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Chaudhuri AG, Samanta S, Dey M, Raviraja NS, Dey S. Role of Alpha-Fetoprotein in the Pathogenesis of Cancer. J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol 2024; 43:57-76. [PMID: 38505913 DOI: 10.1615/jenvironpatholtoxicoloncol.2023049145] [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: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) belongs to the albuminoid protein family and is considered as the fetal analog of serum albumin. This plasma protein is initially synthesized in the fetal liver and yolk sac and shows a maximum peak near the end of the first trimester. Later, concentrations begin to decline prenatally and drop precipitously after birth. This protein has three key ligand-binding pockets for interactions with various biomolecules. It contains multiple phosphorylation and acetylation sites for the regulation of physiological and pathophysiological states. High serum AFP titer is an established biomarker for yolk sac, embryonal and hepatocellular carcinoma. The present review critically analyzes the chemical nature, receptors, clinical implications, and therapeutic aspects of AFP, underpinning the development of different types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alok Ghosh Chaudhuri
- Department of Physiology, Vidyasagar College, Kolkata 700 006, West Bengal, India
| | - Saptadip Samanta
- Department of Physiology, Midnapore College, Midnapore, Paschim Medinipur 721101, West Bengal, India
| | - Monalisha Dey
- Department of Physiology, Vidyasagar College, Kolkata 700 006, West Bengal, India
| | - N S Raviraja
- Manipal Centre for Biotherapeutics Research, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576 104, Karnataka, India
| | - Souvik Dey
- Manipal Centre for Biotherapeutics Research, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576 104, Karnataka, India
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Bruschi F, Ashour D, Othman A. Trichinella-induced immunomodulation: Another tale of helminth success. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2022; 27:e00164. [PMID: 35615625 PMCID: PMC9125654 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2022.e00164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Trichinella spiralis is a unique parasite in that both the adults and larvae survive in two different intracellular niches in the same host. The immune response, albeit intense, is highly modulated to ensure the survival of both the host and the parasite. It is skewed to T helper 2 and regulatory arms. Diverse cells from both the innate and adaptive compartments of immunity, including dendritic cells, T regulatory cells, and alternatively activated macrophages are thought to mediate such immunomodulation. The parasite has also an outstanding ability to evade the immune system by several elaborate processes. The molecules derived from the parasites including Trichinella, particularly the components of the excretory-secretory products, are being continually identified and explored for the potential of ameliorating the immunopathology in animal models of diverse inflammatory and autoimmune human diseases. Herein we discuss the various aspects of Trichinella-induced immunomodulation with a special reference to the practical implications of the immune system manipulation in alleviating or possibly curing human diseases.
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Key Words
- AAM, alternatively activated macrophage
- AW, adult worm
- Allergy
- Autoimmune diseases
- Breg, regulatory B cell
- CAM, classically activated macrophage
- Cancer
- ES L1, ES product of T. spiralis muscle larva
- ES, excretory–secretory
- IFN- γ, interferon-γ
- IIL, intestinal infective larva
- IL, interleukin
- Immune evasion
- Immunomodulation
- ML, muscle larva
- NBL, newborn larva
- NOS, nitric oxide synthase
- TGF-β, transforming growth factor-β
- TLR, toll-like receptor
- TNF- α, tumor necrosis factor-α
- Th, T helper
- Tol-DC, tolerogenic dendritic cell
- Treg, regulatory T cell
- Trichinella
- Trichinella-derived molecules
- Ts-AES, ES from adult T. spiralis
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Bruschi
- School of Medicine, Department of Translational Research, N.T.M.S., Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - D.S. Ashour
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - A.A. Othman
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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Asghari A, Nourmohammadi H, Majidiani H, Shariatzadeh SA, Anvari D, Shamsinia S, Ghasemi E, Shams M, Basati G. Promising effects of parasite-derived compounds on tumor regression: a systematic review of in vitro and in vivo studies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:32383-32396. [PMID: 35146610 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17090-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The parasites are repeatedly confronting their host to take advantage of nutrients for multiplication and survival. In this sense, a wide spectrum of molecules is released from both sides, with immune-regulatory activity, accompanying this biological battle. Such parasites and their valuable molecules can be directed toward microbial-based cancer therapy. Herein, we contrived a systematic review to gather information on the antitumor activity of parasite-derived compounds. Following systematic search in Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest and Embase until 31 December 2019, a total number of 51 articles (54 datasets) were finally included in this review. Thirteen parasitic agents were found to possess possible antitumor activity, comprising protozoan species Toxoplasma gondii, Trypanosoma cruzi, Trichomonas vaginalis, Acanthamoeba castellanii, Besnoitia jellisoni, Leishmania major, Plasmodium yoelii, and Plasmodium lophurae, as well as parasitic helminths Toxocara canis, Echinococcus granulosus, Taenia crassiceps, Trichinella spiralis, and Schistosoma mansoni. Most experiments were done based on antigenic preparations from T. gondii (16 studies), E. granulosus (10 studies), T. spiralis (8 studies), and T. cruzi (6 studies). Possible antitumor properties of the selected parasites were revealed in this review. However, precise molecular basis of anticancer activity for each parasite remains to be elucidated in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Asghari
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hassan Nourmohammadi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shahid Mostafa Khomeini Hospital, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Majidiani
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Seyyed Ali Shariatzadeh
- Department of Parasitology, Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Davood Anvari
- Department of Parasitology, Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- School of Medicine, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran
| | - Sadegh Shamsinia
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ezatollah Ghasemi
- Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Medicine, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
| | - Morteza Shams
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
| | - Gholam Basati
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
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Liao C, Cheng X, Liu M, Wang X, Boireau P. Trichinella spiralis and Tumors: Cause, Coincidence or Treatment? Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2019; 18:1091-1099. [PMID: 29173187 PMCID: PMC6340159 DOI: 10.2174/1871520617666171121115847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background: Conventional therapeutic strategies for tumors have had limited success, and innovative and more effective approaches to treatment are urgently required. The ancient idea that various biological, bacterial, yeast, viral, and para-sitic agents can be used as cancer therapeutics has gradually attracted considerable interest. Certain parasites have been widely discussed in association with human and animal tumors. The purpose of this review was to examine previous literatures which investigates the relations between Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) and tumors. Methods: Using PubMed, articles published before 2018 in the whole world have been searched and comprehensively re-viewed. Results: Many researches have provided proofs that T. spiralis possesses antitumor activities. The antitumor effect of T. spi-ralis was first described in the 1970s. However, its research has been inconsistent, and little progress has been made in this field. Therefore, the mechanisms underlying these inhibitory effects are still unclear, and convincing evidence of the links be-tween T. spiralis and the prevention or treatment of tumors from clinical trials is absent. Meanwhile, some other researches al-so suggested that T. spiralis may cause or contribute to coinfection with a tumors. Conclusion: The review has highlighted the scientific literature focussing on evidence for T. spiralis to act as a pro- or anti-tumorigenic agent is summarized and discussed, in hope of contributing to a better understanding of the relations between T. spiralis and tumors
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengshui Liao
- The Key Lab of Animal Disease and Public Health/ College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China.,Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,OIE Collaborating Center for Food-Borne Parasites in the Asian-Pacific Region, Changchun, China
| | - Xiangchao Cheng
- The Key Lab of Animal Disease and Public Health/ College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Mingyuan Liu
- Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,OIE Collaborating Center for Food-Borne Parasites in the Asian-Pacific Region, Changchun, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xuelin Wang
- Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,OIE Collaborating Center for Food-Borne Parasites in the Asian-Pacific Region, Changchun, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Pascal Boireau
- Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,OIE Collaborating Center for Food-Borne Parasites in the Asian-Pacific Region, Changchun, China.,ANSES, Laboratory for Animal Health, Maisons-Alfort, France
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Alpha-Fetoprotein and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Immunity. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 2018:9049252. [PMID: 29805966 PMCID: PMC5899840 DOI: 10.1155/2018/9049252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Revised: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocarcinoma is one of the most prevalent gastroenterological cancers in the world with less effective therapy. As an oncofetal antigen and diagnostic marker for liver cancer, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) possesses a variety of biological functions. Except for its diagnosis in liver cancer, AFP has become a target for liver cancer immunotherapy. Although the immunogenicity of AFP is weak and it could induce the immune escapes through inhibiting the function of dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and T lymphocytes, AFP has attracted more attention in liver cancer immunotherapy. By in vitro modification, the immunogenicity and immune response of AFP could be enhanced. AFP-modified immune cell vaccine or peptide vaccine has displayed the specific antitumor immunity against AFP-positive tumor cells and laid a better foundation for the immunotherapy of liver cancer.
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Recombinant heat shock protein 70 functional peptide and alpha-fetoprotein epitope peptide vaccine elicits specific anti-tumor immunity. Oncotarget 2018; 7:71274-71284. [PMID: 27713135 PMCID: PMC5342077 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a marker of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and serves as a target for immunotherapy. However, current treatments targeting AFP are not reproducible and do not provide complete protection against cancer. This issue may be solved by developing novel therapeutic vaccines with enhanced immunogenicity that could effectively target AFP-expressing tumors. In this study, we report construction of a therapeutic peptide vaccine by linking heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) functional peptide to the AFP epitope to obtain HSP70-P/AFP-P. This novel peptide was administered into BALB/c mice to observe the effects. Quantification of AFP-specific CD8 + T cells that secrete IFN-γ in these mice via ELISPOT revealed the synergistic effects of HSP70-P/AFP-P with increased numbers of AFP-specific CD8 + T cells. Similarly, ELISA analysis showed increased granzyme B and perforin released by natural killer cells. Moreover, in vitro cytotoxic T-lymphocyte assays and in vivo tumor preventive experiments clearly showed the higher antitumor effects of HSP70-P/AFP-P against AFP-expressing tumors. These results show that treatment of BALB/c mice with HSP70-P/AFP-P induced stronger T-cells responses and improved protective immunity. Our data suggest that HSP70-P/AFP-P may be used as a therapeutic approach in the treatment of AFP-expressing cancers.
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Nakamoto Y. Promising new strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatol Res 2017; 47:251-265. [PMID: 27558453 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Revised: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of cancer death worldwide. It usually arises based on a background of chronic liver diseases, defined as the hypercarcinogenic state. The current treatment options for HCC ranging from locoregional treatments to chemotherapies, including sorafenib, effectively regulate the limited sizes and numbers of the nodules. However, these treatments remain unsatisfactory because they have insufficient antitumor effects on the large and numerous nodules associated with HCC and because of a high recurrence rate in the surrounding inflamed liver. To develop novel and promising therapies with higher antitumor effects, recent progress in identifying molecular targets and developing immunological procedures for HCC are reviewed. The molecular targets discussed include the intracellular signaling pathways of protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin and RAS/RAF/mitogen-activated protein kinase, Wnt/β-catenin and glutamine synthetase, insulin-like growth factor, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, nuclear factor-κB and telomerase reverse transcriptase, and c-MET. Immunological studies have focused mainly on target identification, T cells, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, natural killer T cells, and vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasunari Nakamoto
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
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Abstract
Heat shock protein 70, (Hsp70) constitutes a powerful system of cytoprotection in all organisms studied to date. Exerting such activity, Hsp70 rescues cancer cells from antitumor therapy, posing a great challenge for oncologists. In contrast to its protective action, Hsp70 was found to be released from cancer cells, prompting cytotoxic lymphocytes to target and kill the tumor. A great number of vaccines have been developed on the basis of the ability of Hsp70 to present tumor antigen or to elevate the sensitivity of cancer cells to cytotoxic lymphocytes. In this commentary, we consider novel data on the employment of pure Hsp70 in the therapy of glioma and melanoma malignancies. We show that intratumorally delivered Hsp70 penetrates cancer cells and pulls its intracellular analog outside of the cell. This displacement may activate cells, constituting both innate and adaptive immunity. In vivo delivery of Hsp70 was found to inhibit tumor growth and to extend survival. The technology of intratumoral injection of pure Hsp70 passed through preclinical trials and was investigated in clinics for children with brain cancer; the results show the safety and feasibility of a new approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina V Guzhova
- a Institute of Cytology of Russian Academy of Sciences , St. Petersburg , Russia
| | - Boris A Margulis
- a Institute of Cytology of Russian Academy of Sciences , St. Petersburg , Russia
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Wang XP, Wang QX, Lin HP, Wang YL, Yang Y. Glycoprotein 96 and α-fetoprotein cross-linking complexes elicited specific antitumor immunity. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2013; 28:406-14. [PMID: 23484810 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2012.1404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant gastroenterological cancers over the world. α-fetoprotein (AFP) is an oncofetal protein produced during HCC development that could generate weaker and less reproducible antitumor protection, and it may serve as a target for immunotherapy. Therefore, it is imperative to enhance its immunogenicity and develop therapeutic vaccines to eliminate AFP-expressing tumors. In this study, by way of glutaraldehyde cross-linking, we constructed a potential therapeutic protein vaccine, glycoprotein 96 (gp96)/AFP. Our results demonstrated that AFP and gp96 synergistically exhibited significant increase in AFP-specific CD8⁺ T-cell responses and impressive cytotoxic antitumor effect against AFP-expressing tumors. Priming mice with the reconstructed vaccine, we elicited robust strong protective immunity. Our study suggests that tumor vaccine by cross-linking tumor antigen and gp96 is a promising approach to cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ping Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology & Pathology, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China.
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Wang X, Wang Q, Lin H, Li S, Sun L, Yang Y. HSP72 and gp96 in gastroenterological cancers. Clin Chim Acta 2012; 417:73-9. [PMID: 23266770 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2012.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2012] [Revised: 12/14/2012] [Accepted: 12/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) and glycoprotein 96 (gp96) are highly expressed in cancer tissues. Recent studies indicate the possible roles of HSP72 and gp96 in the development and progression of gastrointestinal carcinomas but detailed mechanisms are still ambiguous. Human esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, colon cancer and liver cancer are common gastrointestinal malignant carcinomas in the world. The studies indicated that there existed a significant correlation between the expression of HSP72, gp96 and the development and progression of digestive carcinomas. HSP72 and gp96 expression were significantly associated with the presence of tumor infiltration, lymph node and remote metastasis. Interestingly, studies have found that HSP72 chaperoned alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), HBx in hepatocellular carcinoma, and CD44 in colonic carcinomas. The further researches demonstrated that HSP72-AFP or gp96-AFP recombined vaccine could elicit specific anti-tumor immunity. The high-level expression of HSP72 and gp96 may be not only used as diagnostic or prognostic markers for gastrointestinal carcinomas but also as better immunotherapeutic vaccines in the cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712046, PR China.
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