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Sun HJ, Zheng ZF, Zhang LJ, Fang L, Fu H, Chen SY, Feng RX, Liu XY, Tang QN, Liu XW. Increased infiltration of M2-polarized tumour-associated macrophages is highly associated with advanced disease stage and high expression of PD-L1 in buccal mucosa carcinoma. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:314. [PMID: 39073672 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01190-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the infiltration characteristics of tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) in buccal mucosa carcinoma (BMC) and the correlation of these features with clinicopathological factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of TAM-related markers (CD68, CD163, CD206), CD8+ T cell markers, PD-L1, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in 46 patients with mucosal cancer after radical surgery. In addition, the correlation between TAM infiltration and clinical characteristics, PD-L1 expression, and EGFR expression was analysed. RESULTS A high infiltration level of M2-polarized (CD206+) TAMs and M2-polarized (CD163+) TAMs was more common in stage T3-T4, N+, III-IV patients than in other patient groups (P < 0.05). The infiltration degree of M2-polarized (CD68+) TAMs was positively correlated with the PD-L1 TPS (P = 0.0331). The infiltration level of M2-polarized (CD206+) TAMs was higher in the EGFR high expression group than in the EGFR low expression group (P = 0.040). CONCLUSION High infiltration of M2-polarized TAMs is highly associated with advanced disease stage and higher expression of PD-L1 and EGFR in BMCs, suggesting that M2-polarized TAMs infiltration can serve as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Jia Sun
- Department of Oncology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Zhui-Feng Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, Fujian Cancer Hospital and the Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, 350014, Fujian, China
| | - Li-Jun Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Huaihua First People's Hospital, Huaihua, 418000, Hunan, China
| | - Le Fang
- Department of Oncology, Loudi Central Hospital, Loudi, 417099, Hunan, China
| | - Hua Fu
- Department of Pathology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Shao-Yang Chen
- Department of Oncology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Rong-Xiu Feng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, 411199, Hunan, China
| | - Xiao-Yang Liu
- Department of Oncology, Changde First People's Hospital, Changde, 415003, Hunan, China
| | - Qing-Nan Tang
- Department of Oncology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Xue-Wen Liu
- Department of Oncology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
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Malik S, Sureka N, Ahuja S, Aden D, Zaheer S, Zaheer S. Tumor-associated macrophages: A sentinel of innate immune system in tumor microenvironment gone haywire. Cell Biol Int 2024. [PMID: 39054741 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a critical determinant in the initiation, progression, and treatment outcomes of various cancers. Comprising of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), immune cells, blood vessels, and signaling molecules, the TME is often likened to the soil supporting the seed (tumor). Among its constituents, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a pivotal role, exhibiting a dual nature as both promoters and inhibitors of tumor growth. This review explores the intricate relationship between TAMs and the TME, emphasizing their diverse functions, from phagocytosis and tissue repair to modulating immune responses. The plasticity of TAMs is highlighted, showcasing their ability to adopt either protumorigenic or anti-tumorigenic phenotypes based on environmental cues. In the context of cancer, TAMs' pro-tumorigenic activities include promoting angiogenesis, inhibiting immune responses, and fostering metastasis. The manuscript delves into therapeutic strategies targeting TAMs, emphasizing the challenges faced in depleting or inhibiting TAMs due to their multifaceted roles. The focus shifts towards reprogramming TAMs to an anti-tumorigenic M1-like phenotype, exploring interventions such as interferons, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and small molecule modulators. Noteworthy advancements include the use of CSF1R inhibitors, CD40 agonists, and CD47 blockade, demonstrating promising results in preclinical and clinical settings. A significant section is dedicated to Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) technology in macrophages (CAR-M cells). While CAR-T cells have shown success in hematological malignancies, their efficacy in solid tumors has been limited. CAR-M cells, engineered to infiltrate solid tumors, are presented as a potential breakthrough, with a focus on their development, challenges, and promising outcomes. The manuscript concludes with the exploration of third-generation CAR-M technology, offering insight into in-vivo reprogramming and nonviral vector approaches. In conclusion, understanding the complex and dynamic role of TAMs in cancer is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies. While early-stage TAM-targeted therapies show promise, further extensive research and larger clinical trials are warranted to optimize their targeting and improve overall cancer treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaivy Malik
- Department of Pathology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Niti Sureka
- Department of Pathology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Sana Ahuja
- Department of Pathology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Durre Aden
- Department of Pathology, Hamdard Institute of Medical Science and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Samreen Zaheer
- Department of Radiotherapy, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, AMU, Aligarh, India
| | - Sufian Zaheer
- Department of Pathology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, New Delhi, India
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Zhao J, Zhang K, Sui D, Wang S, Li Y, Tang X, Liu X, Song Y, Deng Y. Recent advances in sialic acid-based active targeting chemoimmunotherapy promoting tumor shedding: a systematic review. NANOSCALE 2024. [PMID: 39023195 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr01740d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Tumors have always been a major public health concern worldwide, and attempts to look for effective treatments have never ceased. Sialic acid is known to be a crucial element for tumor development and its receptors are highly expressed on tumor-associated immune cells, which perform significant roles in establishing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and further boosting tumorigenesis, progression, and metastasis. Obviously, it is essential to consider sophisticated crosstalk between tumors, the immune system, and preparations, and understand the links between pharmaceutics and immunology. Sialic acid-based chemoimmunotherapy enables active targeting drug delivery via mediating the recognition between the sialic acid-modified nano-drug delivery system represented by liposomes and sialic acid-binding receptors on tumor-associated immune cells, which inhibit their activity and utilize their homing ability to deliver drugs. Such a "Trojan horse" strategy has remarkably improved the shortcomings of traditional passive targeting treatments, unexpectedly promoted tumor shedding, and persistently induced robust immunological memory, thus highlighting its prospective application potential for targeting various tumors. Herein, we review recent advances in sialic acid-based active targeting chemoimmunotherapy to promote tumor shedding, summarize the current viewpoints on the tumor shedding mechanism, especially the formation of durable immunological memory, and analyze the challenges and opportunities of this attractive approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road, No. 103, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Kunfeng Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road, No. 103, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Dezhi Sui
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road, No. 103, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Shuo Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road, No. 103, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Yantong Li
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road, No. 103, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Xueying Tang
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road, No. 103, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Xinrong Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road, No. 103, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Yanzhi Song
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road, No. 103, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Yihui Deng
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road, No. 103, Shenyang 110016, China.
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4
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Zhang J, Dong Y, Yu S, Hu K, Zhang L, Xiong M, Liu M, Sun X, Li S, Yuan Y, Zhang C, Zhu M, Wei Y, Zhu Y, Yu Y, Zhang P, Liu T. IL-4/IL-4R axis signaling drives resistance to immunotherapy by inducing the upregulation of Fcγ receptor IIB in M2 macrophages. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:500. [PMID: 39003253 PMCID: PMC11246528 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06875-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, immunotherapy, particularly PD-1 antibodies, have significantly enhanced the outcome of gastric cancer patients. Despite these advances, some patients do not respond well to treatment, highlighting the need to understand resistance mechanisms and develop predictive markers of treatment effectiveness. This study retrospectively analyzed data from 106 patients with stage IV gastric cancer who were treated with first-line immunotherapy in combination with chemotherapy. By comparing plasma cytokine levels between patients resistant and sensitive to PD-1 antibody therapy, the researchers identified elevated IL-4 expression in the resistant patients. Mechanical investigations revealed that IL-4 induces metabolic changes in macrophages that activate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. This alteration promotes ATP production, enhances glycolysis, increases lactic acid production, and upregulates FcγRIIB expression in macrophages. Ultimately, these changes lead to CD8+ T cell dysfunction and resistance to PD-1 antibody therapy in gastric cancer. These findings highlight the role of IL-4-induced macrophage polarization and metabolic reprogramming in immune resistance and verify IL-4 as potential targets for improving treatment outcomes in gastric cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Yu Dong
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shan Yu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Keshu Hu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingyun Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Xiong
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengling Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xun Sun
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Suyao Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yitao Yuan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengxuan Zhu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yichou Wei
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanjing Zhu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiyi Yu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Tianshu Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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5
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Fattahi AS, Jafari M, Farahavar G, Abolmaali SS, Tamaddon AM. Expanding horizons in cancer therapy by immunoconjugates targeting tumor microenvironments. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 201:104437. [PMID: 38977144 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunoconjugates are promising molecules combining antibodies with different agents, such as toxins, drugs, radionuclides, or cytokines that primarily aim to target tumor cells. However, tumor microenvironment (TME), which comprises a complex network of various cells and molecular cues guiding tumor growth and progression, remains a major challenge for effective cancer therapy. Our review underscores the pivotal role of TME in cancer therapy with immunoconjugates, examining the intricate interactions with TME and recent advancements in TME-targeted immunoconjugates. We explore strategies for targeting TME components, utilizing diverse antibodies such as neutralizing, immunomodulatory, immune checkpoint inhibitors, immunostimulatory, and bispecific antibodies. Additionally, we discuss different immunoconjugates, elucidating their mechanisms of action, advantages, limitations, and applications in cancer immunotherapy. Furthermore, we highlight emerging technologies enhancing the safety and efficacy of immunoconjugates, such as antibody engineering, combination therapies, and nanotechnology. Finally, we summarize current advancements, perspectives, and future developments of TME-targeted immunoconjugates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Saamaan Fattahi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mahboobeh Jafari
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
| | - Ghazal Farahavar
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
| | - Samira Sadat Abolmaali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
| | - Ali Mohammad Tamaddon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
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Sangani PS, Yazdani S, Khalili-Tanha G, Ghorbani E, Al-Hayawi IS, Fiuji H, Khazaei M, Hassanian SM, Kiani M, Ghayour-Mobarhan M, Ferns GA, Nazari E, Avan A. The therapeutic impact of programmed death - 1 in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 259:155345. [PMID: 38805760 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common type of newly diagnosed cancer. Metastatic spread and multifactorial chemoresistance have limited the benefits of current therapies. Hence, it is imperative to identify new therapeutic agents to increase treatment efficacy. One of CRC's most promising immunotherapeutic targets is programmed death-1 (PD-1), a cell surface receptor that regulates immune responses. In this paper, we provide an overview of the therapeutic impact of PD-1 in the treatment of CRC. Cancer cells can exploit the PD-1 pathway by upregulating its programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) ligand to evade immune surveillance. The binding of PD-L1 to PD-1 inhibits T cell function, leading to tumor immune escape. PD-1 inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab, block the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction. Clinical trials evaluating PD-1 inhibitors in advanced CRC have shown promising results. In patients with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) tumors characterized by high mutation rates and increased immunogenicity, PD-1 blockade has demonstrated remarkable efficacy. As a result, pembrolizumab and nivolumab have received accelerated approval by regulatory authorities for the treatment of MSI-H/dMMR metastatic CRC. Additionally, combination approaches, such as combining PD-1 inhibitors with other immunotherapies or targeted agents, are being explored. Despite the success of PD-1 inhibitors in CRC, challenges still exist. Immune-related adverse events can occur and require close monitoring. In conclusion, PD-1 inhibitors have demonstrated significant therapeutic impact, particularly in patients with MSI-H/dMMR tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooria Salehi Sangani
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Soroush Yazdani
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ghazaleh Khalili-Tanha
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Elnaz Ghorbani
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Hamid Fiuji
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Majid Khazaei
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Mahdi Hassanian
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - MohammadAli Kiani
- Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Majid Ghayour-Mobarhan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Gordon A Ferns
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Division of Medical Education, Falmer, Brighton, Sussex BN1 9PH, UK
| | - Elham Nazari
- Proteomics Research Center, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; College of Medicine, University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, Karbala, Iraq; School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George St, Brisbane City, QLD 4000, Australia; Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
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7
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Chang K, Yue Q, Jin L, Fan P, Liu Y, Cao F, Zhang Y. Comprehensive Molecular Analyses of an M2-Like Tumor-Associated Macrophage for Predicting the Prognosis and Immunotherapy in Breast Cancer. J Immunother 2024; 47:205-215. [PMID: 38686904 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The involvement of M2-like tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the advancement and treatment of cancer has been widely documented. This study aimed to develop a new signature associated with M2-like TAMs to predict the prognosis and treatment response in individuals diagnosed with breast cancer (BC). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identity for M2-like TAM-related modular genes. The M2-like TAM-related modular subtype was identified using unsupervised clustering. WGCNA identified 722 M2-like TAM genes, 204 of which were associated with recurrence-free survival (RFS). Patients in cluster 1 exhibited upregulated cancer-related pathways, a higher proportion of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtypes, lower expression of immune checkpoints, and worse prognosis. Cluster 2 was characterized by upregulated immune-related pathways, a higher proportion of luminal A subtypes, and higher expression of immune checkpoints. A prognostic signature was created and confirmed using an independent dataset. A well-built nomogram can accurately forecast the survival outcomes for every individual. Furthermore, patients classified as low-risk exhibited a more favorable outlook, elevated tumor microenvironment (TME) score, and superior reaction to immunotherapy. In conclusion, we discovered 2 different types of M2-like TAMs and developed a prognostic signature revealing the diversity of M2-like TAMs in BC and their correlation with immune status and prognosis. This feature can predict the prognosis and immunotherapeutic effects of BC and offer novel concepts and approaches for tailoring BC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Chang
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - QingFang Yue
- Department of Oncology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Long Jin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Pengyu Fan
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Oncology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Fei Cao
- Department of Oncology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, China
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8
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Li Z, Duan D, Li L, Peng D, Ming Y, Ni R, Liu Y. Tumor-associated macrophages in anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: recent research progress. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1382256. [PMID: 38957393 PMCID: PMC11217528 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1382256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the cancers that seriously threaten human health. Immunotherapy serves as the mainstay of treatment for HCC patients by targeting the programmed cell death protein 1/programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) axis. However, the effectiveness of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment is limited when HCC becomes drug-resistant. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are an important factor in the negative regulation of PD-1 antibody targeted therapy in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Therefore, as an emerging direction in cancer immunotherapy research for the treatment of HCC, it is crucial to elucidate the correlations and mechanisms between TAMs and PD-1/PD-L1-mediated immune tolerance. This paper summarizes the effects of TAMs on the pathogenesis and progression of HCC and their impact on HCC anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy, and further explores current potential therapeutic strategies that target TAMs in HCC, including eliminating TAMs in the TME, inhibiting TAMs recruitment to tumors and functionally repolarizing M2-TAMs (tumor-supportive) to M1-TAMs (antitumor type).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Rui Ni
- Department of Pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yao Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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9
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Li T, Xu X, Guo M, Guo J, Nakayama K, Ren Z, Zhang L. Identification of a Macrophage marker gene signature to evaluate immune infiltration and therapeutic response in hepatocellular carcinoma. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31881. [PMID: 38845876 PMCID: PMC11154631 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Only a minority of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients can benefit from systemic regimens. Macrophages, which abundantly infiltrate in HCC, could mediate tumour microenvironment remodelling and immune escape, proving to be powerful weapons in combating HCC. Thus, a deeper understanding of macrophages is necessary for improving existing antitumour treatments. Methods With a series of bioinformatic approaches, we comprehensively explored the role of macrophage-related genes in human HCCs from multiple single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing datasets. Unsupervised clustering was performed to cluster the macrophage marker genes (MMGs). GSVA and functional enrichment analysis were used to elucidate the functional differences among the MMG-associated clusters. Subsequently, a component analysis algorithm was used to construct a Macrosig score, and the prognosis, biological characteristics, mutation profile, TME cell infiltration status and drug response of patients with different Macrosig scores were further analysed. Results We identified 13 MMGs in 574 HCC samples, based on which three MMG-associated clusters were defined. Overall survival time, clinicopathological features and immune infiltration scores differed among the different clusters. On this basis, 12 hub genes were identified among these clusters; subsequently, a scoring system was constructed to determine the Macrosig score. Importantly, patients with low-Macrosig scores, characterized by increased immune infiltration, increased mutation frequency and increased immune checkpoint expression, including CTLA-4, LAG3, PDCD1 and TIGIT, exhibited enhanced efficacy of immunotherapy when validated in an external database. Moreover, a low-Macrosig score indicates increased sensitivity to AZD.2281, A.443654, ABT.263, ABT.888, AG.014699 and ATRA, while a high Macrosig score indicates increased sensitivity to AZD6482, AKT inhibitor VIII, AS601245, AZ628, AZD.0530 and AZD6244. Conclusions A novel scoring system was constructed to guide more effective prognostic evaluation and tailoring therapeutic regimens for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Li
- Liver Cancer Institute & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongshan Hospital Xuhui Branch, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Liver Cancer Institute & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengzhou Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongshan Hospital Xuhui Branch, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kiyoko Nakayama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenggang Ren
- Liver Cancer Institute & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lan Zhang
- Liver Cancer Institute & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Xiao S, Lu L, Lin Z, Ye X, Su S, Zhang C, You Y, Li W, Huang X, Wu W, Zhou Y. LAYN Serves as a Prognostic Biomarker and Downregulates Tumor-Infiltrating CD8 + T Cell Function in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2024; 11:1031-1048. [PMID: 38859944 PMCID: PMC11164088 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s464806] [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: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Layilin (LAYN) represents a valuable prognostic biomarker across various tumor types, while also serving as an innovative indicator of dysfunctional or exhausted CD8+ T cells and exhibiting correlation with immune context. However, the immune function and prognostic significance of LAYN in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unexplored. Therefore, our objective is to investigate the role of LAYN in CD8+ T cell exhaustion, clinical prognosis, and the tumor microenvironment within HCC. Methods TIMER or GEPIA databases were used to analyze LAYN expression level and its correlation with immune infiltration in HCC. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted on TCGA and scRNA-seq cohorts. The evaluation of LAYN expression level in fresh specimens was performed through IF, IHC, and ELISA assays. Flow cytometry and mRNA-seq were employed to investigate co-expressed genes of LAYN, the LAYN+CD8+ T cell exhaustion signature and immune function. Cell proliferation ability and killing activity were assessed using CCK8 and CFSE/PI. Results The expression level of LAYN in HCC tumors was significantly higher compared to peri-tumors. Patients with high levels of LAYN exhibited poorer OS. GO or KEGG analysis confirmed that LAYN was involved in immune response and was positively associated with CD8+ T cell immune infiltration levels. Furthermore, LAYN negatively regulated the immune function of CD8+ T cells, leading to dysfunctional phenotypes characterized by elevated levels of CD39, TIM3 and reduced levels of perforin, TNF-α, Ki-67. CFSE/PI assays demonstrated that LAYN+CD8+ T cells displayed decreased cytotoxic activity. Additionally, there was a positive correlation between LAYN and CD146 levels, which are involved in adhesion and localization processes of CD8+ T cells. Interestingly, blocking LAYN partially restored the exhaustion properties of CD8+ T cells. Conclusion LAYN exhibits a strong correlation with immune infiltration in the TME and represents a novel biomarker for predicting clinical prognosis in HCC. Moreover, targeting LAYN may hold promise as an effective strategy for HCC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuxiu Xiao
- Clinical Center for Biotherapy, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lili Lu
- Clinical Center for Biotherapy, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiyuan Lin
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinming Ye
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Sheng Su
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chenlu Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang You
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaowu Huang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weizhong Wu
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuhong Zhou
- Clinical Center for Biotherapy, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
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11
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Niu L, Chen T, Yang A, Yan X, Jin F, Zheng A, Song X. Macrophages and tertiary lymphoid structures as indicators of prognosis and therapeutic response in cancer patients. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189125. [PMID: 38851437 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) can reflect cancer prognosis and clinical outcomes in various tumour tissues. Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) are indispensable components of the tumour microenvironment and play crucial roles in tumour development and immunotherapy. TAMs are associated with TLS induction via the modulation of the T cell response, which is a major component of the TLS. Despite their important roles in cancer immunology, the subtypes of TAMs that influence TLS and their correlation with prognosis are not completely understood. Here, we provide novel insights into the role of TAMs in regulating TLS formation. Furthermore, we discuss the prognostic value of these TAM subtypes and TLS, as well as the current antitumour therapies for inducing TLS. This study highlights an entirely new field of TLS regulation that may lead to the development of an innovative perspective on immunotherapy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Niu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ting Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Aodan Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiwen Yan
- Department of Breast Surgery, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Feng Jin
- Department of Breast Surgery, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ang Zheng
- Department of Breast Surgery, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Xinyue Song
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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12
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Kodous AS, Taha EO, El-Maghraby DF, Hassana AA, Atta MM. Gamma radiation assisted green synthesis of hesperidin-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite targeted JNK/SMAD4/MMP2 signaling pathway. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11535. [PMID: 38773159 PMCID: PMC11109164 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60347-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, a novel method for the fabrication of hesperidin/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite (RGOH) with the assistance of gamma rays is reported. The different RGOHs were obtained by varying hesperidin concentrations (25, 50, 100, and 200 wt.%) in graphene oxide (GO) solution. Hesperidin concentrations (25, 50, 100, and 200 wt.%) in graphene oxide (GO) were varied to produce the various RGOHs. Upon irradiation with 80 kGy from γ-Ray, the successful reduction of GO occurred in the presence of hesperidin. The reduction process was confirmed by different characterization techniques such as FTIR, XRD, HRTEM, and Raman Spectroscopy. A cytotoxicity study using the MTT method was performed to evaluate the cytotoxic-anticancer effects of arbitrary RGOH on Wi38, CaCo2, and HepG2 cell lines. The assessment of RGOH's anti-inflammatory activity, including the monitoring of IL-1B and IL-6 activities as well as NF-kB gene expression was done. In addition, the anti-invasive and antimetastatic properties of RGOH, ICAM, and VCAM were assessed. Additionally, the expression of the MMP2-9 gene was quantified. The assessment of apoptotic activity was conducted by the detection of gene expressions related to BCl2 and P53. The documentation of the JNK/SMAD4/MMP2 signaling pathway was ultimately accomplished. The findings of our study indicate that RGOH therapy has significant inhibitory effects on the JNK/SMAD4/MMP2 pathway. This suggests that it could be a potential therapeutic option for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad S Kodous
- Radiation Biology Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eman O Taha
- Petroleum Applications Department, Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute (EPRI), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Dina F El-Maghraby
- Health Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Asmaa A Hassana
- Radiation Biology Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt.
| | - M M Atta
- Radiation Physics Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt.
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13
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Ludwig SD, Meksiriporn B, Tan J, Kureshi R, Mishra A, Kaeo KJ, Zhu A, Stavrakis G, Lee SJ, Schodt DJ, Wester MJ, Kumar D, Lidke KA, Cox AL, Dooley HM, Nimmagadda S, Spangler JB. Multiparatopic antibodies induce targeted downregulation of programmed death-ligand 1. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:904-919.e11. [PMID: 38547863 PMCID: PMC11102303 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.02.014] [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: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) drives inhibition of antigen-specific T cell responses through engagement of its receptor programmed death-1 (PD-1) on activated T cells. Overexpression of these immune checkpoint proteins in the tumor microenvironment has motivated the design of targeted antibodies that disrupt this interaction. Despite clinical success of these antibodies, response rates remain low, necessitating novel approaches to enhance performance. Here, we report the development of antibody fusion proteins that block immune checkpoint pathways through a distinct mechanism targeting molecular trafficking. By engaging multiple receptor epitopes on PD-L1, our engineered multiparatopic antibodies induce rapid clustering, internalization, and degradation in an epitope- and topology-dependent manner. The complementary mechanisms of ligand blockade and receptor downregulation led to more durable immune cell activation and dramatically reduced PD-L1 availability in mouse tumors. Collectively, these multiparatopic antibodies offer mechanistic insight into immune checkpoint protein trafficking and how it may be manipulated to reprogram immune outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth D Ludwig
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Bunyarit Meksiriporn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Biology, School of Science, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand
| | - Jiacheng Tan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Rakeeb Kureshi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Akhilesh Mishra
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Kyle J Kaeo
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Angela Zhu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Georgia Stavrakis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Stephen J Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - David J Schodt
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Michael J Wester
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Dhiraj Kumar
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Keith A Lidke
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Andrea L Cox
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Helen M Dooley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Sridhar Nimmagadda
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Bloomberg∼Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Jamie B Spangler
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Bloomberg∼Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA.
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14
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Zhu CX, Yan K, Chen L, Huang RR, Bian ZH, Wei HR, Gu XM, Zhao YY, Liu MC, Suo CX, Li ZK, Yang ZY, Lu MQ, Hua XF, Li L, Zhao ZB, Sun LC, Zhang HF, Gao P, Lian ZX. Targeting OXCT1-mediated ketone metabolism reprograms macrophages to promote antitumor immunity via CD8 + T cells in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2024:S0168-8278(24)00342-8. [PMID: 38759889 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The liver is the main organ of ketogenesis, while ketones are mainly metabolized in peripheral tissues via the critical enzyme 3-oxoacid CoA-transferase 1 (OXCT1). We previously found that ketolysis is reactivated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells through OXCT1 expression to promote tumor progression; however, whether OXCT1 regulates antitumor immunity remains unclear. METHODS To investigate the expression pattern of OXCT1 in HCC in vivo, we conducted multiplex immunohistochemistry experiments on human HCC specimens. To explore the role of OXCT1 in mouse HCC tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), we generated LysMcreOXCT1f/f (OXCT1 conditional knockout in macrophages) mice. RESULTS Here, we found that inhibiting OXCT1 expression in tumor-associated macrophages reduced CD8+ T-cell exhaustion through the succinate-H3K4me3-Arg1 axis. Initially, we found that OXCT1 was highly expressed in liver macrophages under steady state and that OXCT expression was further increased in TAMs. OXCT1 deficiency in macrophages suppressed tumor growth by reprogramming TAMs toward an antitumor phenotype, reducing CD8+ T-cell exhaustion and increasing CD8+ T-cell cytotoxicity. Mechanistically, high OXCT1 expression induced the accumulation of succinate, a byproduct of ketolysis, in TAMs, which promoted Arg1 transcription by increasing the H3K4me3 level in the Arg1 promoter. In addition, pimozide, an inhibitor of OXCT1, suppressed Arg1 expression as well as TAM polarization toward the protumor phenotype, leading to decreased CD8+ T-cell exhaustion and slower tumor growth. Finally, high expression of OXCT1 in macrophages was positively associated with poor survival in patients with HCC. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our results demonstrate that OXCT1 epigenetically suppresses antitumor immunity, suggesting that suppressing OXCT1 activity in TAMs could be an effective approach for treating liver cancer. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS The intricate metabolism of liver macrophages plays a critical role in shaping hepatocellular carcinoma progression and immune modulation. Targeting macrophage metabolism to counteract immune suppression presents a promising avenue for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment. Herein, we found that the ketogenesis gene OXCT1 was highly expressed in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and promoted tumor growth by reprogramming TAMs toward a protumor phenotype. Pharmacological targeting or genetic downregulation of OXCT1 in TAMs enhances antitumor immunity and slows tumor growth. Our results suggest that suppressing OXCT1 activity in TAMs could be an effective approach for treating liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chu-Xu Zhu
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kai Yan
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang Chen
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rong-Rong Huang
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhen-Hua Bian
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao-Ran Wei
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue-Mei Gu
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang-Yang Zhao
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China; Biomedical Engineering Cockrell School of Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, United States
| | - Meng-Chu Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cai-Xia Suo
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Kun Li
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Yi Yang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min-Qiang Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue-Feng Hua
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang Li
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Bin Zhao
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin-Chong Sun
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua-Feng Zhang
- The Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ping Gao
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Zhe-Xiong Lian
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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15
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He Y, Zhu M, Lai X, Zhang H, Jiang W. The roles of PD-L1 in the various stages of tumor metastasis. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024:10.1007/s10555-024-10189-4. [PMID: 38733457 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10189-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
The interaction between tumor programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and T-cell programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) has long been acknowledged as a mechanism for evading immune surveillance. Recent studies, however, have unveiled a more nuanced role of tumor-intrinsic PD-L1 in reprograming tumoral phenotypes. Preclinical models emphasize the synchronized effects of both intracellular and extracellular PD-L1 in promoting metastasis, with intricate interactions with the immune system. This review aims to summarize recent findings to elucidate the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of PD-L1 expression and the pro-metastatic roles of PD-L1 in the entire process of tumor metastasis. For example, PD-L1 regulates the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, facilitates the survival of circulating tumor cells, and induces the formation of immunosuppressive environments at pre-metastatic niches and metastatic sites. And the complexed and dynamic regulation process of PD-L1 for tumor metastasis is related to the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of PD-L1 expression and functions from tumor primary sites to various metastatic sites. This review extends the current understandings for the roles of PD-L1 in mediating tumor metastasis and provides new insights into therapeutic decisions in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinjun He
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University Medical School, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang University Medical School, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Ming Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang University Medical School, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xuan Lai
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang University Medical School, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Honghe Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang University Medical School, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Weiqin Jiang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University Medical School, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang University Medical School, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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16
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Quaranta V, Ballarò C, Giannelli G. Macrophages Orchestrate the Liver Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1772. [PMID: 38730724 PMCID: PMC11083142 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality. Hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma are the most common types, and despite numerous advances, therapeutic options still remain poor for these cancer patients. Tumor development and progression strictly depend on a supportive tumor microenvironment (TME). Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most abundant immune cells population within a tumorigenic liver; they sustain cancer cells' growth and invasiveness, and their presence is correlated with a poor prognosis. Furthermore, TAM cross-talk with cells and components of the TME promotes immunosuppression, a desmoplastic response, and angiogenesis. In this review, we summarize the latest advances in understanding TAM heterogeneity and function, with a particular focus on TAM modulation of the TME. We also discuss the potential of targeting macrophage subpopulations and how this is now being exploited in current clinical trials for the treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Quaranta
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, Via Turi 27, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy (G.G.)
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17
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Werner W, Kuzminskaya M, Lurje I, Tacke F, Hammerich L. Overcoming Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Liver Cancer with Combination Therapy: Stronger Together? Semin Liver Dis 2024; 44:159-179. [PMID: 38806159 PMCID: PMC11245330 DOI: 10.1055/a-2334-8311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer, represented mainly by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), is one of the most common and deadliest tumors worldwide. While surgical resection or liver transplantation are the best option in early disease stages, these tumors often present in advanced stages and systemic treatment is required to improve survival time. The emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has had a positive impact especially on the treatment of advanced cancers, thereby establishing immunotherapy as part of first-line treatment in HCC and CCA. Nevertheless, low response rates reflect on the usually cold or immunosuppressed tumor microenvironment of primary liver cancer. In this review, we aim to summarize mechanisms of resistance leading to tumor immune escape with a special focus on the composition of tumor microenvironment in both HCC and CCA, also reflecting on recent important developments in ICI combination therapy. Furthermore, we discuss how combination of ICIs with established primary liver cancer treatments (e.g. multikinase inhibitors and chemotherapy) as well as more complex combinations with state-of-the-art therapeutic concepts may reshape the tumor microenvironment, leading to higher response rates and long-lasting antitumor immunity for primary liver cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiebke Werner
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Kuzminskaya
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Isabella Lurje
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Linda Hammerich
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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18
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Anguera G, Mulet M, Zamora C, Osuna-Gómez R, Barba A, Sullivan I, Serra-López J, Cantó E, Vidal S, Majem M. Potential Role of Circulating PD-L1 + Leukocytes as a Predictor of Response to Anti-PD-(L)1 Therapy in NSCLC Patients. Biomedicines 2024; 12:958. [PMID: 38790920 PMCID: PMC11117542 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12050958] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
PD-(L)1 inhibitors are part of the treatment strategy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) although its efficacy is limited to certain patients. Our study aimed to identify patients who might benefit from anti-PD-(L)1 inhibitors by analyzing the PD-L1 expression on circulating leukocytes and its evolution during treatment. One hundred thirteen NSCLC patients, according to their radiological response after 10-12 weeks of treatment, were classified into responders, stable, and progressive disease. Percentages of circulating PD-L1+ leukocytes, PD-L1+ platelets (PLTs), and leukocyte-PLT complexes were assessed using flow cytometry, and plasma concentrations of soluble immunomodulatory factors were quantified by ELISA. Responders exhibited significantly higher pre-treatment percentages of PD-L1+ neutrophils, PD-L1+ CD14+ cells, and PD-L1+ PLTs than progressors. The percentages of these populations decreased in responders post-treatment, contrasting with stables and progressors. PLTs notably contributed to PD-L1 expression in CD14+ cells and neutrophils. Plasma cytokine analysis revealed baseline differences only in IL-17 concentration among groups, whereas network analyses highlighted distinct association patterns between plasma molecules and PD-L1+ leukocytes after 10-12 weeks of treatment. Our findings suggest that pre-treatment assessment of circulating PD-L1+ neutrophils, PD-L1+ CD14+ cells, and PD-L1+ PLTs may be helpful in identifying NSCLC patients who are potential candidates for anti-PD-(L)1 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Anguera
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08041 Barcelona, Spain; (G.A.); (A.B.); (I.S.); (J.S.-L.); (M.M.)
- Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Maria Mulet
- Group of Inflammatory Diseases, Institut de Recerca Sant Pau (IR Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain; (C.Z.); (R.O.-G.); (E.C.); (S.V.)
| | - Carlos Zamora
- Group of Inflammatory Diseases, Institut de Recerca Sant Pau (IR Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain; (C.Z.); (R.O.-G.); (E.C.); (S.V.)
| | - Rubén Osuna-Gómez
- Group of Inflammatory Diseases, Institut de Recerca Sant Pau (IR Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain; (C.Z.); (R.O.-G.); (E.C.); (S.V.)
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Andrés Barba
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08041 Barcelona, Spain; (G.A.); (A.B.); (I.S.); (J.S.-L.); (M.M.)
| | - Ivana Sullivan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08041 Barcelona, Spain; (G.A.); (A.B.); (I.S.); (J.S.-L.); (M.M.)
| | - Jorgina Serra-López
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08041 Barcelona, Spain; (G.A.); (A.B.); (I.S.); (J.S.-L.); (M.M.)
| | - Elisabet Cantó
- Group of Inflammatory Diseases, Institut de Recerca Sant Pau (IR Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain; (C.Z.); (R.O.-G.); (E.C.); (S.V.)
| | - Silvia Vidal
- Group of Inflammatory Diseases, Institut de Recerca Sant Pau (IR Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain; (C.Z.); (R.O.-G.); (E.C.); (S.V.)
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Margarita Majem
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08041 Barcelona, Spain; (G.A.); (A.B.); (I.S.); (J.S.-L.); (M.M.)
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Zimarino C, Moody W, Davidson SE, Munir H, Shields JD. Disruption of CD47-SIRPα signaling restores inflammatory function in tumor-associated myeloid-derived suppressor cells. iScience 2024; 27:109546. [PMID: 38577107 PMCID: PMC10993187 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous immune population with diverse immunosuppressive functions in solid tumors. Here, we explored the role of the tumor microenvironment in regulating MDSC differentiation and immunosuppressive properties via signal-regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα)/CD47 signaling. In a murine melanoma model, we observed progressive increases in monocytic MDSCs and monocyte-derived dendritic cells that exhibited potent T cell-suppressive capabilities. These adaptations could be recapitulated in vitro by exposing hematopoietic stem cells to tumor-derived factors. Engagement of CD47 with SIRPα on myeloid cells reduced their phagocytic capability, enhanced expression of immune checkpoints, increased reactive oxygen species production, and suppressed T cell proliferation. Perturbation of SIRPα signaling restored phagocytosis and antigen presentation by MDSCs, which was accompanied by renewed T cell activity and delayed tumor growth in multiple solid cancers. These data highlight that therapeutically targeting myeloid functions in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors could enhance anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Zimarino
- MRC Cancer Unit, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - William Moody
- MRC Cancer Unit, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sarah E. Davidson
- MRC Cancer Unit, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Hafsa Munir
- MRC Cancer Unit, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Helmholtz Institute for Translational Oncology Mainz (HI-TRON Mainz) – A Helmholtz Institute of the DKFZ, Mainz, Germany
- German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Division of Dermal Oncoimmunology, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jacqueline D. Shields
- MRC Cancer Unit, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Kings College London, London, UK
- Centre for Cancer Sciences, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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20
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Jin D, Qian L, Chen J, Yu Z, Dong J. Prognostic impact of CD68+ tumor-associated macrophages in hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37834. [PMID: 38640338 PMCID: PMC11029977 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence from clinical research suggests that the tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) were associated with prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of the present meta-analysis was to conduct a qualitative analysis to explore the prognostic value of CD68 + TAMs in HCC. METHODS This study conducted a systematic search in Pubmed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Internet from inception of the databases to November 2023. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated employing fixed-effect or random-effect models depending on the heterogeneity of the included trials. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the risk of prejudice. RESULTS We analyzed 4362 HCC patients. The present research indicated that the expression levels Of CD68 + TAMs were significantly associated with overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.30-1.84) and disease-free survival (DFS) (HR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.17-1.78). Subgroup analysis based on cutoff values showed that the "Median" subgroup showed a pooled HR of 1.66 with a 95% CI ranging from 1.32 to 2.08, which was slightly higher than the "Others" subgroup that exhibited a pooled HR of 1.40 and a 95% CI of 1.07 to 1.84. The "PT" subgroup had the highest pooled HR of 1.68 (95% CI: 1.19-2.37), indicating a worse OS compared to the "IT" (pooled HR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.13-2.01) and "Mix" (pooled HR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.03-2.26) subgroups. Moreover, in the sample size-based analysis, studies with more than 100 samples (>100) exhibited a higher pooled HR of 1.57 (95% CI: 1.28 to 1.93) compared to studies with fewer than 100 samples (<100), which had a pooled HR of 1.45 (95% CI: 1.00-2.10). CONCLUSIONS The analysis suggests that CD68 + TAMs were significantly associated with unfavorable OS and DFS in HCC patients, and may be served as a promising prognostic biomarker in HCC. However, more large-scale trials are needed to study the clinical value of TAMs in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danwen Jin
- Pathological Diagnosis Center, Zhoushan Hospital, Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Liyong Qian
- Pathological Diagnosis Center, Zhoushan Hospital, Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jiayao Chen
- Department of Laboratory, Zhoushan Hospital, Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ze Yu
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Biology, Zhoushan Hospital, Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jinliang Dong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Zhoushan Hospital, Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province, China
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21
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Aleksandrowicz K, Hempel D, Polityńska B, Wojtukiewicz AM, Honn KV, Tang DG, Wojtukiewicz MZ. The Complex Role of Thrombin in Cancer and Metastasis: Focus on Interactions with the Immune System. Semin Thromb Hemost 2024; 50:462-473. [PMID: 37984359 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1776875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Thrombin, a pleiotropic enzyme involved in coagulation, plays a crucial role in both procoagulant and anticoagulant pathways. Thrombin converts fibrinogen into fibrin, initiates platelet activation, and promotes clot formation. Thrombin also activates anticoagulant pathways, indirectly inhibiting factors involved in coagulation. Tissue factor triggers thrombin generation, and the overexpression of thrombin in various cancers suggests that it is involved in tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Increased thrombin generation has been observed in cancer patients, especially those with metastases. Thrombin exerts its effects through protease-activated receptors (PARs), particularly PAR-1 and PAR-2, which are involved in cancer progression, angiogenesis, and immunological responses. Thrombin-mediated signaling promotes angiogenesis by activating endothelial cells and platelets, thereby releasing proangiogenic factors. These functions of thrombin are well recognized and have been widely described. However, in recent years, intriguing new findings concerning the association between thrombin activity and cancer development have come to light, which justifies a review of this research. In particular, there is evidence that thrombin-mediated events interact with the immune system, and may regulate its response to tumor growth. It is also worth reevaluating the impact of thrombin on thrombocytes in conjunction with its multifaceted influence on tumor progression. Understanding the role of thrombin/PAR-mediated signaling in cancer and immunological responses is crucial, particularly in the context of developing immunotherapies. In this systematic review, we focus on the impact of the thrombin-related immune system response on cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Aleksandrowicz
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Medical University, Białystok, Poland
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Dominika Hempel
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Medical University, Białystok, Poland
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Barbara Polityńska
- Department of Psychology and Philosophy, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Anna M Wojtukiewicz
- Department of Psychology and Philosophy, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Kenneth V Honn
- Department of Pathology-School of Medicine, Bioactive Lipids Research Program, Detroit, Michigan
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Dean G Tang
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Marek Z Wojtukiewicz
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Medical University, Białystok, Poland
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bialystok, Poland
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22
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Wang Y, Li Z, Chen W, Wang J, Huang Z, Yu XJ, Zhang YJ, Zheng L, Xu J. C/EBPα mediates the maturation and antitumor functions of macrophages in human hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2024; 585:216638. [PMID: 38266805 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Recent studies have suggested that therapeutic upregulation of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα) prevents hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. However, the mechanisms underlying this outcome are not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the expression and functional roles of C/EBPα in human HCC, with a focus on monocytes/macrophages (Mφs). Paraffin-embedded tissues were used to visualize C/EBPα expression and analyze the prognostic value of C/EBPα+ monocytes/Mφs in HCC patients. The underlying regulatory mechanisms were examined using human monocyte-derived Mφs. The results showed that the expression of C/EBPα on monocytes/Mφs was significantly decreased in intra-tumor tissues compared to the corresponding peri-tumor tissues. C/EBPα+ monocytes/Mφs displayed well-differentiation and antitumor capacities, and the accumulation of these cells in tissue was associated with antitumor immune responses and predicted longer overall survival (OS) of HCC patients. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that C/EBPα was required for Mφ maturation and HLA-DR, CD169 and CD86 expression, which initiates antitumor cytotoxic T-cell responses; however, these effects were inhibited by monocyte autocrine IL-6- and IL-1β-induced suppression of mTOR1 signaling. Reprogramming Mφs via the upregulation of C/EBPα may provide a novel strategy for cancer immunotherapy in patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongchun Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China; Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Zhixiong Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Weibai Chen
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China; Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Junfeng Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Zhijie Huang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Xing-Juan Yu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yao-Jun Zhang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China; Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Limin Zheng
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China; Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
| | - Jing Xu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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23
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Wang P, Jie Y, Yao L, Sun YM, Jiang DP, Zhang SQ, Wang XY, Fan Y. Cells in the liver microenvironment regulate the process of liver metastasis. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e3969. [PMID: 38459746 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3969] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
The research of liver metastasis is a developing field. The ability of tumor cells to invade the liver depends on the complicated interactions between metastatic cells and local subpopulations in the liver (including Kupffer cells, hepatic stellate cells, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, and immune-related cells). These interactions are mainly mediated by intercellular adhesion and the release of cytokines. Cell populations in the liver microenvironment can play a dual role in the progression of liver metastasis through different mechanisms. At the same time, we can see the participation of liver parenchymal cells and nonparenchymal cells in the process of liver metastasis of different tumors. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to summarize the relationship between cellular components of liver microenvironment and metastasis and emphasize the importance of different cells in the occurrence or potential regression of liver metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Wang
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu Jie
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lin Yao
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yi-Meng Sun
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Da-Peng Jiang
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shi-Qi Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Suqian First People's Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Suqian, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Suqian First People's Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Suqian, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu Fan
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
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24
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Wang L, Guo W, Guo Z, Yu J, Tan J, Simons DL, Hu K, Liu X, Zhou Q, Zheng Y, Colt EA, Yim J, Waisman J, Lee PP. PD-L1-expressing tumor-associated macrophages are immunostimulatory and associate with good clinical outcome in human breast cancer. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101420. [PMID: 38382468 PMCID: PMC10897617 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the predominant cells that express programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) within human tumors in addition to cancer cells, and PD-L1+ TAMs are generally thought to be immunosuppressive within the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Using single-cell transcriptomic and spatial multiplex immunofluorescence analyses, we show that PD-L1+ TAMs are mature and immunostimulatory with spatial preference to T cells. In contrast, PD-L1- TAMs are immunosuppressive and spatially co-localize with cancer cells. Either higher density of PD-L1+ TAMs alone or ratio of PD-L1+/PD-L1- TAMs correlate with favorable clinical outcome in two independent cohorts of patients with breast cancer. Mechanistically, we show that PD-L1 is upregulated during the monocyte-to-macrophage maturation and differentiation process and does not require external IFN-γ stimulus. Functionally, PD-L1+ TAMs are more mature/activated and promote CD8+ T cells proliferation and cytotoxic capacity. Together, our findings reveal insights into the immunological significance of PD-L1 within the TIME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China.
| | - Weihua Guo
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Zhikun Guo
- International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Jiangnan Yu
- International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Jiayi Tan
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Diana L Simons
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Ke Hu
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Qian Zhou
- International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Yizi Zheng
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518035, China
| | - Egelston A Colt
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - John Yim
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - James Waisman
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Peter P Lee
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
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25
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Knudsen-Clark AM, Mwangi D, Cazarin J, Hablitz LM, Kim M, Altman BJ. Circadian rhythms of macrophages are altered by the acidic pH of the tumor microenvironment. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.14.580339. [PMID: 38405770 PMCID: PMC10888792 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.14.580339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Macrophages are prime therapeutic targets due to their pro-tumorigenic and immunosuppressive functions in tumors, but varying efficacy of therapeutic approaches targeting macrophages highlights our incomplete understanding of how the tumor microenvironment (TME) can influence regulation of macrophages. The circadian clock is a key internal regulator of macrophage function, but how circadian rhythms of macrophages may be influenced by the tumor microenvironment remains unknown. We found that conditions associated with the TME such as polarizing stimuli, acidic pH, and elevated lactate concentrations can each alter circadian rhythms in macrophages. Circadian rhythms were enhanced in pro-resolution macrophages but suppressed in pro-inflammatory macrophages, while acidic pH had divergent effects on circadian rhythms depending on macrophage phenotype. While cyclic AMP (cAMP) has been reported to play a role in macrophage response to acidic pH, our results indicate that pH-driven changes in circadian rhythms are not mediated solely by the cAMP signaling pathway. Remarkably, clock correlation distance analysis of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) revealed evidence of circadian disorder in TAMs. This is the first report providing evidence that circadian rhythms of macrophages are altered within the TME. Our data suggest that heterogeneity in circadian rhythms at the population level may underlie this circadian disorder. Finally, we sought to determine how circadian regulation of macrophages impacts tumorigenesis, and found that tumor growth was suppressed when macrophages had a functional circadian clock. Our work demonstrates a novel mechanism by which the tumor microenvironment can influence macrophage biology through altering circadian rhythms, and the contribution of circadian rhythms in macrophages to suppressing tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia M. Knudsen-Clark
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Daniel Mwangi
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Juliana Cazarin
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Lauren M. Hablitz
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Minsoo Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Brian J. Altman
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
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26
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Wu Y, Caldwell B, Wang J, Zhang Y, Li L. Alleviation of monocyte exhaustion by BCG derivative mycolic acid. iScience 2024; 27:108978. [PMID: 38323001 PMCID: PMC10845070 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.108978] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Monocyte exhaustion with sustained pathogenic inflammation and immune-suppression, a hallmark of sepsis resulting from systemic infections, presents a challenge with limited therapeutic solutions. This study identified Methoxy-Mycolic Acid (M-MA), a branched mycolic acid derived from Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), as a potent agent in alleviating monocyte exhaustion and restoring immune homeostasis. Co-treatment of monocytes with M-MA effectively blocked the expansion of Ly6Chi/CD38hi/PD-L1hi monocytes induced by LPS challenges and restored the expression of immune-enhancing CD86. M-MA treatment restored mitochondrial functions of exhausted monocytes and alleviated their suppressive activities on co-cultured T cells. Independent of TREM2, M-MA blocks Src-STAT1-mediated inflammatory polarization and reduces the production of immune suppressors TAX1BP1 and PLAC8. Whole genome methylation analyses revealed M-MA's ability to erase the methylation memory of exhausted monocytes, particularly restoring Plac8 methylation. Together, our data suggest M-MA as an effective agent in restoring monocyte homeostasis with a therapeutic potential for treating sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajun Wu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech; Blacksburg, VA 24061-0910, USA
| | - Blake Caldwell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech; Blacksburg, VA 24061-0910, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech; Blacksburg, VA 24061-0910, USA
| | - Yao Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech; Blacksburg, VA 24061-0910, USA
| | - Liwu Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech; Blacksburg, VA 24061-0910, USA
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27
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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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28
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Xiao Y, Liu R, Li N, Li Y, Huang X. Role of the ubiquitin-proteasome system on macrophages in the tumor microenvironment. J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:e31180. [PMID: 38219045 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31180] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are key components of the tumor microenvironment, and their different polarization states play multiple roles in tumors by secreting cytokines, chemokines, and so on, which are closely related to tumor development. In addition, the enrichment of TAMs is often associated with poor prognosis of tumors. Thus, targeting TAMs is a potential tumor treatment strategy, in which therapeutic approaches such as reducing TAMs numbers, remodeling TAMs phenotypes, and altering their functions are being extensively investigated. Meanwhile, the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), an important mechanism of protein hydrolysis in eukaryotic cells, participates in cellular processes by regulating the activity and stability of key proteins. Interestingly, UPS plays a dual role in the process of tumor development, and its role in TAMs deserve to be investigated in depth. This review builds on this foundation to further explore the multiple roles of UPS on TAMs and identifies a promising approach to treat tumors by targeting TAMs with UPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Xiao
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ruiqian Liu
- School of Future Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Na Li
- School of Future Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical Center of Anesthesiology and Pain, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xuan Huang
- The National Engineering Research Center for Bioengineering Drugs and the Technologies, Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Pinto TAM, Saito HPA, Nourani CL, Ataide EC, Boin IFSF, Lourenco GJ, Lima CSP. Clinicopathological Aspects and Inflammation-Immune Markers in Alcohol and/or Hepatitis C Virus-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients Treated With Sorafenib. Gastroenterology Res 2024; 17:23-31. [PMID: 38463146 PMCID: PMC10923249 DOI: 10.14740/gr1689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the outcomes of patients under treatment vary. Since the roles of clinicopathological aspects and markers of chronic inflammation/immune homeostasis in the outcome of HCC patients treated with sorafenib are still unclear, these were the aims of this study. Methods Patients with alcohol-induced and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV)-induced HCC (n = 182) uniformly treated with sorafenib were included in the study. Baseline clinicopathological aspects of patients were computed from the medical records. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) were obtained from the hematological exam performed before the administration of sorafenib. Overall survival (OS) was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier probabilities, log-rank test, and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard ratio (HR) analyses. Results In multivariate analysis, alpha-foetoprotein (AFP) level and Child-Pugh score were predictors of OS. Patients with AFP levels higher than 157 ng/mL and Child-Pugh B or C had 1.40 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03 - 1.91, P = 0.03) and 1.64 (95% CI: 1.07 - 2.52, P = 0.02) more chances of evolving to death than the remaining patients, respectively. NLR, PLR, LMR, SIRI, and SII did not alter the OS of HCC patients. Conclusions AFP level and Child-Pugh score act as independent prognostic factors in patients with alcohol and/or HCV-induced HCC treated with sorafenib, but markers of chronic inflammation/immune homeostasis seem not to alter the outcome of patients with HCC induced by alcohol and/or HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago Alexandre Martins Pinto
- Clinical Oncology Service, Department of Anesthesiology, Oncology, and Radiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Helena Paes Almeida Saito
- Clinical Oncology Service, Department of Anesthesiology, Oncology, and Radiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carolina Lopes Nourani
- Clinical Oncology Service, Department of Anesthesiology, Oncology, and Radiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elaine Cristina Ataide
- Department of Surgery, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Gustavo Jacob Lourenco
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics; School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carmen Silvia Passos Lima
- Clinical Oncology Service, Department of Anesthesiology, Oncology, and Radiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics; School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Cui JW, Li Y, Yang Y, Yang HK, Dong JM, Xiao ZH, He X, Guo JH, Wang RQ, Dai B, Zhou ZL. Tumor immunotherapy resistance: Revealing the mechanism of PD-1 / PD-L1-mediated tumor immune escape. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116203. [PMID: 38280330 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116203] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor immunotherapy, an innovative anti-cancer therapy, has showcased encouraging outcomes across diverse tumor types. Among these, the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway is a well-known immunological checkpoint, which is significant in the regulation of immune evasion by tumors. Nevertheless, a considerable number of patients develop resistance to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy, rendering it ineffective in the long run. This research focuses on exploring the factors of PD-1/PD-L1-mediated resistance in tumor immunotherapy. Initially, the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway is characterized by its role in facilitating tumor immune evasion, emphasizing its role in autoimmune homeostasis. Next, the primary mechanisms of resistance to PD-1/PD-L1-based immunotherapy are analyzed, including tumor antigen deletion, T cell dysfunction, increased immunosuppressive cells, and alterations in the expression of PD-L1 within tumor cells. The possible ramifications of altered metabolism, microbiota, and DNA methylation on resistance is also described. Finally, possible resolution strategies for dealing with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy resistance are discussed, placing particular emphasis on personalized therapeutic approaches and the exploration of more potent immunotherapy regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Wen Cui
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China; College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yao Li
- College of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China; College of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau SAR, China
| | - Hai-Kui Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
| | - Jia-Mei Dong
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
| | - Zhi-Hua Xiao
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China; College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin He
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
| | - Jia-Hao Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China; College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui-Qi Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China.
| | - Bo Dai
- Department of Cardiology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Foshan City 528200, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Zhi-Ling Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China.
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Bui I, Bonavida B. Polarization of M2 Tumor-Associated Macrophages (TAMs) in Cancer Immunotherapy. Crit Rev Oncog 2024; 29:75-95. [PMID: 38989739 DOI: 10.1615/critrevoncog.2024053830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
We have witnessed in the last decade new milestones in the treatment of various resistant cancers with new immunotherapeutic modalities. These advances have resulted in significant objective durable clinical responses in a subset of cancer patients. These findings strongly suggested that immunotherapy should be considered for the treatment of all subsets of cancer patients. Accordingly, the mechanisms underlying resistance to immunotherapy must be explored and develop new means to target these resistant factors. One of the pivotal resistance mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is the high infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) that are highly immunosuppressive and responsible, in large part, of cancer immune evasion. Thus, various approaches have been investigated to target the TAMs to restore the anti-tumor immune response. One approach is to polarize the M2 TAMS to the M1 phenotype that participates in the activation of the anti-tumor response. In this review, we discuss the various and differential properties of the M1 and M2 phenotypes, the molecular signaling pathways that participate in the polarization, and various approaches used to target the polarization of the M2 TAMs into the M1 anti-tumor phenotype. These approaches include inhibitors of histone deacetylases, PI3K inhibitors, STAT3 inhibitors, TLR agonists, and metabolic reprogramming. Clearly, due to the distinct features of various cancers and their heterogeneities, a single approach outlined above might only be effective against some cancers and not others. In addition, targeting by itself may not be efficacious unless used in combination with other therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indy Bui
- University of California Los Angeles
| | - Benjamin Bonavida
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Johnson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90025-1747, USA
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Niu J, Jiang W, Fan D, Li X, Zhou W, Zhang H. Research trends on immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer: A bibliometric analysis. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2269794. [PMID: 37885280 PMCID: PMC10760365 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2269794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to summarize and visually analyze the current research status in pancreatic cancer immunotherapy during the past two decades by bibliometrics and explore the current research hotspots and future development directions. The literature related to pancreatic cancer immunotherapy from 2002 to 2021 was downloaded from the core database of the Web of Science. VOSviewer and CiteSpace software were used to visualize the included literature. A total of 2528 articles were included. In the past two decades, publications in the pancreatic cancer immunotherapy field have increased almost annually. As the country with the largest publications, the United States has various research institutions dedicated to pancreatic cancer immunotherapy. Jaffee EM and Zheng L from Johns Hopkins University and Vonderheide RH from the University of Pennsylvania have published the most articles in this field. The current research hotspots of pancreatic cancer immunotherapy include the tumor microenvironment, immune cells, immune checkpoint blockade, and combination therapy. The study of novel immunotherapies and combination therapy may become the primary focus of future research on pancreatic cancer immunotherapy. More prospective clinical studies with high evidence levels should be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jubao Niu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wenkai Jiang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Dongao Fan
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xin Li
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wence Zhou
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
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Hao L, Li S, Deng J, Li N, Yu F, Jiang Z, Zhang J, Shi X, Hu X. The current status and future of PD-L1 in liver cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1323581. [PMID: 38155974 PMCID: PMC10754529 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1323581] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The application of immunotherapy in tumor, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has played an important role in the treatment of advanced unresectable liver cancer. However, the efficacy of ICIs varies greatly among different patients, which has aroused people's attention to the regulatory mechanism of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) in the immune escape of liver cancer. PD-L1 is regulated by multiple levels and signaling pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), including gene variation, epigenetic inheritance, transcriptional regulation, post-transcriptional regulation, and post-translational modification. More studies have also found that the high expression of PD-L1 may be the main factor affecting the immunotherapy of liver cancer. However, what is the difference of PD-L1 expressed by different types of cells in the microenvironment of HCC, and which type of cells expressed PD-L1 determines the effect of tumor immunotherapy remains unclear. Therefore, clarifying the regulatory mechanism of PD-L1 in liver cancer can provide more basis for liver cancer immunotherapy and combined immune treatment strategy. In addition to its well-known role in immune regulation, PD-L1 also plays a role in regulating cancer cell proliferation and promoting drug resistance of tumor cells, which will be reviewed in this paper. In addition, we also summarized the natural products and drugs that regulated the expression of PD-L1 in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Hao
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shenghao Li
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shijiazhuang Fifth Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Jiali Deng
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Na Li
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fei Yu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhi Jiang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Junli Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinli Shi
- Center of Experimental Management, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Xiaoyu Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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You T, Tang H, Wu W, Gao J, Li X, Li N, Xu X, Xing J, Ge H, Xiao Y, Guo J, Wu B, Li X, Zhou L, Zhao L, Bai C, Han Q, Sun Z, Zhao RC. POSTN Secretion by Extracellular Matrix Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (eCAFs) Correlates with Poor ICB Response via Macrophage Chemotaxis Activation of Akt Signaling Pathway in Gastric Cancer. Aging Dis 2023; 14:2177-2192. [PMID: 37199594 PMCID: PMC10676785 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, but its clinical benefit is limited in advanced gastric cancer (GC). Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have been reported to be associated with ICB resistance, but the underlying mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Our previous single-cell RNA-seq analysis of GC revealed that POSTN+FAP+ extracellular matrix CAFs (eCAFs) communicate with macrophages. Here, we evaluated the correlation between eCAFs and ICB response in TCGA-STAD and real-world cohorts. Immune infiltration analysis and correlation analysis were performed to assess the relationship between eCAFs and macrophages. We first confirmed a negative correlation between the abundance of eCAFs and the overall response rate (ORR) to anti-PD-1 treatment in TCGA-STAD and real-world GC cohorts. Overexpression of POSTN in CAFs enhanced macrophage chemotaxis, while POSTN interference showed the opposite effect in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the cell density of POSTN+ CAFs was positively correlated with the infiltration level of CD163+ macrophages in GC patient tissues. The results demonstrated that POSTN secreted by CAFs enhances macrophage chemotaxis by activating the Akt signaling pathway in macrophages. Additionally, we found that POSTN+FAP+ eCAFs may exist in multiple solid tumors and are associated with ICB resistance. eCAFs promote macrophage chemotaxis through the secretion of POSTN, thereby leading to ICB resistance. High expression of POSTN is likely to predict a poor response to ICB. POSTN downregulation may be considered as a candidate therapeutic strategy to improve ICB efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting You
- Department of Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Hui Tang
- Department of Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Wenjing Wu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Center of Excellence in Tissue Engineering Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory, Beijing, China.
| | - Jingxi Gao
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Center of Excellence in Tissue Engineering Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory, Beijing, China.
| | - Xuechun Li
- Department of Stomatology Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Academician Workstation for Oral-Maxillofacial Regenerative Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Ningning Li
- Department of Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiuxiu Xu
- Department of Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Jiazhang Xing
- Department of Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Hui Ge
- Department of Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Yi Xiao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Junchao Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaoyi Li
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Liangrui Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Lin Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Chunmei Bai
- Department of Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Qin Han
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Center of Excellence in Tissue Engineering Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhao Sun
- Department of Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Robert Chunhua Zhao
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Center of Excellence in Tissue Engineering Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory, Beijing, China.
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
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Song M, Huang Y, Hong Y, Liu J, Zhu J, Lu S, Wang J, Sun F, Huang J, Xu J, Tang Y, Xia JC, Zhang Y. PD-L1-expressing natural killer cells predict favorable prognosis and response to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in neuroblastoma. Oncoimmunology 2023; 13:2289738. [PMID: 38125723 PMCID: PMC10732605 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2289738] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
T/NK cell-based immunotherapy has achieved remarkable success in adult cancers but has limited efficacy in pediatric malignancies including high-risk neuroblastoma (NB). Immune defects of NB tumor microenvironment are poorly understood compared with adults. Here, we described the unique characteristics of NB immune contexture and determined the phenotype signatures of PD-L1-expressing CD8+ T and NK cells in NB tumors by systemically analyzing the spatial distribution of T and NK cells and the distinct expression of programmed death 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) in patients with NB. We found that PD-L1-expressing CD8+ T and NK cells in NB tumors were highly activated and functionally competent and associated with better clinical outcomes. Intratumoral NK cells were a favorable prognostic biomarker independent of CD8+ T cells, PD-1/PD-L1 expression, tumor stage, MYCN amplification, and risk classification. NK cells combined with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies showed potent antitumor activity against both MYCN-amplified and non-amplified NBs in vitro and in vivo, and PD-L1-expressing NK cells associated with improved antitumor efficacy. Collectively, we raise novel insights into the role of PD-L1 expression on CD8+ T-cell and NK-cell activation. We highlight the great potential of intratumoral NK cells in better defining risk stratification, and predicting survival and response to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy in NB. These findings explain why single anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy may not be successful in NB, suggesting its combination with NK cell-adoptive cellular therapy as a promising strategy for relapsing/refractory NB. This study provides a potential prospect that patients with PD-L1-expressing NK cells may respond to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjia Song
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yue Huang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ye Hong
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia Zhu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Suying Lu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Feifei Sun
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junting Huang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaqian Xu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Tang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian-Chuan Xia
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yizhuo Zhang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
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Yi M, Li T, Niu M, Mei Q, Zhao B, Chu Q, Dai Z, Wu K. Exploiting innate immunity for cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:187. [PMID: 38008741 PMCID: PMC10680233 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01885-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies have revolutionized the treatment paradigms of various types of cancers. However, most of these immunomodulatory strategies focus on harnessing adaptive immunity, mainly by inhibiting immunosuppressive signaling with immune checkpoint blockade, or enhancing immunostimulatory signaling with bispecific T cell engager and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell. Although these agents have already achieved great success, only a tiny percentage of patients could benefit from immunotherapies. Actually, immunotherapy efficacy is determined by multiple components in the tumor microenvironment beyond adaptive immunity. Cells from the innate arm of the immune system, such as macrophages, dendritic cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, neutrophils, natural killer cells, and unconventional T cells, also participate in cancer immune evasion and surveillance. Considering that the innate arm is the cornerstone of the antitumor immune response, utilizing innate immunity provides potential therapeutic options for cancer control. Up to now, strategies exploiting innate immunity, such as agonists of stimulator of interferon genes, CAR-macrophage or -natural killer cell therapies, metabolic regulators, and novel immune checkpoint blockade, have exhibited potent antitumor activities in preclinical and clinical studies. Here, we summarize the latest insights into the potential roles of innate cells in antitumor immunity and discuss the advances in innate arm-targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yi
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Breast Surgery, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianye Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengke Niu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Mei
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Zhao
- Department of Breast Surgery, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Chu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhijun Dai
- Department of Breast Surgery, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Kongming Wu
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
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Suzuki K, Ohe R, Kabasawa T, Kitaoka T, Kawai M, Motoi F, Futakuchi M. Histological spatial analysis on the induction of PD-L1 + macrophages by CD8 + T cells at the marginal microenvironment of triple-negative breast cancer. Breast Cancer 2023; 30:1094-1104. [PMID: 37792212 PMCID: PMC10587303 DOI: 10.1007/s12282-023-01507-9] [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: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) plays important roles in the evasion of antitumor immunity. Because we observed the localization of PD-L1-positive (PD-L1+) cells in the marginal region of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) specimens, we hypothesized that the marginal microenvironment of TNBC would involve the induction of PD-L1+ cells. METHODS One hundred and one TNBC surgical specimens were examined. We performed immunohistochemical (IHC) studies of PD-L1, CD68, CD8, and pan-cytokeratin in these specimens. We analyzed the localization of IHC-positive cells and the distance between these cells by histological spatial analysis. RESULTS In 30.7% of TNBC specimens, PD-L1+ cells were located in the marginal region. Approximately three PD-L1+ cells accumulated around a single TNBC cell. Most PD-L1+ cells were located within 50 μm of TNBC cells. PD-L1+ cells were indicated to interact with TNBC cells in the marginal region. PD-L1+CD68+ cells were located in the marginal region, while CD68+ macrophages (MΦs) were observed either in the marginal region or the core region. PD-L1 expression in MΦs was induced in the marginal region. The colocalization of CD8+ T cells in the marginal region indicates that PD-L1 expression in MΦs would be induced by interaction with CD8+ T cells. Because CD8+ T cells are positive for CCL2, CCL2 may induce PD-L1 expression in MΦs. CONCLUSION At the marginal microenvironment of TNBC, PD-L1 expression would be induced in MΦs by interaction with CD8+ T cells through CCL2. The interaction between PD-L1+ MΦs and TNBC cells would facilitate the growth of TNBC under antitumor immunity. These interactions would be potential targets for restoring antitumor immunity and suppressing TNBC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazushi Suzuki
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata University, 2-2-2 Iida-Nishi, Yamagata, 990-9585, Japan.
| | - Rintaro Ohe
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata University, 2-2-2 Iida-Nishi, Yamagata, 990-9585, Japan
| | - Takanobu Kabasawa
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata University, 2-2-2 Iida-Nishi, Yamagata, 990-9585, Japan
| | - Takumi Kitaoka
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata University, 2-2-2 Iida-Nishi, Yamagata, 990-9585, Japan
| | - Masaaki Kawai
- Department of Surgery 1, Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Fuyuhiko Motoi
- Department of Surgery 1, Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Futakuchi
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata University, 2-2-2 Iida-Nishi, Yamagata, 990-9585, Japan
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Wu J, Chan YT, Lu Y, Wang N, Feng Y. The tumor microenvironment in the postsurgical liver: Mechanisms and potential targets of postoperative recurrence in human hepatocellular carcinoma. Med Res Rev 2023; 43:1946-1973. [PMID: 37102365 DOI: 10.1002/med.21967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Surgery remains to be the mainstay of treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nonetheless, its therapeutic efficacy is significantly impaired by postoperative recurrence, which occurs in more than half of cases as a result of intrahepatic metastasis or de novo tumorigenesis. For decades, most therapeutic strategies on inhibiting postoperative HCC recurrence have been focused on the residual tumor cells but satisfying therapeutic outcomes are barely observed in the clinic. In recent years, a better understanding of tumor biology allows us to shift our focus from tumor cells toward the postoperative tumor microenvironment (TME), which is gradually identified to play a pivotal role in tumor recurrence. In this review, we describe various surgical stress and surgical perturbation on postoperative TME. Besides, we discuss how such alternations in TME give rise to postoperative recurrence of HCC. Based on its clinical significance, we additionally highlight the potential of the postoperative TME as a target for postoperative adjuvant therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyu Wu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yau-Tuen Chan
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yuanjun Lu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ning Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yibin Feng
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Zhong W, Lu Y, Han X, Yang J, Qin Z, Zhang W, Yu Z, Wu B, Liu S, Xu W, Zheng C, Schuchter LM, Karakousis GC, Mitchell TC, Amaravadi R, Flowers AJ, Gimotty PA, Xiao M, Mills G, Herlyn M, Dong H, Mitchell MJ, Kim J, Xu X, Guo W. Upregulation of exosome secretion from tumor-associated macrophages plays a key role in the suppression of anti-tumor immunity. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113224. [PMID: 37805922 PMCID: PMC10697782 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages play a pivotal role in tumor immunity. We report that reprogramming of macrophages to tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) promotes the secretion of exosomes. Mechanistically, increased exosome secretion is driven by MADD, which is phosphorylated by Akt upon TAM induction and activates Rab27a. TAM exosomes carry high levels of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and potently suppress the proliferation and function of CD8+ T cells. Analysis of patient melanoma tissues indicates that TAM exosomes contribute significantly to CD8+ T cell suppression. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis showed that exosome-related genes are highly expressed in macrophages in melanoma; TAM-specific RAB27A expression inversely correlates with CD8+ T cell infiltration. In a murine melanoma model, lipid nanoparticle delivery of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting macrophage RAB27A led to better T cell activation and sensitized tumors to anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) treatment. Our study demonstrates tumors use TAM exosomes to combat CD8 T cells and suggests targeting TAM exosomes as a potential strategy to improve immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqun Zhong
- Department of Biology, School of Arts & Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Youtao Lu
- Department of Biology, School of Arts & Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Xuexiang Han
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jingbo Yang
- Department of Biology, School of Arts & Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Zhiyuan Qin
- Department of Biology, School of Arts & Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Biology, School of Arts & Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ziyan Yu
- Department of Biology, School of Arts & Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of Biology, School of Arts & Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Shujing Liu
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Wei Xu
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Cathy Zheng
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Lynn M Schuchter
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Giorgos C Karakousis
- Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Tara C Mitchell
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ravi Amaravadi
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ahron J Flowers
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Phyllis A Gimotty
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Min Xiao
- Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program and Melanoma Research Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Gordon Mills
- Division of Oncological Science, School of Medicine, and Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Meenhard Herlyn
- Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program and Melanoma Research Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Haidong Dong
- Departments of Urology and Immunology, Mayo College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Michael J Mitchell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Junhyong Kim
- Department of Biology, School of Arts & Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Xiaowei Xu
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Biology, School of Arts & Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Duarte-Sanmiguel S, Salazar-Puerta AI, Panic A, Dodd D, Francis C, Alzate-Correa D, Ortega-Pineda L, Lemmerman L, Rincon-Benavides MA, Dathathreya K, Lawrence W, Ott N, Zhang J, Deng B, Wang S, Santander SP, McComb DW, Reategui E, Palmer AF, Carson WE, Higuita-Castro N, Gallego-Perez D. ICAM-1-decorated extracellular vesicles loaded with miR-146a and Glut1 drive immunomodulation and hinder tumor progression in a murine model of breast cancer. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:6834-6847. [PMID: 37646133 PMCID: PMC10591940 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm00573a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-associated immune cells play a crucial role in cancer progression. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), for example, are immature innate immune cells that infiltrate the tumor to exert immunosuppressive activity and protect cancer cells from the host's immune system and/or cancer-specific immunotherapies. While tumor-associated immune cells have emerged as a promising therapeutic target, efforts to counter immunosuppression within the tumor niche have been hampered by the lack of approaches that selectively target the immune cell compartment of the tumor, to effectively eliminate "tumor-protecting" immune cells and/or drive an "anti-tumor" phenotype. Here we report on a novel nanotechnology-based approach to target tumor-associated immune cells and promote "anti-tumor" responses in a murine model of breast cancer. Engineered extracellular vesicles (EVs) decorated with ICAM-1 ligands and loaded with miR-146a and Glut1, were biosynthesized (in vitro or in vivo) and administered to tumor-bearing mice once a week for up to 5 weeks. The impact of this treatment modality on the immune cell compartment and tumor progression was evaluated via RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, and histology. Our results indicate that weekly administration of the engineered EVs (i.e., ICAM-1-decorated and loaded with miR-146a and Glut1) hampered tumor progression compared to ICAM-1-decorated EVs with no cargo. Flow cytometry analyses of the tumors indicated a shift in the phenotype of the immune cell population toward a more pro-inflammatory state, which appeared to have facilitated the infiltration of tumor-targeting T cells, and was associated with a reduction in tumor size and decreased metastatic burden. Altogether, our results indicate that ICAM-1-decorated EVs could be a powerful platform nanotechnology for the deployment of immune cell-targeting therapies to solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana I Salazar-Puerta
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
- The Ohio State University, Gene Therapy Institute, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Ana Panic
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Daniel Dodd
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
- The Ohio State University, Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Carlie Francis
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Diego Alzate-Correa
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
- The Ohio State University, Gene Therapy Institute, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Lilibeth Ortega-Pineda
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Luke Lemmerman
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Maria A Rincon-Benavides
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
- The Ohio State University, Gene Therapy Institute, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- The Ohio State University, Biophysics Program, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Kavya Dathathreya
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - William Lawrence
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
- The Ohio State University, Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Neil Ott
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- The Ohio State University, William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Binbin Deng
- The Ohio State University, Center for Electron Microscopy and Microanalysis (CEMAS), Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Shipeng Wang
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Sandra P Santander
- Juan N. Corpas University Foundation, Center of Phytoimmunomodulation Department of Medicine, Bogota, Colombia
| | - David W McComb
- The Ohio State University, Center for Electron Microscopy and Microanalysis (CEMAS), Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- The Ohio State University, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Eduardo Reategui
- The Ohio State University, William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Andre F Palmer
- The Ohio State University, William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - William E Carson
- The Ohio State University, Department of Surgery, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Natalia Higuita-Castro
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
- The Ohio State University, Gene Therapy Institute, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- The Ohio State University, Biophysics Program, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- The Ohio State University, Department of Surgery, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- The Ohio State University, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- The Ohio State University, Department of Neurological Surgery, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Daniel Gallego-Perez
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
- The Ohio State University, Gene Therapy Institute, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- The Ohio State University, Biophysics Program, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- The Ohio State University, Department of Surgery, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- The Ohio State University, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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Li Z, Wang Y, Xing R, Zeng H, Yu XJ, Zhang YJ, Xu J, Zheng L. Cholesterol Efflux Drives the Generation of Immunosuppressive Macrophages to Promote the Progression of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancer Immunol Res 2023; 11:1400-1413. [PMID: 37467346 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-22-0907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Cholesterol is often enriched in tumor microenvironment (TME); however, its impact on disease progression varies in different tissues and cells. Monocytes/macrophages (Mφ) are major components and regulators of the TME and play pivotal roles in tumor progression and therapeutic responses. We aimed to investigate the profile, effects, and regulatory mechanisms of Mφ cholesterol metabolism in the context of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we found that patients with high serum levels of cholesterol had shorter survival times and lower response rates to anti-PD-1 treatment. However, the cholesterol content in tumor-infiltrating monocytes/Mφ was significantly lower than that in their counterparts in paired nontumor tissues. The expression of the cholesterol efflux transporter, ABCA1, was upregulated in tumor monocytes/Mφ, and ABCA1 upregulation positively associated with decreased cellular cholesterol content and increased serum cholesterol levels. Mechanistically, autocrine cytokines from tumor-treated monocytes increased LXRα and ABCA1 expression, which led to the generation of immature and immunosuppressive Mφ. Although exogenous cholesterol alone had little direct effect on Mφ, it did act synergistically with tumor-derived factors to promote ABCA1 expression in Mφ with more immunosuppressive features. Moreover, high numbers of ABCA1+ Mφ in HCC tumors associated with reduced CD8+ T-cell infiltration and predicted poor clinical outcome for patients. Our results revealed that dysregulated cholesterol homeostasis, due to the collaborative effects of tumors and exogenous cholesterol, drives the generation of immunosuppressive Mφ. The selective modulation of cholesterol metabolism in Mφ may represent a novel strategy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiong Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yongchun Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Rui Xing
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Huilan Zeng
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xing-Juan Yu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yao-Jun Zhang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jing Xu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Limin Zheng
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
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He K, Wang Z, Luo M, Li B, Ding N, Li L, He B, Wang H, Cao J, Huang C, Yang J, Chen HN. Metastasis organotropism in colorectal cancer: advancing toward innovative therapies. J Transl Med 2023; 21:612. [PMID: 37689664 PMCID: PMC10493031 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04460-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Distant metastasis remains a leading cause of mortality among patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Organotropism, referring to the propensity of metastasis to target specific organs, is a well-documented phenomenon in CRC, with the liver, lungs, and peritoneum being preferred sites. Prior to establishing premetastatic niches within host organs, CRC cells secrete substances that promote metastatic organotropism. Given the pivotal role of organotropism in CRC metastasis, a comprehensive understanding of its molecular underpinnings is crucial for biomarker-based diagnosis, innovative treatment development, and ultimately, improved patient outcomes. In this review, we focus on metabolic reprogramming, tumor-derived exosomes, the immune system, and cancer cell-organ interactions to outline the molecular mechanisms of CRC organotropic metastasis. Furthermore, we consider the prospect of targeting metastatic organotropism for CRC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai He
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zhihan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Maochao Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Bowen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ning Ding
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Lei Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Bo He
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Han Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jiangjun Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Canhua Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, China.
| | - Hai-Ning Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Colorectal Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China.
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Wang Y, Barrett A, Hu Q. Targeting Macrophages for Tumor Therapy. AAPS J 2023; 25:80. [PMID: 37589825 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-023-00845-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages, as one of the most abundant tumor-infiltrating cells, play an important role in tumor development and metastasis. The frequency and polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) correlate with disease progression, tumor metastasis, and resistance to various treatments. Pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages hold the potential to engulf tumor cells. In contrast, anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages, which are predominantly present in tumors, potentiate tumor progression and immune escape. Targeting macrophages to modulate the tumor immune microenvironment can ameliorate the tumor-associated immunosuppression and elicit an anti-tumor immune response. Strategies to repolarize TAMs, deplete TAMs, and block inhibitory signaling hold great potential in tumor therapy. Besides, biomimetic carriers based on macrophages have been extensively explored to prolong circulation, enhance tumor-targeted delivery, and reduce the immunogenicity of therapeutics to augment therapeutic efficacy. Moreover, the genetic engineering of macrophages with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) allows them to recognize tumor antigens and perform tumor cell-specific phagocytosis. These strategies will expand the toolkit for treating tumors, especially for solid tumors, drug-resistant tumors, and metastatic tumors. Herein, we introduce the role of macrophages in tumor progression, summarize the recent advances in macrophage-centered anticancer therapy, and discuss their challenges as well as future applications. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Wang
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, I 53705, Madison, U.S.A
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, I 53705, Madison, U.S.A
- Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, I 53705, Madison, U.S.A
| | - Allie Barrett
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, I 53705, Madison, U.S.A
| | - Quanyin Hu
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, I 53705, Madison, U.S.A..
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, I 53705, Madison, U.S.A..
- Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, I 53705, Madison, U.S.A..
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Kawamura E, Matsubara T, Kawada N. New Era of Immune-Based Therapy in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3993. [PMID: 37568808 PMCID: PMC10417782 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153993] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CC) accounts for approximately 20% of all biliary tract cancer (BTC) cases and 10-15% of all primary liver cancer cases. Many patients are diagnosed with unresectable BTC, and, even among patients with resectable BTC, the 5-year survival rate is approximately 20%. The BTC incidence rate is high in Southeast and East Asia and has increased worldwide in recent years. Since 2010, cytotoxic chemotherapy, particularly combination gemcitabine + cisplatin (ABC-02 trial), has been the first-line therapy for patients with BTC. In 2022, a multicenter, double-blind, randomized phase 3 trial (TOPAZ-1 trial) examined the addition of programmed death-ligand 1 immunotherapy (durvalumab) to combination gemcitabine + cisplatin for BTC treatment, resulting in significantly improved survival without notable additional toxicity. As a result of this trial, this three-drug combination has become the new standard first-line therapy, leading to notable advances in BTC management for the first time since 2010. The molecular profiling of BTC has continued to drive the development of new targeted therapies for use when first-line therapies fail. Typically, second-line therapy decisions are based on identified genomic alterations in tumor tissue. Mutations in fibroblast growth factor receptor 1/2/3, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1/2, and neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase A/B/C are relatively frequent in intrahepatic CC, and precision medicines are available that can target associated pathways. In this review, we suggest strategies for systemic pharmacotherapy with a focus on intrahepatic CC, in addition to presenting the results and safety outcomes of clinical trials evaluating immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies in BTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etsushi Kawamura
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Matsubara
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Norifumi Kawada
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
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Tao H, Zhong X, Zeng A, Song L. Unveiling the veil of lactate in tumor-associated macrophages: a successful strategy for immunometabolic therapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1208870. [PMID: 37564659 PMCID: PMC10411982 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1208870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Lactate, traditionally regarded as a metabolic waste product at the terminal of the glycolysis process, has recently been found to have multifaceted functional roles in metabolism and beyond. A metabolic reprogramming phenomenon commonly seen in tumor cells, known as the "Warburg effect," sees high levels of aerobic glycolysis result in an excessive production of lactate. This lactate serves as a substrate that sustains not only the survival of cancer cells but also immune cells. However, it also inhibits the function of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), a group of innate immune cells ubiquitously present in solid tumors, thereby facilitating the immune evasion of malignant tumor cells. Characterized by their high plasticity, TAMs are generally divided into the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype and the pro-tumour M2 phenotype. Through a process of 'education' by lactate, TAMs tend to adopt an immunosuppressive phenotype and collaborate with tumor cells to promote angiogenesis. Additionally, there is growing evidence linking metabolic reprogramming with epigenetic modifications, suggesting the participation of histone modification in diverse cellular events within the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this review, we delve into recent discoveries concerning lactate metabolism in tumors, with a particular focus on the impact of lactate on the function of TAMs. We aim to consolidate the molecular mechanisms underlying lactate-induced TAM polarization and angiogenesis and explore the lactate-mediated crosstalk between TAMs and tumor cells. Finally, we also touch upon the latest progress in immunometabolic therapies and drug delivery strategies targeting glycolysis and lactate production, offering new perspectives for future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxia Tao
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xuansheng Zhong
- Clinical Medicine Department, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Anqi Zeng
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology and Clinical Application, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Linjiang Song
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Khalili S, Zeinali F, Moghadam Fard A, Taha SR, Fazlollahpour Naghibi A, Bagheri K, Shariat Zadeh M, Eslami Y, Fattah K, Asadimanesh N, Azarimatin A, Khalesi B, Almasi F, Payandeh Z. Macrophage-Based Therapeutic Strategies in Hematologic Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3722. [PMID: 37509382 PMCID: PMC10378576 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are types of immune cells, with ambivalent functions in tumor growth, which depend on the specific environment in which they reside. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a diverse population of immunosuppressive myeloid cells that play significant roles in several malignancies. TAM infiltration in malignancies has been linked to a poor prognosis and limited response to treatments, including those using checkpoint inhibitors. Understanding the precise mechanisms through which macrophages contribute to tumor growth is an active area of research as targeting these cells may offer potential therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment. Numerous investigations have focused on anti-TAM-based methods that try to eliminate, rewire, or target the functional mediators released by these cells. Considering the importance of these strategies in the reversion of tumor resistance to conventional therapies and immune modulatory vaccination could be an appealing approach for the immunosuppressive targeting of myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The combination of reprogramming and TAM depletion is a special feature of this approach compared to other clinical strategies. Thus, the present review aims to comprehensively overview the pleiotropic activities of TAMs and their involvement in various stages of cancer development as a potent drug target, with a focus on hematologic tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Khalili
- Department of Biology Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran 1678815811, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Zeinali
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz 6135715794, Iran
| | - Atousa Moghadam Fard
- Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran 4188783417, Iran
| | - Seyed Reza Taha
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
| | - Andarz Fazlollahpour Naghibi
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol 4717641367, Iran
| | - Kimia Bagheri
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol 4717641367, Iran
| | - Mahdieh Shariat Zadeh
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
| | - Yeghaneh Eslami
- Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari 4815733971, Iran
| | - Khashayar Fattah
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717411, Iran
| | - Naghmeh Asadimanesh
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717411, Iran
| | - Armin Azarimatin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Shabestar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shabestar 5381637181, Iran
| | - Bahman Khalesi
- Department of Research and Production of Poultry Viral Vaccine, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj 3197619751, Iran
| | - Faezeh Almasi
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Lab, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, School of Biology and Center of Excellence in Phylogeny of Living Organisms, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran 1416634793, Iran
| | - Zahra Payandeh
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
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Liu Q, Yang T, Zhang Y, Hu ZD, Liu YM, Luo YL, Liu SX, Zhang H, Zhong Q. ZIC2 induces pro-tumor macrophage polarization in nasopharyngeal carcinoma by activating the JUNB/MCSF axis. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:455. [PMID: 37479694 PMCID: PMC10362010 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05983-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common malignant epithelial tumor of the head and neck that often exhibits local recurrence and distant metastasis. The molecular mechanisms are understudied, and effective therapeutic targets are still lacking. In our study, we found that the transcription factor ZIC2 was highly expressed in NPC. Although ZIC family members play important roles in neural development and carcinogenesis, the specific mechanism and clinical significance of ZIC2 in the tumorigenesis and immune regulation of NPC remain elusive. Here, we first reported that high expression of ZIC2 triggered the secretion of MCSF in NPC cells, induced M2 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and affected the secretion of TAM-related cytokines. Mechanistically, ChIP-seq and RNA-seq analyses identified JUNB as a downstream target of ZIC2. Furthermore, ZIC2 was significantly enriched in the promoter site of JUNB and activated JUNB promoter activity, as shown by ChIP-qPCR and luciferase assays. In addition, JUNB and MCSF participated in ZIC2-induced M2 TAMs polarization. Thus, blocking JUNB and MCSF could reverse ZIC2-mediated M2 TAMs polarization. Moreover, Kaplan-Meier survival analyses indicated that high expression of ZIC2, JUNB, and CD163 was positively associated with a poor prognosis in NPC. Overexpression of ZIC2 induced tumor growth in vivo, with the increase of JUNB, MCSF secretion, and CD163. In summary, our study implies that ZIC2 induces M2 TAM polarization, at least in part through regulation of JUNB/MCSF and that ZIC2, JUNB, and CD163 can be utilized as prognostic markers for NPC and as therapeutic targets for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (SYSUCC), Guangzhou, China
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (SYSUCC), Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (SYSUCC), Guangzhou, China
| | - Ze-Dong Hu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First People's Hospital of Anning, Kunming, China
| | - Yan-Min Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (SYSUCC), Guangzhou, China
- Department of Immunology, Zhongshan School of Medicine; Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Ling Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (SYSUCC), Guangzhou, China
| | - Shang-Xin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (SYSUCC), Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (SYSUCC), Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (SYSUCC), Guangzhou, China.
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Lin HJ, Liu Y, Caroland K, Lin J. Polarization of Cancer-Associated Macrophages Maneuver Neoplastic Attributes of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3507. [PMID: 37444617 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence links the phenomenon of enhanced recruitment of tumor-associated macrophages towards cancer bulks to neoplastic growth, invasion, metastasis, immune escape, matrix remodeling, and therapeutic resistance. In the context of cancer progression, naïve macrophages are polarized into M1 or M2 subtypes according to their differentiation status, gene signatures, and functional roles. While the former render proinflammatory and anticancer effects, the latter subpopulation elicits an opposite impact on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. M2 macrophages have gained increasing attention as they are largely responsible for molding an immune-suppressive landscape. Through positive feedback circuits involving a paracrine manner, M2 macrophages can be amplified by and synergized with neighboring neoplastic cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and non-cell autonomous constituents in the microenvironmental niche to promote an advanced disease state. This review delineates the molecular cues expanding M2 populations that subsequently convey notorious clinical outcomes. Future therapeutic regimens shall comprise protocols attempting to abolish environmental niches favoring M2 polarization; weaken cancer growth typically assisted by M2; promote the recruitment of tumoricidal CD8+ T lymphocytes and dendritic cells; and boost susceptibility towards gemcitabine as well as other chemotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huey-Jen Lin
- Department of Medical & Molecular Sciences, University of Delaware, Willard Hall Education Building, 16 West Main Street, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Yingguang Liu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Liberty University, 306 Liberty View Lane, Lynchburg, VA 24502, USA
| | - Kailey Caroland
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, 108 N. Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Jiayuh Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, 108 N. Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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Geissler M, Jia W, Kiraz EN, Kulacz I, Liu X, Rombach A, Prinz V, Jussen D, Kokkaliaris KD, Medyouf H, Sevenich L, Czabanka M, Broggini T. The Brain Pre-Metastatic Niche: Biological and Technical Advancements. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10055. [PMID: 37373202 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210055] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis, particularly brain metastasis, continues to puzzle researchers to this day, and exploring its molecular basis promises to break ground in developing new strategies for combatting this deadly cancer. In recent years, the research focus has shifted toward the earliest steps in the formation of metastasis. In this regard, significant progress has been achieved in understanding how the primary tumor affects distant organ sites before the arrival of tumor cells. The term pre-metastatic niche was introduced for this concept and encompasses all influences on sites of future metastases, ranging from immunological modulation and ECM remodeling to the softening of the blood-brain barrier. The mechanisms governing the spread of metastasis to the brain remain elusive. However, we begin to understand these processes by looking at the earliest steps in the formation of metastasis. This review aims to present recent findings on the brain pre-metastatic niche and to discuss existing and emerging methods to further explore the field. We begin by giving an overview of the pre-metastatic and metastatic niches in general before focusing on their manifestations in the brain. To conclude, we reflect on the methods usually employed in this field of research and discuss novel approaches in imaging and sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Geissler
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital, Goethe-University, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Weiyi Jia
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital, Goethe-University, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Emine Nisanur Kiraz
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital, Goethe-University, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ida Kulacz
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital, Goethe-University, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital, Goethe-University, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Adrian Rombach
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital, Goethe-University, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Vincent Prinz
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital, Goethe-University, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Daniel Jussen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital, Goethe-University, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Konstantinos D Kokkaliaris
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), Goethe University Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Hind Medyouf
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lisa Sevenich
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marcus Czabanka
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital, Goethe-University, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), Goethe University Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Thomas Broggini
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital, Goethe-University, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), Goethe University Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Sheban F. It takes two to tango: the role of tumor-associated macrophages in T cell-directed immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1183578. [PMID: 37359522 PMCID: PMC10288188 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1183578] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer care in the past decade. Treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors has demonstrated promising clinical activity against tumors. However, only a subset of patients responds to these treatments, limiting their potential benefit. Efforts to understand, predict, and overcome the lack of response in patients, have thus far focused mainly on the tumor immunogenicity and the quantity and characteristics of tumor-infiltrating T cells, since these cells are the main effectors of immunotherapies. However, recent comprehensive analyses of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in the context of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy have revealed critical functions of other immune cells in the effective anti-tumor response, highlighting the need to account for complex cell-cell interaction and communication underlying clinical outputs. In this perspective, I discuss the current understanding of the crucial roles of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the success of T cell-directed immune checkpoint blockade therapies, as well as the present, and the future of clinical trials on combinatorial therapies targeting both cell types.
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