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Benmelech S, Le T, McKay M, Nam J, Subramaniam K, Tellez D, Vlasak G, Mak M. Biophysical and biochemical aspects of immune cell-tumor microenvironment interactions. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:021502. [PMID: 38572312 PMCID: PMC10990568 DOI: 10.1063/5.0195244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME), composed of and influenced by a heterogeneous set of cancer cells and an extracellular matrix, plays a crucial role in cancer progression. The biophysical aspects of the TME (namely, its architecture and mechanics) regulate interactions and spatial distributions of cancer cells and immune cells. In this review, we discuss the factors of the TME-notably, the extracellular matrix, as well as tumor and stromal cells-that contribute to a pro-tumor, immunosuppressive response. We then discuss the ways in which cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems respond to tumors from both biochemical and biophysical perspectives, with increased focus on CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. Building upon this information, we turn to immune-based antitumor interventions-specifically, recent biophysical breakthroughs aimed at improving CAR-T cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoham Benmelech
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Thien Le
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Maggie McKay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Jungmin Nam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Krupakar Subramaniam
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Daniela Tellez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Grace Vlasak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Michael Mak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
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Zhao X, Wang S, Du T, Jiang Y, Zhao Y, Ma Y, Shen D, Shen Y, Ma J. Demystifying the landscape of endometrial immune microenvironment in luteal-phase from cuprotosis: Implications for the mechanism and treatment of RPL. Gene 2024; 903:148191. [PMID: 38253297 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adaptive changes in the endometrial immune microenvironment during the luteal phase are essential for pregnancy, and their abnormalities are associated with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Nevertheless, the specific mechanism is still unknown. Cuprotosis, an innovatively discovered type of programmed cell death, provides us with a pioneering perspective to decipher the landscape of luteal-phase endometrial immune microenvironment in RPL. This study aimed to analyze the immune landscape of luteal-phase endometrial microenvironment in RPL and explore the association of cuprotosis with it through integrative bioinformatics analysis. METHODS The microarrays involving the luteal phase endometrial tissue of RPL were obtained from the GEO database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of RPL were screened and key modules were detected by WGCNA. GO, KEGG, and GSEA immune enrichment analyses were performed on the DEGs in the most relevant modules to RPL. Then, the endometrial immune microenvironment landscape of RPL was analyzed, including immune infiltration analysis and correlation analysis between immune cells or immune functions. The interaction of cuprotosis-related genes (CRGs), the expression level between groups, the immune localization and their correlation with immune cells and immune function were analyzed. LASSO regression and Nomogram evaluated the diagnostic value of immune-related CRGS in RPL. Functional enrichment analysis was performed on the RPL signature CRGs. And RPL samples were grouped according to the expression of 7 RPL signature CRGs through unsupervised clustering analysis. After that, we analyzed the expression level of CRGs and immune infiltration, as well as performed immune function enrichment analysis in subtypes. In addition, we also screened potential drugs that might act on CRGs to improve the pathological mechanism of RPL. RESULTS In this study, we uncovered that DEGs and genes in key modules derived from weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were involved in immune regulation. And the immune infiltration landscape of RPL was significantly different from healthy controls. Furthermore, six hub genes were screened from CRGs based on Cytohubba, and their expression profilings were verified in RPL and normal mouse samples. Besides, seven CRGs closely associated with the immune regulation of RPL were identified by Spearman correlation analysis, including SLC31A1, LIAS, DLD, DLAT, DBT, ATP7B, and ATP7A, named as immune-related CRGs. Furthermore, three subgroups clustered according to these seven genes showed significant differences in immune landscape, suggesting a remarkable effect of CRGs on immune regulation. Last but not least, we analyzed the regulation network of transcription factors, miRNAs, and CRGs, and screened potential compounds for the treatment of RPL by targeting CRGs. CONCLUSIONS The abnormal endometrial immune microenvironment in the luteal phase was associated with the pathomechanism of RPL, and cuprotosis was closely involved in the immune microenvironment in the luteal phase endometrium of RPL. Collectively, this study revealed the potential contribution of CRGs to the pathogenesis of RPL, providing a novel breakthroughs in insights into the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxuan Zhao
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Gynecology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sihui Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Gynecology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Du
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuepeng Jiang
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- The First Clinical Medical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yiming Ma
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dan Shen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Gynecology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Shen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Gynecology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Ma
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Gynecology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
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Kim Y, Lee S, Jon S. Liposomal Delivery of an Immunostimulatory CpG Induces Robust Antitumor Immunity and Long-Term Immune Memory by Reprogramming Tumor-Associated Macrophages. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2300549. [PMID: 37931205 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300549] [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: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs)-representative immune-suppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME)-are known to promote tumor progression and metastasis, and thus are considered an attractive target for cancer therapy. However, current TAM-targeting strategies are insufficient to result in robust antitumor efficacy. Here, a small lipid nanoparticle encapsulating immunostimulatory CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (SLNP@CpG) is reported as a new immunotherapeutic modality that can reprogram TAMs and further bridge innate-to-adaptive immunity. It is found that SLNP@CpG treatment enhances macrophage-mediated phagocytosis of cancer cells and tumor antigen cross-presentation, and skews the polarization state of macrophages in vitro. Intratumoral injection of SLNP@CpG into an established murine E.G7-OVA tumor model significantly suppresses tumor growth and considerably prolongs survival, completely eradicating tumors in 83.3% of mice. Furthermore, tumor-free mice resist rechallenge with E.G7-OVA cancer cells through induction of immunological memory and long-term antitumor immunity. SLNP@CpG even exerts antitumor efficacy in an aggressive B16-F10 melanoma model by remodeling TME toward immune stimulation and tumor elimination. These findings suggest that, by modulating the function of TAMs and reshaping an immunosuppressive TME, the SLNP@CpG nanomedicine developed here may become a promising immunotherapeutic option applicable to a variety of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujin Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST Institute for the BioCentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Center for Precision Bio-Nanomedicine, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Seojung Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST Institute for the BioCentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Center for Precision Bio-Nanomedicine, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangyong Jon
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST Institute for the BioCentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Center for Precision Bio-Nanomedicine, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
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Di Ceglie I, Carnevale S, Rigatelli A, Grieco G, Molisso P, Jaillon S. Immune cell networking in solid tumors: focus on macrophages and neutrophils. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1341390. [PMID: 38426089 PMCID: PMC10903099 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1341390] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is composed of tumor cells, stromal cells and leukocytes, including innate and adaptive immune cells, and represents an ecological niche that regulates tumor development and progression. In general, inflammatory cells are considered to contribute to tumor progression through various mechanisms, including the formation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Macrophages and neutrophils are important components of the tumor microenvironment and can act as a double-edged sword, promoting or inhibiting the development of the tumor. Targeting of the immune system is emerging as an important therapeutic strategy for cancer patients. However, the efficacy of the various immunotherapies available is still limited. Given the crucial importance of the crosstalk between macrophages and neutrophils and other immune cells in the formation of the anti-tumor immune response, targeting these interactions may represent a promising therapeutic approach against cancer. Here we will review the current knowledge of the role played by macrophages and neutrophils in cancer, focusing on their interaction with other immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Giovanna Grieco
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Piera Molisso
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Sebastien Jaillon
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
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Kwantwi LB. Overcoming anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade resistance: the role of macrophage, neutrophils and mast cells in the tumor microenvironment. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:3077-3091. [PMID: 37022584 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01059-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the anti-PD-1/PD-L1 blockade has become a game changer in cancer treatment following the unprecedented response rate. Regardless of the substantial therapy efficacy across various cancer types, some patients do not still respond to these therapies, indicating that a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 resistance is highly important. To overcome such resistance, the tumor-induced immunosuppressive mechanisms have been focused and several suppressor cell populations in the tumor microenvironment have been identified. Among these cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and mast cells are known to play key roles in anti-PD-1/PD-L1 resistance. Hence, gaining control over these innate immune cells can open opportunities for breaking tumor resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Herein, a summary of the role of macrophages, neutrophils, and mast cells in anti-PD-1/PD-L1 resistance has been described. Also, strategies to overcome their therapeutic resistance to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Boafo Kwantwi
- Department of Medical Imaging Sciences, Klintaps College of Health and Allied Sciences, Accra, DTD. TDC, 30A Klagon, Com. 19, Tema, Ghana.
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Shakhpazyan NK, Mikhaleva LM, Bedzhanyan AL, Sadykhov NK, Midiber KY, Konyukova AK, Kontorschikov AS, Maslenkina KS, Orekhov AN. Long Non-Coding RNAs in Colorectal Cancer: Navigating the Intersections of Immunity, Intercellular Communication, and Therapeutic Potential. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2411. [PMID: 37760852 PMCID: PMC10525929 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This comprehensive review elucidates the intricate roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) within the colorectal cancer (CRC) microenvironment, intersecting the domains of immunity, intercellular communication, and therapeutic potential. lncRNAs, which are significantly involved in the pathogenesis of CRC, immune evasion, and the treatment response to CRC, have crucial implications in inflammation and serve as promising candidates for novel therapeutic strategies and biomarkers. This review scrutinizes the interaction of lncRNAs with the Consensus Molecular Subtypes (CMSs) of CRC, their complex interplay with the tumor stroma affecting immunity and inflammation, and their conveyance via extracellular vesicles, particularly exosomes. Furthermore, we delve into the intricate relationship between lncRNAs and other non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs and circular RNAs, in mediating cell-to-cell communication within the CRC microenvironment. Lastly, we propose potential strategies to manipulate lncRNAs to enhance anti-tumor immunity, thereby underlining the significance of lncRNAs in devising innovative therapeutic interventions in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay K. Shakhpazyan
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (L.M.M.); (N.K.S.); (K.Y.M.); (A.K.K.); (A.S.K.); (K.S.M.); (A.N.O.)
| | - Liudmila M. Mikhaleva
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (L.M.M.); (N.K.S.); (K.Y.M.); (A.K.K.); (A.S.K.); (K.S.M.); (A.N.O.)
| | - Arcady L. Bedzhanyan
- Department of Abdominal Surgery and Oncology II (Coloproctology and Uro-Gynecology), Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, 119435 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Nikolay K. Sadykhov
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (L.M.M.); (N.K.S.); (K.Y.M.); (A.K.K.); (A.S.K.); (K.S.M.); (A.N.O.)
| | - Konstantin Y. Midiber
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (L.M.M.); (N.K.S.); (K.Y.M.); (A.K.K.); (A.S.K.); (K.S.M.); (A.N.O.)
| | - Alexandra K. Konyukova
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (L.M.M.); (N.K.S.); (K.Y.M.); (A.K.K.); (A.S.K.); (K.S.M.); (A.N.O.)
| | - Andrey S. Kontorschikov
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (L.M.M.); (N.K.S.); (K.Y.M.); (A.K.K.); (A.S.K.); (K.S.M.); (A.N.O.)
| | - Ksenia S. Maslenkina
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (L.M.M.); (N.K.S.); (K.Y.M.); (A.K.K.); (A.S.K.); (K.S.M.); (A.N.O.)
| | - Alexander N. Orekhov
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (L.M.M.); (N.K.S.); (K.Y.M.); (A.K.K.); (A.S.K.); (K.S.M.); (A.N.O.)
- Laboratory of Angiopathology, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, 125315 Moscow, Russia
- Institute for Atherosclerosis Research, 121096 Moscow, Russia
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Zhong L, Li Y, Muluh TA, Wang Y. Combination of CAR‑T cell therapy and radiotherapy: Opportunities and challenges in solid tumors (Review). Oncol Lett 2023; 26:281. [PMID: 37274466 PMCID: PMC10236127 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.13867] [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: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has emerged as a new and breakthrough cancer immunotherapy. Although CAR-T cell therapy has made significant progress clinically in patients with refractory or drug-resistant hematological malignancies, there are numerous challenges in its application to solid tumor therapy, including antigen escape, severe toxic reactions, abnormal vascularization, tumor hypoxia, insufficient infiltration of CAR-T cells and immunosuppression. As a conventional mode of anti-tumor therapy, radiotherapy has shown promising effects in combination with CAR-T cell therapy by enhancing the specific immunity of endogenous target antigens, which promoted the infiltration and expansion of CAR-T cells and improved the hypoxic tumor microenvironment. This review focuses on the obstacles to the application of CAR-T technology in solid tumor therapy, the potential opportunities and challenges of combined radiotherapy and CAR-T cell therapy, and the review of recent literature to evaluate the best combination for the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqiang Zhong
- Thoracic Oncology Ward, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610000, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, Sichuan 644000, P.R. China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, Sichuan 644000, P.R. China
| | - Tobias Achu Muluh
- Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, P.R. China
| | - Yongsheng Wang
- Thoracic Oncology Ward, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610000, P.R. China
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Molina OE, LaRue H, Simonyan D, Hovington H, Têtu B, Fradet V, Lacombe L, Toren P, Bergeron A, Fradet Y. High infiltration of CD209 + dendritic cells and CD163 + macrophages in the peritumor area of prostate cancer is predictive of late adverse outcomes. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1205266. [PMID: 37435060 PMCID: PMC10331466 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1205266] [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: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Prostate cancer (PCa) shows considerable variation in clinical outcomes between individuals with similar diseases. The initial host-tumor interaction as assessed by detailed analysis of tumor infiltrating immune cells within the primary tumor may dictate tumor evolution and late clinical outcomes. In this study, we assessed the association between clinical outcomes and dendritic cell (DC) or macrophage (MΦ) tumor infiltration as well as with expression of genes related to their functions. Methods Infiltration and localization of immature DC, mature DC, total MΦ and M2-type MΦ was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in 99 radical prostatectomy specimens from patients with 15.5 years median clinical follow-up using antibodies against CD209, CD83, CD68 and CD163, respectively. The density of positive cells for each marker in various tumor areas was determined. In addition, expression of immune genes associated with DC and MΦ was tested in a series of 50 radical prostatectomy specimens by Taqman Low-Density Array with similarly long follow-up. Gene expression was classified as low and high after unsupervised hierarchical clustering. Numbers and ratio of positive cells and levels of gene expression were correlated with endpoints such as biochemical recurrence (BCR), need for definitive androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) or lethal PCa using Cox regression analyses and/or Kaplan-Meier curves. Results Positive immune cells were observed in tumor, tumor margin, and normal-like adjacent epithelium areas. CD209+ and CD163+ cells were more abundant at the tumor margin. Higher CD209+/CD83+ cell density ratio at the tumor margin was associated with higher risk of ADT and lethal PCa while higher density of CD163+ cells in the normal-like adjacent epithelium was associated with a higher risk of lethal PCa. A combination of 5 genes expressed at high levels correlated with a shorter survival without ADT and lethal PCa. Among these five genes, expression of IL12A and CD163 was correlated to each other and was associated with shorter survival without BCR and ADT/lethal PCa, respectively. Conclusion A higher level of infiltration of CD209+ immature DC and CD163+ M2-type MΦ in the peritumor area was associated with late adverse clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Eduardo Molina
- Axe Oncologie, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l’Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Hélène LaRue
- Axe Oncologie, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l’Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - David Simonyan
- Plateforme de Recherche Clinique et Évaluative, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Hélène Hovington
- Axe Oncologie, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l’Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Bernard Têtu
- Axe Oncologie, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l’Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Vincent Fradet
- Axe Oncologie, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l’Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Département de Chirurgie de l’Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Louis Lacombe
- Axe Oncologie, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l’Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Département de Chirurgie de l’Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Paul Toren
- Axe Oncologie, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l’Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Département de Chirurgie de l’Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Alain Bergeron
- Axe Oncologie, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l’Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Département de Chirurgie de l’Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Yves Fradet
- Axe Oncologie, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l’Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Département de Chirurgie de l’Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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de Visser KE, Joyce JA. The evolving tumor microenvironment: From cancer initiation to metastatic outgrowth. Cancer Cell 2023; 41:374-403. [PMID: 36917948 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2023.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 386] [Impact Index Per Article: 386.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Cancers represent complex ecosystems comprising tumor cells and a multitude of non-cancerous cells, embedded in an altered extracellular matrix. The tumor microenvironment (TME) includes diverse immune cell types, cancer-associated fibroblasts, endothelial cells, pericytes, and various additional tissue-resident cell types. These host cells were once considered bystanders of tumorigenesis but are now known to play critical roles in the pathogenesis of cancer. The cellular composition and functional state of the TME can differ extensively depending on the organ in which the tumor arises, the intrinsic features of cancer cells, the tumor stage, and patient characteristics. Here, we review the importance of the TME in each stage of cancer progression, from tumor initiation, progression, invasion, and intravasation to metastatic dissemination and outgrowth. Understanding the complex interplay between tumor cell-intrinsic, cell-extrinsic, and systemic mediators of disease progression is critical for the rational development of effective anti-cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin E de Visser
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Johanna A Joyce
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland; Agora Cancer Center Lausanne, and Swiss Cancer Center Léman, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Li M, Jiang P, Wei S, Wang J, Li C. The role of macrophages-mediated communications among cell compositions of tumor microenvironment in cancer progression. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1113312. [PMID: 36845095 PMCID: PMC9947507 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1113312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have revealed that tumor-associated macrophages are the most abundant stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment and play an important role in tumor initiation and progression. Furthermore, the proportion of macrophages in the tumor microenvironment is associated with the prognosis of patients with cancer. Tumor-associated macrophages can polarize into anti-tumorigenic phenotype (M1) and pro-tumorigenic phenotype (M2) by the stimulation of T-helper 1 and T-helper 2 cells respectively, and then exert opposite effects on tumor progression. Besides, there also is wide communication between tumor-associated macrophages and other immune compositions, such as cytotoxic T cells, regulatory T cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, neutrophils and so on. Furthermore, the crosstalk between tumor-associated macrophages and other immune cells greatly influences tumor development and treatment outcomes. Notably, many functional molecules and signaling pathways have been found to participate in the interactions between tumor-associated macrophages and other immune cells and can be targeted to regulate tumor progression. Therefore, regulating these interactions and CAR-M therapy are considered to be novel immunotherapeutic pathways for the treatment of malignant tumors. In this review, we summarized the interactions between tumor-associated macrophages and other immune compositions in the tumor microenvironment and the underlying molecular mechanisms and analyzed the possibility to block or eradicate cancer by regulating tumor-associated macrophage-related tumor immune microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shuhua Wei
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Junjie Wang
- *Correspondence: Chunxiao Li, ; Junjie Wang,
| | - Chunxiao Li
- *Correspondence: Chunxiao Li, ; Junjie Wang,
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Ping G, Tian Y, Zhou Z. Constructing a Tregs-associated signature to predict the prognosis of colorectal cancer patients: A STROBE-compliant retrospective study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e31382. [PMID: 36451426 PMCID: PMC9704903 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000031382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a key constituent of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and are significantly associated with patient outcomes. Our study aimed to construct a Treg-associated signature to predict the prognosis of CRC patients. The genes' expression values and patients' clinicopathological features were downloaded from TCGA and gene expression omnibus (GEO) databases. The single-cell RNA (scRNA) sequencing data of CRC were analyzed through the Deeply Integrated human Single-Cell Omics database. WGCNA analysis was used to select Tregs-associated genes (TrAGs). The infiltrated levels of immune and stromal cells were accessed through the ESTIMATE algorithm. Cox regression analysis and the LASSO algorithm were implemented to construct prognostic models. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to annotate enriched gene sets. Based on scRNA sequencing data, our study uncovered that more Tregs were significantly enriched in the TME of CRC. Then we identified 123 differentially expressed TrAGs which mainly participated in immune regulation. Given that CRC patients were reclassified into 2 subgroups with distinct overall survival based on 26 differentially expressed TrAGs with prognostic values, we subsequently constructed a signature for CRC. After training and validating in independent cohorts, we proved that this prognostic model can be well applied to predict the prognosis of CRC patients. Further analysis exhibited that more tumor-suppressing immune cells and higher immune checkpoint genes were enriched in CRC patients with high-risk scores. Moreover, immunohistochemistry analysis validated that the genes in the prognostic model were significantly elevated in CRC tissues. We were the first to construct a prognostic signature for CRC based on TrAGs and further revealed that the poor prognosis of patients was mainly attributed to the tumor-suppressing microenvironment and upregulated immune checkpoint genes in tumor tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqiang Ping
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yichen Tian
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ziqiang Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, Shandong, China
- *Correspondence: Ziqiang Zhou, Department of Pathology, Zibo Central Hospital, No. 54 Gongqingtuanxi Road, Zhangdian District, Zibo 255020, China (e-mail: )
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Liu J, Tao H, Yuan T, Li J, Li J, Liang H, Huang Z, Zhang E. Immunomodulatory effects of regorafenib: Enhancing the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:992611. [PMID: 36119072 PMCID: PMC9479218 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.992611] [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: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy has shown significant benefits in the treatment of a variety of malignancies. However, not all cancer patients can benefit from this strategy due to drug resistance. Therefore, there is an urgent need for methods that can effectively improve the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy. Combining anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy with regorafenib has been demonstrated as an effective method to enhance its therapeutic effect in several clinical studies. In this review, we describe common mechanisms of resistance to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy, including lack of tumor immunogenicity, T cell dysfunction, and abnormal expression of PD-L1. Then, we illustrate the role of regorafenib in modifying the tumor microenvironment (TME) from multiple aspects, which is different from other tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Regorafenib not only has immunomodulatory effects on various immune cells, but can also regulate PD-L1 and MHC-I on tumor cells and promote normalization of abnormal blood vessels. Therefore, studies on the synergetic mechanism of the combination therapy may usher in a new era for cancer treatment and help us identify the most appropriate individuals for more precise treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Liu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Haisu Tao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tong Yuan
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiang Li
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian Li
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huifang Liang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Erlei Zhang, ; Zhiyong Huang, ; Huifang Liang,
| | - Zhiyong Huang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Erlei Zhang, ; Zhiyong Huang, ; Huifang Liang,
| | - Erlei Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Erlei Zhang, ; Zhiyong Huang, ; Huifang Liang,
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Xue Y, Song X, Fan S, Deng R. The role of tumor-associated macrophages in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Front Physiol 2022; 13:959747. [PMID: 36105288 PMCID: PMC9464857 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.959747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common head and neck cancer with a high recurrence rate and a low 5-year survival rate. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are important immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, which play an important role in the progression of many tumors. This article reviews the origin, and the role of TAMs in the invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis and immunosuppression of OSCC. Therapeutic strategies targeting TAMs are also discussed in hopes of providing new ideas for the treatment of OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Xue
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao Song
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Siyu Fan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Runzhi Deng
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- *Correspondence: Runzhi Deng,
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Peng X, Zheng T, Guo Y, Zhu Y. Amino acid metabolism genes associated with immunotherapy responses and clinical prognosis of colorectal cancer. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:955705. [PMID: 35992263 PMCID: PMC9388734 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.955705] [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: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on amino acid metabolism-related genes (AAMRGs), this study aimed at screening out key prognosis-related genes and finding the underlying correlation between the amino acid metabolism and tumor immune microenvironment of colorectal cancer. A total of 448 amino acid metabolism-related genes were obtained from MsigDB. The risk signature was built based on differential expression genes, univariate Cox, and LASSO analyses with 403 patients’ data downloaded from the TCGA database. Survival analysis and independence tests were performed to confirm the validity of the risk signature. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), tumor mutation burden (TMB), the score of tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE), the immunophenoscore obtained from The Cancer Immunome Atlas database, and the IC50 of drugs were used to find the relationship among the risk signature, immune status, immunotherapy response, and drug sensitivity of colorectal cancer. We identified five amino acid metabolism-related genes for the construction of the risk signature, including ENOPH1, ACAT1, ALDH4A1, FAS, and ASPG. The low-risk group was significantly associated with a better prognosis (p < 0.0001). In the entire set, the area under the curve (AUC) for 1, 3, and 5 years was 0.717, 0.734, and 0.764, respectively. We also discovered that the low-risk subgroup was related to more activity of immune cells, had higher expression of some immune checkpoints, and was more likely to benefit from immunotherapy. ssGSEA revealed that except the processes of glutamine histidine, lysine, tyrosine, and L-phenylalanine metabolism, the other amino acid metabolism pathways were more active in the samples with the low risk scores, whereas the activities of synthesis and transportation of most amino acids were similar. Hedgehog signaling, WNT/β-catenin signaling, mitotic, notch signaling, and TGF-β signaling were the top five pathways positively associated with the risk score. To sum up, AAMRGs were associated with the immune microenvironment of CRC patients and could be applied as biomarkers to predict the prognosis and immunotherapy response of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Peng
- The First Clinical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ting Zheng
- Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co, Ltd, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yong Guo
- The First Clinical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- *Correspondence: Ying Zhu, ; Yong Guo,
| | - Ying Zhu
- The First Clinical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- *Correspondence: Ying Zhu, ; Yong Guo,
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