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Milosevic V, Östman A. Interactions between cancer-associated fibroblasts and T-cells: functional crosstalk with targeting and biomarker potential. Ups J Med Sci 2024; 129:10710. [PMID: 38863724 PMCID: PMC11165253 DOI: 10.48101/ujms.v129.10710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a heterogeneous cell population recognized as a key component of the tumour microenvironment (TME). Cancer-associated fibroblasts are known to play an important role in maintaining and remodelling the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the tumour stroma, supporting cancer progression and inhibiting the immune system's response against cancer cells. This review aims to summarize the immunomodulatory roles of CAFs, particularly focussing on their T-cell suppressive effects. Cancer-associated fibroblasts have several ways by which they can affect the tumour's immune microenvironment (TIME). For example, their interactions with macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) create an immunosuppressive milieu that can indirectly affect T-cell anticancer immunity and enable immune evasion. In addition, a number of recent studies have confirmed CAF-mediated direct suppressive effects on T-cell anticancer capacity through ECM remodelling, promoting the expression of immune checkpoints, cytokine secretion and the release of extracellular vesicles. The consequential impact of CAFs on T-cell function is then reflected in affecting T-cell proliferation and apoptosis, migration and infiltration, differentiation and exhaustion. Emerging evidence highlights the existence of specific CAF subsets with distinct capabilities to modulate the immune landscape of TME in various cancers, suggesting the possibility of their exploitation as possible prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladan Milosevic
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Arne Östman
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Jiang Z, Zhang Z, You X, Ye L, Lin W, Liu L, Cao Y, Pan J. Crosstalk among T cells, epithelial cells, and fibroblasts identifies a prognostic signature in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Dis 2024; 30:1956-1969. [PMID: 37491735 DOI: 10.1111/odi.14688] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to analyze the crosstalk network among T cells, epithelial cells, and fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and to determine their prognostic values. MATERIALS AND METHODS Single-cell subpopulation identification and communication analysis identified crosstalk markers. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox analysis identified key prognostic features by integrating the bulk transcriptome and clinical parameters. Functional analysis and immune infiltration were explored to determine possible mechanisms. RESULTS Interactions between epithelial cells and fibroblasts primarily involve MIF, MK, PTN, IGF, EGF, and PERIOSTIN, whereas T cells interact with epithelial cells and fibroblasts through MIF, CXCL, PAR, IFN, and EGF signals. We constructed a novel prognostic feature comprising 13 crosstalk genes: HBEGF, FGF7, GRN, ITGB5, CXCR6, ERBB2, AREG, F2RL2, NAMPT, KLK12, HMGB2, TUBA1B, and KLRD1. Patients were stratified based on the RiskScore. Functional analysis revealed that the high-risk group was enriched in immunosuppressive pathways (p < 0.001). Immune checkpoints including PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA4 were more highly expressed in the high-risk group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The crosstalk network among T cells, epithelial cells, and fibroblasts is complex and may have implications for prognosis and clinical treatments of OSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhishen Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zijian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaotong You
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Weimin Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Oral Implantology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yubin Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jian Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Mathieson L, Koppensteiner L, Dorward DA, O'Connor RA, Akram AR. Cancer-associated fibroblasts expressing fibroblast activation protein and podoplanin in non-small cell lung cancer predict poor clinical outcome. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:1758-1769. [PMID: 38582812 PMCID: PMC11130154 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02671-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a dominant cell type in the stroma of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Fibroblast heterogeneity reflects subpopulations of CAFs, which can influence prognosis and treatment efficacy. We describe the subtypes of CAFs in NSCLC. METHODS Primary human NSCLC resections were assessed by flow cytometry and multiplex immunofluorescence for markers of fibroblast activation which allowed identification of CAF subsets. Survival data were analysed for our NSCLC cohort consisting of 163 patients to understand prognostic significance of CAF subsets. RESULTS We identified five CAF populations, termed CAF S1-S5. CAF-S5 represents a previously undescribed population, and express FAP and PDPN but lack the myofibroblast marker αSMA, whereas CAF-S1 populations express all three. CAF-S5 are spatially further from tumour regions then CAF-S1 and scRNA data demonstrate an inflammatory phenotype. The presence of CAF-S1 or CAF-S5 is correlated to worse survival outcome in NSCLC, despite curative resection, highlighting the prognostic importance of CAF subtypes in NSCLC. TCGA data suggest the predominance of CAF-S5 has a poor prognosis across several cancer types. CONCLUSION This study describes the fibroblast heterogeneity in NSCLC and the prognostic importance of the novel CAF-S5 subset where its presence correlates to worse survival outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layla Mathieson
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Dr, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
- Translational Healthcare Technologies Group, Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Dr, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Lilian Koppensteiner
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Dr, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
- Translational Healthcare Technologies Group, Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Dr, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
| | - David A Dorward
- Department of Pathology, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Richard A O'Connor
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Dr, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
- Translational Healthcare Technologies Group, Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Dr, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Ahsan R Akram
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Dr, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK.
- Translational Healthcare Technologies Group, Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Dr, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK.
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics & Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, UK.
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Soler MF, Abaurrea A, Azcoaga P, Araujo AM, Caffarel MM. New perspectives in cancer immunotherapy: targeting IL-6 cytokine family. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007530. [PMID: 37945321 PMCID: PMC10649711 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation has been recognized as a canonical cancer hallmark. It is orchestrated by cytokines, which are master regulators of the tumor microenvironment (TME) as they represent the main communication bridge between cancer cells, the tumor stroma, and the immune system. Interleukin (IL)-6 represents a keystone cytokine in the link between inflammation and cancer. Many cytokines from the IL-6 family, which includes IL-6, oncostatin M, leukemia inhibitory factor, IL-11, IL-27, IL-31, ciliary neurotrophic factor, cardiotrophin 1, and cardiotrophin-like cytokine factor 1, have been shown to elicit tumor-promoting roles by modulating the TME, making them attractive therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.The development of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) immunotherapies has radically changed the outcome of some cancers including melanoma, lung, and renal, although not without hurdles. However, ICB shows limited efficacy in other solid tumors. Recent reports support that chronic inflammation and IL-6 cytokine signaling are involved in resistance to immunotherapy. This review summarizes the available preclinical and clinical data regarding the implication of IL-6-related cytokines in regulating the immune TME and the response to ICB. Moreover, the potential clinical benefit of combining ICB with therapies targeting IL-6 cytokine members for cancer treatment is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Florencia Soler
- Biogipuzkoa (previously known as Biodonostia) Health Research Institute, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Andrea Abaurrea
- Biogipuzkoa (previously known as Biodonostia) Health Research Institute, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Peio Azcoaga
- Biogipuzkoa (previously known as Biodonostia) Health Research Institute, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Angela M Araujo
- Biogipuzkoa (previously known as Biodonostia) Health Research Institute, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Maria M Caffarel
- Biogipuzkoa (previously known as Biodonostia) Health Research Institute, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
- Ikerbasque Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
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Xu Y, Li W, Lin S, Liu B, Wu P, Li L. Fibroblast diversity and plasticity in the tumor microenvironment: roles in immunity and relevant therapies. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:234. [PMID: 37723510 PMCID: PMC10506315 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01204-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), enriched in the tumor stroma, have received increasing attention because of their multifaceted effects on tumorigenesis, development, metastasis, and treatment resistance in malignancies. CAFs contributed to suppressive microenvironment via different mechanisms, while CAFs also exerted some antitumor effects. Therefore, CAFs have been considered promising therapeutic targets for their remarkable roles in malignant tumors. However, patients with malignancies failed to benefit from current CAFs-targeted drugs in many clinical trials, which suggests that further in-depth investigation into CAFs is necessary. Here, we summarize and outline the heterogeneity and plasticity of CAFs mainly by exploring their origin and activation, highlighting the regulation of CAFs in the tumor microenvironment during tumor evolution, as well as the critical roles performed by CAFs in tumor immunity. In addition, we summarize the current immunotherapies targeting CAFs, and conclude with a brief overview of some prospects for the future of CAFs research in the end. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashi Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Li
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shitong Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Binghan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Li Li
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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6
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Koppensteiner L, Mathieson L, Pattle S, Dorward DA, O'Connor R, Akram AR. Location of CD39 + T cell subpopulations within tumors predict differential outcomes in non-small cell lung cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e006770. [PMID: 37648263 PMCID: PMC10471883 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-006770] [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] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE An improved mechanistic understanding of immunosuppressive pathways in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is important to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Here, we investigate the prognostic significance of the ectonucleotidases CD39 and CD73 in NSCLC. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The expression and localization of CD39, CD73 and CD103 was digitally quantified in a cohort of 162 early treatment naïve NSCLC patients using multiplex-immunofluorescence and related to patient outcome. Expression among different cell-populations was assessed via flow cytometry. Targeted RNA-Seq was performed on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from digested NSCLC tumor tissue and single-cell RNA-Seq data was analyzed to investigate the functional significance of CD39+ T cell populations. RESULTS We demonstrate that flow cytometry of early untreated NSCLC patients shows an upregulation of CD39 expression in the tumor tissue among natural killer (NK) cells, fibroblasts and T cells. CD73 expression is mainly found among fibroblasts and Epcam+cells in the tumor tissue. Multiplex Immunofluorescence in a cohort of 162 early untreated NSCLC patients demonstrates that CD39 expression is mainly localized in the tumor stroma while CD73 expression is equally distributed between tumor nest and stroma, and high expression of CD39 and CD73 in the tumor stroma is associated with poor recurrence-free survival (RFS) at 5 years. Additionally, we find that CD8+T cells located in the tumor nest express CD103 and the density of CD39+CD103+CD8+ T cells in the tumor nest predicts improved RFS at 5 years. Targeted RNA-Seq shows that the tumor microenvironment of NSCLC upregulates regulatory pathways in CD4+ T cells and exhaustion in CD8+ T cells, and analysis of a single cell RNA sequencing dataset shows that CD39+CD4+ cells are enriched in Treg signature gene-sets, and CD39+CD103+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte show gene signatures indicative of an exhausted cytotoxic phenotype with upregulated expression of CXCL13. CONCLUSIONS Knowledge of patterns of distribution and location are required to understand the prognostic impact of CD39+ T cell populations in NSCLC. This study provides an improved understanding of spatial and functional characteristics of CD39+ T cells and their significance to patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Layla Mathieson
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Samuel Pattle
- Department of Pathology, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Richard O'Connor
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ahsan R Akram
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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O’Connor RA, Martinez BR, Koppensteiner L, Mathieson L, Akram AR. Cancer-associated fibroblasts drive CXCL13 production in activated T cells via TGF-beta. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1221532. [PMID: 37520560 PMCID: PMC10373066 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1221532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Tumour-reactive T cells producing the B-cell attractant chemokine CXCL13, in solid tumours, promote development of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) and are associated with improved prognosis and responsiveness to checkpoint immunotherapy. Cancer associated fibroblasts are the dominant stromal cell type in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) where they co-localise with T cells and can influence T cell activation and exhaustion. We questioned whether CAF directly promote CXCL13-production during T cell activation. Methods We characterised surface markers, cytokine production and transcription factor expression in CXCL13-producing T cells in NSCLC tumours and paired non-cancerous lung samples using flow cytometry. We then assessed the influence of human NSCLC-derived primary CAF lines on T cells from healthy donors and NSCLC patients during activation in vitro measuring CXCL13 production and expression of cell-surface markers and transcription factors by flow cytometry. Results CAFs significantly increased the production of CXCL13 by both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. CAF-induced CXCL13-producing cells lacked expression of CXCR5 and BCL6 and displayed a T peripheral helper cell phenotype. Furthermore, we demonstrate CXCL13 production by T cells is induced by TGF-β and limited by IL-2. CAF provide TGF-β during T cell activation and reduce availability of IL-2 both directly (by reducing the capacity for IL-2 production) and indirectly, by expanding a population of activated Treg. Inhibition of TGF-β signalling prevented both CAF-driven upregulation of CXCL13 and Treg expansion. Discussion Promoting CXCL13 production represents a newly described immune-regulatory function of CAF with the potential to shape the immune infiltrate of the tumour microenvironment both by altering the effector-function of tumour infiltrating T-cells and their capacity to attract B cells and promote TLS formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A. O’Connor
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Begoña Roman Martinez
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lilian Koppensteiner
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Layla Mathieson
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ahsan R. Akram
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Han J, Dong L, Wu M, Ma F. Dynamic polarization of tumor-associated macrophages and their interaction with intratumoral T cells in an inflamed tumor microenvironment: from mechanistic insights to therapeutic opportunities. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1160340. [PMID: 37251409 PMCID: PMC10219223 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1160340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has brought a paradigm shift in the treatment of tumors in recent decades. However, a significant proportion of patients remain unresponsive, largely due to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play crucial roles in shaping the TME by exhibiting dual identities as both mediators and responders of inflammation. TAMs closely interact with intratumoral T cells, regulating their infiltration, activation, expansion, effector function, and exhaustion through multiple secretory and surface factors. Nevertheless, the heterogeneous and plastic nature of TAMs renders the targeting of any of these factors alone inadequate and poses significant challenges for mechanistic studies and clinical translation of corresponding therapies. In this review, we present a comprehensive summary of the mechanisms by which TAMs dynamically polarize to influence intratumoral T cells, with a focus on their interaction with other TME cells and metabolic competition. For each mechanism, we also discuss relevant therapeutic opportunities, including non-specific and targeted approaches in combination with checkpoint inhibitors and cellular therapies. Our ultimate goal is to develop macrophage-centered therapies that can fine-tune tumor inflammation and empower immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiashu Han
- 4+4 Medical Doctor Program, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dongcheng, Beijing, China
| | - Luochu Dong
- 4+4 Medical Doctor Program, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dongcheng, Beijing, China
| | - Mengwei Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (CAMS), Beijing, China
| | - Fei Ma
- Center for National Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Lim JU, Lee E, Lee SY, Cho HJ, Ahn DH, Hwang Y, Choi JY, Yeo CD, Park CK, Kim SJ. Current literature review on the tumor immune micro-environment, its heterogeneity and future perspectives in treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2023; 12:857-876. [PMID: 37197639 PMCID: PMC10183402 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-22-633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objective Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) were a major clinical advancement that provided an opportunity to improve the prognosis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, programmed death-ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression does not sufficiently predict ICI efficacy in NSCLC patients. In recent studies, the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) was shown to have a central role in lung cancer progression and to affect clinical outcome of patients diagnosed with lung cancer. As development of new therapeutic targets to overcome ICI resistance is a priority, understanding the TIME is important. Recently, a series of studies was conducted to target each component of TIME to improve efficacy of cancer treatment. In this review, important features related to TIME, its heterogeneity and current trends in treatment targeting the component of TIME are discussed. Methods PubMed and PMC were searched from January 1st, 2012 to August 16th, 2022 using the following key words: "NSCLC", "Tumor microenvironment", "Immune", "Metastasis" and "Heterogeneity". Key Content and Findings Heterogeneity in the TIME can be either spatial or temporal. Subsequent to heterogeneous changes in the TIME, treatment of lung cancer can be more challenging because drug resistance is more likely to occur. In terms of the TIME, the main concept for increasing the chance of successful NSCLC treatment is to activate immune responses against tumor cells and inhibit immunosuppressive activities. In addition, relevant research is focused on normalizing an otherwise aberrant TIME in NSCLC patients. Potential therapeutic targets include immune cells, cytokine interactions, and non-immune cells such as fibroblasts or vessels. Conclusions In management of lung cancer, understanding TIME and its heterogeneity is significant to treatment outcomes. Ongoing trials including various treatment modalities such as radiotherapy, cytotoxic chemotherapy, and anti-angiogenic treatment and regimens inhibiting other immunoinhibitory molecules are promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Uk Lim
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yeouido St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunyoung Lee
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Postech-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, Songeui Multiplex Hall, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Yun Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Gachon University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeong Jun Cho
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Postech-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, Songeui Multiplex Hall, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Hyuck Ahn
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Postech-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, Songeui Multiplex Hall, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongki Hwang
- Postech-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, Songeui Multiplex Hall, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Young Choi
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Incheon St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Dong Yeo
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Kwon Park
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yeouido St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Joon Kim
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Postech-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, Songeui Multiplex Hall, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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CD73: Friend or Foe in Lung Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065545. [PMID: 36982618 PMCID: PMC10056814 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ecto-5′-nucleotidase (CD73) plays a strategic role in calibrating the magnitude and chemical nature of purinergic signals that are delivered to immune cells. Its primary function is to convert extracellular ATP to adenosine in concert with ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-1 (CD39) in normal tissues to limit an excessive immune response in many pathophysiological events, such as lung injury induced by a variety of contributing factors. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that the location of CD73, in proximity to adenosine receptor subtypes, indirectly determines its positive or negative effect in a variety of organs and tissues and that its action is affected by the transfer of nucleoside to subtype-specific adenosine receptors. Nonetheless, the bidirectional nature of CD73 as an emerging immune checkpoint in the pathogenesis of lung injury is still unknown. In this review, we explore the relationship between CD73 and the onset and progression of lung injury, highlighting the potential value of this molecule as a drug target for the treatment of pulmonary disease.
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11
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Xia C, Yin S, To KKW, Fu L. CD39/CD73/A2AR pathway and cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:44. [PMID: 36859386 PMCID: PMC9979453 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01733-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer development is closely associated with immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) that attenuates antitumor immune responses and promotes tumor cell immunologic escape. The sequential conversion of extracellular ATP into adenosine by two important cell-surface ectonucleosidases CD39 and CD73 play critical roles in reshaping an immunosuppressive TME. The accumulated extracellular adenosine mediates its regulatory functions by binding to one of four adenosine receptors (A1R, A2AR, A2BR and A3R). The A2AR elicits its profound immunosuppressive function via regulating cAMP signaling. The increasing evidence suggests that CD39, CD73 and A2AR could be used as novel therapeutic targets for manipulating the antitumor immunity. In recent years, monoclonal antibodies or small molecule inhibitors targeting the CD39/CD73/A2AR pathway have been investigated in clinical trials as single agents or in combination with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies. In this review, we provide an updated summary about the pathophysiological function of the adenosinergic pathway in cancer development, metastasis and drug resistance. The targeting of one or more components of the adenosinergic pathway for cancer therapy and circumvention of immunotherapy resistance are also discussed. Emerging biomarkers that may be used to guide the selection of CD39/CD73/A2AR-targeting treatment strategies for individual cancer patients is also deliberated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglai Xia
- Affiliated Foshan Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528000, China. .,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 515150, China.
| | - Shuanghong Yin
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Affiliated Foshan Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528000 China ,grid.488530.20000 0004 1803 6191State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060 China
| | - Kenneth K. W. To
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482School of Pharmacy, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Liwu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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12
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Li C, Qiu Y, Zhang Y. Research Progress on Therapeutic Targeting of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts to Tackle Treatment-Resistant NSCLC. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:1411. [PMID: 36422541 PMCID: PMC9696940 DOI: 10.3390/ph15111411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for most lung cancer cases and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Treatment options for lung cancer are no longer limited to surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, as targeted therapy and immunotherapy offer a new hope for patients. However, drug resistance in chemotherapy and targeted therapy, and the low response rates to immunotherapy remain important challenges. Similar to tumor development, drug resistance occurs because of significant effects exerted by the tumor microenvironment (TME) along with cancer cell mutations. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a key component of the TME and possess multiple functions, including cross-talking with cancer cells, remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM), secretion of various cytokines, and promotion of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, which in turn provide support for the growth, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance of cancer cells. Therefore, CAFs represent valuable therapeutic targets for lung cancer. Herein, we review the latest progress in the use of CAFs as potential targets and mediators of drug resistance for NSCLC treatment. We explored the role of CAFs on the regulation of the TME and surrounding ECM, with particular emphasis on treatment strategies involving combined CAF targeting within the current framework of cancer treatment.
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13
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Thiery J. Modulation of the antitumor immune response by cancer-associated fibroblasts: mechanisms and targeting strategies to hamper their immunosuppressive functions. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2022; 3:598-629. [PMID: 36338519 PMCID: PMC9630350 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2022.00103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are highly heterogeneous players that shape the tumor microenvironment and influence tumor progression, metastasis formation, and response to conventional therapies. During the past years, some CAFs subsets have also been involved in the modulation of immune cell functions, affecting the efficacy of both innate and adaptive anti-tumor immune responses. Consequently, the implication of these stromal cells in the response to immunotherapeutic strategies raised major concerns. In this review, current knowledge of CAFs origins and heterogeneity in the tumor stroma, as well as their effects on several immune cell populations that explain their immunosuppressive capabilities are summarized. The current development of therapeutic strategies for targeting this population and their implication in the field of cancer immunotherapy is also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome Thiery
- INSERM, UMR 1186, 94800 Villejuif, France
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, 94805 Villejuif, France
- University Paris Saclay, Faculty of Medicine, 94270 Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
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14
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Chen XM, Liu YY, Tao BY, Xue XM, Zhang XX, Wang LL, Zhong H, Zhang J, Yang SM, Jiang QQ. NT5E upregulation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A novel biomarker on cancer-associated fibroblasts for predicting immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2022; 13:975847. [PMID: 36091055 PMCID: PMC9458906 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.975847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite tremendous progress made in the diagnosis and managements, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) remains a global medical dilemma with dismal clinical prognosis and high mortality. Gene NT5E encodes the ecto-5’-nucleotidase (CD73), which facilitates the formation of immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) permissive for tumor progression in various malignancies. Nevertheless, the cell subsets NT5E expressed on and the potential function of NT5E in the TME of HNSC remain virgin lands in HNSC. In this study, we comprehensively performed integrated prognostic analysis and elucidated that NT5E was an independent prognostic indicator for HNSC, for which a high NT5E level predicted poor overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS) and progression-free interval (PFI) in HNSC patients (p<0.05). Enrichment analyses revealed the close correlation between NT5E and ECM remodeling, and the latent function of NT5E may involve in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis during HNSC progression. HNSC-related immune infiltration analysis and single-cell type analysis demonstrated that NT5E expression was significantly positively associated with cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in HNSC (p<0.01). NT5E-related TME analysis revealed that NT5E-high group are characterized by low neoantigen loads (NAL, p<0.001) and tumor mutation burden (TMB, p<0.01), indicating high-NT5E-expression HNSC patients may be recalcitrant to immunotherapy. In-situ multicolor immunofluorescence staining was later conducted and the results further verified our findings. Taken together, NT5E could be a novel biomarker in HNSC. Predominantly expressed on CAFs, the upregulation of NT5E might predict an immunosuppressive TME for HNSC patients who may benefit little from immunotherapy. Targeting CAFs with high NT5E expression might be a novel therapeutic strategy for HNSC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-min Chen
- Medical School of Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Beijing, China
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, State Key Lab of Hearing Science, Beijing Key Lab of Hearing Impairment Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-yang Liu
- Medical School of Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Beijing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bing-yan Tao
- Medical School of Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Beijing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xin-miao Xue
- Medical School of Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Beijing, China
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, State Key Lab of Hearing Science, Beijing Key Lab of Hearing Impairment Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Xin-xin Zhang
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, State Key Lab of Hearing Science, Beijing Key Lab of Hearing Impairment Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Lin-lin Wang
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, State Key Lab of Hearing Science, Beijing Key Lab of Hearing Impairment Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Zhong
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, State Key Lab of Hearing Science, Beijing Key Lab of Hearing Impairment Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Qing-qing Jiang, ; Shi-ming Yang, ; Jun Zhang,
| | - Shi-ming Yang
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, State Key Lab of Hearing Science, Beijing Key Lab of Hearing Impairment Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Qing-qing Jiang, ; Shi-ming Yang, ; Jun Zhang,
| | - Qing-qing Jiang
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, State Key Lab of Hearing Science, Beijing Key Lab of Hearing Impairment Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Qing-qing Jiang, ; Shi-ming Yang, ; Jun Zhang,
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15
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Xu L, Zou C, Zhang S, Chu TSM, Zhang Y, Chen W, Zhao C, Yang L, Xu Z, Dong S, Yu H, Li B, Guan X, Hou Y, Kong FM. Reshaping the systemic tumor immune environment (STIE) and tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) to enhance immunotherapy efficacy in solid tumors. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:87. [PMID: 35799264 PMCID: PMC9264569 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01307-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of combination immunotherapy based on the mediation of regulatory mechanisms of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is promising. However, a deep understanding of tumor immunology must involve the systemic tumor immune environment (STIE) which was merely illustrated previously. Here, we aim to review recent advances in single-cell transcriptomics and spatial transcriptomics for the studies of STIE, TIME, and their interactions, which may reveal heterogeneity in immunotherapy responses as well as the dynamic changes essential for the treatment effect. We review the evidence from preclinical and clinical studies related to TIME, STIE, and their significance on overall survival, through different immunomodulatory pathways, such as metabolic and neuro-immunological pathways. We also evaluate the significance of the STIE, TIME, and their interactions as well as changes after local radiotherapy and systemic immunotherapy or combined immunotherapy. We focus our review on the evidence of lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, aiming to reshape STIE and TIME to enhance immunotherapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangliang Xu
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518053, China
| | - Chang Zou
- Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518020, China.,Shenzhen Public Service Platform on Tumor Precision Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518020, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Education Ministry, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646100, China
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- Department of Chemical Biology, School of Life and Marine Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
| | - Timothy Shun Man Chu
- Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK.,Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518053, China
| | - Weiwei Chen
- Department of Clinical Oncology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Caining Zhao
- Department of Clinical Oncology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518053, China
| | - Zhiyuan Xu
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518053, China
| | - Shaowei Dong
- Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518020, China
| | - Hao Yu
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Bo Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Xinyuan Guan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518053, China. .,Department of Clinical Oncology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. .,Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong Laboratory, Huizhou, Guangdong, 528200, China.
| | - Yuzhu Hou
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
| | - Feng-Ming Kong
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518053, China. .,Department of Clinical Oncology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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16
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Yegutkin GG, Boison D. ATP and Adenosine Metabolism in Cancer: Exploitation for Therapeutic Gain. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:797-822. [PMID: 35738682 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenosine is an evolutionary ancient metabolic regulator linking energy state to physiologic processes, including immunomodulation and cell proliferation. Tumors create an adenosine-rich immunosuppressive microenvironment through the increased release of ATP from dying and stressed cells and its ectoenzymatic conversion into adenosine. Therefore, the adenosine pathway becomes an important therapeutic target to improve the effectiveness of immune therapies. Prior research has focused largely on the two major ectonucleotidases, ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 1/cluster of differentiation (CD)39 and ecto-5'-nucleotidase/CD73, which catalyze the breakdown of extracellular ATP into adenosine, and on the subsequent activation of different subtypes of adenosine receptors with mixed findings of antitumor and protumor effects. New findings, needed for more effective therapeutic approaches, require consideration of redundant pathways controlling intratumoral adenosine levels, including the alternative NAD-inactivating pathway through the CD38-ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase phosphodiesterase (ENPP)1-CD73 axis, the counteracting ATP-regenerating ectoenzymatic pathway, and cellular adenosine uptake and its phosphorylation by adenosine kinase. This review provides a holistic view of extracellular and intracellular adenosine metabolism as an integrated complex network and summarizes recent data on the underlying mechanisms through which adenosine and its precursors ATP and ADP control cancer immunosurveillance, tumor angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, cancer-associated thrombosis, blood flow, and tumor perfusion. Special attention is given to differences and commonalities in the purinome of different cancers, heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment, subcellular compartmentalization of the adenosine system, and novel roles of purine-converting enzymes as targets for cancer therapy. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The discovery of the role of adenosine as immune checkpoint regulator in cancer has led to the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting extracellular adenosine metabolism and signaling in multiple clinical trials and preclinical models. Here we identify major gaps in knowledge that need to be filled to improve the therapeutic gain from agents targeting key components of the adenosine metabolic network and, on this basis, provide a holistic view of the cancer purinome as a complex and integrated network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennady G Yegutkin
- MediCity Research Laboratory and InFLAMES Flagship, University of Turku, Turku, Finland (G.G.Y.); Department of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson and New Jersey Medical Schools, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey (D.B.); and Rutgers Brain Health Institute, Piscataway, New Jersey (D.B.)
| | - Detlev Boison
- MediCity Research Laboratory and InFLAMES Flagship, University of Turku, Turku, Finland (G.G.Y.); Department of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson and New Jersey Medical Schools, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey (D.B.); and Rutgers Brain Health Institute, Piscataway, New Jersey (D.B.)
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17
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Wu Z, Ju Q. Non-Coding RNAs Implicated in the Tumor Microenvironment of Colorectal Cancer: Roles, Mechanisms and Clinical Study. Front Oncol 2022; 12:888276. [PMID: 35574420 PMCID: PMC9096125 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.888276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors. The morbidity and mortality rates have been increasing all over the world. It is critical to elucidate the mechanism of CRC occurrence and development. However, tumor microenvironment (TME) includes immune cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, cytokines, chemokines and other components that affect the progression of CRC and patients' prognosis. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs) without protein-coding ability have been shown to engage in tumor microenvironment-mediated angiogenesis and metastasis. Therefore, clarifying the mechanism of ncRNAs regulating the microenvironment is very important to develop the therapeutic target of CRC and improve the survival time of patients. This review focuses on the role and mechanism of ncRNAs in the CRC microenvironment and puts forward possible clinical treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qiang Ju
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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18
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Ding M, Fei Y, Zhu J, Ma J, Zhu G, Zhen N, Zhu J, Mao S, Sun F, Wang F, Pan Q. IL-27 Improves Adoptive CD8 + T Cells Antitumor Activity via Enhancing Cells Survival and Memory T Cells Differentiation. Cancer Sci 2022; 113:2258-2271. [PMID: 35441753 PMCID: PMC9277268 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
IL-27 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that triggers enhanced antitumor immunity, particularly cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses. In the present study, we sought to develop IL-27 into a therapeutic adjutant for adoptive T-cell therapy using our well-established models. We have found that IL-27 directly improved the survival status and cytotoxicity of adoptive OT-1 CD8+ T cells in vitro and in vivo. Meanwhile, IL-27 treatment programs memory T cells differentiation in CD8+ T cells, characterized by up regulation of genes associated with T cell memory differentiation (T-bet, Eomes, Blimp1 and Ly6C). Additionally, we engineered the adoptive OT-1 CD8+ T cells to deliver IL-27. In mice, the established tumors treated with OT-1 CD8+ T-IL-27 were completely rejected, which demonstrated that IL-27 delivered via tumor antigen-specific T cells enhance adoptive T cells cancer immunity. To our knowledge, this is the first application of CD8+ T cells as a vehicle to deliver IL-27 to treat tumors. Thus, these studies demonstrate IL-27 is a feasible approach for enhancing CD8+ T cells anti-tumor immunity and can be used as a therapeutic adjutant for T cell adoptive transfer to treat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Ding
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Fei
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Shanghai Jiaotong University affiliated Sixth People's Hospital
| | - Jianmin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Ministry of Health, Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ji Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoqing Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ni Zhen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiabei Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Siwei Mao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fenyong Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Huadong Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiuhui Pan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Diagnostics for Pediatrics, Shanghai, China
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19
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Koppensteiner L, Mathieson L, O’Connor RA, Akram AR. Cancer Associated Fibroblasts - An Impediment to Effective Anti-Cancer T Cell Immunity. Front Immunol 2022; 13:887380. [PMID: 35479076 PMCID: PMC9035846 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.887380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of functionally efficient cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in the Tumour nest is crucial in mediating a successful immune response to cancer. The detection and elimination of cancer cells by CTL can be impaired by cancer-mediated immune evasion. In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that not only neoplastic cells themselves, but also cells of the tumour microenvironment (TME) exert immunosuppressive functions and thereby play an integral part in the immune escape of cancer. The most abundant stromal cells of the TME, cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs), promote tumour progression via multiple pathways and play a role in dampening the immune response to cancer. Recent research indicates that T cells react to CAF signalling and establish bidirectional crosstalk that plays a significant role in the tumour immune response. This review discusses the various mechanisms by which the CAF/T cell crosstalk may impede anti-cancer immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian Koppensteiner
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Layla Mathieson
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Richard A. O’Connor
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ahsan R. Akram
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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20
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Mathieson L, O’Connor RA, Stewart H, Shaw P, Dhaliwal K, Williams GOS, Megia-Fernandez A, Akram AR. Fibroblast Activation Protein Specific Optical Imaging in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:834350. [PMID: 35359378 PMCID: PMC8961646 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.834350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a cell surface propyl-specific serine protease involved in the regulation of extracellular matrix. Whilst expressed at low levels in healthy tissue, upregulation of FAP on fibroblasts can be found in several solid organ malignancies, including non-small cell lung cancer, and chronic inflammatory conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Their full role remains unclear, but FAP expressing cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have been found to relate to a poor prognosis with worse survival rates in breast, colorectal, pancreatic, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Optical imaging using a FAP specific chemical probe, when combined with clinically compatible imaging systems, can provide a readout of FAP activity which could allow disease monitoring, prognostication and potentially stratify therapy. However, to derive a specific signal for FAP any sequence must retain specificity over closely related endopeptidases, such as prolyl endopeptidase (PREP), and be resistant to degradation in areas of active inflammation. We describe the iterative development of a FAP optical reporter sequence which retains FAP specificity, confers resistance to degradation in the presence of activated neutrophil proteases and demonstrates clinical tractability ex vivo in NSCLC samples with an imaging platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layla Mathieson
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Translational Healthcare Technologies Group, Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Richard A. O’Connor
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Translational Healthcare Technologies Group, Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Hazel Stewart
- Translational Healthcare Technologies Group, Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Paige Shaw
- EaStCHEM, The University of Edinburgh School of Chemistry, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Dhaliwal
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Translational Healthcare Technologies Group, Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Gareth O. S. Williams
- Translational Healthcare Technologies Group, Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ahsan R. Akram
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Translational Healthcare Technologies Group, Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Magagna I, Gourdin N, Kieffer Y, Licaj M, Mhaidly R, Andre P, Morel A, Vincent-Salomon A, Paturel C, Mechta-Grigoriou F. CD73-Mediated Immunosuppression Is Linked to a Specific Fibroblast Population That Paves the Way for New Therapy in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13235878. [PMID: 34884993 PMCID: PMC8657241 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13235878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are heterogeneous with multiple functions in breast cancer. Recently, we identified a specific CAF subpopulation (referred to as CAF-S1), which promotes immunosuppression and immunotherapy resistance. METHODS AND RESULTS Here, by studying a large collection of human samples, we highlight the key function of CD73/NT5E in CAF-S1-mediated immunosuppression in breast cancer. We first reveal that CD73 protein level specifically accumulates in CAF-S1 in breast cancer patients. Interestingly, infiltration of regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) is significantly correlated with CD73 expression in stroma but not in epithelium, indicating that CD73 contributes to immunosuppression when expressed in CAF-S1 and not in tumor cells. By performing functional assays based on relevant systems using primary CAF-S1 isolated from patients, we demonstrate that CAF-S1 increase the content in both PD-1+ and CTLA-4+ Tregs. Importantly, the use of a blocking anti-CD73 antibody on CAF-S1 reduces CAF-S1-mediated immunosuppression by preventing expression of these immune checkpoints on Tregs. CONCLUSIONS Our data support the potential clinical benefit of using both anti-CD73 and immune-checkpoint inhibitors in breast cancer patients for inhibiting CAF-S1-mediated immunosuppression and enhancing anti-tumor immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Magagna
- Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 26, rue d’Ulm, 75005 Paris, France; (I.M.); (Y.K.); (M.L.); (R.M.)
- Inserm, U830, 75005 Paris, France
- Innate Pharma, 117 Avenue de Luminy BP 30191, 13276 Marseille, France; (N.G.); (P.A.); (A.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Nicolas Gourdin
- Innate Pharma, 117 Avenue de Luminy BP 30191, 13276 Marseille, France; (N.G.); (P.A.); (A.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Yann Kieffer
- Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 26, rue d’Ulm, 75005 Paris, France; (I.M.); (Y.K.); (M.L.); (R.M.)
- Inserm, U830, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Monika Licaj
- Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 26, rue d’Ulm, 75005 Paris, France; (I.M.); (Y.K.); (M.L.); (R.M.)
- Inserm, U830, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Rana Mhaidly
- Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 26, rue d’Ulm, 75005 Paris, France; (I.M.); (Y.K.); (M.L.); (R.M.)
- Inserm, U830, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Pascale Andre
- Innate Pharma, 117 Avenue de Luminy BP 30191, 13276 Marseille, France; (N.G.); (P.A.); (A.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Ariane Morel
- Innate Pharma, 117 Avenue de Luminy BP 30191, 13276 Marseille, France; (N.G.); (P.A.); (A.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Anne Vincent-Salomon
- Hospital Group, Department of Diagnostic and Theranostic Medicine, Institut Curie, 75005 Paris, France;
| | - Carine Paturel
- Innate Pharma, 117 Avenue de Luminy BP 30191, 13276 Marseille, France; (N.G.); (P.A.); (A.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Fatima Mechta-Grigoriou
- Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 26, rue d’Ulm, 75005 Paris, France; (I.M.); (Y.K.); (M.L.); (R.M.)
- Inserm, U830, 75005 Paris, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-(0)1-56-24-66-53; Fax: +33-(0)1-56-24-66-50
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