
- EPO, Experimental Pharmacology & Oncology Berlin-Buch GmbH, Germany
| | - Martin R Berger
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Wolf-Georg Forssmann
- NeoPep Pharma GmbH & Co. KG., Hannover, Germany and Hannover Medical School, Department of Internal Medicine, Germany.
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9
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Kou Z, Liu C, Zhang W, Sun C, Liu L, Zhang Q. Heterogeneity of primary and metastatic CAFs: From differential treatment outcomes to treatment opportunities (Review). Int J Oncol 2024; 64:54. [PMID: 38577950 PMCID: PMC11015919 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2024.5642] [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: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Compared with primary tumor sites, metastatic sites appear more resistant to treatments and respond differently to the treatment regimen. It may be due to the heterogeneity in the microenvironment between metastatic sites and primary tumors. Cancer‑associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are widely present in the tumor stroma as key components of the tumor microenvironment. Primary tumor CAFs (pCAFs) and metastatic CAFs (mCAFs) are heterogeneous in terms of source, activation mode, markers and functional phenotypes. They can shape the tumor microenvironment according to organ, showing heterogeneity between primary tumors and metastases, which may affect the sensitivity of these sites to treatment. It was hypothesized that understanding the heterogeneity between pCAFs and mCAFs can provide a glimpse into the difference in treatment outcomes, providing new ideas for improving the rate of metastasis control in various cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixing Kou
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, P.R. China
| | - Cun Liu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Wenfeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa Island 999078, Macau SAR, P.R. China
| | - Changgang Sun
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, Shandong 621000, P.R. China
| | - Lijuan Liu
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, Shandong 621000, P.R. China
| | - Qiming Zhang
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, P.R. China
- Department of Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100007, P.R. China
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10
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Harkos C, Stylianopoulos T. Investigating the synergistic effects of immunotherapy and normalization treatment in modulating tumor microenvironment and enhancing treatment efficacy. J Theor Biol 2024; 583:111768. [PMID: 38401748 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2024.111768] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
We developed a comprehensive mathematical model of cancer immunotherapy that takes into account: i) Immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs) and the interactions between cancer cells and the immune system, ii) characteristics of the tumor microenvironment, such as the tumor hydraulic conductivity, interstitial fluid pressure, and vascular permeability, iii) spatial and temporal variations of the modeled components within the tumor and the surrounding host tissue, iv) the transport of modeled components through the vasculature and between the tumor-host tissue with convection and diffusion, and v) modeling of the tumor draining lymph nodes were the antigen presentation and the development of cytotoxic immune cells take place. Our model successfully reproduced experimental data from various murine tumor types and predicted immune system profiling, which is challenging to achieve experimentally. It showed that combination of ICB therapy and normalization treatments, that aim to improve tumor perfusion, decreases interstitial fluid pressure and increases the concentration of both innate and adaptive immune cells at the tumor center rather than the periphery. Furthermore, using the model, we investigated the impact of modeled components on treatment outcomes. The analysis found that the number of functional vessels inside the tumor region and the ICB dose administered have the largest impact on treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantinos Harkos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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11
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MacLean MR, Walker OL, Arun RP, Fernando W, Marcato P. Informed by Cancer Stem Cells of Solid Tumors: Advances in Treatments Targeting Tumor-Promoting Factors and Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4102. [PMID: 38612911 PMCID: PMC11012648 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074102] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation within tumors that promote cancer progression, metastasis, and recurrence due to their self-renewal capacity and resistance to conventional therapies. CSC-specific markers and signaling pathways highly active in CSCs have emerged as a promising strategy for improving patient outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic targets associated with CSCs of solid tumors across various cancer types, including key molecular markers aldehyde dehydrogenases, CD44, epithelial cellular adhesion molecule, and CD133 and signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and Sonic Hedgehog. We discuss a wide array of therapeutic modalities ranging from targeted antibodies, small molecule inhibitors, and near-infrared photoimmunotherapy to advanced genetic approaches like RNA interference, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, aptamers, antisense oligonucleotides, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, CAR natural killer cells, bispecific T cell engagers, immunotoxins, drug-antibody conjugates, therapeutic peptides, and dendritic cell vaccines. This review spans developments from preclinical investigations to ongoing clinical trials, highlighting the innovative targeting strategies that have been informed by CSC-associated pathways and molecules to overcome therapeutic resistance. We aim to provide insights into the potential of these therapies to revolutionize cancer treatment, underscoring the critical need for a multi-faceted approach in the battle against cancer. This comprehensive analysis demonstrates how advances made in the CSC field have informed significant developments in novel targeted therapeutic approaches, with the ultimate goal of achieving more effective and durable responses in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya R. MacLean
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Olivia L. Walker
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Raj Pranap Arun
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Wasundara Fernando
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Paola Marcato
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
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12
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Chen P, Zhang YL, Zhang XL, Guo Y, Tang PP. The CXCR4 might be a potential biomarker for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37681. [PMID: 38579048 PMCID: PMC10994415 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037681] [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: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the relationship between CXCL12/CXCR4 and the progress, prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), providing evidence for potential early diagnosis, clinical treatment, prognosis evaluation, and therapeutic target of ESCC. METHODS Databases of PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for the relationship between CXCL12/CXCR4 and clinicopathological characteristics and survival time of ESCC. Stata16.0 software was used to conduct meta-analysis. RESULTS A total of 10 studies involving 1216 cases of patients with ESCC were included in our study. The results indicated that high-level expression of CXCR4 was significantly correlated with tumor differentiation [OR = 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI): (0.50, 0.97)], tumor infiltration [OR = 0.39, 95% CI: (0.25, 0.61)], lymph node metastasis [OR = 0.36, 95% CI: (0.21, 0.61)], clinical stage [OR = 0.33, 95% CI: (0.24, 0.45)] of ESCC. The expression of CXCR4 was also significantly correlated with OS [HR = 2.00, 95% CI: (1.63, 2.45)] and disease-free survival [HR = 1.76, 95% CI: (1.44, 2.15)] in patients of ESCC after surgical resection. No significant relationship was observed between the expression of CXCL12 and the clinicopathological characteristics of ESCC. CONCLUSION CXCR4 might be a potential biomarker for the progress and prognosis evaluation, and therapeutic target for ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Chen
- Department of Basic Medical, Jiangsu College of Nursing, Huai’an, China
| | - Yu-Ling Zhang
- Department of Basic Medical, Jiangsu College of Nursing, Huai’an, China
| | - Xiao-Lei Zhang
- Department of Basic Medical, Jiangsu College of Nursing, Huai’an, China
| | - Ying Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Huai’an Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Huai’an, China
| | - Pei-Pei Tang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Jiangsu College of Nursing, Huai’an, China
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13
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Zhou M, Liu C, Li B, Li J, Zhang P, Huang Y, Li L. Cell surface patching via CXCR4-targeted nanothreads for cancer metastasis inhibition. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2763. [PMID: 38553476 PMCID: PMC10980815 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47111-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The binding of therapeutic antagonists to their receptors often fail to translate into adequate manipulation of downstream pathways. To fix this 'bug', here we report a strategy that stitches cell surface 'patches' to promote receptor clustering, thereby synchronizing subsequent mechano-transduction. The "patches" are sewn with two interactable nanothreads. In sequence, Nanothread-1 strings together adjacent receptors while presenting decoy receptors. Nanothread-2 then targets these decoys multivalently, intertwining with Nanothread-1 into a coiled-coil supramolecular network. This stepwise actuation clusters an extensive vicinity of receptors, integrating mechano-transduction to disrupt signal transmission. When applied to antagonize chemokine receptors CXCR4 expressed in metastatic breast cancer of female mice, this strategy elicits and consolidates multiple events, including interception of metastatic cascade, reversal of immunosuppression, and potentiation of photodynamic immunotherapy, reducing the metastatic burden. Collectively, our work provides a generalizable tool to spatially rearrange cell-surface receptors to improve therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minglu Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Chendong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Bo Li
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Junlin Li
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Lian Li
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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14
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Wei R, Li J, Lin W, Pang X, Yang H, Lai S, Wei X, Jiang X, Yuan Y, Yang R. Nanoparticle-mediated blockade of CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling enhances glioblastoma immunotherapy: Monitoring early responses with MRI radiomics. Acta Biomater 2024; 177:414-430. [PMID: 38360292 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.02.007] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The limited therapeutic efficacy of checkpoint blockade immunotherapy against glioblastoma is closely related to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment, where the latter is driven primarily by tumor-associated myeloid cells (TAMCs). Targeting the C-X-C motif chemokine ligand-12/C-X-C motif chemokine receptor-4 (CXCL12/CXCR4) signaling orchestrates the recruitment of TAMCs and has emerged as a promising approach for alleviating immunosuppression. Herein, we developed an iRGD ligand-modified polymeric nanoplatform for the co-delivery of CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 and the small-molecule immune checkpoint inhibitor BMS-1. The iRGD peptide facilitated superior BBB crossing and tumor-targeting abilities both in vitro and in vivo. In mice bearing orthotopic GL261-Luc tumor, co-administration of AMD3100 and BMS-1 significantly inhibited tumor proliferation without adverse effects. A reprogramming of immunosuppression upon CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling blockade was observed, characterized by the reduction of TAMCs and regulatory T cells, and an increased proportion of CD8+T lymphocytes. The elevation of interferon-γ secreted from activated immune cells upregulated PD-L1 expression in tumor cells, highlighting the synergistic effect of BMS-1 in counteracting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. Finally, our research unveiled the ability of MRI radiomics to reveal early changes in the tumor immune microenvironment following immunotherapy, offering a powerful tool for monitoring treatment responses. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The insufficient BBB penetration and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment greatly diminish the efficacy of immunotherapy for glioblastoma (GBM). In this study, we prepared iRGD-modified polymeric nanoparticles, loaded with a CXCR4 antagonist (AMD3100) and a small-molecule checkpoint inhibitor of PD-L1 (BMS-1) to overcome physical barriers and reprogram the immunosuppressive microenvironment in orthotopic GBM models. In this nanoplatform, AMD3100 converted the "cold" immune microenvironment into a "hot" one, while BMS-1 synergistically counteracted PD-L1 inhibition, enhancing GBM immunotherapy. Our findings underscore the potential of dual-blockade of CXCL12/CXCR4 and PD-1/PD-L1 pathways as a complementary approach to maximize therapeutic efficacy for GBM. Moreover, our study revealed that MRI radiomics provided a clinically translatable means to assess immunotherapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruili Wei
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; Department of Radiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510180, PR China
| | - Jiamin Li
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; Department of Radiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510180, PR China
| | - Wanxian Lin
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; Department of Radiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510180, PR China
| | - Xinrui Pang
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; Department of Radiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510180, PR China
| | - Huikang Yang
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; Department of Radiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510180, PR China
| | - Shengsheng Lai
- School of Medical Equipment, Guangdong Food and Drug Vocational College, Guangzhou 510520, PR China
| | - Xinhua Wei
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; Department of Radiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510180, PR China
| | - Xinqing Jiang
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; Department of Radiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510180, PR China
| | - Youyong Yuan
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou 511442, PR China.
| | - Ruimeng Yang
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; Department of Radiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510180, PR China.
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15
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Hadzipasic M, Zhang S, Huang Z, Passaro R, Sten MS, Shankar GM, Nia HT. Emergence of nanoscale viscoelasticity from single cancer cells to established tumors. Biomaterials 2024; 305:122431. [PMID: 38169188 PMCID: PMC10837793 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122431] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Tumors are complex materials whose physical properties dictate growth and treatment outcomes. Recent evidence suggests time-dependent physical properties, such as viscoelasticity, are crucial, distinct mechanical regulators of cancer progression and malignancy, yet the genesis and consequences of tumor viscoelasticity are poorly understood. Here, using Wide-bandwidth AFM-based ViscoElastic Spectroscopy (WAVES) coupled with mathematical modeling, we probe the origins of tumor viscoelasticity. From single carcinoma cells to increasingly sized carcinoma spheroids to established tumors, we describe a stepwise evolution of dynamic mechanical properties that create a nanorheological signature of established tumors: increased stiffness, decreased rate-dependent stiffening, and reduced energy dissipation. We dissect this evolution of viscoelasticity by scale, and show established tumors use fluid-solid interactions as the dominant mechanism of mechanical energy dissipation as opposed to fluid-independent intrinsic viscoelasticity. Additionally, we demonstrate the energy dissipation mechanism in spheroids and established tumors is negatively correlated with the cellular density, and this relationship strongly depends on an intact actin cytoskeleton. These findings define an emergent and targetable signature of the physical tumor microenvironment, with potential for deeper understanding of tumor pathophysiology and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhamed Hadzipasic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sue Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zhuoying Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rachel Passaro
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University Boston, MA, USA
| | - Margaret S Sten
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ganesh M Shankar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hadi T Nia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University Boston, MA, USA.
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16
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Anand S, Vikramdeo KS, Sudan SK, Sharma A, Acharya S, Khan MA, Singh S, Singh AP. From modulation of cellular plasticity to potentiation of therapeutic resistance: new and emerging roles of MYB transcription factors in human malignancies. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:409-421. [PMID: 37950087 PMCID: PMC11015973 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10153-8] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
MYB transcription factors are encoded by a large family of highly conserved genes from plants to vertebrates. There are three members of the MYB gene family in human, namely, MYB, MYBL1, and MYBL2 that encode MYB/c-MYB, MYBL1/A-MYB, and MYBL2/B-MYB, respectively. MYB was the first member to be identified as a cellular homolog of the v-myb oncogene carried by the avian myeloblastosis virus (AMV) causing leukemia in chickens. Under the normal scenario, MYB is predominantly expressed in hematopoietic tissues, colonic crypts, and neural stem cells and plays a role in maintaining the undifferentiated state of the cells. Over the years, aberrant expression of MYB genes has been reported in several malignancies and recent years have witnessed tremendous progress in understanding of their roles in processes associated with cancer development. Here, we review various MYB alterations reported in cancer along with the roles of MYB family proteins in tumor cell plasticity, therapy resistance, and other hallmarks of cancer. We also discuss studies that provide mechanistic insights into the oncogenic functions of MYB transcription factors to identify potential therapeutic vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashi Anand
- Department of Pathology, Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36617, USA
- Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36604, USA
| | - Kunwar Somesh Vikramdeo
- Department of Pathology, Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36617, USA
- Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36604, USA
| | - Sarabjeet Kour Sudan
- Department of Pathology, Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36617, USA
- Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36604, USA
| | - Amod Sharma
- Department of Pathology, Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36617, USA
- Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36604, USA
| | - Srijan Acharya
- Department of Pathology, Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36617, USA
- Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36604, USA
| | - Mohammad Aslam Khan
- Department of Pathology, Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36617, USA
- Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36604, USA
| | - Seema Singh
- Department of Pathology, Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36617, USA
- Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36604, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36688, USA
| | - Ajay Pratap Singh
- Department of Pathology, Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36617, USA.
- Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36604, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36688, USA.
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17
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Yang W, Liu S, Mao M, Gong Y, Li X, Lei T, Liu C, Wu S, Hu Q. T-cell infiltration and its regulatory mechanisms in cancers: insights at single-cell resolution. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:38. [PMID: 38303018 PMCID: PMC10835979 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-02960-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating T cells recognize, attack, and clear tumor cells, playing a central role in antitumor immune response. However, certain immune cells can impair this response and help tumor immune escape. Therefore, exploring the factors that influence T-cell infiltration is crucial to understand tumor immunity and improve therapeutic effect of cancer immunotherapy. The use of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) allows the high-resolution analysis of the precise composition of immune cells with different phenotypes and other microenvironmental factors, including non-immune stromal cells and the related molecules in the tumor microenvironment of various cancer types. In this review, we summarized the research progress on T-cell infiltration and the crosstalk of other stromal cells and cytokines during T-cell infiltration using scRNA-seq to provide insights into the mechanisms regulating T-cell infiltration and contribute new perspectives on tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Yang
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Shimao Liu
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Mengyun Mao
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Yandong Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Senior Department of Hematology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Xiaohui Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Tianyu Lei
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China.
| | - Shikai Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China.
| | - Qinyong Hu
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.
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18
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Zhang L, Cascio S, Mellors JW, Buckanovich RJ, Osmanbeyoglu HU. Single-cell analysis reveals the stromal dynamics and tumor-specific characteristics in the microenvironment of ovarian cancer. Commun Biol 2024; 7:20. [PMID: 38182756 PMCID: PMC10770164 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05733-x] [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: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is a heterogeneous disease, and a highstromal/desmoplastic tumor microenvironment (TME) is associated with a poor outcome. Stromal cell subtypes, including fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, and cancer-associated mesenchymal stem cells, establish a complex network of paracrine signaling pathways with tumor-infiltrating immune cells that drive effector cell tumor immune exclusion and inhibit the antitumor immune response. In this work, we integrate single-cell transcriptomics of the HGSOC TME from public and in-house datasets (n = 20) and stratify tumors based upon high vs. low stromal cell content. Although our cohort size is small, our analyses suggest a distinct transcriptomic landscape for immune and non-immune cells in high-stromal vs. low-stromal tumors. High-stromal tumors have a lower fraction of certain T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and macrophages, and increased expression of CXCL12 in epithelial cancer cells and cancer-associated mesenchymal stem cells (CA-MSCs). Analysis of cell-cell communication indicate that epithelial cancer cells and CA-MSCs secrete CXCL12 that interacte with the CXCR4 receptor, which is overexpressed on NK and CD8+ T cells. Dual IHC staining show that tumor infiltrating CD8 T cells localize in proximity of CXCL12+ tumor area. Moreover, CXCL12 and/or CXCR4 antibodies confirm the immunosuppressive role of CXCL12-CXCR4 in high-stromal tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linan Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, USA
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA
- Department of Applied Mathematics, School of Mathematics and Statistics, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, China
| | - Sandra Cascio
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - John W Mellors
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Ronald J Buckanovich
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA
| | - Hatice Ulku Osmanbeyoglu
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, USA.
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh School of Engineering, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA.
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
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19
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Li Z, Pai R, Gupta S, Currenti J, Guo W, Di Bartolomeo A, Feng H, Zhang Z, Li Z, Liu L, Singh A, Bai Y, Yang B, Mishra A, Yang K, Qiao L, Wallace M, Yin Y, Xia Q, Chan JKY, George J, Chow PKH, Ginhoux F, Sharma A. Presence of onco-fetal neighborhoods in hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with relapse and response to immunotherapy. NATURE CANCER 2024; 5:167-186. [PMID: 38168935 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-023-00672-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Onco-fetal reprogramming of the tumor ecosystem induces fetal developmental signatures in the tumor microenvironment, leading to immunosuppressive features. Here, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics and bulk RNA sequencing to delineate specific cell subsets involved in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) relapse and response to immunotherapy. We identified POSTN+ extracellular matrix cancer-associated fibroblasts (EM CAFs) as a prominent onco-fetal interacting hub, promoting tumor progression. Cell-cell communication and spatial transcriptomics analysis revealed crosstalk and co-localization of onco-fetal cells, including POSTN+ CAFs, FOLR2+ macrophages and PLVAP+ endothelial cells. Further analyses suggest an association between onco-fetal reprogramming and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), tumor cell proliferation and recruitment of Treg cells, ultimately influencing early relapse and response to immunotherapy. In summary, our study identifies POSTN+ CAFs as part of the HCC onco-fetal niche and highlights its potential influence in EMT, relapse and immunotherapy response, paving the way for the use of onco-fetal signatures for therapeutic stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Li
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rhea Pai
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre and Centre for Medical Research, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Saurabh Gupta
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre and Centre for Medical Research, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jennifer Currenti
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre and Centre for Medical Research, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Wei Guo
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Anna Di Bartolomeo
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research and Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hao Feng
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Transplantation, Shanghai, China
| | - Zijie Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhizhen Li
- Department of Biliary Tract Surgery I, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Longqi Liu
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Abhishek Singh
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre and Centre for Medical Research, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Yinqi Bai
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | | | - Archita Mishra
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Katharine Yang
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Liang Qiao
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research and Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael Wallace
- Department of Hepatology and Western Australian Liver Transplant Service, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Yujia Yin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University Medicine School, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Xia
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Transplantation, Shanghai, China
| | - Jerry Kok Yen Chan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Academic Clinical Program in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research and Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Pierce Kah-Hoe Chow
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, Singapore General Hospital and National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Surgery Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Florent Ginhoux
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore, Singapore.
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore.
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France.
| | - Ankur Sharma
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre and Centre for Medical Research, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A∗STAR, Singapore, Singapore.
- KK Research Centre, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.
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20
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Sharma P, Otto M. Multifunctional nanocomposites modulating the tumor microenvironment for enhanced cancer immunotherapy. Bioact Mater 2024; 31:440-462. [PMID: 37701452 PMCID: PMC10494322 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has gained momentum for treating malignant tumors over the past decade. Checkpoint blockade and chimeric antigen receptor cell therapy (CAR-T) have shown considerable potency against liquid and solid cancers. However, the tumor microenvironment (TME) is highly immunosuppressive and hampers the effect of currently available cancer immunotherapies on overall treatment outcomes. Advancements in the design and engineering of nanomaterials have opened new avenues to modulate the TME. Progress in the current nanocomposite technology can overcome immunosuppression and trigger robust immunotherapeutic responses by integrating synergistic functions of different molecules. We will review recent advancements in nanomedical applications and discuss specifically designed nanocomposites modulating the TME for cancer immunotherapy. In addition, we provide information on the current landscape of clinical-stage nanocomposites for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Sharma
- Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, ABC1 Building, 425 N 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Mario Otto
- Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, ABC1 Building, 425 N 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders (CCBD), Phoenix Children's, 1919 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85016, USA
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21
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Lu X, Wang X, Cheng H, Wang X, Liu C, Tan X. Anti-triple-negative breast cancer metastasis efficacy and molecular mechanism of the STING agonist for innate immune pathway. Ann Med 2023; 55:2210845. [PMID: 37162544 PMCID: PMC10173802 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2210845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With high recurrence and metastatic rates, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has few therapy choices. The innate immune stimulator of interferon genes protein (STING) pathway has emerged as a critical foundation for improving anticancer immunotherapy. Although 2',3'-cGAMP has been shown to have therapeutic potential as a STING agonist in subcutaneous solid tumour treatments in mice, the effect of cGAMP in metastatic malignancies has received less attention. METHODS Bioluminescence imaging technology was applied to monitor TNBC tumour cell metastasis in living mice. Serum biochemical test and blood routine examination of mice were used to demonstrate cGAMP administration had no toxicity. The activation of DCs and CD8+ T cells was demonstrated by flow cytometry. The pharmacological mechanism of cGAMP for suppressing breast tumour metastasis was also explored. RESULTS cGAMP treatment substantially suppressed tumour development and metastasis without adverse effects. cGAMP activated the cGAS-STING-IRF3 pathway, which modified the tumour immune milieu to reverse the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and PI3K/AKT pathways and prevent tumour metastasis. It was postulated and proven that cGAMP had a pharmacological mechanism for reducing breast tumour metastasis. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that cGAMP could be useful in the immunotherapy of immune-insensitive metastatic breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Lu
- Department of Chemistry & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Chemistry & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Cheng
- Department of Chemistry & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoqing Wang
- Department of Chemistry & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Chemistry & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangshi Tan
- Department of Chemistry & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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22
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Portillo AL, Monteiro JK, Rojas EA, Ritchie TM, Gillgrass A, Ashkar AA. Charting a killer course to the solid tumor: strategies to recruit and activate NK cells in the tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1286750. [PMID: 38022679 PMCID: PMC10663242 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1286750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to expand and activate natural Killer (NK) cells ex vivo has dramatically changed the landscape in the development of novel adoptive cell therapies for treating cancer over the last decade. NK cells have become a key player for cancer immunotherapy due to their innate ability to kill malignant cells while not harming healthy cells, allowing their potential use as an "off-the-shelf" product. Furthermore, recent advancements in NK cell genetic engineering methods have enabled the efficient generation of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-expressing NK cells that can exert both CAR-dependent and antigen-independent killing. Clinically, CAR-NK cells have shown promising efficacy and safety for treating CD19-expressing hematologic malignancies. While the number of pre-clinical studies using CAR-NK cells continues to expand, it is evident that solid tumors pose a unique challenge to NK cell-based adoptive cell therapies. Major barriers for efficacy include low NK cell trafficking and infiltration into solid tumor sites, low persistence, and immunosuppression by the harsh solid tumor microenvironment (TME). In this review we discuss the barriers posed by the solid tumor that prevent immune cell trafficking and NK cell effector functions. We then discuss promising strategies to enhance NK cell infiltration into solid tumor sites and activation within the TME. This includes NK cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic mechanisms such as NK cell engineering to resist TME-mediated inhibition and use of tumor-targeted agents such as oncolytic viruses expressing chemoattracting and activating payloads. We then discuss opportunities and challenges for using combination therapies to extend NK cell therapies for the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L. Portillo
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Centre for Discovery in Cancer Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jonathan K. Monteiro
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Centre for Discovery in Cancer Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Eduardo A. Rojas
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Tyrah M. Ritchie
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Amy Gillgrass
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Centre for Discovery in Cancer Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Ali A. Ashkar
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Centre for Discovery in Cancer Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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23
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Wolf B, Weydandt L, Dornhöfer N, Hiller GGR, Höhn AK, Nel I, Jain RK, Horn LC, Aktas B. Desmoplasia in cervical cancer is associated with a more aggressive tumor phenotype. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18946. [PMID: 37919378 PMCID: PMC10622496 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46340-4] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In cancer of the uterine cervix, the role of desmoplasia, i.e., peritumoral stromal remodeling characterized by fibroblast activation and increased extracellular matrix deposition, is not established. We conducted a retrospective cohort study based on data from 438 patients who had undergone surgical treatment for cervical cancer as part of the prospective Leipzig Mesometrial Resection study between 1999 and 2021. Using non-parametric tests, Kaplan-Meier plotting, and Cox regression modeling, we calculated the prognostic impact of desmoplasia and its association with other risk factors. Desmoplasia was present in 80.6% of cases and was associated with a higher frequency of lymphovascular space involvement (76.5 vs. 56.5%, p < 0.001) and venous infiltration (14.4 vs. 2.4%, p < 0.001). Lymph node metastasis (23.0 vs. 11.8%, p < 0.05) and parametrial involvement (47.3 vs. 17.6%, p < 0.0001) were also more common in patients with desmoplasia. The presence of desmoplasia was associated with inferior overall (80.2% vs. 94.5% hazard ratio [HR] 3.8 [95% CI 1.4-10.4], p = 0.002) and recurrence-free survival (75.3% vs. 87.3%, HR 2.3 [95% CI 1.2-4.6], p = 0.008). In addition, desmoplasia was associated with significantly less peritumoral inflammation (rho - 0.43, p < 0.0001). In summary, we link desmoplasia to a more aggressive phenotype of cervical cancer, reduced peritumoral inflammation, and inferior survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Wolf
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital Leipzig, Liebigstr. 20a, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.
| | - Laura Weydandt
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital Leipzig, Liebigstr. 20a, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nadja Dornhöfer
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital Leipzig, Liebigstr. 20a, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Anne Kathrin Höhn
- Institute for Pathology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ivonne Nel
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital Leipzig, Liebigstr. 20a, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Rakesh K Jain
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | | | - Bahriye Aktas
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital Leipzig, Liebigstr. 20a, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
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24
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Hu XJ, Zhang NY, Hou DY, Wang ZJ, Wang MD, Yi L, Song ZZ, Liang JX, Li XP, An HW, Xu W, Wang H. An In Vivo Self-Assembled Bispecific Nanoblocker for Enhancing Tumor Immunotherapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2303831. [PMID: 37462447 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202303831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody has achieved substantial success in tumor immunotherapy by T-cells activation. However, the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components induced by unsatisfactory T-cells infiltration and poor tumor penetration of antibodies make it challenging to realize efficient tumor immunotherapy. Herein, a peptide-based bispecific nanoblocker (BNB) strategy is reported for in situ construction of CXCR4/PD-L1 targeted nanoclusters on the surface of tumor cells that are capable of boosting T-cells infiltration through CXCR4 blockage and enhancing T-cells activation by PD-L1 occupancy, ultimately realizing high-performance tumor immunotherapy. Briefly, the BNB strategy selectively recognizes and bonds CXCR4/PD-L1 with deep tumor penetration, which rapidly self-assembles into nanoclusters on the surface of tumor cells. Compared to the traditional bispecific antibody, BNB exhibits an intriguing metabolic behavior, that is, the elimination half-life (t1/2 ) of BNB in the tumor is 69.3 h which is ≈50 times longer than that in the plasma (1.4 h). The higher tumor accumulation and rapid systemic clearance overcome potential systemic side effects. Moreover, the solid tumor stress generated by excessive extracellular matrix components is substantially reduced to 44%, which promotes T-cells infiltration and activation for immunotherapy efficacy. Finally, these findings substantially strengthen and extend clinical applications of PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing-Jie Hu
- Henan Institute of Advanced Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Ni-Yuan Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Da-Yong Hou
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Probe and Targeted Theranostics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
- Department of Urology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Scientific Research in Urology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Zhi-Jia Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Probe and Targeted Theranostics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
- Department of Urology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Scientific Research in Urology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Man-Di Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Li Yi
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhang-Zhi Song
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Jian-Xiao Liang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiang-Peng Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Probe and Targeted Theranostics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
- Department of Urology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Scientific Research in Urology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Hong-Wei An
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Wanhai Xu
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Probe and Targeted Theranostics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
- Department of Urology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Scientific Research in Urology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Henan Institute of Advanced Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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25
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Xin Y, Li K, Huang M, Liang C, Siemann D, Wu L, Tan Y, Tang X. Biophysics in tumor growth and progression: from single mechano-sensitive molecules to mechanomedicine. Oncogene 2023; 42:3457-3490. [PMID: 37864030 PMCID: PMC10656290 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02844-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Evidence from physical sciences in oncology increasingly suggests that the interplay between the biophysical tumor microenvironment and genetic regulation has significant impact on tumor progression. Especially, tumor cells and the associated stromal cells not only alter their own cytoskeleton and physical properties but also remodel the microenvironment with anomalous physical properties. Together, these altered mechano-omics of tumor tissues and their constituents fundamentally shift the mechanotransduction paradigms in tumorous and stromal cells and activate oncogenic signaling within the neoplastic niche to facilitate tumor progression. However, current findings on tumor biophysics are limited, scattered, and often contradictory in multiple contexts. Systematic understanding of how biophysical cues influence tumor pathophysiology is still lacking. This review discusses recent different schools of findings in tumor biophysics that have arisen from multi-scale mechanobiology and the cutting-edge technologies. These findings range from the molecular and cellular to the whole tissue level and feature functional crosstalk between mechanotransduction and oncogenic signaling. We highlight the potential of these anomalous physical alterations as new therapeutic targets for cancer mechanomedicine. This framework reconciles opposing opinions in the field, proposes new directions for future cancer research, and conceptualizes novel mechanomedicine landscape to overcome the inherent shortcomings of conventional cancer diagnosis and therapies.
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Grants
- R35 GM150812 NIGMS NIH HHS
- This work was financially supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Project no. 11972316, Y.T.), Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission (Project no. JCYJ20200109142001798, SGDX2020110309520303, and JCYJ20220531091002006, Y.T.), General Research Fund of Hong Kong Research Grant Council (PolyU 15214320, Y. T.), Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF18191421, Y.T.), Hong Kong Polytechnic University (1-CD75, 1-ZE2M, and 1-ZVY1, Y.T.), the Cancer Pilot Research Award from UF Health Cancer Center (X. T.), the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under award number R35GM150812 (X. T.), the National Science Foundation under grant number 2308574 (X. T.), the Air Force Office of Scientific Research under award number FA9550-23-1-0393 (X. T.), the University Scholar Program (X. T.), UF Research Opportunity Seed Fund (X. T.), the Gatorade Award (X. T.), and the National Science Foundation REU Site at UF: Engineering for Healthcare (Douglas Spearot and Malisa Sarntinoranont). We are deeply grateful for the insightful discussions with and generous support from all members of Tang (UF)’s and Tan (PolyU)’s laboratories and all staff members of the MAE/BME/ECE/Health Cancer Center at UF and BME at PolyU.
- National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)
- Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xin
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Keming Li
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Miao Huang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Chenyu Liang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Dietmar Siemann
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Lizi Wu
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Youhua Tan
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
- Research Institute of Smart Ageing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Xin Tang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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26
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Zhang S, Grifno G, Passaro R, Regan K, Zheng S, Hadzipasic M, Banerji R, O'Connor L, Chu V, Kim SY, Yang J, Shi L, Karrobi K, Roblyer D, Grinstaff MW, Nia HT. Intravital measurements of solid stresses in tumours reveal length-scale and microenvironmentally dependent force transmission. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:1473-1492. [PMID: 37640900 PMCID: PMC10836235 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01080-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
In cancer, solid stresses impede the delivery of therapeutics to tumours and the trafficking and tumour infiltration of immune cells. Understanding such consequences and the origin of solid stresses requires their probing in vivo at the cellular scale. Here we report a method for performing volumetric and longitudinal measurements of solid stresses in vivo, and findings from its applicability to tumours. We used multimodal intravital microscopy of fluorescently labelled polyacrylamide beads injected in breast tumours in mice as well as mathematical modelling to compare solid stresses at the single-cell and tissue scales, in primary and metastatic tumours, in vitro and in mice, and in live mice and post-mortem tissue. We found that solid-stress transmission is scale dependent, with tumour cells experiencing lower stresses than their embedding tissue, and that tumour cells in lung metastases experience substantially higher solid stresses than those in the primary tumours. The dependence of solid stresses on length scale and the microenvironment may inform the development of therapeutics that sensitize cancer cells to such mechanical forces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gabrielle Grifno
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rachel Passaro
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kathryn Regan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Siyi Zheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Muhamed Hadzipasic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rohin Banerji
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Logan O'Connor
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vinson Chu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sung Yeon Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jiarui Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Linzheng Shi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kavon Karrobi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Darren Roblyer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark W Grinstaff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hadi T Nia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
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27
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Ibragimova MK, Tsyganov MM, Kravtsova EA, Tsydenova IA, Litviakov NV. Organ-Specificity of Breast Cancer Metastasis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15625. [PMID: 37958607 PMCID: PMC10650169 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115625] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) remains one of the most common malignancies among women worldwide. Breast cancer shows metastatic heterogeneity with priority to different organs, which leads to differences in prognosis and response to therapy among patients. The main targets for metastasis in BC are the bone, lung, liver and brain. The molecular mechanism of BC organ-specificity is still under investigation. In recent years, the appearance of new genomic approaches has led to unprecedented changes in the understanding of breast cancer metastasis organ-specificity and has provided a new platform for the development of more effective therapeutic agents. This review summarises recent data on molecular organ-specific markers of metastasis as the basis of a possible therapeutic approach in order to improve the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with metastatically heterogeneous breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina K. Ibragimova
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk 634009, Russia; (M.M.T.); (E.A.K.); (I.A.T.); (N.V.L.)
- Biological Institute, National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk 634050, Russia
- Faculty of Medicine and Biology, Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk 634050, Russia
| | - Matvey M. Tsyganov
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk 634009, Russia; (M.M.T.); (E.A.K.); (I.A.T.); (N.V.L.)
- Faculty of Medicine and Biology, Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk 634050, Russia
| | - Ekaterina A. Kravtsova
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk 634009, Russia; (M.M.T.); (E.A.K.); (I.A.T.); (N.V.L.)
- Biological Institute, National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk 634050, Russia
| | - Irina A. Tsydenova
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk 634009, Russia; (M.M.T.); (E.A.K.); (I.A.T.); (N.V.L.)
- Biological Institute, National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk 634050, Russia
| | - Nikolai V. Litviakov
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk 634009, Russia; (M.M.T.); (E.A.K.); (I.A.T.); (N.V.L.)
- Biological Institute, National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk 634050, Russia
- Faculty of Medicine and Biology, Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk 634050, Russia
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28
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Gaydosik AM, Stonesifer CJ, Tabib T, Lafyatis R, Geskin LJ, Fuschiotti P. The mycosis fungoides cutaneous microenvironment shapes dysfunctional cell trafficking, antitumor immunity, matrix interactions, and angiogenesis. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e170015. [PMID: 37669110 PMCID: PMC10619438 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.170015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant T lymphocyte proliferation in mycosis fungoides (MF) is largely restricted to the skin, implying that malignant cells are dependent on their specific cutaneous tumor microenvironment (TME), including interactions with non-malignant immune and stromal cells, cytokines, and other immunomodulatory factors. To explore these interactions, we performed a comprehensive transcriptome analysis of the TME in advanced-stage MF skin tumors by single-cell RNA sequencing. Our analysis identified cell-type compositions, cellular functions, and cell-to-cell interactions in the MF TME that were distinct from those from healthy skin and benign dermatoses. While patterns of gene expression were common among patient samples, high transcriptional diversity was also observed in immune and stromal cells, with dynamic interactions and crosstalk between these cells and malignant T lymphocytes. This heterogeneity mapped to processes such as cell trafficking, matrix interactions, angiogenesis, immune functions, and metabolism that affect cancer cell growth, migration, and invasion, as well as antitumor immunity. By comprehensively characterizing the transcriptomes of immune and stromal cells within the cutaneous microenvironment of individual MF tumors, we have identified patterns of dysfunction common to all tumors that represent a resource for identifying candidates with therapeutic potential as well as patient-specific heterogeneity that has important implications for personalized disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyxzandria M. Gaydosik
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Tracy Tabib
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Robert Lafyatis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Patrizia Fuschiotti
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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29
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Zhang H, Yue X, Chen Z, Liu C, Wu W, Zhang N, Liu Z, Yang L, Jiang Q, Cheng Q, Luo P, Liu G. Define cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment: new opportunities in cancer immunotherapy and advances in clinical trials. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:159. [PMID: 37784082 PMCID: PMC10544417 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01860-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite centuries since the discovery and study of cancer, cancer is still a lethal and intractable health issue worldwide. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have gained much attention as a pivotal component of the tumor microenvironment. The versatility and sophisticated mechanisms of CAFs in facilitating cancer progression have been elucidated extensively, including promoting cancer angiogenesis and metastasis, inducing drug resistance, reshaping the extracellular matrix, and developing an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Owing to their robust tumor-promoting function, CAFs are considered a promising target for oncotherapy. However, CAFs are a highly heterogeneous group of cells. Some subpopulations exert an inhibitory role in tumor growth, which implies that CAF-targeting approaches must be more precise and individualized. This review comprehensively summarize the origin, phenotypical, and functional heterogeneity of CAFs. More importantly, we underscore advances in strategies and clinical trials to target CAF in various cancers, and we also summarize progressions of CAF in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinghai Yue
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhe Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Central Hospital of Zhuzhou, Zhuzhou, China
| | - Wantao Wu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Liping Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Jiang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Guodong Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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30
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Yang M, Qin C, Tao L, Cheng G, Li J, Lv F, Yang N, Xing Z, Chu X, Han X, Huo M, Yin L. Synchronous targeted delivery of TGF-β siRNA to stromal and tumor cells elicits robust antitumor immunity against triple-negative breast cancer by comprehensively remodeling the tumor microenvironment. Biomaterials 2023; 301:122253. [PMID: 37536040 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
The poor permeability of therapeutic drugs, limited T-cell infiltration, and strong immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) acts as a prominent barrier to the delivery of drugs and immunotherapy including programmed cell death ligand-1 antibody (anti-PD-L1). Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, an important cytokine produced by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor cells contributes to the pathological vasculature, dense tumor stroma and strong immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Herein, a nanomedicine platform (HA-LSL/siTGF-β) employing dual-targeting, alongside hyaluronidase (HAase) and glutathione (GSH) triggered release was elaborately constructed to efficiently deliver TGF-β small interference RNA (siTGF-β). It was determined that this system was able to improve the efficacy of anti-PD-L1. The siTGF-β nanosystem efficiently silenced TGF-β-related signaling pathways in both activated NIH 3T3 cells and 4T1 cells in vitro and in vivo. This occurred firstly, through CD44-mediated uptake, followed by rapid escape mediated by HAase in endo/lysosomes and release of siRNA mediated by high GSH concentrations in the cytoplasm. By simultaneous silencing of TGF-β in stromal and tumor cells, HA-LSL/siTGF-β dramatically reduced stroma deposition, promoted the penetration of nanomedicines for deep remodeling of the TME, improved oxygenation, T cells infiltration and subsequent anti-PD-L1 deep penetration. The double suppression of TGF-β has been demonstrated to promote blood vessel normalization, inhibit an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and further modify the immunosuppressive TME, which was supported by an overall increase in the proportion of dendritic cells and cytotoxic T cells. Further, a reduction in the proportion of immunosuppression cells such as regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells was also observed in the TME. Based on the comprehensive remodeling of the tumor microenvironment by this nanosystem, subsequent anti-PD-L1 therapy elicited robust antitumor immunity. Specifically, this system was able to suppress the growth of both primary and distant tumor while preventing tumor metastasis to the lung. Therefore, the combination of the dual-targeted siTGF-β nanosystem, alongside anti-PD-L1 may serve as a novel method to enhance antitumor immunotherapy against stroma-rich TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Chao Qin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Linlin Tao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Gang Cheng
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Fangnan Lv
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Nan Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Zuhang Xing
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Xinyu Chu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Xiaopeng Han
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Meirong Huo
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China.
| | - Lifang Yin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China; Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China.
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31
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Shang L, Zhong Y, Yao Y, Liu C, Wang L, Zhang W, Liu J, Wang X, Sun C. Subverted macrophages in the triple-negative breast cancer ecosystem. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115414. [PMID: 37660651 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115414] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most critical effector cells of innate immunity and the most abundant tumor-infiltrating immune cells. They play a key role in the clearance of apoptotic bodies, regulation of inflammation, and tissue repair to maintain homeostasis in vivo. With the progression of triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC), TAMs are "subverted" from tumor-promoting immune cells to tumor-promoting immune suppressor cells, which play a significant role in tumor development and are considered potential targets for cancer therapy. Here, we explored how macrophages, as the most important part of the TNBC ecosystem, are "subverted" to drive cancer evolution and the uniqueness of TAMs in TNBC progression and metastasis. Similarly, we discuss the rationale and available evidence for TAMs as potential targets for TNBC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linxiao Shang
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264000, China
| | - Yuting Zhong
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250022, China
| | - Yan Yao
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250022, China
| | - Cun Liu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China
| | - Lu Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250022, China
| | - Wenfeng Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao Special Administrative Region, Macau 999078, China
| | - Jingyang Liu
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250022, China
| | - Xue Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250022, China
| | - Changgang Sun
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang 261000, China.
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32
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Wang R, Hong K, Zhang Q, Cao J, Huang T, Xiao Z, Wang Y, Shuai X. A nanodrug simultaneously inhibits pancreatic stellate cell activation and regulatory T cell infiltration to promote the immunotherapy of pancreatic cancer. Acta Biomater 2023; 169:451-463. [PMID: 37572982 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.08.007] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by a dense extracellular matrix flooded with immune suppressive cells, resulting in extremely poor clinical response to immunotherapy. It has been revealed that the activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) makes considerable contributions to the immunological "cold" tumor microenvironment (TME). Herein, we developed a polyamino acid-based nanodrug incorporating the PSC activation inhibitor calcipotriol and anti-CXCL12 siRNA. The nanodrug was easily prepared with a small particle size and is capable of penetrating pancreatic tumors to inactivate PSCs and downregulate CXCL12. The in vivo results of orthotopic pancreatic tumor treatment demonstrated that codelivery of calcipotriol and anti-CXCL12 siRNA remodeled the PDAC TME with reduced extracellular matrix and decreased immunosuppressive T cells. Eventually, the infiltration of cytotoxic T cells was increased, thereby acting with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy for immunologically "cold" pancreatic tumors. In the present study, we propose a promising paradigm to improve the immunotherapy outcome of PDAC using nanodrugs that synchronously inhibit PSC activation and regulatory T-cell infiltration. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by a dense extracellular matrix (ECM) that impedes the tumor infiltration of therapeutic agents and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, resulting in a poor clinical response to immunotherapy. In the present study, we proposed a promising approach for enhanced immunotherapy of pancreatic cancer. Specifically, a nanodrug incorporating calcipotriol and anti-CXCL12 siRNA was synthesized to synchronously inactivate matrix-producing pancreatic stellate cells and suppress the infiltration of regulatory T cells. The reduced ECM removed the pathological barrier, preventing nanodrug penetration and effector T-cell infiltration, leading to a conversion of the immunosuppressive "cold" microenvironment to a "hot" microenvironment, which eventually boosted the immunotherapy of anti-PD-1 antibodies in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongze Wang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Keze Hong
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Qiaoyun Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jianrong Cao
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Tao Huang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Zecong Xiao
- Nanomedicine Research Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
| | - Yong Wang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Xintao Shuai
- Nanomedicine Research Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
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33
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Li M, Wu B, Li L, Lv C, Tian Y. Reprogramming of cancer-associated fibroblasts combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors: A potential therapeutic strategy for cancers. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188945. [PMID: 37356739 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188945] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Activated fibroblasts, namely cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), are highly heterogeneous in phenotypes, functions, and origins. CAFs originated from varieties of cell types, including local resident fibroblasts, epithelial cells, mesenchymal stromal cells, or others. These cells participate in tumor angiogenesis, mechanics, drug access, and immune suppression, with the latter being particularly important. It was difficult to distinguish CAFs by subsets due to their complex origins until the use of scRNA-seq. Reprogramming CAFs with TGFβ-RI inhibitor, a CXCR4 blocker, or other methods increases T cells activation and infiltration, together with a decrease in CAFs recruitment, thus improving the prognosis. As depletion of CAFs can't bring clinical benefit, the combination of reprogramming CAFs and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) come into consideration. It has shown better outcomes compared with monotherapy respectively in basic/preclinical researches, and needs more data on clinical trials. Combination therapy may be a promising and expecting method for treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- Department of Mammary Gland, Dalian Women and Children's Medical Center(Group), No. 1 Dunhuang Road, Dalian 116000, Liaoning Province, China; Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36.Sanhao Street, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Baokang Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36.Sanhao Street, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Lunxu Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36.Sanhao Street, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Chao Lv
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36.Sanhao Street, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yu Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36.Sanhao Street, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China.
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Pich-Bavastro C, Yerly L, Di Domizio J, Tissot-Renaud S, Gilliet M, Kuonen F. Activin A-Mediated Polarization of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts and Macrophages Confers Resistance to Checkpoint Immunotherapy in Skin Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:3498-3513. [PMID: 37327314 PMCID: PMC10472111 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cemiplimab is approved for the treatment of locally advanced basal cell carcinomas (BCC), although with mitigated results. We sought to interrogate the cellular and molecular transcriptional reprogramming underlying BCC resistance to immunotherapy. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Here, we combined spatial and single-cell transcriptomics to deconvolute the spatial heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment in regard with response to immunotherapy, in a cohort of both naïve and resistant BCCs. RESULTS We identified subsets of intermingled cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) and macrophages contributing the most to CD8 T-cell exclusion and immunosuppression. Within this spatially resolved peritumoral immunosuppressive niche, CAFs and adjacent macrophages were found to display Activin A-mediated transcriptional reprogramming towards extracellular matrix remodeling, suggesting active participation to CD8 T-cell exclusion. In independent datasets of human skin cancers, Activin A-conditioned CAFs and macrophages were associated with resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). CONCLUSIONS Altogether, our data identify the cellular and molecular plasticity of tumor microenvironment (TME) and the pivotal role of Activin A in polarizing the TME towards immune suppression and ICI resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Pich-Bavastro
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Laura Yerly
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jeremy Di Domizio
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stéphanie Tissot-Renaud
- Department of Oncology, Immune Landscape Laboratory, Center of Experimental Therapeutics, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michel Gilliet
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - François Kuonen
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Knipper K, Lyu SI, Quaas A, Bruns CJ, Schmidt T. Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Heterogeneity and Its Influence on the Extracellular Matrix and the Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13482. [PMID: 37686288 PMCID: PMC10487587 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment comprises multiple cell types, like cancer cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells. In recent years, there have been massive research efforts focusing not only on cancer cells, but also on other cell types of the tumor microenvironment, thereby aiming to expand and determine novel treatment options. Fibroblasts represent a heterogenous cell family consisting of numerous subtypes, which can alter immune cell fractions, facilitate or inhibit tumor growth, build pre-metastatic niches, or stabilize vessels. These effects can be achieved through cell-cell interactions, which form the extracellular matrix, or via the secretion of cytokines or chemokines. The pro- or antitumorigenic fibroblast phenotypes show variability not only among different cancer entities, but also among intraindividual sites, including primary tumors or metastatic lesions. Commonly prescribed for arterial hypertension, the inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system have recently been described as having an inhibitory effect on fibroblasts. This inhibition leads to modified immune cell fractions and increased tissue stiffness, thereby contributing to overcoming therapy resistance and ultimately inhibiting tumor growth. However, it is important to note that the inhibition of fibroblasts can also have the opposite effect, potentially resulting in increased tumor growth. We aim to summarize the latest state of research regarding fibroblast heterogeneity and its intricate impact on the tumor microenvironment and extracellular matrix. Specifically, we focus on highlighting recent advancements in the comprehension of intraindividual heterogeneity and therapy options within this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Knipper
- Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (K.K.); (C.J.B.)
| | - Su Ir Lyu
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (S.I.L.); (A.Q.)
| | - Alexander Quaas
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (S.I.L.); (A.Q.)
| | - Christiane J. Bruns
- Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (K.K.); (C.J.B.)
| | - Thomas Schmidt
- Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (K.K.); (C.J.B.)
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Mondal DK, Xie C, Buraschi S, Iozzo RV. Decorin suppresses tumor lymphangiogenesis: A mechanism to curtail cancer progression. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.28.555187. [PMID: 37693608 PMCID: PMC10491239 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.28.555187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The complex interplay between malignant cells and the cellular and molecular components of the tumor stroma is a key aspect of cancer growth and development. These tumor-host interactions are often affected by soluble bioactive molecules such as proteoglycans. Decorin, an archetypical small leucine-rich proteoglycan primarily expressed by stromal cells, affects cancer growth in its soluble form by interacting with several receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK). Overall, decorin leads to a context-dependent and protracted cessation of oncogenic RTK activity by attenuating their ability to drive a pro-survival program and to sustain a pro-angiogenic network. Through an unbiased transcriptomic analysis using deep RNAseq, we discovered that decorin downregulated a cluster of tumor-associated genes involved in lymphatic vessel development when systemically delivered to mice harboring breast carcinoma allografts. We found that Lyve1 and Podoplanin, two established markers of lymphatic vessels, were markedly suppressed at both the mRNA and protein levels and this suppression correlated with a significant reduction in tumor lymphatic vessels. We further discovered that soluble decorin, but not its homologous proteoglycan biglycan, inhibited lymphatic vessel sprouting in an ex vivo 3D model of lymphangiogenesis. Mechanistically, we found that decorin interacted with VEGFR3, the main lymphatic RTK, and its activity was required for the decorin-mediated block of lymphangiogenesis. Finally, we discovered that Lyve1 was in part degraded via decorin-evoked autophagy in a nutrient- and energy-independent manner. These findings implicate decorin as a new biological factor with anti-lymphangiogenic activity and provide a potential therapeutic agent for curtailing breast cancer growth and metastasis.
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Zhang S, Regan K, Najera J, Grinstaff MW, Datta M, Nia HT. The peritumor microenvironment: physics and immunity. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:609-623. [PMID: 37156677 PMCID: PMC10523902 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Cancer initiation and progression drastically alter the microenvironment at the interface between healthy and malignant tissue. This site, termed the peritumor, bears unique physical and immune attributes that together further promote tumor progression through interconnected mechanical signaling and immune activity. In this review, we describe the distinct physical features of the peritumoral microenvironment and link their relationship to immune responses. The peritumor is a region rich in biomarkers and therapeutic targets and thus is a key focus for future cancer research as well as clinical outlooks, particularly to understand and overcome novel mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kathryn Regan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julian Najera
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Mark W Grinstaff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Meenal Datta
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
| | - Hadi T Nia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
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Bao S, Darvishi M, H Amin A, Al-Haideri MT, Patra I, Kashikova K, Ahmad I, Alsaikhan F, Al-Qaim ZH, Al-Gazally ME, Kiasari BA, Tavakoli-Far B, Sidikov AA, Mustafa YF, Akhavan-Sigari R. CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) blockade in cancer treatment. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:7945-7968. [PMID: 36905421 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04444-w] [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: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
CXC chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) is a member of the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) superfamily and is specific for CXC chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12, also known as SDF-1), which makes CXCL12/CXCR4 axis. CXCR4 interacts with its ligand, triggering downstream signaling pathways that influence cell proliferation chemotaxis, migration, and gene expression. The interaction also regulates physiological processes, including hematopoiesis, organogenesis, and tissue repair. Multiple evidence revealed that CXCL12/CXCR4 axis is implicated in several pathways involved in carcinogenesis and plays a key role in tumor growth, survival, angiogenesis, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Several CXCR4-targeting compounds have been discovered and used for preclinical and clinical cancer therapy, most of which have shown promising anti-tumor activity. In this review, we summarized the physiological signaling of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis and described the role of this axis in tumor progression, and focused on the potential therapeutic options and strategies to block CXCR4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunshun Bao
- The First Clinical Medical College, Xuzhou Medical University, 221000, Xuzhou, China
| | - Mohammad Darvishi
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center (IDTMRC), Department of Aerospace and Subaquatic Medicine, AJA University of Medicinal Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali H Amin
- Deanship of Scientific Research, Umm Al-Qura University, 21955, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, 35516, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Maysoon T Al-Haideri
- Department of Physiotherapy, Cihan University-Erbil, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Indrajit Patra
- An Independent Researcher, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Durgapur, West Bengal, India
| | | | - Irfan Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad Alsaikhan
- College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Bahman Abedi Kiasari
- Virology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Bahareh Tavakoli-Far
- Dietary Supplements and Probiotic Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
| | - Akmal A Sidikov
- Rector, Ferghana Medical Institute of Public Health, Ferghana, Uzbekistan
| | - Yasser Fakri Mustafa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Mosul, Mosul, 41001, Iraq
| | - Reza Akhavan-Sigari
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Health Care Management and Clinical Research, Collegium Humanum Warsaw Management University, Warsaw, Poland
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Zhang Y, Han X, Wang K, Liu D, Ding X, Hu Z, Wang J. Co-Delivery Nanomicelles for Potentiating TNBC Immunotherapy by Synergetically Reshaping CAFs-Mediated Tumor Stroma and Reprogramming Immunosuppressive Microenvironment. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:4329-4346. [PMID: 37545872 PMCID: PMC10403052 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s418100] [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: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have received the most attention for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), while the response rate to ICI remains limited due to insufficient T cell infiltration. It is therefore essential that alternative strategies are developed to improve the therapeutic outcomes of ICI in non-responsive TNBC cases. The efficacy of pH-responsive nanomicelles (P/A/B@NM) co-loaded with paclitaxel (PTX), CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100, and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor BMS-1 activating the T cell-mediated antitumor immune response were evaluated using a 4T1 antiPD-1-resistance breast tumor model. Methods In vitro, pH-responsive antitumor effect of P/A/B@NM was investigated by assessing cell viability, migration and invasion. In vivo, the distribution of P/A/B@NM was visualized in 4T1 orthotopic TNBC model using an IVIS spectrum imaging instrument. The efficacy of the co-delivery nanocarriers was evaluated by monitoring mouse survival, tumor growth and metastasis, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs)-mediated tumor stroma and immunosuppressive microenvironment components, and the recruitment and infiltration of CD8+ T cells. Results The prepared P/A/B@NM in acid microenvironment demonstrates remarkable cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 cells, with an IC50 of 105 μg/mL. Additionally, it exhibits substantial inhibition of tumor cell migration and invasion. The P/A/B@NM based on co-delivery nanocarriers efficiently accumulate at the tumor site and release the drugs in a pH-responsive controlled manner. The nanomedicine-PTX, AMD3100, and BMS-1 formulation significantly inhibits tumor growth and lung/liver metastasis by inducing antitumor immune responses via CXCL12/CXCR4 axis blockade, and immunogenic cell death to reprogramme both tumor stroma and immunosuppressive microenvironment. As a result, CD8+ T cell infiltration is triggered into the tumor site, boosting the efficacy of ICI therapy synergistically. Conclusion These results demonstrate that combination therapy using P/A/B@NM reshapes CAFs-mediated tumor stroma and immunosuppressive microenvironment, which can enhance the infiltration of CD8+ T cells, thereby reactivating anti-tumor immunity for non-responsive TNBC cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xue Han
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ke Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Da Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyun Ding
- Oncology Hospital, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiqiang Hu
- Oncology Hospital, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Yinchuan, 750004, People’s Republic of China
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Sawant M, Wilson A, Sridaran D, Mahajan K, O'Conor CJ, Hagemann IS, Luo J, Weimholt C, Li T, Roa JC, Pandey A, Wu X, Mahajan NP. Epigenetic reprogramming of cell cycle genes by ACK1 promotes breast cancer resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitor. Oncogene 2023; 42:2263-2277. [PMID: 37330596 PMCID: PMC10348910 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02747-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancers exhibit high sensitivity to CDK4/6 inhibitors such as palbociclib. However, most patients inevitably develop resistance, thus identification of new actionable therapeutic targets to overcome the recurrent disease is an urgent need. Immunohistochemical studies of tissue microarray revealed increased activation of non-receptor tyrosine kinase, ACK1 (also known as TNK2) in most of the breast cancer subtypes, independent of their hormone receptor status. Chromatin immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that the nuclear target of activated ACK1, pY88-H4 epigenetic marks, were deposited at cell cycle genes, CCNB1, CCNB2 and CDC20, which in turn initiated their efficient transcription. Pharmacological inhibition of ACK1 using its inhibitor, (R)-9b dampened CCNB1, CCNB2 and CDC20 expression, caused G2/M arrest, culminating in regression of palbociclib-resistant breast tumor growth. Further, (R)-9b suppressed expression of CXCR4 receptor, which resulted in significant impairment of metastasis of breast cancer cells to lung. Overall, our pre-clinical data identifies activated ACK1 as an oncogene that epigenetically controls the cell cycle genes governing the G2/M transition in breast cancer cells. ACK1 inhibitor, (R)-9b could be a novel therapeutic option for the breast cancer patients that have developed resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mithila Sawant
- Department of Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Division of Urologic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Audrey Wilson
- Department of Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Division of Urologic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Dhivya Sridaran
- Department of Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Division of Urologic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Kiran Mahajan
- Department of Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Division of Urologic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Christopher J O'Conor
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Ian S Hagemann
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Jingqin Luo
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Cody Weimholt
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Tiandao Li
- Bioinformatics Research Core, Center of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Juan Carlos Roa
- Department of Pathology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Akhilesh Pandey
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
- Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Xinyan Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
- Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Nupam P Mahajan
- Department of Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
- Division of Urologic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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Yang Y, Li J, Lei W, Wang H, Ni Y, Liu Y, Yan H, Tian Y, Wang Z, Yang Z, Yang S, Yang Y, Wang Q. CXCL12-CXCR4/CXCR7 Axis in Cancer: from Mechanisms to Clinical Applications. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:3341-3359. [PMID: 37497001 PMCID: PMC10367567 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.82317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a multi-step disease caused by the accumulation of genetic mutations and/or epigenetic changes, and is the biggest challenge around the world. Cytokines, including chemokines, exhibit expression changes and disorders in all human cancers. These cytokine abnormalities can disrupt homeostasis and immune function, and make outstanding contributions to various stages of cancer development such as invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Chemokines are a superfamily of small molecule chemoattractive cytokines that mediate a variety of cellular functions. Importantly, the interactions of chemokine members CXCL12 and its receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7 have a broad impact on tumor cell proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, metastasis, and tumor microenvironment, and thus participate in the onset and development of many cancers including leukemia, breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer and multiple myeloma. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the latest research progress and future challenges regarding the role of CXCL12-CXCR4/CXCR7 signaling axis in cancer, and highlights the potential of CXCL12-CXCR4/CXCR7 as a biomarker or therapeutic target for cancer, providing essential strategies for the development of novel targeted cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaru Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenmu Hospital, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Shenmu, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jiayan Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenmu Hospital, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Shenmu, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wangrui Lei
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenmu Hospital, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Shenmu, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Haiying Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenmu Hospital, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Shenmu, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yunfeng Ni
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Airforce Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yanqing Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenmu Hospital, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Shenmu, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Huanle Yan
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenmu Hospital, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Shenmu, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yifan Tian
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenmu Hospital, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Shenmu, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Central Theater Command General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Airforce Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shulin Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenmu Hospital, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Shenmu, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenmu Hospital, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Shenmu, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenmu Hospital, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Shenmu, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
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Yan W, Qiu L, Yang M, Xu A, Ma M, Yuan Q, Ma X, Liang W, Li X, Lu Y. CXCL10 mediates CD8 + T cells to facilitate vessel normalization and improve the efficacy of cetuximab combined with PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors in colorectal cancer. Cancer Lett 2023:216263. [PMID: 37354983 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
The immunotherapy and anti-EGFR targeted treatment occupying a pivotal position in colorectal cancer (CRC), is still limited to a group of patients who display specific molecular alterations and inevitably escape from resistance, further studies are still needed in colorectal cancer. We found that chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) expression correlates with intratumoral CD8+ T cell infiltration and reprograms tumor vasculatures in colorectal cancer. CXCL10 overexpression not only suppressed tumor growth but also increased CD8+ T cell infiltration and induced tumor vascular normalization in vivo. Additionally, the growth inhibition and tumor vascular normalization induced by CXCL10 can be reversed by the depletion of CD8+ T cells in vivo. Mechanically, CXCL10 interacts with VCAN to mediate tumor vascular normalization. The VCAN expression correlated inversely with the expression of CXCL10 and the infiltration of CD8+ T cells in CRC. Elevated CXCL10 expression sensitized colorectal cancer cells to cetuximab/anti-PD1 combination therapy compared with cetuximab or anti-PD1 alone. We propose that CXCL10 could be used to increase the anti-EGFR therapy and immunotherapy effect, targeting both tumor vessels and immune cells in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yan
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, 1023 South Shatai Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Lin Qiu
- Medical Imaging Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Meiling Yang
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, 1023 South Shatai Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Anran Xu
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, 1023 South Shatai Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Manqi Ma
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, 1023 South Shatai Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Qinzi Yuan
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, 1023 South Shatai Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Xiaochen Ma
- Biomaterials Research Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Wenjuan Liang
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, 1023 South Shatai Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Xuenong Li
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, 1023 South Shatai Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Yanxia Lu
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, 1023 South Shatai Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China.
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Papavassiliou KA, Basdra EK, Papavassiliou AG. The emerging promise of tumour mechanobiology in cancer treatment. Eur J Cancer 2023; 190:112938. [PMID: 37390803 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2023.112938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Tumour cell biomechanics has lately came to the fore as a disparate feature that fosters cancer development and progression. Tumour mechanosensing entails a mechanical interplay amongst tumour cells, extracellular matrix (ECM) and cells of the tumour microenvironment (TME). Sensory receptors (mechanoceptors) detect changes of extracellular mechanical inputs such as various types of mechanical forces/stress and trigger oncogenic signalling pathways advocating for cancer initiation, growth, survival, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, and immune evasion. Moreover, alterations in ECM stiffness and potentiation of mechanostimulated transcriptional regulatory molecules (transcription factors/cofactors) have been shown to strongly correlate with resistance to anticancer drugs. On this basis, new mechanosensitive proteins emerge as potential therapeutic targets and/or biomarkers in cancer. Accordingly, tumour mechanobiology arises as a promising field that can potentially provide novel combinatorial regimens to reverse drug resistance, as well as offer unprecedented targeting approaches that may help to more effectively treat a large proportion of solid tumours and their complications. Here, we highlight recent findings regarding various aspects of tumour mechanobiology in the clinical setting and discuss evidence-based perspectives of developing diagnostic/prognostic tools and therapeutic approaches that exploit tumour-TME physical associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kostas A Papavassiliou
- First University Department of Respiratory Medicine, 'Sotiria' Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Efthimia K Basdra
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios G Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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Zhang L, Cascio S, Mellors JW, Buckanovich RJ, Osmanbeyoglu HU. Single-cell analysis reveals the stromal dynamics and tumor-specific characteristics in the microenvironment of ovarian cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.07.544095. [PMID: 37333262 PMCID: PMC10274812 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.07.544095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is a heterogeneous disease, and a high stromal/desmoplastic tumor microenvironment (TME) is associated with a poor outcome. Stromal cell subtypes, including fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, and cancer-associated mesenchymal stem cells, establish a complex network of paracrine signaling pathways with tumor-infiltrating immune cells that drive effector cell tumor immune exclusion and inhibit the antitumor immune response. Single-cell transcriptomics of the HGSOC TME from public and in-house datasets revealed a distinct transcriptomic landscape for immune and non-immune cells in high-stromal vs. low-stromal tumors. High-stromal tumors had a lower fraction of certain T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and macrophages and increased expression of CXCL12 in epithelial cancer cells and cancer-associated mesenchymal stem cells (CA-MSCs). Analysis of cell-cell communication indicated that epithelial cancer cells and CA-MSCs secreted CXCL12 that interacted with the CXCR4 receptor, which was overexpressed on NK and CD8 + T cells. CXCL12 and/or CXCR4 antibodies confirmed the immunosuppressive role of CXCL12-CXCR4 in high-stromal tumors.
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45
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Cagle E, Lake B, Banerjee A, Cuffee J, Banerjee N, Gilmartin D, Liverman M, Brown S, Armstrong E, Bhattacharya S, Ghosh S, Mandal T, Banerjee H. Analysis of Differential Gene Expression and Core Canonical Pathways Involved in the Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition of Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. COMPUTATIONAL MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE 2023; 13:21-34. [PMID: 37538932 PMCID: PMC10398793 DOI: 10.4236/cmb.2023.132002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is a malignant form of cancer with very high mortality and morbidity. Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) is the most common pathophysiological change observed in cancer cells of epithelial origin that promotes metastasis, drug resistance and cancer stem cell formation. Since the information regarding differential gene expression in TNBC cells and cell signaling events leading to EMT is limited, this investigation was done by comparing transcriptomic data generated by RNA isolation and sequencing of a EMT model TNBC cell line in comparison to regular TNBC cells. RNA sequencing and Ingenuity Pathway Software Analysis (IPA) of the transcriptomic data revealed several upregulated and downregulated gene expressions along with novel core canonical pathways including Sirtuin signaling, Oxidative Phosphorylation and Mitochondrial dysfunction events involved in EMT changes of the TNBC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Cagle
- Department of Natural, Health and Human Sciences, Elizabeth City State University Campus of The University of North Carolina, Elizabeth, NC, USA
| | - Brent Lake
- Department of Natural, Health and Human Sciences, Elizabeth City State University Campus of The University of North Carolina, Elizabeth, NC, USA
| | - Anasua Banerjee
- Department of Natural, Health and Human Sciences, Elizabeth City State University Campus of The University of North Carolina, Elizabeth, NC, USA
| | - Jazmine Cuffee
- Department of Natural, Health and Human Sciences, Elizabeth City State University Campus of The University of North Carolina, Elizabeth, NC, USA
| | - Narendra Banerjee
- Department of Natural, Health and Human Sciences, Elizabeth City State University Campus of The University of North Carolina, Elizabeth, NC, USA
| | - Darla Gilmartin
- Department of Natural, Health and Human Sciences, Elizabeth City State University Campus of The University of North Carolina, Elizabeth, NC, USA
| | - Makaiyah Liverman
- Department of Natural, Health and Human Sciences, Elizabeth City State University Campus of The University of North Carolina, Elizabeth, NC, USA
| | - Shennel Brown
- Department of Natural, Health and Human Sciences, Elizabeth City State University Campus of The University of North Carolina, Elizabeth, NC, USA
| | - Erik Armstrong
- Department of Natural, Health and Human Sciences, Elizabeth City State University Campus of The University of North Carolina, Elizabeth, NC, USA
| | - Santanu Bhattacharya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo College of Medicine and Science, Jacksonville, FL, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo College of Medicine and Science, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Somiranjan Ghosh
- Departments of Pediatrics and Child Health, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Tanmoy Mandal
- Departments of Pediatrics and Child Health, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Hirendra Banerjee
- Department of Natural, Health and Human Sciences, Elizabeth City State University Campus of The University of North Carolina, Elizabeth, NC, USA
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46
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Brichkina A, Polo P, Sharma SD, Visestamkul N, Lauth M. A Quick Guide to CAF Subtypes in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092614. [PMID: 37174079 PMCID: PMC10177377 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer represents one of the most desmoplastic malignancies and is characterized by an extensive deposition of extracellular matrix. The latter is provided by activated cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which are abundant cells in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment. Many recent studies have made it clear that CAFs are not a singular cellular entity but represent a multitude of potentially dynamic subgroups that affect tumor biology at several levels. As mentioned before, CAFs significantly contribute to the fibrotic reaction and the biomechanical properties of the tumor, but they can also modulate the local immune environment and the response to targeted, chemo or radiotherapy. As the number of known and emerging CAF subgroups is steadily increasing, it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with these developments and to clearly discriminate the cellular subsets identified so far. This review aims to provide a helpful overview that enables readers to quickly familiarize themselves with field of CAF heterogeneity and to grasp the phenotypic, functional and therapeutic distinctions of the various stromal subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Brichkina
- Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Clinics for Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Pierfrancesco Polo
- Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Clinics for Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Shrey Dharamvir Sharma
- Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Clinics for Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Nico Visestamkul
- Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Clinics for Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Lauth
- Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Clinics for Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
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Meng Y, Zhou J, Liu X, Zeng F, Wen T, Meng J, Liu J, Xu H. CXC Chemokine Receptor Type 4 Antagonistic Gold Nanorods Induce Specific Immune Responses and Long-Term Immune Memory to Combat Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:18734-18746. [PMID: 37017641 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c03130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly challenging in its treatment because of the lack of the targeted markers. TNBC patients are not able to acquire benefits from endocrine therapy and targeted therapy except for chemotherapy. CXCR4 is highly expressed on TNBC cells that mediated the tumor cell metastasis as well as proliferation by the response of its ligand CXCL12, therefore holding promising potential of a candidate target for the treatment. In this work, a novel conjugate of CXCR4 antagonist peptide E5 and gold nanorods was fabricated (AuNRs-E5), which was applied to murine breast cancer tumor cells and an animal model, aiming to induce endoplasmic reticulum stress by endoplasmic reticulum-targeted photothermal immunological effects. Results showed that AuNRs-E5 could induce much more generation of damage-related molecular patterns in 4T1 cells under laser irradiation than AuNRs, which significantly promoted the maturation of dendritic cells and stimulated systematic anti-tumor immune responses by enhancing the infiltration of CD8+T cells into the tumor and tumor-draining lymph node, downregulating the regulatory T lymphocytes, and upregulating M1 macrophages in tumors, reversing the microenvironment from "cold" tumors to "hot" tumors. The administration of AuNRs-E5 with laser irradiation not only inhibited the tumor growth significantly but also exerted specific long immune responses to the triple-negative breast cancer tumor cells, which led to the prolonged survival of the mice and the specific immunological memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiling Meng
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Jiawei Zhou
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Xuanxin Liu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Fei Zeng
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Tao Wen
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Jie Meng
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Haiyan Xu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
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48
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Naik A, Leask A. Tumor-Associated Fibrosis Impairs the Response to Immunotherapy. Matrix Biol 2023; 119:125-140. [PMID: 37080324 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2023.04.002] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Previously, impaired responses to immunotherapy in cancer had been attributed mainly to inherent tumor characteristics (tumor cell intrinsic factors) such as low immunogenicity, (low) mutational burden, weak host immune system, etc. However, mapping the responses of immunotherapeutic regimes in clinical trials for different types of cancer has pointed towards an obvious commonality - that tumors with a rich fibrotic stroma respond poorly or not at all. This has prompted a harder look on tumor cell extrinsic factors such as the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME), and specifically, the fibrotic stroma as a potential enabler of immunotherapy failure. Indeed, the role of cancer-associated fibrosis in impeding efficacy of immunotherapy is now well-established. In fact, recent studies reveal a complex interconnection between fibrosis and treatment efficacy. Accordingly, in this review we provide a general overview of what a tumor associated fibrotic reaction is and how it interacts with the members of immune system that are frequently seen to be modulated in a failed immunotherapeutic regime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angha Naik
- University of Saskatchewan, College of Dentistry, 105 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Andrew Leask
- University of Saskatchewan, College of Dentistry, 105 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
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49
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Peng J, Yin X, Yun W, Meng X, Huang Z. Radiotherapy-induced tumor physical microenvironment remodeling to overcome immunotherapy resistance. Cancer Lett 2023; 559:216108. [PMID: 36863506 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
The clinical benefits of immunotherapy are proven in many cancers, but a significant number of patients do not respond well to immunotherapy. The tumor physical microenvironment (TpME) has recently been shown to affect the growth, metastasis and treatment of solid tumors. The tumor microenvironment (TME) has unique physical hallmarks: 1) unique tissue microarchitecture, 2) increased stiffness, 3) elevated solid stress, and 4) elevated interstitial fluid pressure (IFP), which contribute to tumor progression and immunotherapy resistance in a variety of ways. Radiotherapy, a traditional and powerful treatment, can remodel the matrix and blood flow associated with the tumor to improve the response rate of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) to a certain extent. Herein, we first review the recent research advances on the physical properties of the TME and then explain how TpME is involved in immunotherapy resistance. Finally, we discuss how radiotherapy can remodel TpME to overcome immunotherapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Peng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoyan Yin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, China
| | - Wenhua Yun
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, China
| | - Xiangjiao Meng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, China.
| | - Zhaoqin Huang
- Department of Radiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.
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50
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Steele MM, Jaiswal A, Delclaux I, Dryg ID, Murugan D, Femel J, Son S, du Bois H, Hill C, Leachman SA, Chang YH, Coussens LM, Anandasabapathy N, Lund AW. T cell egress via lymphatic vessels is tuned by antigen encounter and limits tumor control. Nat Immunol 2023; 24:664-675. [PMID: 36849745 PMCID: PMC10998279 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01443-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Antigen-specific CD8+ T cell accumulation in tumors is a prerequisite for effective immunotherapy, and yet the mechanisms of lymphocyte transit are not well defined. Here we show that tumor-associated lymphatic vessels control T cell exit from tumors via the chemokine CXCL12, and intratumoral antigen encounter tunes CXCR4 expression by effector CD8+ T cells. Only high-affinity antigen downregulates CXCR4 and upregulates the CXCL12 decoy receptor, ACKR3, thereby reducing CXCL12 sensitivity and promoting T cell retention. A diverse repertoire of functional tumor-specific CD8+ T cells, therefore, exit the tumor, which limits the pool of CD8+ T cells available to exert tumor control. CXCR4 inhibition or loss of lymphatic-specific CXCL12 boosts T cell retention and enhances tumor control. These data indicate that strategies to limit T cell egress might be an approach to boost the quantity and quality of intratumoral T cells and thereby response to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria M Steele
- Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology and Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Abhinav Jaiswal
- Department of Dermatology, Microbiology and Immunology, Meyer Cancer Center, Englander Institute of Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ines Delclaux
- Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ian D Dryg
- Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dhaarini Murugan
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology and Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Julia Femel
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology and Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Sunny Son
- Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Applied Bioinformatics Laboratories, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Haley du Bois
- Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Cameron Hill
- Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sancy A Leachman
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Young H Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Computational Biology Program, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- OHSU Center for Spatial Systems Biomedicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Lisa M Coussens
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology and Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Niroshana Anandasabapathy
- Department of Dermatology, Microbiology and Immunology, Meyer Cancer Center, Englander Institute of Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amanda W Lund
- Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology and Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.
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