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Dantzer C, Vaché J, Brunel A, Mahouche I, Raymond AA, Dupuy JW, Petrel M, Bioulac-Sage P, Perrais D, Dugot-Senant N, Verdier M, Bessette B, Billottet C, Moreau V. Emerging role of oncogenic ß-catenin in exosome biogenesis as a driver of immune escape in hepatocellular carcinoma. eLife 2024; 13:RP95191. [PMID: 39008536 PMCID: PMC11249736 DOI: 10.7554/elife.95191] [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] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors have produced encouraging results in cancer patients. However, the majority of ß-catenin-mutated tumors have been described as lacking immune infiltrates and resistant to immunotherapy. The mechanisms by which oncogenic ß-catenin affects immune surveillance remain unclear. Herein, we highlighted the involvement of ß-catenin in the regulation of the exosomal pathway and, by extension, in immune/cancer cell communication in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We showed that mutated ß-catenin represses expression of SDC4 and RAB27A, two main actors in exosome biogenesis, in both liver cancer cell lines and HCC patient samples. Using nanoparticle tracking analysis and live-cell imaging, we further demonstrated that activated ß-catenin represses exosome release. Then, we demonstrated in 3D spheroid models that activation of β-catenin promotes a decrease in immune cell infiltration through a defect in exosome secretion. Taken together, our results provide the first evidence that oncogenic ß-catenin plays a key role in exosome biogenesis. Our study gives new insight into the impact of ß-catenin mutations on tumor microenvironment remodeling, which could lead to the development of new strategies to enhance immunotherapeutic response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Justine Vaché
- Université de Bordeaux, INSERM, U1312, BRICBordeauxFrance
| | - Aude Brunel
- Université de Limoges, INSERM, U1308, CAPTuRLimogesFrance
| | | | - Anne-Aurélie Raymond
- Université de Bordeaux, INSERM, U1312, BRICBordeauxFrance
- Plateforme OncoProt, Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, TBM-Core, US5, UAR3457BordeauxFrance
| | - Jean-William Dupuy
- Plateforme OncoProt, Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, TBM-Core, US5, UAR3457BordeauxFrance
- Plateforme Protéome, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux ProteomeBordeauxFrance
| | - Melina Petrel
- Bordeaux Imaging Center, Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, BICBordeauxFrance
| | | | - David Perrais
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, IINS, BordeauxBordeauxFrance
| | - Nathalie Dugot-Senant
- Plateforme d'histologie, Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, TBM-Core, US5, UAR3457BordeauxFrance
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Li R, Liu S, Yeo K, Edwards S, Li MY, Santos R, Rad SK, Wu F, Maddern G, Young J, Tomita Y, Townsend A, Fenix K, Hauben E, Price T, Smith E. Diagnostic and prognostic significance of circulating secreted frizzled-related protein 5 in colorectal cancer. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7352. [PMID: 38872420 PMCID: PMC11176579 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Secreted Frizzled-Related Protein 5 (SFRP5) modulates Wnt signalling pathways, affecting diverse biological processes. We assessed the diagnostic and prognostic value of circulating SFRP5 (cSFRP5) in colorectal cancer (CRC) METHODS: Plasma cSFRP5 concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in healthy donors (n = 133), individuals diagnosed with CRC (n = 449), colorectal polyps (n = 85), and medical conditions in other organs including cancer, inflammation, and benign states (n = 64). RESULTS Patients with CRC, polyps, and other conditions showed higher cSFRP5 levels than healthy individuals (p < 0.0001). Receiver operating characteristic curves comparing healthy donors with medical conditions, polyps and CRC were 0.814 (p < 0.0001), 0.763 (p < 0.0001) and 0.762 (p < 0.0001), respectively. In CRC, cSFRP5 correlated with patient age (p < 0.0001), tumour stage (p < 0.0001), and histological differentiation (p = 0.0273). Levels, adjusted for patient age, sex, plasma age and collection institution, peaked in stage II versus I (p < 0.0001), III (p = 0.0002) and IV (p < 0.0001), were lowest in stage I versus III (p = 0.0002) and IV (p = 0.0413), with no difference between stage III and IV. Elevated cSFRP5 levels predicted longer overall survival in stages II-III CRC (univariate: HR 1.82, 95% CI: 1.02-3.26, p = 0.024; multivariable: HR 2.34, 95% CI: 1.12-4.88, p = 0.015). CONCLUSION This study confirms cSFRP5 levels are elevated in CRC compared to healthy control and reveals a correlation between elevated cSFRP5 and overall survival in stages II-III disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runhao Li
- Solid Tumour Group, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville South, South Australia, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Saifei Liu
- Solid Tumour Group, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville South, South Australia, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kenny Yeo
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Discipline of Surgery, The University of Adelaide, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville South, South Australia, Australia
| | - Suzanne Edwards
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Man Ying Li
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Discipline of Surgery, The University of Adelaide, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville South, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ryan Santos
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Viral Immunology Group, The University of Adelaide and Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, Woodville, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sima Kianpour Rad
- Solid Tumour Group, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville South, South Australia, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Fangmeinuo Wu
- Solid Tumour Group, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville South, South Australia, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Guy Maddern
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Discipline of Surgery, The University of Adelaide, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville South, South Australia, Australia
| | - Joanne Young
- Solid Tumour Group, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville South, South Australia, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Medical Oncology, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, South Australia, Australia
| | - Yoko Tomita
- Solid Tumour Group, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville South, South Australia, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Medical Oncology, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, South Australia, Australia
| | - Amanda Townsend
- Solid Tumour Group, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville South, South Australia, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Medical Oncology, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kevin Fenix
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Discipline of Surgery, The University of Adelaide, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville South, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ehud Hauben
- Discipline of Surgery, The University of Adelaide, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville South, South Australia, Australia
| | - Timothy Price
- Solid Tumour Group, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville South, South Australia, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Medical Oncology, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, South Australia, Australia
| | - Eric Smith
- Solid Tumour Group, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville South, South Australia, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Discipline of Surgery, The University of Adelaide, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville South, South Australia, Australia
- Medical Oncology, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, South Australia, Australia
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3
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Yuan Y, Wu D, Hou Y, Zhang Y, Tan C, Nie X, Zhao Z, Hou J. Wnt signaling: Modulating tumor-associated macrophages and related immunotherapeutic insights. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 223:116154. [PMID: 38513742 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Wnt signaling pathways are highly conserved cascades that mediate multiple biological processes through canonical or noncanonical pathways, from embryonic development to tissue maintenance, but they also contribute to the pathogenesis of numerous cancers. Recent studies have revealed that Wnt signaling pathways critically control the interplay between cancer cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and potentially impact the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we summarize the evidence that Wnt signaling pathways boost the maturation and infiltration of macrophages for immune surveillance in the steady state but also polarize TAMs toward immunosuppressive M2-like phenotypes for immune escape in the TME. Both cancer cells and TAMs utilize Wnt signaling to transmit signals, and this interaction is crucial for the carcinogenesis and progression of common solid cancers, such as colorectal, gastric, hepatocellular, breast, thyroid, prostate, kidney, and lung cancers; osteosarcoma; and glioma. Specifically, compared with those in solid cancers, Wnt signaling pathways play a distinct role in the pathogenesis of leukemia. Efforts to develop Wnt-based drugs for cancer treatment are still ongoing, and some indeed enhance the anticancer immune response. We believe that the combination of Wnt signaling-based therapy with conventional or immune therapies is a promising therapeutic approach and can facilitate personalized treatment for most cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimeng Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Dapeng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yifan Hou
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Cong Tan
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Xiaobo Nie
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China; Henan Provincial Research Center for the Prevention and Diagnosis of Prostate Diseases, Henan University, Kaifeng, China.
| | - Zhenhua Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China; Henan Provincial Research Center for the Prevention and Diagnosis of Prostate Diseases, Henan University, Kaifeng, China.
| | - Junqing Hou
- Kaifeng 155 Hospital, China RongTong Medical Healthcare Group Co. Ltd., Kaifeng, China; Henan Provincial Research Center for the Prevention and Diagnosis of Prostate Diseases, Henan University, Kaifeng, China.
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Wang K, Wu J, Yang Z, Zheng B, Shen S, Wang RR, Zhang Y, Wang HY, Chen L, Qiu X. Hyperactivation of β-catenin signal in hepatocellular carcinoma recruits myeloid-derived suppressor cells through PF4-CXCR3 axis. Cancer Lett 2024; 586:216690. [PMID: 38307410 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
The high mutation rate of CTNNB1 (37 %) and Wnt-β-catenin signal-associated genes (54 %) has been notified in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The activation of Wnt-β-catenin signal pathway was reported to be associated with an immune "desert" phenotype, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here we mainly employed orthotopic HCC models to explore on it. Mass cytometry depicted the immune contexture of orthotopic HCC syngeneic grafts, unveiling that the exogenous expression of β-catenin significantly increased the percentage of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and decreased the percentage of CD8+ T-cells. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry further confirmed the findings. The protein microarray analysis, Western blot and PCR identified PF4 as its downstream regulating cytokine. Intratumorally injection of cytokine PF4 enhanced the accumulation of MDSCs. Knockout of PF4 abolished the effect of β-catenin on recruiting MDSCs. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that β-catenin increases the mRNA level of PF4 via binding to PF4's promoter region. In vitro chemotaxis assay and in vivo administration of specific inhibitors identified CXCR3 on MDSCs as receptor for recruiting PF4. Lastly, the significant correlations across β-catenin, PF4 and MDSCs and CD8+ T-cells infiltration were verified in HCC clinical samples. Our results unveiled HCC tumor cell intrinsic hyperactivation of β-catenin can recruit MDSC through PF4-CXCR3, which contributes to the formation of immune "desert" phenotype. Our study provided new insights into the development of immunotherapeutic strategy of HCC with CTNNB1 mutation. SIGNIFICANCE: This study identifies PF4-CXCR3-MDSCs as a downstream mechanism underlying CTNNB1 mutation associated immune "desert" phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiting Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Jianmin Wu
- Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Zhao Yang
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Bo Zheng
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, National Center for Liver Cancer, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China; National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, 200441, China
| | - Siyun Shen
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, National Center for Liver Cancer, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China; National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, 200441, China
| | - Rui-Ru Wang
- Berry Oncology Corporation, Digital Fujian Park, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yani Zhang
- Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Hong-Yang Wang
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, National Center for Liver Cancer, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China; National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, 200441, China; Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200438, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Lei Chen
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, National Center for Liver Cancer, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China; Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200438, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), Shanghai, 200438, China; Department of Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Xinyao Qiu
- Department of Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Dai X, Chen W, Qiao Y, Chen X, Chen Y, Zhang K, Zhang Q, Duan X, Li X, Zhao J, Tian F, Liu K, Dong Z, Lu J. Dihydroartemisinin inhibits the development of colorectal cancer by GSK-3β/TCF7/MMP9 pathway and synergies with capecitabine. Cancer Lett 2024; 582:216596. [PMID: 38101610 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) suffer from poor prognosis and lack effective drugs. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) has anti-cancer potential but the mechanism remains unclear. We elucidated the effects and mechanism of DHA on CRC development with the aim of providing an effective, low-toxicity drug and a novel strategy for CRC. Herein, proliferation assay, transwell assay, tube formation assay, metastasis models, PDX model and AOM/DSS model were used to reveal the effects of DHA on CRC. The key pathway and target were identified by RNA-seq, ChIP, molecular docking, pull down and dual-luciferase reporter assays. As a result, DHA showed a strong inhibitory effect on the growth, metastasis and angiogenesis of CRC with no obvious toxicity, and the inhibitory effect was similar to that of the clinical drug Capecitabine (Cap). Indeed, DHA directly targeted GSK-3β to inhibit CRC development through the GSK-3β/TCF7/MMP9 pathway. Meaningfully, DHA in combination with Cap enhanced the anti-cancer effect, and alleviated Cap-induced diarrhoea, immunosuppression and inflammation. In conclusion, DHA has the potential to be an effective and low-toxicity drug for the treatment of CRC. Furthermore, DHA in combination with Cap could be a novel therapeutic strategy for CRC with improved efficacy and reduced side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoshuo Dai
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, PR China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, PR China
| | - Yan Qiao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, PR China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450052, PR China
| | - Xinhuan Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, PR China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450052, PR China
| | - Yihuan Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, PR China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, PR China
| | - Qiushuang Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, PR China
| | - Xiaoxuan Duan
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, PR China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, PR China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450052, PR China
| | - Jimin Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, PR China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450052, PR China
| | - Fang Tian
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, PR China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450052, PR China
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, PR China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450052, PR China
| | - Ziming Dong
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, PR China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450052, PR China
| | - Jing Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, PR China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450052, PR China.
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6
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Thomas EM, Wright JA, Blake SJ, Page AJ, Worthley DL, Woods SL. Advancing translational research for colorectal immuno-oncology. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:1442-1450. [PMID: 37563222 PMCID: PMC10628092 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02392-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: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common and deadly disease. Unfortunately, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) fail to elicit effective anti-tumour responses in the vast majority of CRC patients. Patients that are most likely to respond are those with DNA mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) and microsatellite instability (MSI) disease. However, reliable predictors of ICI response are lacking, even within the dMMR/MSI subtype. This, together with identification of novel mechanisms to increase response rates and prevent resistance, are ongoing and vitally important unmet needs. To address the current challenges with translation of early research findings into effective therapeutic strategies, this review summarises the present state of preclinical testing used to inform the development of immuno-regulatory treatment strategies for CRC. The shortfalls and advantages of commonly utilised mouse models of CRC, including chemically induced, transplant and transgenic approaches are highlighted. Appropriate use of existing models, incorporation of patient-derived data and development of cutting-edge models that recapitulate important features of human disease will be key to accelerating clinically relevant research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine M Thomas
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Josephine A Wright
- Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Stephen J Blake
- Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Amanda J Page
- School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Daniel L Worthley
- Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Susan L Woods
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
- Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
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7
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Eralp Y, Ates U. Clinical Applications of Combined Immunotherapy Approaches in Gastrointestinal Cancer: A Case-Based Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1545. [PMID: 37896948 PMCID: PMC10610904 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11101545] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant neoplasms arising from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are among the most common types of cancer with high mortality rates. Despite advances in treatment in a small subgroup harboring targetable mutations, the outcome remains poor, accounting for one in three cancer-related deaths observed globally. As a promising therapeutic option in various tumor types, immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors has also been evaluated in GI cancer, albeit with limited efficacy except for a small subgroup expressing microsatellite instability. In the quest for more effective treatment options, energetic efforts have been placed to evaluate the role of several immunotherapy approaches comprising of cancer vaccines, adoptive cell therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this review, we report our experience with a personalized dendritic cell cancer vaccine and cytokine-induced killer cell therapy in three patients with GI cancers and summarize current clinical data on combined immunotherapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesim Eralp
- Maslak Acıbadem Hospital, Acıbadem University, Istanbul 34398, Turkey
| | - Utku Ates
- Biotech4life Tissue and Cell R&D Center, Stembio Cell and Tissue Technologies, Inc., Istanbul 34398, Turkey
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8
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Zou M, Al-Yahya S, Al-Alwan M, BinEssa HA, Khabar KSA, Almohanna F, Assiri AM, Altaweel A, Qattan A, Meyer BF, Alzahrani AS, Shi Y. β-catenin attenuation leads to up-regulation of activating NKG2D ligands and tumor regression in BrafV600E-driven thyroid cancer cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1171816. [PMID: 37483610 PMCID: PMC10358762 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1171816] [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: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction BRAFV600E mutations frequently occur in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). β-catenin, encoded by CTNNB1, is a key downstream component of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway and is often overexpressed in PTC. BRAFV600E-driven PTC tumors rely on Wnt/β-catenin signaling to sustain growth and progression. Methods In the present study, we investigated the tumorigenicity of thyroid cancer cells derived from BRAFV600E PTC mice following Ctnnb1 ablation (BVE-Ctnnb1null). Results Remarkably, the tumorigenic potential of BVE-Ctnnb1null tumor cells was lost in nude mice. Global gene expression analysis of BVE-Ctnnb1null tumor cells showed up-regulation of NKG2D receptor activating ligands (H60a, H60b, H60c, Raet1a, Raet1b, Raet1c, Raet1d, Raet1e, and Ulbp1) and down-regulation of inhibitory MHC class I molecules H-2L and H-2K2 in BVE-Ctnnb1null tumor cells. In vitro cytotoxicity assay demonstrated that BVE-Ctnnb1wt tumor cells were resistant to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity, whereas BVE-Ctnnb1null tumor cells were sensitive to NK cell-mediated killing. Furthermore, the overexpression of any one of these NKG2D ligands in the BVE-Ctnnb1wt cell line resulted in a significant reduction of tumor growth in nude mice. Conclusions Our results indicate that active β-catenin signaling inhibits NK cell-mediated immune responses against thyroid cancer cells. Targeting the β-catenin signaling pathway may have significant therapeutic benefits for BRAF-mutant thyroid cancer by not only inhibiting tumor growth but also enhancing host immune surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjing Zou
- Department of Molecular Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suhad Al-Yahya
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Monther Al-Alwan
- Department of Stem Cell & Tissue Re-engineering, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and College of Medicine, Al-Faisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Huda A. BinEssa
- Department of Molecular Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid S. A. Khabar
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Falah Almohanna
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah M. Assiri
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulmohsen Altaweel
- Mawhiba, King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amal Qattan
- Department of Molecular Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Brian F. Meyer
- Centre for Genomic Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali S. Alzahrani
- Department of Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yufei Shi
- Department of Molecular Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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9
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Molnar A, Monroe H, Basri Aydin H, Arslan ME, Lightle A, Lee H, El Jabbour T. Tumors of the Digestive System: Comprehensive Review of Ancillary Testing and Biomarkers in the Era of Precision Medicine. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:2388-2404. [PMID: 36826143 PMCID: PMC9954843 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30020182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has remained at the vanguard of promising cancer therapeutic regimens due to its exceptionally high specificity for tumor cells and potential for significantly improved treatment-associated quality of life compared to other therapeutic approaches such as surgery and chemoradiation. This is especially true in the digestive system, where high rates of mutation give rise to a host of targetable tumor-specific antigens. Many patients, however, do not exhibit measurable improvements under immunotherapy due to intrinsic or acquired resistance, making predictive biomarkers necessary to determine which patients will benefit from this line of treatment. Many of these biomarkers are assessed empirically by pathologists according to nuanced scoring criteria and algorithms. This review serves to inform clinicians and pathologists of extant and promising upcoming biomarkers predictive of immunotherapeutic efficacy among digestive system malignancies and the ancillary testing required for interpretation by pathologists according to tumor site of origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila Molnar
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10025, USA
| | - Hunter Monroe
- Department of Pathology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Hasan Basri Aydin
- Department of Pathology, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Mustafa Erdem Arslan
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Andrea Lightle
- Department of Pathology, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Hwajeong Lee
- Department of Pathology, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Tony El Jabbour
- Department of Pathology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
- Correspondence:
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10
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Li SW, Han LF, He Y, Wang XS. Immunological classification of hepatitis B virus-positive hepatocellular carcinoma by transcriptome analysis. World J Hepatol 2022; 14:1997-2011. [PMID: 36618328 PMCID: PMC9813842 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v14.i12.1997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major factor responsible for HBV+ hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
AIM An immunological classification of HBV+ HCC may provide both biological insights and clinical implications for this disease.
METHODS Based on the enrichment of 23 immune signatures, we identified two immune-specific subtypes (Imm-H and Imm-L) of HBV+ HCC by unsupervised clustering. We showed that this subtyping method was reproducible and predictable by analyzing three different datasets.
RESULTS Compared to Imm-L, Imm-H displayed stronger immunity, more stromal components, lower tumor purity, lower stemness and intratumor heterogeneity, lower-level copy number alterations, higher global methylation level, and better overall and disease-free survival prognosis. Besides immune-related pathways, stromal pathways (ECM receptor interaction, focal adhesion, and regulation of actin cytoskeleton) and neuro-related pathways (neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, and prion diseases) were more highly enriched in Imm-H than in Imm-L. We identified nine proteins differentially expressed between Imm-H and Imm-L, of which MYH11, PDCD4, Dvl3, and Syk were upregulated in Imm-H, while PCNA, Acetyl-a-Tubulin-Lys40, ER-α_pS118, Cyclin E2, and β-Catenin were upregulated in Imm-L.
CONCLUSION Our data suggest that “hot” tumors have a better prognosis than “cold” tumors in HBV+ HCC and that “hot” tumors respond better to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Wei Li
- Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Li-Fan Han
- Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yin He
- Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Sheng Wang
- Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, Jiangsu Province, China
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11
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Wang J, Liu T, Huang T, Shang M, Wang X. The mechanisms on evasion of anti-tumor immune responses in gastric cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:943806. [PMID: 36439472 PMCID: PMC9686275 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.943806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system and the tumor have been at each other's throats for so long that the neoplasm has learned to avoid detection and avoid being attacked, which is called immune evasion. Malignant tumors, such as gastric cancer (GC), share the ability to evade the body's immune system as a defining feature. Immune evasion includes alterations to tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), antigen presentation mechanisms (APMs), and the tumor microenvironment (TME). While TAA and APM are simpler in nature, they both involve mutations or epigenetic regulation of genes. The TME is comprised of numerous cell types, cytokines, chemokines and extracellular matrix, any one of which might be altered to have an effect on the surrounding ecosystem. The NF-kB, MAPK, PI3K/AKT, JAK/STAT, Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, Hippo and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways are all associated with gastric cancer tumor immune evasion. In this review, we will delineate the functions of these pathways in immune evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Xudong Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Hernia Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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12
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Shen Q, He Y, Qian J, Wang X. Identifying tumor immunity-associated molecular features in liver hepatocellular carcinoma by multi-omics analysis. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:960457. [PMID: 36339710 PMCID: PMC9632276 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.960457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Although current immunotherapies have achieved some successes for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, their benefits are limited for most HCC patients. Therefore, the identification of biomarkers for promoting immunotherapeutic responses in HCC is urgently needed. Methods: Using the TCGA HCC cohort, we investigated correlations of various molecular features with antitumor immune signatures (CD8+ T cell infiltration and cytolytic activity) and an immunosuppressive signature (PD-L1 expression) in HCC. These molecular features included mRNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), proteins, and pathways. Results: We found that the mutations of several oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes significantly correlated with reduced antitumor immune signatures, including TTN, CTNNB1, RB1, ZFHX4, and TP53. It indicates that these genes’ mutations may inhibit antitumor immune responses in HCC. Four proteins (Syk, Lck, STAT5, and Caspase-7) had significant positive expression correlations with CD8+ T cell enrichment, cytolytic activity, and PD-L1 expression in HCC. It suggests that these proteins’ expression could be useful biomarkers for the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors Similiarly, we identified other types of biomarkers potentially useful for predicting the response to ICIs, including miRNAs (hsa-miR-511-5p, 150-3p, 342-3p, 181a-3p, 625-5p, 4772-3p, 155-3p, 142-5p, 142-3p, 155-5p, 625-3p, 1976, 7702), many lncRNAs, and pathways (apoptosis, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, Jak-STAT signaling, MAPK signaling, PI3K-AKT signaling, HIF-1 signaling, ECM receptor interaction, focal adhesion, and estrogen signaling). Further, tumor mutation burden showed no significant correlation with antitumor immunity, while tumor aneuploidy levels showed a significant negative correlation with antitumor immunity. Conclusion: The molecular features significantly associated with HCC immunity could be predictive biomarkers for immunotherapeutic responses in HCC patients. They could also be potential intervention targets for boosting antitumor immunity and immunotherapeutic responses in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianyun Shen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yin He
- Biomedical Informatics Research Lab, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
- Cancer Genomics Research Center, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
- Big Data Research Institute, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiajie Qian
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaosheng Wang
- Biomedical Informatics Research Lab, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
- Cancer Genomics Research Center, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
- Big Data Research Institute, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaosheng Wang,
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13
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Kim J, Oh J, Peterson HM, Carlson JC, Pittet MJ, Weissleder R. TNIK Inhibition Has Dual Synergistic Effects on Tumor and Associated Immune Cells. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2022; 6:e2200030. [PMID: 35675910 PMCID: PMC9398996 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Treatment with checkpoint inhibitors can be extraordinarily effective in a fraction of patients, particularly those whose tumors are pre-infiltrated by T cells. In others, efficacy is considerably lower, which has led to interest in developing strategies for sensitization to immunotherapy. Using various colorectal cancer mouse models, it is shown that the use of Traf2 and Nck-interacting protein kinase inhibitors (TNIKi) unexpectedly increases tumor infiltration by PD-1+ CD8+ T cells, thus contributing to tumor control. This appears to happen by two independent mechanisms, by inducing immunogenic cell death and separately by directly activating CD8. The use of TNIKi achieves complete tumor control in 50% of mice when combined with checkpoint inhibitor targeting PD-1. These findings reveal immunogenic properties of TNIKi and indicate that the proportion of colorectal cancers responding to checkpoint therapy can be increased by combining it with immunogenic kinase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaehee Kim
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St, CPZN 5206, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Juhyun Oh
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St, CPZN 5206, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Hannah M. Peterson
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St, CPZN 5206, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jonathan C.T. Carlson
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St, CPZN 5206, Boston, MA 02114, USA,MGH Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Mikael J. Pittet
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St, CPZN 5206, Boston, MA 02114, USA,Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Agora Cancer Center, Rue du Bugnon 25A, 1000, Lausanne, Switzerland,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ralph Weissleder
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St, CPZN 5206, Boston, MA 02114, USA,MGH Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA,Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, 200 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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14
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Weng J, Li S, Zhu Z, Liu Q, Zhang R, Yang Y, Li X. Exploring immunotherapy in colorectal cancer. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:95. [PMID: 35842707 PMCID: PMC9288068 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01294-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy combined with or without targeted therapy is the fundamental treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Due to the adverse effects of chemotherapeutic drugs and the biological characteristics of the tumor cells, it is difficult to make breakthroughs in traditional strategies. The immune checkpoint blockades (ICB) therapy has made significant progress in the treatment of advanced malignant tumors, and patients who benefit from this therapy may obtain a long-lasting response. Unfortunately, immunotherapy is only effective in a limited number of patients with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H), and segment initial responders can subsequently develop acquired resistance. From September 4, 2014, the first anti-PD-1/PD-L1 drug Pembrolizumab was approved by the FDA for the second-line treatment of advanced malignant melanoma. Subsequently, it was approved for mCRC second-line treatment in 2017. Immunotherapy has rapidly developed in the past 7 years. The in-depth research of the ICB treatment indicated that the mechanism of colorectal cancer immune-resistance has become gradually clear, and new predictive biomarkers are constantly emerging. Clinical trials examining the effect of immune checkpoints are actively carried out, in order to produce long-lasting effects for mCRC patients. This review summarizes the treatment strategies for mCRC patients, discusses the mechanism and application of ICB in mCRC treatment, outlines the potential markers of the ICB efficacy, lists the key results of the clinical trials, and collects the recent basic research results, in order to provide a theoretical basis and practical direction for immunotherapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyong Weng
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'an Road, Xuhui, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shanbao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Zhonglin Zhu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'an Road, Xuhui, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'an Road, Xuhui, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ruoxin Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'an Road, Xuhui, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yufei Yang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'an Road, Xuhui, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xinxiang Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'an Road, Xuhui, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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15
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Zhao H, Ming T, Tang S, Ren S, Yang H, Liu M, Tao Q, Xu H. Wnt signaling in colorectal cancer: pathogenic role and therapeutic target. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:144. [PMID: 35836256 PMCID: PMC9281132 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01616-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 240] [Impact Index Per Article: 120.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Wnt signaling pathway is a complex network of protein interactions that functions most commonly in embryonic development and cancer, but is also involved in normal physiological processes in adults. The canonical Wnt signaling pathway regulates cell pluripotency and determines the differentiation fate of cells during development. The canonical Wnt signaling pathway (also known as the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway) is a recognized driver of colon cancer and one of the most representative signaling pathways. As a functional effector molecule of Wnt signaling, the modification and degradation of β-catenin are key events in the Wnt signaling pathway and the development and progression of colon cancer. Therefore, the Wnt signaling pathway plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diseases, especially the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Objective Inhibit the Wnt signaling pathway to explore the therapeutic targets of colorectal cancer. Methods Based on studying the Wnt pathway, master the biochemical processes related to the Wnt pathway, and analyze the relevant targets when drugs or inhibitors act on the Wnt pathway, to clarify the medication ideas of drugs or inhibitors for the treatment of diseases, especially colorectal cancer. Results Wnt signaling pathways include: Wnt/β-catenin or canonical Wnt signaling pathway, planar cell polarity (Wnt-PCP) pathway and Wnt-Ca2+ signaling pathway. The Wnt signaling pathway is closely related to cancer cell proliferation, stemness, apoptosis, autophagy, metabolism, inflammation and immunization, microenvironment, resistance, ion channel, heterogeneity, EMT/migration/invasion/metastasis. Drugs/phytochemicals and molecular preparations for the Wnt pathway of CRC treatment have now been developed. Wnt inhibitors are also commonly used clinically for the treatment of CRC. Conclusion The development of drugs/phytochemicals and molecular inhibitors targeting the Wnt pathway can effectively treat colorectal cancer clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Tianqi Ming
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Shun Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Shan Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Han Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Maolun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Qiu Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Haibo Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
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16
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Wnt/β-catenin signalling: function, biological mechanisms, and therapeutic opportunities. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:3. [PMID: 34980884 PMCID: PMC8724284 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00762-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 537] [Impact Index Per Article: 268.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin pathway comprises a family of proteins that play critical roles in embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis. The deregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling often leads to various serious diseases, including cancer and non-cancer diseases. Although many articles have reviewed Wnt/β-catenin from various aspects, a systematic review encompassing the origin, composition, function, and clinical trials of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway in tumour and diseases is lacking. In this article, we comprehensively review the Wnt/β-catenin pathway from the above five aspects in combination with the latest research. Finally, we propose challenges and opportunities for the development of small-molecular compounds targeting the Wnt signalling pathway in disease treatment.
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17
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Yan J, Yuan P, Gui L, Wang Z, Yin P, Gao WQ, Ma B. CCL28 Downregulation Attenuates Pancreatic Cancer Progression Through Tumor Cell-Intrinsic and -Extrinsic Mechanisms. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2021; 20:15330338211068958. [PMID: 34939465 PMCID: PMC8721394 DOI: 10.1177/15330338211068958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
C-C motif chemokine ligand 28 (CCL28) has been reported to be pro-tumoral in several cancer types. However, the role of CCL28 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) progression remains unclear. CCL28 mRNA expression in tumors from PDAC patients was found to be elevated as compared to normal pancreas. CCL28 expression was also negatively correlated with overall survival (OS) in pancreatic cancer patients. Our in vitro experiments showed that CCL28 knockdown impairs the proliferation of mouse pancreatic cancer cell line PAN02. Moreover, in both immunocompetent syngeneic mice and immunodeficient NOD-SCID mice, CCL28 deficiency significantly attenuated the growth of subcutaneous PAN02 tumors. In syngeneic mouse model, CCL28 downregulation remodeled the pancreatic tumor microenvironment by suppressing the infiltration of both regulatory T (Treg) cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and activated pancreatic stellate cells, and upregulating the expression of lymphocyte cytotoxic proteins including perforin and granzyme B. In conclusion, our work demonstrates that CCL28 is a potential target for pancreatic cancer treatment and CCL28 blockade could inhibit tumor growth through both tumor-cell-intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Yan
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Med-X Research Institute, 12474Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pengkun Yuan
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Med-X Research Institute, 12474Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liming Gui
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Med-X Research Institute, 12474Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhixue Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Med-X Research Institute, 12474Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pan Yin
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Med-X Research Institute, 12474Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Qiang Gao
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Med-X Research Institute, 12474Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, 12474Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Ma
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Med-X Research Institute, 12474Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, 12474Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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18
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Zhong F, Lin Y, Jing X, Ye Y, Wang S, Shen Z. Innate tumor killers in colorectal cancer. Cancer Lett 2021; 527:115-126. [PMID: 34952144 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Standard treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) improves the prognosis of CRC patients, but it is still intractable to control the progression of metastatic CRC. Immune microenvironment and immunotherapies of CRC have received extensive attention in recent years, but present immunotherapies of CRC have mainly focused on T cells and therapeutic response is only observed in a small proportion of patients. Innate immune cells are the first-line of defense in the development of malignancies. Natural killer (NK) cells, NKT cells and γδT cells are three types of innate cells of lymphoid origin and show cytotoxicity against various tumor cells including CRC. Besides, in the development of CRC, they can also be inhibited or express regulatory type, promoting tumor progression. Researches about anti-tumorigenic and pro-tumorigenic mechanisms of these cells are ongoing and regulation of these cells is also being unearthed. Meanwhile, immunotherapies using these cells more or less have shown efficacy in animal models and some of them are under exploration in clinical trials. This review provides an overview of intrinsic properties of NK cell, NKT cell and γδT cell, and summarizes current related promising treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyun Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China; Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.
| | - Yilin Lin
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China; Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.
| | - Xiangxiang Jing
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China; Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.
| | - Yingjiang Ye
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China; Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.
| | - Shan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China; Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.
| | - Zhanlong Shen
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China; Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.
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19
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Parsons MJ, Tammela T, Dow LE. WNT as a Driver and Dependency in Cancer. Cancer Discov 2021; 11:2413-2429. [PMID: 34518209 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-21-0190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The WNT signaling pathway is a critical regulator of development and adult tissue homeostasis and becomes dysregulated in many cancer types. Although hyperactivation of WNT signaling is common, the type and frequency of genetic WNT pathway alterations can vary dramatically between different cancers, highlighting possible cancer-specific mechanisms for WNT-driven disease. In this review, we discuss how WNT pathway disruption contributes to tumorigenesis in different organs and how WNT affects the tumor cell and immune microenvironment. Finally, we describe recent and ongoing efforts to target oncogenic WNT signaling as a therapeutic strategy. SIGNIFICANCE: WNT signaling is a fundamental regulator of tissue homeostasis and oncogenic driver in many cancer types. In this review, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of WNT signaling in cancer, particularly the complexities of WNT activation in distinct cancer types, its role in immune evasion, and the challenge of targeting the WNT pathway as a therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie J Parsons
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Tuomas Tammela
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Lukas E Dow
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York. .,Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
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20
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BCL9 regulates CD226 and CD96 checkpoints in CD8 + T cells to improve PD-1 response in cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:313. [PMID: 34417435 PMCID: PMC8379253 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00730-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, the overall response rate of PD-1 blockade remains unsatisfactory, partially due to limited understanding of tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). B-cell lymphoma 9 (BCL9), a key transcription co-activator of the Wnt pathway, is highly expressed in cancers. By genetic depletion and pharmacological inhibition of BCL9 in tumors, we found that BCL9 suppression reduced tumor growth, promoted CD8+ T cell tumor infiltration, and enhanced response to anti-PD-1 treatment in mouse colon cancer models. To determine the underlying mechanism of BCL9's role in TIME regulation, single-cell RNA-seq was applied to reveal cellular landscape and transcription differences in the tumor immune microenvironment upon BCL9 inhibition. CD155-CD226 and CD155-CD96 checkpoints play key roles in cancer cell/CD8+ T cell interaction. BCL9 suppression induces phosphorylation of VAV1 in CD8+ T cells and increases GLI1 and PATCH expression to promote CD155 expression in cancer cells. In The Cancer Genome Atlas database analysis, we found that BCL9 expression is positively associated with CD155 and negatively associated with CD226 expression. BCL9 is also linked to adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) mutation involved in patient survival following anti-PD-1 treatment. This study points to cellular diversity within the tumor immune microenvironment affected by BCL9 inhibition and provides new insights into the role of BCL9 in regulating CD226 and CD96 checkpoints.
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21
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Abstract
The immune tumor microenvironment (TME) of colorectal cancer (CRC) is a crucial contributor to disease biology, making it an important target for therapeutic intervention. The diversity of immune cell populations within various subsets of CRC has led to the discovery that immune characterization of the TME has both prognostic and predictive value for patients. The convergence of improved molecular and cellular characterization of CRC along with the widespread use of immunotherapy in solid tumors has led to a revolution in the approach to clinical care. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) which target key immune checkpoints, such as programmed death-1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4), have demonstrated remarkable clinical activity in microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) CRCs and are now used in routine practice. The observation that MSI-H cancers are highly infiltrated with immune cells and carry a high neoantigen load led to the successful targeting of these cancers with immunotherapy. More recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a PD-1 inhibitor for microsatellite stable (MSS) cancers with high tumor mutation burden. However, the anti-tumor activity of immunotherapy is rare in the majority of CRC. While immune cell characterization does provide prognostic value in these patients, these observations have not yet led to therapeutic interventions. By delineating factors that predict efficacy, resistance, and therapeutic targets, ongoing research will inform the development of effective combination strategies for the vast majority of MSS CRC and immunotherapy-resistant MSI-H cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parul Agarwal
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Dung T Le
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States.
| | - Patrick M Boland
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
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22
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Deldar Abad Paskeh M, Mirzaei S, Ashrafizadeh M, Zarrabi A, Sethi G. Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling as a Driver of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression: An Emphasis on Molecular Pathways. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2021; 8:1415-1444. [PMID: 34858888 PMCID: PMC8630469 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s336858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancers cause a high rate of death worldwide and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered as the most common primary liver cancer. HCC remains a challenging disease to treat. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is considered a tumor-promoting factor in various cancers; hence, the present review focused on the role of Wnt signaling in HCC, and its association with progression and therapy response based on pre-clinical and clinical evidence. The nuclear translocation of β-catenin enhances expression level of genes such as c-Myc and MMPs in increasing cancer progression. The mutation of CTNNB1 gene encoding β-catenin and its overexpression can lead to HCC progression. β-catenin signaling enhances cancer stem cell features of HCC and promotes their growth rate. Furthermore, β-catenin prevents apoptosis in HCC cells and increases their migration via triggering EMT and upregulating MMP levels. It is suggested that β-catenin signaling participates in mediating drug resistance and immuno-resistance in HCC. Upstream mediators including ncRNAs can regulate β-catenin signaling in HCC. Anti-cancer agents inhibit β-catenin signaling and mediate its proteasomal degradation in HCC therapy. Furthermore, clinical studies have revealed the role of β-catenin and its gene mutation (CTNBB1) in HCC progression. Based on these subjects, future experiments can focus on developing novel therapeutics targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling in HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahshid Deldar Abad Paskeh
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Mirzaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
- Correspondence: Sepideh Mirzaei Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran Email
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Sariyer, Istanbul, 34396, Turkey
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Cancer Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Gautam Sethi Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore Email
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23
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Lai KKY, Kahn M. Pharmacologically Targeting the WNT/β-Catenin Signaling Cascade: Avoiding the Sword of Damocles. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2021; 269:383-422. [PMID: 34463849 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
WNT/β-catenin signaling plays fundamental roles in numerous developmental processes and in adult tissue homeostasis and repair after injury, by controlling cellular self-renewal, activation, division, differentiation, movement, genetic stability, and apoptosis. As such, it comes as no surprise that dysregulation of WNT/β-catenin signaling is associated with various diseases, including cancer, fibrosis, neurodegeneration, etc. Although multiple agents that specifically target the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway have been studied preclinically and a number have entered clinical trials, none has been approved by the FDA to date. In this chapter, we provide our insights as to the reason(s) it has been so difficult to safely pharmacologically target the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway and discuss the significant efforts undertaken towards this goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keane K Y Lai
- Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Michael Kahn
- Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA.
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