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Peeters F, Cappuyns S, Piqué-Gili M, Phillips G, Verslype C, Lambrechts D, Dekervel J. Applications of single-cell multi-omics in liver cancer. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:101094. [PMID: 39022385 PMCID: PMC11252522 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2024.101094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer, more specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), remains a significant global health problem associated with increasing incidence and mortality. Clinical, biological, and molecular heterogeneity are well-known hallmarks of cancer and HCC is considered one of the most heterogeneous tumour types, displaying substantial inter-patient, intertumoural and intratumoural variability. This heterogeneity plays a pivotal role in hepatocarcinogenesis, metastasis, relapse and drug response or resistance. Unimodal single-cell sequencing techniques have already revolutionised our understanding of the different layers of molecular hierarchy in the tumour microenvironment of HCC. By highlighting the cellular heterogeneity and the intricate interactions among cancer, immune and stromal cells before and during treatment, these techniques have contributed to a deeper comprehension of tumour clonality, hematogenous spreading and the mechanisms of action of immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, major questions remain to be elucidated, with the identification of biomarkers predicting response or resistance to immunotherapy-based regimens representing an important unmet clinical need. Although the application of single-cell multi-omics in liver cancer research has been limited thus far, a revolution of individualised care for patients with HCC will only be possible by integrating various unimodal methods into multi-omics methodologies at the single-cell resolution. In this review, we will highlight the different established single-cell sequencing techniques and explore their biological and clinical impact on liver cancer research, while casting a glance at the future role of multi-omics in this dynamic and rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Peeters
- Digestive Oncology, Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Clinical Digestive Oncology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory for Translational Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB Centre for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sarah Cappuyns
- Digestive Oncology, Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Clinical Digestive Oncology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory for Translational Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB Centre for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marta Piqué-Gili
- Liver Cancer Translational Research Laboratory, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Gino Phillips
- Laboratory for Translational Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB Centre for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Chris Verslype
- Digestive Oncology, Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Clinical Digestive Oncology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Diether Lambrechts
- Laboratory for Translational Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB Centre for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Dekervel
- Digestive Oncology, Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Clinical Digestive Oncology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Zhu Y, Tan H, Wang J, Zhuang H, Zhao H, Lu X. Molecular insight into T cell exhaustion in hepatocellular carcinoma. Pharmacol Res 2024; 203:107161. [PMID: 38554789 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107161] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality globally. The emergence of immunotherapy has been shown to be a promising therapeutic approach for hepatocellular carcinoma in recent years. It has been well known that T cell plays a key role in current immunotherapy. However, sustained exposure to antigenic stimulation within the tumor microenvironment may lead to T cell exhaustion, which may cause treatment ineffectiveness. Therefore, reversing T cell exhaustion has been an important issue for the clinical application of immunotherapy, and a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies surrounding T cell exhaustion and its underlying mechanisms is imperative for devising strategies to overcome the T cell exhaustion during treatment. In this review, we summarized the reported drivers of T cell exhaustion in hepatocellular carcinoma and delineate potential ways to reverse it. Additionally, we discussed the interplay among metabolic plasticity, epigenetic regulation, and transcriptional factors in exhausted T cells in hepatocellular carcinoma, and their implication for future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghua Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huabing Tan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology Institute, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China; Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei Province 442000, China
| | - Jincheng Wang
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Japan
| | - Haiwen Zhuang
- Department of General Surgery, Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huanbin Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
| | - Xiaojie Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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Yang F, Hua Q, Zhu X, Xu P. Surgical stress induced tumor immune suppressive environment. Carcinogenesis 2024; 45:185-198. [PMID: 38366618 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgae012] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite significant advances in cancer treatment over the decades, surgical resection remains a prominent management approach for solid neoplasms. Unfortunately, accumulating evidence suggests that surgical stress caused by tumor resection may potentially trigger postoperative metastatic niche formation. Surgical stress not only activates the sympathetic-adrenomedullary axis and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis but also induces hypoxia and hypercoagulable state. These adverse factors can negatively impact the immune system by downregulating immune effector cells and upregulating immune suppressor cells, which contribute to the colonization and progression of postoperative tumor metastatic niche. This review summarizes the effects of surgical stress on four types of immune effector cells (neutrophils, macrophages, natural killer cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes) and two types of immunosuppressive cells (regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells), and discusses the immune mechanisms of postoperative tumor relapse and progression. Additionally, relevant therapeutic strategies to minimize the pro-tumorigenic effects of surgical stress are elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Research Center for Neuro-Oncology Interaction, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Hua
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhu
- Department of Physiology, Navy Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Pingbo Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Research Center for Neuro-Oncology Interaction, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
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Lin S, Li D, Yang Y, Yu M, Zhao R, Li J, Peng L. Single-cell RNA-Seq Elucidates the Crosstalk Between Cancer Stem Cells and the Tumor Microenvironment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Cancer 2024; 15:1093-1109. [PMID: 38230205 PMCID: PMC10788724 DOI: 10.7150/jca.92185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The challenge of systemic treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stems from the development of drug resistance, primarily driven by the interplay between cancer stem cells (CSCs) and the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, there is a notable dearth of comprehensive research investigating the crosstalk between CSCs and stromal cells or immune cells within the TME of HCC. Methods: We procured single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) data from 16 patients diagnosed with HCC. Employing meticulous data quality control and cell annotation procedures, we delineated distinct CSCs subtypes and performed multi-omics analyses encompassing metabolic activity, cell communication, and cell trajectory. These analyses shed light on the potential molecular mechanisms governing the interaction between CSCs and the TME, while also identifying CSCs' developmental genes. By combining these developmental genes, we employed machine learning algorithms and RT-qPCR to construct and validate a prognostic risk model for HCC. Results: We successfully identified CSCs subtypes residing within malignant cells. Through meticulous enrichment analysis and assessment of metabolic activity, we discovered anomalous metabolic patterns within the CSCs microenvironment, including hypoxia and glucose deprivation. Moreover, CSCs exhibited aberrant activity in signaling pathways associated with lipid metabolism. Furthermore, our investigations into cell communication unveiled that CSCs possess the capacity to modulate stromal cells and immune cells through the secretion of MIF or MDK, consequently exerting regulatory control over the TME. Finally, through cell trajectory analysis, we found developmental genes of CSCs. Leveraging these genes, we successfully developed and validated a prognostic risk model (APCS, ADH4, FTH1, and HSPB1) with machine learning and RT-qPCR. Conclusions: By means of single-cell multi-omics analysis, this study offers valuable insights into the potential molecular mechanisms governing the interaction between CSCs and the TME, elucidating the pivotal role CSCs play within the TME. Additionally, we have successfully established a comprehensive clinical prognostic model through bulk RNA-Seq data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Lin
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Danfei Li
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Yang
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengjiao Yu
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruiqi Zhao
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinghao Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, South China University of Technology, Foshan, China
| | - Lisheng Peng
- Department of Hepatology, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Sarén T, Ramachandran M, Gammelgård G, Lövgren T, Mirabello C, Björklund ÅK, Wikström K, Hashemi J, Freyhult E, Ahlström H, Amini RM, Hagberg H, Loskog A, Enblad G, Essand M. Single-Cell RNA Analysis Reveals Cell-Intrinsic Functions of CAR T Cells Correlating with Response in a Phase II Study of Lymphoma Patients. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:4139-4152. [PMID: 37540566 PMCID: PMC10570681 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) therapy has shown remarkable success in B-cell malignancies, a substantial fraction of patients do not obtain a long-term clinical response. This could be influenced by the quality of the individual CAR-T infusion product. To shed some light on this, clinical outcome was correlated to characteristics of CAR-T infusion products. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this phase II study, patients with B-cell lymphoma (n = 23) or leukemia (n = 1) received one or two infusions of third-generation CD19-directed CAR-Ts (2 × 108/m2). The clinical trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03068416. We investigated the transcriptional profile of individual CD19 CAR-T infusion products using targeted single-cell RNA sequencing and multicolor flow cytometry. RESULTS Two CAR-T infusions were not better than one in the settings used in this study. As for the CAR-T infusion products, we found that effector-like CD8+CAR-Ts with a high polyfunctionality, high cytotoxic and cytokine production profile, and low dysfunctional signature were associated with clinical response. An extended ex vivo expansion time during CAR-T manufacturing negatively influenced the proportion of effector CD8+CAR-Ts in the infusion product. CONCLUSIONS We identified cell-intrinsic characteristics of effector CD8+CAR-Ts correlating with response that could be used as an indicator for clinical outcome. The results in the study also serve as a guide to CAR-T manufacturing practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Sarén
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mohanraj Ramachandran
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gustav Gammelgård
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tanja Lövgren
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Claudio Mirabello
- IFM Bioinformatics, National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden, Science for Life Laboratory, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Åsa K. Björklund
- Department of Life Sciences, National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden, Science for Life Laboratory, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden
| | | | - Jamileh Hashemi
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Eva Freyhult
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Håkan Ahlström
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Antaros Medical AB, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Rose-Marie Amini
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hans Hagberg
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Angelica Loskog
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
- Lokon Pharma AB, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gunilla Enblad
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Magnus Essand
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
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Hao L, Li S, Hu X. New insights into T-cell exhaustion in liver cancer: from mechanism to therapy. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:12543-12560. [PMID: 37423958 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05083-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most common malignancies. T-cell exhaustion is associated with immunosuppression of tumor and chronic infection. Although immunotherapies that enhance the immune response by targeting programmed cell death-1(PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) have been applied to malignancies, these treatments have shown limited response rates. This suggested that additional inhibitory receptors (IRs) also contributed to T-cell exhaustion and tumor prognosis. Exhausted T-cells (Tex) in the tumor immune microenvironment (TME) are usually in a dysfunctional state of exhaustion, such as impaired activity and proliferative ability, increased apoptosis rate, and reduced production of effector cytokines. Tex cells participate in the negative regulation of tumor immunity mainly through IRs on the cell surface, changes in cytokines and immunomodulatory cell types, causing tumor immune escape. However, T-cell exhaustion is not irreversible and targeted immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can effectively reverse the exhaustion of T-cells and restore the anti-tumor immune response. Therefore, the research on the mechanism of T-cell exhaustion in liver cancer, aimed at maintaining or restoring the effector function of Tex cells, might provide a new method for the treatment of liver cancer. In this review, we summarized the basic characteristics of Tex cells (such as IRs and cytokines), discussed the mechanisms associated with T-cell exhaustion, and specifically discussed how these exhaustion characteristics were acquired and shaped by key factors within TME. Then new insights into the molecular mechanism of T-cell exhaustion suggested a potential way to improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy, namely to restore the effector function of Tex cells. In addition, we also reviewed the research progress of T-cell exhaustion in recent years and provided suggestions for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Hao
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 37 Shi-Er-Qiao Road, Chengdu, 610075, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Shi-Er-Qiao Road, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shenghao Li
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 37 Shi-Er-Qiao Road, Chengdu, 610075, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Shi-Er-Qiao Road, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Hu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Shi-Er-Qiao Road, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China.
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He T, Shi Y, Kou X, Shen M, Liang X, Li X, Wu R, You Y, Wu Q, Gong C. Antigenicity and adjuvanticity co-reinforced personalized cell vaccines based on self-adjuvanted hydrogel for post-surgical cancer vaccination. Biomaterials 2023; 301:122218. [PMID: 37393695 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Cancer vaccine-based postsurgical immunotherapy is emerging as a promising approach in patients following surgical resection for inhibition of tumor recurrence. However, low immunogenicity and insufficient cancer antigens limit the widespread application of postoperative cancer vaccines. Here, we propose a "trash to treasure" cancer vaccine strategy to enhance postsurgical personalized immunotherapy, in which antigenicity and adjuvanticity of purified surgically exfoliated autologous tumors (with whole antigen repertoire) were co-reinforced. In the antigenicity and adjuvanticity co-reinforced personalized vaccine (Angel-Vax), polyriboinosinic: polyribocytidylic acid (pIC) and tumor cells that have undergone immunogenic death are encapsulated in a self-adjuvanted hydrogel formed by cross-linking of mannan and polyethyleneimine. Angel-Vax exhibits an enhanced capacity on antigen-presenting cells stimulation and maturation compared to its individual components in vitro. Immunization with Angel-Vax provokes an efficient systemic cytotoxic T-cell immune response, contributing to the satisfied prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy in mice. Furthermore, when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), Angel-Vax effectively prevented postsurgical tumor recurrence, as evidenced by an increase in median survival of approximately 35% compared with ICI alone. Unlike the cumbersome preparation process of postoperative cancer vaccines, the simple and feasible approach herein may represent a general strategy for various kinds of tumor cell-based antigens in the inhibition of postsurgical tumor relapse by reinforced immunogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao He
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Yiling Shi
- Operating Room, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, PR China
| | - Xiaorong Kou
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Meiling Shen
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Xiuqi Liang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Xinchao Li
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Rui Wu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Yanjie You
- Department of Gastroenterology, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, 750002, PR China
| | - Qinjie Wu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Changyang Gong
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China.
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Tang X, Miao Y, Yang L, Ha W, Li Z, Mi D. Single-cell RNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq explore the prognostic value of exhausted T cells in hepatocellular carcinoma. IET Syst Biol 2023; 17:228-244. [PMID: 37431788 PMCID: PMC10439497 DOI: 10.1049/syb2.12072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a worldwide health problem. Mounting evidence indicates that exhausted T cells play a critical role in the progress and treatment of HCC. Therefore, a detailed characterisation of exhausted T cells and their clinical significance warrants further investigation in HCC. Based on the GSE146115, we presented a comprehensive single-cell Atlas in HCC. Pseudo-time analysis revealed that tumour heterogeneity progressively increased, and the exhausted T cells gradually appeared during tumour progression. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the evolutionary process of exhausted T cells mainly contained the pathway of cadherin binding, proteasome, cell cycle, and T cell receptor regulation of apoptosis. In the International Cancer Genome Consortium database, we divided patients into three clusters with the T cell evolution-associated genes. We found that the exhausted T cells are significantly related to poor outcomes through immunity and survival analysis. In The Cancer Genome Atlas database, the authors enrolled weighted gene co-expression network analysis, univariate Cox analysis, and Lasso Cox analysis, then screened the 19 core genes in T cells evolution and built a robust prognostic model. This study offers a fresh view on evaluating the patients' outcomes from an exhausted T cells perspective and might help clinicians develop therapeutic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Tang
- The First Clinical Medical CollegeLanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
- The Second Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical CollegeNanchongChina
| | - Yandong Miao
- The First Clinical Medical CollegeLanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
- Department of OncologyYantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical UniversityThe Second Clinical Medical College of Binzhou Medical UniversityYantaiChina
| | - Lixia Yang
- Gansu Academy of Traditional Chinese MedicineLanzhouChina
| | - Wuhua Ha
- The First Clinical Medical CollegeLanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
| | - Zheng Li
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of SciencesLanzhouChina
| | - Denghai Mi
- The First Clinical Medical CollegeLanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
- Gansu Academy of Traditional Chinese MedicineLanzhouChina
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Zhang Y, Wang K, Du Y, Yang H, Jia G, Huang D, Chen W, Shan Y. Computational Modeling to Determine the Effect of Phenotypic Heterogeneity in Tumors on the Collective Tumor-Immune Interactions. Bull Math Biol 2023; 85:51. [PMID: 37142885 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-023-01158-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Tumor immunotherapy aims to maintain or enhance the killing capability of CD8+ T cells to clear tumor cells. The tumor-immune interactions affect the function of CD8+ T cells. However, the effect of phenotype heterogeneity of a tumor mass on the collective tumor-immune interactions is insufficiently investigated. We developed the cellular-level computational model based on the principle of cellular Potts model to solve the case mentioned above. We considered how asymmetric division and glucose distribution jointly regulated the transient changes in the proportion of proliferating/quiescent tumor cells in a solid tumor mass. The evolution of a tumor mass in contact with T cells was explored and validated by comparing it with previous studies. Our modeling exhibited that proliferating/quiescent tumor cells, exhibiting distinct anti-apoptotic and suppressive behaviors, redistributed within the domain accompanied by the evolution of a tumor mass. Collectively, a tumor mass prone to a quiescent state weakened the collective suppressive functions of a tumor mass on cytotoxic T cells and triggered a decline of apoptosis of tumor cells. Although quiescent tumor cells did not sufficiently do their inhibitory functions, the possibility of long-term survival was improved due to their interior location within a mass. Overall, the proposed model provides a useful framework to investigate collective-targeted strategies for improving the efficiency of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyuan Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Research Center for Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, China
| | - Kaiqun Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Research Center for Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, China.
| | - Yaoyao Du
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Research Center for Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, China
| | - Huiyuan Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Research Center for Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, China
| | - Guanjie Jia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Research Center for Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, China
| | - Di Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Research Center for Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, China
| | - Weiyi Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Research Center for Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, China
| | - Yanhu Shan
- School of Instrument and Electronics, North University of China, Taiyuan, 030051, China.
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10
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Wei J, Liao Z, Tao Y, Liu S. Evaluation of the possible association of PDCD-1 and LAG3 gene polymorphisms with hepatocellular carcinoma risk. BMC Med Genomics 2023; 16:92. [PMID: 37131179 PMCID: PMC10155321 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-023-01526-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Programmed death-1 (PDCD-1) and lymphocyte activating 3 (LAG3), two important immunosuppressive molecules, play crucial roles in immune escape of tumor cells. This study evaluated the effects of PDCD-1 (rs10204525 and rs36084323), and LAG3 (rs870849 and rs1882545) gene polymorphisms on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk. METHODS 341 patients with HCC and 350 cancer-free controls in the South Chinese population were included in a population-based case-control study. DNAs were extracted from peripheral blood samples. Genotypes were analyzed using multiplex PCR and sequencing. SNPs were analyzed using multiple inheritance models (co-dominant, dominant, recessive, and over-dominant). RESULTS The allele and genotype frequencies of neither of the four polymorphisms, adjusted for age and gender, differed between HCC patients and controls. The differences were also not significant after stratifying by gender and age. According to our results, HCC patients with rs10204525 TC genotype had significantly lower AFP levels than HCC patients with rs10204525 TT genotype (P = 0.004). Moreover, the frequency of PDCD-1 rs36084323 CT genotype reduced the risk of TNM grade (CT vs. C/C-T/T: OR = 0.57, 95%CI = 0.37-0.87, P = 0.049). CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated that the PDCD-1 (rs10204525 and rs36084323), and LAG3 (rs870849 and rs1882545) polymorphism did not influence the risk of HCC, PDCD-1 rs10204525 TC genotype was associated with the lower AFP levels and rs36084323 CT genotypes were related to HCC tumor grades in the South Chinese samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiankai Wei
- College of Pharmacy, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, China
- Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhangxiu Liao
- College of Pharmacy, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, China.
- Guangxi database construction and application engineering research center for intracorporal pharmacochemistry of TCM, Baise, Guangxi, China.
| | - Ying Tao
- Basic Medical College, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, China
| | - Shuaiting Liu
- Basic Medical College, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, China
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11
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Foglia B, Beltrà M, Sutti S, Cannito S. Metabolic Reprogramming of HCC: A New Microenvironment for Immune Responses. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087463. [PMID: 37108625 PMCID: PMC10138633 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary liver cancer, ranking third among the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide and whose incidence varies according to geographical area and ethnicity. Metabolic rewiring was recently introduced as an emerging hallmark able to affect tumor progression by modulating cancer cell behavior and immune responses. This review focuses on the recent studies examining HCC's metabolic traits, with particular reference to the alterations of glucose, fatty acid and amino acid metabolism, the three major metabolic changes that have gained attention in the field of HCC. After delivering a panoramic picture of the peculiar immune landscape of HCC, this review will also discuss how the metabolic reprogramming of liver cancer cells can affect, directly or indirectly, the microenvironment and the function of the different immune cell populations, eventually favoring the tumor escape from immunosurveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Foglia
- Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | - Marc Beltrà
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biomedicina Molecular, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Salvatore Sutti
- Department of Health Sciences, Interdisciplinary Research Center for Autoimmune Diseases, University of East Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Stefania Cannito
- Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy
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12
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Zhu YP, Deng HT, Wang X, Rahat MA, Sun S, Zhang QZ. Cuproptosis-related molecular subtypes direct T cell exhaustion phenotypes and therapeutic strategies for patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1146468. [PMID: 37113755 PMCID: PMC10126426 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1146468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: T cell exhaustion (TEX) heterogeneity leads to unfavorable immunotherapeutic responses in patients with cancer. Classification of TEX molecular phenotypes is pivotal to overcoming TEX and improving immunotherapies in the clinical setting. Cuproptosis is a novel form of programmed cell death associated with tumor progression. However, the relation between cuproptosis-related genes (CuRGs) and the different TEX phenotypes has not been investigated in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Methods: Unsupervised hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm were performed to determine CuRGs-related molecular subtypes and scores for patients with LUAD. The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) landscape in these molecular subtypes and scores was estimated using ESTIMATE and ssGSEA algorithms. Furthermore, TEX characteristics and phenotypes were evaluated in distinct molecular subtypes and scores through GSVA and Spearman correlation analysis. Finally, TIDE scores, immunophenoscore, pRRophetic, GSE78220, and IMvigor210 datasets were employed to appraise the distinguishing capacity of CuRGscore in immunotherapy and pharmacotherapy effectiveness. Results: We identified three CuRGclusters, three geneClusters, and CuRGscore based on 1012 LUAD transcriptional profiles from five datasets. Compared with other molecular subtypes, CuRGcluster B, geneCluster C, and low-CuRGscore group with good prognosis presented fewer TEX characteristics, including immunosuppressive cells infiltration and TEX-associated gene signatures, signal pathways, checkpoint genes, transcription and inflammatory factors. These molecular subtypes were also responsive in distinguishing TEX phenotype in the terminal, GZMK+, and OXPHOS- TEX subtypes, but not the TCF7+ TEX subtype. Notably, copper importer and exporter, SLC31A1 and ATP7B, were remarkably associated with four TEX phenotypes and nine checkpoint genes such as PDCD1, CTLA4, HAVCR2, TIGIT, LAG3, IDO1, SIGLEC7, CD274, PDCD1LG2, indicating that cuproptosis was involved in the development of TEX and immunosuppressive environment in patients with LUAD. Moreover, CuRGscore was significantly related to the TIDE score, immunophenoscore, and terminal TEX score (Spearman R = 0.62, p < 0.001) to effectively predict immunotherapy and drug sensitivity in both training and external validation cohorts. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated the extensive effect of cuproptosis on TEX. CuRGs-related molecular subtypes and scores could illuminate the heterogeneity of TEX phenotype as reliable tools in predicting prognosis and directing more effective immunotherapeutic and chemotherapeutic strategies for patients with LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Pan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hui-Ting Deng
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, Tianjin Third Central Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiuyu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Michal A. Rahat
- Immunotherapy Laboratory, Carmel Medical Center, and the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Shupeng Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiang-Zhe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Qiang-Zhe Zhang,
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13
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Tian B, Li Q. Single-Cell Sequencing and Its Applications in Liver Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:857037. [PMID: 35574365 PMCID: PMC9097917 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.857037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
As one of the most lethal cancers, primary liver cancer (PLC) has high tumor heterogeneity, including the heterogeneity between cancer cells. Traditional methods which have been used to identify tumor heterogeneity for a long time are based on large mixed cell samples, and the research results usually show average level of the cell population, ignoring the heterogeneity between cancer cells. In recent years, single-cell sequencing has been increasingly applied to the studies of PLCs. It can detect the heterogeneity between cancer cells, distinguish each cell subgroup in the tumor microenvironment (TME), and also reveal the clonal characteristics of cancer cells, contributing to understand the evolution of tumor. Here, we introduce the process of single-cell sequencing, review the applications of single-cell sequencing in the heterogeneity of cancer cells, TMEs, oncogenesis, and metastatic mechanisms of liver cancer, and discuss some of the current challenges in the field.
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14
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Gao J, Liu Y, Wei J, Jiang L, Mao J, Chang CH, Wu D. Targeting T cell metabolism for immunotherapy. J Leukoc Biol 2021; 110:1081-1090. [PMID: 34779530 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5mr0921-011r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
T cells play an important role in antitumor immunity. Numbers and function of T cells are controlled by regulating the uptake and utilization of nutrients, and their antitumor activity can be promoted by targeting metabolic pathways. In this review, we highlight the relationship between metabolism and cellular function of T cells. Specifically, we emphasize the metabolic state of tumor-infiltrating T cells and review key pathways that affect the antitumor function of T cells. In the field of tumor immunotherapy, targeting T cell metabolism to enhance the immune response is a new therapeutic strategy for enhancing immunotherapy combined with traditional treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Gao
- Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanbo Liu
- Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Wei
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, USA
| | - Linlan Jiang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianwen Mao
- Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Duojiao Wu
- Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Center for Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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15
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An Epigenetic Perspective on Intra-Tumour Heterogeneity: Novel Insights and New Challenges from Multiple Fields. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194969. [PMID: 34638453 PMCID: PMC8508087 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Although research on cancer biology in recent decades has unveiled the main genetic perturbations driving the onset of tumorigenesis, we are still far from properly treating this disease without the occurrence of drug resistance and metastatic burden. This achievement is hampered by the onset of intra-tumour heterogeneity (ITH), which increases cancer cell fitness and plasticity, thereby fostering cell adaptation to foreign environments and stimuli. In this review, we discuss the contribution of the epigenetic factors in sustaining ITH and their interplay with the tumour microenvironment. We also highlight the recent technological advancements that are contributing to defining the epigenetic mechanisms governing tumour heterogeneity at the single-cell level. Abstract Cancer is a group of heterogeneous diseases that results from the occurrence of genetic alterations combined with epigenetic changes and environmental stimuli that increase cancer cell plasticity. Indeed, multiple cancer cell populations coexist within the same tumour, favouring cancer progression and metastatic dissemination as well as drug resistance, thereby representing a major obstacle for treatment. Epigenetic changes contribute to the onset of intra-tumour heterogeneity (ITH) as they facilitate cell adaptation to perturbation of the tumour microenvironment. Despite being its central role, the intrinsic multi-layered and reversible epigenetic pattern limits the possibility to uniquely determine its contribution to ITH. In this review, we first describe the major epigenetic mechanisms involved in tumourigenesis and then discuss how single-cell-based approaches contribute to dissecting the key role of epigenetic changes in tumour heterogeneity. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of dissecting the interplay between genetics, epigenetics, and tumour microenvironments to decipher the molecular mechanisms governing tumour progression and drug resistance.
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16
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Zhang Y, Wang H, Xu X, Liu H, Hao T, Yin S, Zhang C, He Y. Poor Prognosis and Therapeutic Responses in LILRB1-Expressing M2 Macrophages-Enriched Gastric Cancer Patients. Front Oncol 2021; 11:668707. [PMID: 34485116 PMCID: PMC8415088 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.668707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunosuppressive molecules are valuable prognostic biomarkers across different cancer types. Leukocyte immunoglobulin like receptor subfamily B1 (LILRB1) is considered to be an immunosuppressive molecule, which is an important receptor of human leukocyte antigen G. However, the clinical significance of LILRB1 expression in gastric cancer remains unexplored. We analyzed the immunohistochemistry data of 166 gastric cancer patients to determine the clinicopathologic and survival significance of LILRB1. Immunofluorescence was conducted to detect the co-localization of LILRB1 with infiltrating immune cells. Additionally, we also assessed the immune contexture, immune cell functions and tumor microenvironment state related to LILRB1. We found that LILRB1 was mainly present in tumor stroma which was higher in tumor tissues compared with matched adjacent tissues. High-LILRB1 expression was associated with more advanced tumor stage, higher recurrence risk and worse survival. Immunohistochemistry and bioinformatic analysis showed that LILRB1 had a significant positive correlation with M2 tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) infiltration. Immunofluorescence confirmed that M2 TAMs were the primary immune cells expressing LILRB1. Dense infiltration of LILRB1+ M2 TAMs yielded an immunosuppressive microenvironment manifested as enriched exhausted CD8+ T cells and increased immunosuppressive cytokines. Moreover, patients with high infiltration of both LILRB1+ cells and M2 TAMs indicated poor prognosis and inferior therapeutic responsiveness to adjuvant chemotherapy. In conclusion, LILRB1+ M2 TAMs were associated with a pro-tumor immune contexture and determine poor prognosis in gastric cancer. Further studies are essential to explore therapeutic targeting LILRB1+ M2 TAMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawei Zhang
- Department of Center for Digestive Disease, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Center for Digestive Disease, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyu Xu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huifang Liu
- Department of Center for Digestive Disease, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tengfei Hao
- Department of Center for Digestive Disease, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Songcheng Yin
- Department of Center for Digestive Disease, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Changhua Zhang
- Department of Center for Digestive Disease, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yulong He
- Department of Center for Digestive Disease, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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17
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Zheng Y, Li Y, Feng J, Li J, Ji J, Wu L, Yu Q, Dai W, Wu J, Zhou Y, Guo C. Cellular based immunotherapy for primary liver cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:250. [PMID: 34372912 PMCID: PMC8351445 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02030-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer (PLC) is a common malignancy with high morbidity and mortality. Poor prognosis and easy recurrence on PLC patients calls for optimizations of the current conventional treatments and the exploration of novel therapeutic strategies. For most malignancies, including PLC, immune cells play crucial roles in regulating tumor microenvironments and specifically recognizing tumor cells. Therefore, cellular based immunotherapy has its instinctive advantages in PLC therapy as a novel therapeutic strategy. From the active and passive immune perspectives, we introduced the cellular based immunotherapies for PLC in this review, covering both the lymphoid and myeloid cells. Then we briefly review the combined cellular immunotherapeutic approaches and the existing obstacles for PLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200060, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Jiao Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200060, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Jie Ji
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Liwei Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Qiang Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Weiqi Dai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200060, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Jianye Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200060, China.
| | - Yingqun Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China.
| | - Chuanyong Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200060, China.
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China.
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18
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Hsu CL, Ou DL, Bai LY, Chen CW, Lin L, Huang SF, Cheng AL, Jeng YM, Hsu C. Exploring Markers of Exhausted CD8 T Cells to Predict Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Liver Cancer 2021; 10:346-359. [PMID: 34414122 PMCID: PMC8339511 DOI: 10.1159/000515305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reversal of CD8 T-cell exhaustion was considered a major antitumor mechanism of anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/ anti-programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1)-based immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to identify markers of T-cell exhaustion that is best associated with ICI treatment efficacy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS Immune cell composition of archival tumor samples was analyzed by transcriptomic analysis and multiplex immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS HCC patients with objective response after anti-PD-1/anti-PD-L1-based ICI therapy (n = 42) had higher expression of genes related to T-cell exhaustion. A 9-gene signature (LAG3, CD244, CCL5, CXCL9, CXCL13, MSR1, CSF3R, CYBB, and KLRK1) was defined, whose expression was higher in patients with response to ICI therapy, correlated with density of CD8+LAG3+ cells in tumor microenvironment, and independently predicted better progression-free and overall survival. This 9-gene signature had similar predictive values for patients who received single-agent or combination ICI therapy and was not associated with prognosis in HCC patients who received surgery, suggesting that it may outperform other T-cell signatures for predicting efficacy of ICI therapy for HCC. For HCC patients who underwent surgery for both the primary liver and metastatic lung tumors (n = 31), lung metastatic HCC was associated with a higher exhausted CD8 T-cell signature, consistent with prior observation that patients with lung metastatic HCC may have higher probability of response to ICI therapy. CONCLUSIONS CD8 T-cell exhaustion in tumor microenvironment may predict better efficacy of ICI therapy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Lang Hsu
- Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan,Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Graduate Institute of Medical Genomics and Proteomics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Da-Liang Ou
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Yuan Bai
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital and China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Wei Chen
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li Lin
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shiu-Feng Huang
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Ann-Lii Cheng
- National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan,Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan,Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Ming Jeng
- Department of Pathology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan,*Yung-Ming Jeng,
| | - Chiun Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan,Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan,**Chiun Hsu,
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Woller N, Engelskircher SA, Wirth T, Wedemeyer H. Prospects and Challenges for T Cell-Based Therapies of HCC. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071651. [PMID: 34209393 PMCID: PMC8304292 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The scope of therapeutic options for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has recently been expanded by immunotherapeutic regimens. T cell-based therapies, especially in combination with other treatments have achieved far better outcomes compared to conventional treatments alone. However, there is an emerging body of evidence that eliciting T cell responses in immunotherapeutic approaches is insufficient for favorable outcomes. Immune responses in HCC are frequently attenuated in the tumor microenvironment (TME) or may even support tumor progress. Hence, therapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors or adoptive cell therapies appear to necessitate additional modification of the TME to unlock their full potential. In this review, we focus on immunotherapeutic strategies, underlying molecular mechanisms of CD8 T cell immunity, and causes of treatment failure in HCC of viral and non-viral origin. Furthermore, we provide an overview of TME features in underlying etiologies of HCC patients that mediate therapy resistance to checkpoint inhibition and discuss strategies from the literature concerning current approaches to these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman Woller
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Sophie Anna Engelskircher
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Wirth
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
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20
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Ren Z, Yue Y, Zhang Y, Dong J, Liu Y, Yang X, Lin X, Zhao X, Wei Z, Zheng Y, Wang T. Changes in the Peripheral Blood Treg Cell Proportion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients After Transarterial Chemoembolization With Microparticles. Front Immunol 2021; 12:624789. [PMID: 33717135 PMCID: PMC7943450 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.624789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) stands for an ideal therapy for patients with intermediate stage HCC. This study was carried out to observe the effect of microparticles-transarterial chemoembolization (microparticles-TACE, m-TACE) on the immune function of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients by detecting the proportion of regulatory (Treg) cells in the peripheral blood of HCC patients before and after m-TACE, and to determine whether m-TACE has a positive regulatory effect on the immune function of HCC patients. Methods 33 HCC patients treated with Gelatn Sponge Microparticles (GSMs-TACE) were enrolled. Flow cytometry was used to determine the proportion of Treg cells and CD4+/CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood of HCC patients 1 day before GSMs-TACE, 1 to 2 weeks and 3 to 5 weeks after GSMs-TACE, respectively. Results The Tregs cell proportion of HCC patients was significantly higher than that of the healthy and cirrhosis controls and was associated with various clinical indicators of HCC patients. The Treg cell proportion in HCC patients with BCLC stage C was higher than that of stage B patients; The Treg cell proportion at 1 to 2 weeks postoperatively was 8.54 ± 1.27%, which was significantly lower than that before the GSMs-TACE. The Treg cell proportion at 3 to 5 weeks postoperatively was 7.59 ± 1.27%, which continued to decline. The ratio of CD4+/CD8+ T cells was 1.31 ± 0.56, 1.86 ± 0.73, 1.76 ± 0.58% (P<0.01) respectively. Conclusion These results indicated that m-TACE could exert a positive regulatory effect on the anticancer immune function of HCC patients, which may be used in combination with immune adjuvant therapies to enhance the efficacy of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhizhong Ren
- Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Center Department, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital Affiliated to Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanxun Yue
- Department of Interventional and Pain, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuewei Zhang
- Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Center Department, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital Affiliated to Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiahong Dong
- Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Center Department, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital Affiliated to Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Center Department, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital Affiliated to Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaowei Yang
- Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Center Department, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital Affiliated to Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Lin
- School for Medicine, Institute for Immunology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xueqiang Zhao
- School for Medicine, Institute for Immunology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhanqi Wei
- School for Medicine, Institute for Immunology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Zheng
- School for Medicine, Institute for Immunology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Tianxiao Wang
- Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Center Department, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital Affiliated to Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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CD137 (4-1BB) stimulation leads to metabolic and functional reprogramming of human monocytes/macrophages enhancing their tumoricidal activity. Leukemia 2021; 35:3482-3496. [PMID: 34021248 PMCID: PMC8632678 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-021-01287-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapies have heralded a new era in the cancer treatment. In addition to checkpoint inhibitors, agonistic antibodies against co-stimulatory immune receptors hold the potential to invoke efficient antitumor immunity. Targeting CD137 has gained momentum based on its ability to drive NK- and T-cell-based responses. CD137-engaging mAbs have already entered clinical trials for different types of tumors showing promising results. Despite the efforts to translate CD137-mediated immunotherapy into clinical practice, little remains known regarding the role of CD137 in human monocytes/macrophages.We found CD137 being expressed on monocytes of healthy controls and at even higher levels in patients with multiple myeloma or CLL. CD137HI(GH) monocytes displayed a distinct phenotypic, transcriptomic, and metabolic profile. They possessed an increased phagocytic capacity enabling superior antibody-dependent phagocytosis (ADPC) of multiple myeloma and lymphoma cells that were treated with anti-CD38 or anti-CD20 mAbs. Triggering CD137 promoted both metabolic and tumoricidal activity in an extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-dependent fashion. In addition, we observed a phenotypic, transcriptomic, and functional skewing towards a M1-like phenotype.Overall, we introduce CD137 as a positive immune checkpoint on human monocytes/macrophages, which can have therapeutic implications especially in view of synergistic effects when combining CD137 agonists with tumor-targeting antibodies.
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Yang Y, Liu F, Liu W, Ma M, Gao J, Lu Y, Huang L, Li X, Shi Y, Wang X, Wu D. Analysis of single-cell RNAseq identifies transitional states of T cells associated with hepatocellular carcinoma. Clin Transl Med 2020; 10:e133. [PMID: 32659053 PMCID: PMC7418813 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exhausted T cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs) comprise diverse subsets of tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment that play key roles in tumor progress. Understanding subset diversity in T cells is a critical question for developing cancer immunotherapy. METHODS A total of 235 specimens from surgical resections of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients were examined for infiltration of exhausted T cell (Tex) in tumor and adjacent tissue. We conducted deep single-cell targeted immune profiling on CD3+ cells collected from tumor tissues, adjacent normal tissues (ANTs) and peripheral blood of HCC patients. Total 10 cell clusters were identified with distinct distributions and characteristics. RESULTS We observed transitional differentiation of exhausted CD8+ T cells and Tregs increasingly enriched in tumor tissue. The accumulation and location of Tex were related to the differences in the long-term clinical outcome of HCC. Furthermore, data of single-cell RNA-seq showed that (1) cells transforming from effector CD8+ T cells to exhausted CD8+ T cells simultaneously expressed upregulated effector molecules and inhibitory receptors, (2) indicated alteration of gene expression related to stress response and cell cycle at early exhaustion stage, and (3) immunosuppressive Treg had profound activation in comparison to resting Tregs. CONCLUSIONS T cell exhaustion is a progressive process, and the gene-expression profiling displayed T cell exhaustion and anergy are different. Accordingly, it is possible that functional exhaustion is caused by the combination effects of passive defects and overactivation in stress response. The results help to understand the dynamic framework of T cells function in cancer which is important for designing rational cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanying Yang
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismZhongshan HospitalKey Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicinethe Ministry of EducationFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Fangming Liu
- Institute of Clinical ScienceZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Weiren Liu
- Liver Surgery Department of Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Mingyue Ma
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismZhongshan HospitalKey Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicinethe Ministry of EducationFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jie Gao
- Institute of Clinical ScienceZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismZhongshan HospitalKey Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicinethe Ministry of EducationFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Li‐Hao Huang
- Department of Pathology & ImmunologyWashington University School of MedicineSaint LouisMissouri
| | - Xiaoying Li
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismZhongshan HospitalKey Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicinethe Ministry of EducationFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yinghong Shi
- Liver Surgery Department of Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xiangdong Wang
- Institute of Clinical ScienceZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Duojiao Wu
- Institute of Clinical ScienceZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
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