1
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Saw PE, Liu Q, Wong PP, Song E. Cancer stem cell mimicry for immune evasion and therapeutic resistance. Cell Stem Cell 2024:S1934-5909(24)00211-X. [PMID: 38925125 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.06.003] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are heterogeneous, possess self-renewal attributes, and orchestrate important crosstalk in tumors. We propose that the CSC state represents "mimicry" by cancer cells that leads to phenotypic plasticity. CSC mimicry is suggested as CSCs can impersonate immune cells, vasculo-endothelia, or lymphangiogenic cells to support cancer growth. CSCs facilitate both paracrine and juxtracrine signaling to prime tumor-associated immune and stromal cells to adopt pro-tumoral phenotypes, driving therapeutic resistance. Here, we outline the ingenuity of CSCs' mimicry in their quest to evade immune detection, which leads to immunotherapeutic resistance, and highlight CSC-mimicry-targeted therapeutic strategies for robust immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phei Er Saw
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Nanhai Clinical Translational Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping-Pui Wong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Nanhai Clinical Translational Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, China
| | - Erwei Song
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Nanhai Clinical Translational Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, China; Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Zenith Institute of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510120, China.
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2
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Soroush A, Shahhosseini R, Ghavamikia N, Hjazi A, Roudaki S, KhalatbariLimaki M, Mirbolouk M, Pakmehr S, Karimi P. Improvement of current immunotherapies with engineered oncolytic viruses that target cancer stem cells. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e4055. [PMID: 38856033 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.4055] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
The heterogeneity of the solid tumor microenvironment (TME) impairs the therapeutic efficacy of standard therapies and also reduces the infiltration of antitumor immune cells, all of which lead to tumor progression and invasion. In addition, self-renewing cancer stem cells (CSCs) support tumor dormancy, drug resistance, and recurrence, all of which might pose challenges to the eradication of malignant tumor masses with current therapies. Natural forms of oncolytic viruses (OVs) or engineered OVs are known for their potential to directly target and kill tumor cells or indirectly eradicate tumor cells by involving antitumor immune responses, including enhancement of infiltrating antitumor immune cells, induction of immunogenic cell death, and reprogramming of cold TME to an immune-sensitive hot state. More importantly, OVs can target stemness factors that promote tumor progression, which subsequently enhances the efficacy of immunotherapies targeting solid tumors, particularly the CSC subpopulation. Herein, we describe the role of CSCs in tumor heterogeneity and resistance and then highlight the potential and remaining challenges of immunotherapies targeting CSCs. We then review the potential of OVs to improve tumor immunogenicity and target CSCs and finally summarize the challenges within the therapeutic application of OVs in preclinical and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nima Ghavamikia
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmed Hjazi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin AbdulAziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shahrzad Roudaki
- School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Mahtab Mirbolouk
- School of Pharmacy, Cyprus International University, Nicosia, North Cyprus
| | | | - Parvin Karimi
- Fars Population-Based Cancer Registry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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3
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Alqarni A, Jasim SA, Altalbawy FMA, Kaur H, Kaur I, Rodriguez-Benites C, Deorari M, Alwaily ER, Al-Ani AM, Redhee AH. Challenges and opportunities for cancer stem cell-targeted immunotherapies include immune checkpoint inhibitor, cancer stem cell-dendritic cell vaccine, chimeric antigen receptor immune cells, and modified exosomes. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2024; 38:e23719. [PMID: 38764138 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23719] [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: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are associated with the tumor microenvironment (TME). CSCs induce tumorigenesis, tumor recurrence and progression, and resistance to standard therapies. Indeed, CSCs pose an increasing challenge to current cancer therapy due to their stemness or self-renewal properties. The molecular and cellular interactions between heterogeneous CSCs and surrounding TME components and tumor-supporting immune cells show synergistic effects toward treatment failure. In the immunosuppressive TME, CSCs express various immunoregulatory proteins, growth factors, metabolites and cytokines, and also produce exosomes, a type of extracellular vesicles, to protect themselves from host immune surveillance. Among these, the identification and application of CSC-derived exosomes could be considered for the development of therapeutic approaches to eliminate CSCs or cancer, in addition to targeting the modulators that remodel the composition of the TME, as reviewed in this study. Here, we introduce the role of CSCs and how their interaction with TME complicates immunotherapies, and then present the CSC-based immunotherapy and the limitation of these therapies. We describe the biology and role of tumor/CSC-derived exosomes that induce immune suppression in the TME, and finally, introduce their potentials for the development of CSC-based targeted immunotherapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Alqarni
- Department of Diagnostics Dental Sciences and Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Farag M A Altalbawy
- Department of Chemistry, University College of Duba, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Harpreet Kaur
- School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Shobhit University, Gangoh, India
- Department of Health and Allied Sciences, Arka Jain University, Jamshedpur, India
| | - Irwanjot Kaur
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetics, Jain (Deemed-to-be) University, Bengaluru, India
- Department of Allied Healthcare and Sciences, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, India
| | - Carlos Rodriguez-Benites
- Departamento Académico de Física, Facultad de Ciencias Físicas y Matemáticas, Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Trujillo, Perú
| | - Mahamedha Deorari
- Uttaranchal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India
| | - Enas R Alwaily
- Microbiology Research Group, College of Pharmacy, Al-Ayen University, Thi Qar, Iraq
| | - Ahmed M Al-Ani
- Department of Medical Engineering, Al-Nisour University College, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ahmed H Redhee
- Medical Laboratory Technique College, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
- Medical Laboratory Technique College, The Islamic University of Al Diwaniyah, Al Diwaniyah, Iraq
- Medical Laboratory Technique College, The Islamic University of Babylon, Babylon, Iraq
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4
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Yi SY, Wei MZ, Zhao L. Targeted immunotherapy to cancer stem cells: A novel strategy of anticancer immunotherapy. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 196:104313. [PMID: 38428702 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104313] [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: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a major disease that endangers human health. Cancer drug resistance and relapse are the two main causes contributing to cancer treatment failure. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small fraction of tumor cells that are responsible for tumorigenesis, metastasis, relapse, and resistance to conventional anticancer therapies. Therefore, CSCs are considered to be the root of cancer recurrence, metastasis, and drug resistance. Novel anticancer strategies need to face this new challenge and explore their efficacy against CSCs. Recently, immunotherapy has made rapid advances in cancer treatment, and its potential against CSCs is also an interesting area of research. Meanwhile, immunotherapy strategies are novel therapeutic modalities with promising results in targeting CSCs. In this review, we summarize the targeting of CSCs by various immunotherapy strategies such as monoclonal antibodies(mAb), tumor vaccines, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and chimeric antigen receptor-T cells(CAR-T) in pre-clinical and clinical studies. This review provides new insights into the application of these immunotherapeutic approaches to potential anti-tumor therapies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Yong Yi
- Department of Oncology of the Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zheng Zhou, Henan Province 450007, China.
| | - Mei-Zhuo Wei
- Department of Oncology of the Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zheng Zhou, Henan Province 450007, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- Department of Oncology of the Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zheng Zhou, Henan Province 450007, China.
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5
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Borlongan MC, Saha D, Wang H. Tumor Microenvironment: A Niche for Cancer Stem Cell Immunotherapy. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:3-24. [PMID: 37861969 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10639-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Tumorigenic Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs), often called tumor-initiating cells (TICs), represent a unique subset of cells within the tumor milieu. They stand apart from the bulk of tumor cells due to their exceptional self-renewal, metastatic, and differentiation capabilities. Despite significant progress in classifying CSCs, these cells remain notably resilient to conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy, contributing to cancer recurrence. In this review, our objective is to explore novel avenues of research that delve into the distinctive characteristics of CSCs within their surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME). We will start with an overview of the defining features of CSCs and then delve into their intricate interactions with cells from the lymphoid lineage, namely T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. Furthermore, we will discuss their dynamic interplay with myeloid lineage cells, including macrophages, neutrophils, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Moreover, we will illuminate the crosstalk between CSCs and cells of mesenchymal origin, specifically fibroblasts, adipocytes, and endothelial cells. Subsequently, we will underscore the pivotal role of CSCs within the context of the tumor-associated extracellular matrix (ECM). Finally, we will highlight pre-clinical and clinical studies that target CSCs within the intricate landscape of the TME, including CAR-T therapy, oncolytic viruses, and CSC-vaccines, with the ultimate goal of uncovering novel avenues for CSC-based cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia C Borlongan
- College of Medicine, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, CA, 95757, USA
| | - Dipongkor Saha
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, CA, 95757, USA.
| | - Hongbin Wang
- College of Medicine, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, CA, 95757, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, CA, 95757, USA.
- Master Program of Pharmaceutical Sciences College of Graduate Studies, Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, Department of Basic Science College of Medicine, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, CA, 95757, USA.
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6
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Li YR, Fang Y, Lyu Z, Zhu Y, Yang L. Exploring the dynamic interplay between cancer stem cells and the tumor microenvironment: implications for novel therapeutic strategies. J Transl Med 2023; 21:686. [PMID: 37784157 PMCID: PMC10546755 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04575-9] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have emerged as key contributors to tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis. In addition, CSCs play a significant role in inducing immune evasion, thereby compromising the effectiveness of cancer treatments. The reciprocal communication between CSCs and the tumor microenvironment (TME) is observed, with the TME providing a supportive niche for CSC survival and self-renewal, while CSCs, in turn, influence the polarization and persistence of the TME, promoting an immunosuppressive state. Consequently, these interactions hinder the efficacy of current cancer therapies, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches to modulate the TME and target CSCs. In this review, we highlight the intricate strategies employed by CSCs to evade immune surveillance and develop resistance to therapies. Furthermore, we examine the dynamic interplay between CSCs and the TME, shedding light on how this interaction impacts cancer progression. Moreover, we provide an overview of advanced therapeutic strategies that specifically target CSCs and the TME, which hold promise for future clinical and translational studies in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ruide Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Ying Fang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Zibai Lyu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Yichen Zhu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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7
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Izadpanah A, Mohammadkhani N, Masoudnia M, Ghasemzad M, Saeedian A, Mehdizadeh H, Poorebrahim M, Ebrahimi M. Update on immune-based therapy strategies targeting cancer stem cells. Cancer Med 2023; 12:18960-18980. [PMID: 37698048 PMCID: PMC10557910 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating data reveals that tumors possess a specialized subset of cancer cells named cancer stem cells (CSCs), responsible for metastasis and recurrence of malignancies, with various properties such as self-renewal, heterogenicity, and capacity for drug resistance. Some signaling pathways or processes like Notch, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), Hedgehog (Hh), and Wnt, as well as CSCs' surface markers such as CD44, CD123, CD133, and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) have pivotal roles in acquiring CSCs properties. Therefore, targeting CSC-related signaling pathways and surface markers might effectively eradicate tumors and pave the way for cancer survival. Since current treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy cannot eradicate all of the CSCs and tumor relapse may happen following temporary recovery, improving novel and more efficient therapeutic options to combine with current treatments is required. Immunotherapy strategies are the new therapeutic modalities with promising results in targeting CSCs. Here, we review the targeting of CSCs by immunotherapy strategies such as dendritic cell (DC) vaccines, chimeric antigen receptors (CAR)-engineered immune cells, natural killer-cell (NK-cell) therapy, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), checkpoint inhibitors, and the use of oncolytic viruses (OVs) in pre-clinical and clinical studies. This review will mainly focus on blood malignancies but also describe solid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirhossein Izadpanah
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research CenterRoyan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECRTehranIran
| | - Niloufar Mohammadkhani
- Department of Clinical BiochemistrySchool of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Mina Masoudnia
- Department of ImmunologySchool of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Mahsa Ghasemzad
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research CenterRoyan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECRTehranIran
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology‐Genetics, Faculty of Basic Sciences and Advanced Technologies in BiologyUniversity of Science and CultureTehranIran
| | - Arefeh Saeedian
- Radiation Oncology Research CenterCancer Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
- Department of Radiation OncologyCancer Institute, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Hamid Mehdizadeh
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research CenterRoyan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECRTehranIran
| | - Mansour Poorebrahim
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Research Institute, University of CalgaryAlbertaCalgaryCanada
| | - Marzieh Ebrahimi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research CenterRoyan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECRTehranIran
- Department of regenerative medicineCell Science research Center, Royan Institute for stem cell biology and technology, ACECRTehranIran
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8
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Yao M, Liu X, Qian Z, Fan D, Sun X, Zhong L, Wu P. Research progress of nanovaccine in anti-tumor immunotherapy. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1211262. [PMID: 37692854 PMCID: PMC10484753 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1211262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor vaccines aim to activate dormant or unresponsive tumor-specific T lymphocytes by using tumor-specific or tumor-associated antigens, thus enhancing the body's natural defense against cancer. However, the effectiveness of tumor vaccines is limited by the presence of tumor heterogeneity, low immunogenicity, and immune evasion mechanisms. Fortunately, multifunctional nanoparticles offer a unique chance to address these issues. With the advantages of their small size, high stability, efficient drug delivery, and controlled surface chemistry, nanomaterials can precisely target tumor sites, improve the delivery of tumor antigens and immune adjuvants, reshape the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and enhance the body's anti-tumor immune response, resulting in improved efficacy and reduced side effects. Nanovaccine, a type of vaccine that uses nanotechnology to deliver antigens and adjuvants to immune cells, has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy due to its ability to stimulate immune responses and induce tumor-specific immunity. In this review, we discussed the compositions and types of nanovaccine, and the mechanisms behind their anti-tumor effects based on the latest research. We hope that this will provide a more scientific basis for designing tumor vaccines and enhancing the effectiveness of tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhangbo Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Dianfa Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xinjun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Liping Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Pan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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9
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Beziaud L, Young CM, Alonso AM, Norkin M, Minafra AR, Huelsken J. IFNγ-induced stem-like state of cancer cells as a driver of metastatic progression following immunotherapy. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:818-831.e6. [PMID: 37267916 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite the remarkable success of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy, most cancer patients still do not respond. We now find that immunotherapy can induce stem-like properties in tumors. Using mouse models of breast cancer, we observe that cancer stem cells (CSCs) show not only enhanced resistance to T cell cytotoxicity, but that interferon gamma (IFNγ) produced by activated T cells directly converts non-CSCs to CSCs. IFNγ enhances several CSC phenotypes, such as resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy and metastasis formation. We identified the branched-chain amino acid aminotransaminase 1 (BCAT1) as a downstream mediator of IFNγ-induced CSC plasticity. Targeting BCAT1 in vivo improved cancer vaccination and ICB therapy by preventing IFNγ-induced metastasis formation. Breast cancer patients treated with ICB exhibited a similar increase in CSC markers expression indicating comparable responses to immune activation in humans. Collectively, we discover an unexpected, pro-tumoral role for IFNγ that may contribute to cancer immunotherapy failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Beziaud
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), ISREC (Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; Agora Translational Cancer Research Center, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - C Megan Young
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), ISREC (Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; Agora Translational Cancer Research Center, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Angela Madurga Alonso
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), ISREC (Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; Agora Translational Cancer Research Center, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Maxim Norkin
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), ISREC (Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; Agora Translational Cancer Research Center, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anna Rita Minafra
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), ISREC (Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Joerg Huelsken
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), ISREC (Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; Agora Translational Cancer Research Center, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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10
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Tacchini M, Sacchetti G, Guerrini A, Paganetto G. Mycochemicals against Cancer Stem Cells. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:360. [PMID: 37368660 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15060360] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Since ancient times, mushrooms have been considered valuable allies of human well-being both from a dietary and medicinal point of view. Their essential role in several traditional medicines is explained today by the discovery of the plethora of biomolecules that have shown proven efficacy for treating various diseases, including cancer. Numerous studies have already been conducted to explore the antitumoural properties of mushroom extracts against cancer. Still, very few have reported the anticancer properties of mushroom polysaccharides and mycochemicals against the specific population of cancer stem cells (CSCs). In this context, β-glucans are relevant in modulating immunological surveillance against this subpopulation of cancer cells within tumours. Small molecules, less studied despite their spread and assortment, could exhibit the same importance. In this review, we discuss several pieces of evidence of the association between β-glucans and small mycochemicals in modulating biological mechanisms which are proven to be involved with CSCs development. Experimental evidence and an in silico approach are evaluated with the hope of contributing to future strategies aimed at the direct study of the action of these mycochemicals on this subpopulation of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Tacchini
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gianni Sacchetti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessandra Guerrini
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Paganetto
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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11
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Pan L, Han J, Lin M. Targeting breast cancer stem cells directly to treat refractory breast cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:981247. [PMID: 37251931 PMCID: PMC10213424 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.981247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
For patients with refractory breast cancer (BC), integrative immunotherapies are emerging as a critical component of treatment. However, many patients remain unresponsive to treatment or relapse after a period. Different cells and mediators in the tumor microenvironment (TME) play important roles in the progression of BC, and cancer stem cells (CSCs) are deemed the main cause of relapse. Their characteristics depend on their interactions with their microenvironment as well as on the inducing factors and elements in this environment. Strategies to modulate the immune system in the TME of BC that are aimed at reversing the suppressive networks within it and eradicating residual CSCs are, thus, essential for improving the current therapeutic efficacy of BC. This review focuses on the development of immunoresistance in BCs and discusses the strategies that can modulate the immune system and target breast CSCs directly to treat BC including immunotherapy with immune checkpoint blockades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Pan
- Wuhan Center for Clinical Laboratory, Wuhan, China
| | - Juan Han
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ming Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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12
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Hashemi F, Razmi M, Tajik F, Zöller M, Dehghan Manshadi M, Mahdavinezhad F, Tiyuri A, Ghods R, Madjd Z. Efficacy of Whole Cancer Stem Cell-Based Vaccines: A Systematic Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies. Stem Cells 2023; 41:207-232. [PMID: 36573273 DOI: 10.1093/stmcls/sxac089] [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: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the conventional cancer therapeutic, cancer treatment remains a medical challenge due to neoplasm metastasis and cancer recurrence; therefore, new approaches promoting therapeutic strategies are highly desirable. As a new therapy, the use of whole neoplastic stem cells or cancer stem cell (CSC)-based vaccines is one strategy to overcome these obstacles. We investigated the effects of whole CSC-based vaccines on the solid tumor development, metastasis, and survival rate. METHODS Primary electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science) and a major clinical registry were searched. Interventional studies of whole CSC-based vaccines in rodent cancer models (38 studies) and human cancer patients (11 studies) were included; the vaccine preparation methodologies, effects, and overall outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS Preclinical studies were divided into 4 groups: CSC-lysates/ inactivated-CSC-based vaccines, CSC-lysate-loaded dendritic cell (CSC-DC) vaccines, cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) vaccines generated with CSC-DC (CSC-DC-CTL), and combinatorial treatments carried out in the prophylactic and therapeutic experimental models. The majority of preclinical studies reported a promising effect on tumor growth, survival rate, and metastasis. Moreover, whole CSC-based vaccines induced several antitumor immune responses. A small number of clinical investigations suggested that the whole CSC-based vaccine treatment is beneficial; however, further research is required. CONCLUSIONS This comprehensive review provides an overview of the available methods for assessing the efficacy of whole CSC-based vaccines on tumor development, metastasis, and survival rate. In addition, it presents a set of recommendations for designing high-quality clinical studies that may allow to determine the efficacy of whole CSC-based-vaccines in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farideh Hashemi
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdieh Razmi
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Tajik
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Margot Zöller
- Section Pancreas Research, University Hospital of Surgery, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Masoumeh Dehghan Manshadi
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Forough Mahdavinezhad
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Tiyuri
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roya Ghods
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Madjd
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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13
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Köseer AS, Di Gaetano S, Arndt C, Bachmann M, Dubrovska A. Immunotargeting of Cancer Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1608. [PMID: 36900399 PMCID: PMC10001158 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051608] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The generally accepted view is that CSCs hijack the signaling pathways attributed to normal stem cells that regulate the self-renewal and differentiation processes. Therefore, the development of selective targeting strategies for CSC, although clinically meaningful, is associated with significant challenges because CSC and normal stem cells share many important signaling mechanisms for their maintenance and survival. Furthermore, the efficacy of this therapy is opposed by tumor heterogeneity and CSC plasticity. While there have been considerable efforts to target CSC populations by the chemical inhibition of the developmental pathways such as Notch, Hedgehog (Hh), and Wnt/β-catenin, noticeably fewer attempts were focused on the stimulation of the immune response by CSC-specific antigens, including cell-surface targets. Cancer immunotherapies are based on triggering the anti-tumor immune response by specific activation and targeted redirecting of immune cells toward tumor cells. This review is focused on CSC-directed immunotherapeutic approaches such as bispecific antibodies and antibody-drug candidates, CSC-targeted cellular immunotherapies, and immune-based vaccines. We discuss the strategies to improve the safety and efficacy of the different immunotherapeutic approaches and describe the current state of their clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Sedef Köseer
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01307 Dresden, Germany
- OncoRay–National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01309 Dresden, Germany
| | - Simona Di Gaetano
- OncoRay–National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01309 Dresden, Germany
| | - Claudia Arndt
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, 01328 Dresden, Germany
- Mildred Scheel Early Career Center, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Bachmann
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, 01328 Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna Dubrovska
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01307 Dresden, Germany
- OncoRay–National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01309 Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology-OncoRay, 01328 Dresden, Germany
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14
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Wu B, Shi X, Jiang M, Liu H. Cross-talk between cancer stem cells and immune cells: potential therapeutic targets in the tumor immune microenvironment. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:38. [PMID: 36810098 PMCID: PMC9942413 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01748-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Ongoing research has revealed that the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) is one of the biggest obstacles in the current cancer therapy. CSCs make an influential function in tumor progression, recurrence and chemoresistance due to their typical stemness characteristics. CSCs are preferentially distributed in niches, and those niche sites exhibit characteristics typical of the tumor microenvironment (TME). The complex interactions between CSCs and TME illustrate these synergistic effects. The phenotypic heterogeneity within CSCs and the spatial interactions with the surrounding tumor microenvironment led to increased therapeutic challenges. CSCs interact with immune cells to protect themselves against immune clearance by exploiting the immunosuppressive function of multiple immune checkpoint molecules. CSCs also can protect themselves against immune surveillance by excreting extracellular vesicles (EVs), growth factors, metabolites and cytokines into the TME, thereby modulating the composition of the TME. Therefore, these interactions are also being considered for the therapeutic development of anti-tumor agents. We discuss here the immune molecular mechanisms of CSCs and comprehensively review the interplay between CSCs and the immune system. Thus, studies on this topic seem to provide novel ideas for reinvigorating therapeutic approaches to cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wu
- grid.459742.90000 0004 1798 5889Department of General Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, 110042 China
| | - Xiang Shi
- grid.459742.90000 0004 1798 5889Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, 110042 China
| | - Meixi Jiang
- grid.412644.10000 0004 5909 0696Department of Neurology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032 China
| | - Hongxu Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, 110042, China.
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15
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Nallasamy P, Nimmakayala RK, Parte S, Are AC, Batra SK, Ponnusamy MP. Tumor microenvironment enriches the stemness features: the architectural event of therapy resistance and metastasis. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:225. [PMID: 36550571 PMCID: PMC9773588 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01682-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer divergence has many facets other than being considered a genetic term. It is a tremendous challenge to understand the metastasis and therapy response in cancer biology; however, it postulates the opportunity to explore the possible mechanism in the surrounding tumor environment. Most deadly solid malignancies are distinctly characterized by their tumor microenvironment (TME). TME consists of stromal components such as immune, inflammatory, endothelial, adipocytes, and fibroblast cells. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) or cancer stem-like cells are a small sub-set of the population within cancer cells believed to be a responsible player in the self-renewal, metastasis, and therapy response of cancer cells. The correlation between TME and CSCs remains an enigma in understanding the events of metastasis and therapy resistance in cancer biology. Recent evidence suggests that TME dictates the CSCs maintenance to arbitrate cancer progression and metastasis. The immune, inflammatory, endothelial, adipocyte, and fibroblast cells in the TME release growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, microRNAs, and exosomes that provide cues for the gain and maintenance of CSC features. These intricate cross-talks are fueled to evolve into aggressive, invasive, migratory phenotypes for cancer development. In this review, we have abridged the recent developments in the role of the TME factors in CSC maintenance and how these events influence the transition of tumor progression to further translate into metastasis and therapy resistance in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palanisamy Nallasamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Rama Krishna Nimmakayala
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Seema Parte
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Abhirup C Are
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA.
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
| | - Moorthy P Ponnusamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA.
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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16
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Metabolism in Cancer Stem Cells: Targets for Clinical Treatment. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233790. [PMID: 36497050 PMCID: PMC9736883 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have high tumorigenicity, high metastasis and high resistance to treatment. They are the key factors for the growth, metastasis and drug resistance of malignant tumors, and are also the important reason for the occurrence and recurrence of tumors. Metabolic reprogramming refers to the metabolic changes that occur when tumor cells provide sufficient energy and nutrients for themselves. Metabolic reprogramming plays an important role in regulating the growth and activity of cancer cells and cancer stem cells. In addition, the immune cells or stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) will change due to the metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells. Summarizing the characteristics and molecular mechanisms of metabolic reprogramming of cancer stem cells will provide new ideas for the comprehensive treatment of malignant tumors. In this review, we summarized the changes of the main metabolic pathways in cancer cells and cancer stem cells.
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17
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Cytokine chemokine network in tumor microenvironment: Impact on CSC properties and therapeutic applications. Cytokine 2022; 156:155916. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2022.155916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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18
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Sitta J, Claudio PP, Howard CM. Virus-Based Immuno-Oncology Models. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061441. [PMID: 35740462 PMCID: PMC9220907 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has been extensively explored in recent years with encouraging results in selected types of cancer. Such success aroused interest in the expansion of such indications, requiring a deep understanding of the complex role of the immune system in carcinogenesis. The definition of hot vs. cold tumors and the role of the tumor microenvironment enlightened the once obscure understanding of low response rates of solid tumors to immune check point inhibitors. Although the major scope found in the literature focuses on the T cell modulation, the innate immune system is also a promising oncolytic tool. The unveiling of the tumor immunosuppressive pathways, lead to the development of combined targeted therapies in an attempt to increase immune infiltration capability. Oncolytic viruses have been explored in different scenarios, in combination with various chemotherapeutic drugs and, more recently, with immune check point inhibitors. Moreover, oncolytic viruses may be engineered to express tumor specific pro-inflammatory cytokines, antibodies, and antigens to enhance immunologic response or block immunosuppressive mechanisms. Development of preclinical models capable to replicate the human immunologic response is one of the major challenges faced by these studies. A thorough understanding of immunotherapy and oncolytic viruses’ mechanics is paramount to develop reliable preclinical models with higher chances of successful clinical therapy application. Thus, in this article, we review current concepts in cancer immunotherapy including the inherent and synthetic mechanisms of immunologic enhancement utilizing oncolytic viruses, immune targeting, and available preclinical animal models, their advantages, and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Sitta
- Department of Radiology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA;
| | - Pier Paolo Claudio
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center & Research Institute, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA;
| | - Candace M. Howard
- Department of Radiology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA;
- Correspondence:
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19
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Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:3044-3060. [PMID: 35621637 PMCID: PMC9139602 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29050247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 274] [Impact Index Per Article: 137.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of immune checkpoint proteins such as PD-1/PDL-1 and CTLA-4 represents a significant breakthrough in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, humanized monoclonal antibodies, targeting these immune checkpoint proteins have been utilized successfully in patients with metastatic melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, head and neck cancers and non-small lung cancer. The US FDA has successfully approved three different categories of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) such as PD-1 inhibitors (Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab, and Cemiplimab), PDL-1 inhibitors (Atezolimumab, Durvalumab and Avelumab), and CTLA-4 inhibitor (Ipilimumab). Unfortunately, not all patients respond favourably to these drugs, highlighting the role of biomarkers such as Tumour mutation burden (TMB), PDL-1 expression, microbiome, hypoxia, interferon-γ, and ECM in predicting responses to ICIs-based immunotherapy. The current study aims to review the literature and updates on ICIs in cancer therapy.
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20
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Zanoni M, Bravaccini S, Fabbri F, Arienti C. Emerging Roles of Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Isoforms in Anti-cancer Therapy Resistance. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:795762. [PMID: 35299840 PMCID: PMC8920988 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.795762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) are a family of detoxifying enzymes often upregulated in cancer cells and associated with therapeutic resistance. In humans, the ALDH family comprises 19 isoenzymes active in the majority of mammalian tissues. Each ALDH isoform has a specific differential expression pattern and most of them have individual functional roles in cancer. ALDHs are overexpressed in subpopulations of cancer cells with stem-like features, where they are involved in several processes including cellular proliferation, differentiation, detoxification and survival, participating in lipids and amino acid metabolism and retinoic acid synthesis. In particular, ALDH enzymes protect cancer cells by metabolizing toxic aldehydes in less reactive and more soluble carboxylic acids. High metabolic activity as well as conventional anticancer therapies contribute to aldehyde accumulation, leading to DNA double strand breaks (DSB) through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation. ALDH overexpression is crucial not only for the survival of cancer stem cells but can also affect immune cells of the tumour microenvironment (TME). The reduction of ROS amount and the increase in retinoic acid signaling impairs immunogenic cell death (ICD) inducing the activation and stability of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs). Dissecting the role of ALDH specific isoforms in the TME can open new scenarios in the cancer treatment. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about the role of ALDH isoforms in solid tumors, in particular in association with therapy-resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Zanoni
- Biosciences Laboratory,IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Sara Bravaccini
- Biosciences Laboratory,IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Francesco Fabbri
- Biosciences Laboratory,IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Chiara Arienti
- Biosciences Laboratory,IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
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21
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Vafaei S, Zekiy AO, Khanamir RA, Zaman BA, Ghayourvahdat A, Azimizonuzi H, Zamani M. Combination therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs); a new frontier. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:2. [PMID: 34980128 PMCID: PMC8725311 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02407-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) therapy has become a promising therapeutic strategy with encouraging therapeutic outcomes due to their durable anti-tumor effects. Though, tumor inherent or acquired resistance to ICIs accompanied with treatment-related toxicities hamper their clinical utility. Overall, about 60-70% of patients (e.g., melanoma and lung cancer) who received ICIs show no objective response to intervention. The resistance to ICIs mainly caused by alterations in the tumor microenvironment (TME), which in turn, supports angiogenesis and also blocks immune cell antitumor activities, facilitating tumor cells' evasion from host immunosurveillance. Thereby, it has been supposed and also validated that combination therapy with ICIs and other therapeutic means, ranging from chemoradiotherapy to targeted therapies as well as cancer vaccines, can capably compromise tumor resistance to immune checkpoint blocked therapy. Herein, we have focused on the therapeutic benefits of ICIs as a groundbreaking approach in the context of tumor immunotherapy and also deliver an overview concerning the therapeutic influences of the addition of ICIs to other modalities to circumvent tumor resistance to ICIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Vafaei
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Angelina O. Zekiy
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ramadhan Ado Khanamir
- Internal Medicine and Surgery Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Burhan Abdullah Zaman
- Basic Sciences Department, College of Pharmacy, University of Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | | | | | - Majid Zamani
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
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22
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Wang H, Xu H, Cheng Q, Liang C. Identification of a Novel Stem Cell Subtype for Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Based on Stem Cell Gene Profiling. Front Oncol 2021; 11:758989. [PMID: 34912710 PMCID: PMC8667732 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.758989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common subtype of renal cancer and is characterized by high rates of metastasis. Cancer stem cell is a vital cause of renal cancer metastasis and recurrence. However, little is known regarding the change and the roles of stem cells during the development of renal cancer. To clarify this problem, we developed a novel stem cell clustering strategy. Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) genomic datasets, we used 19 stem cell gene sets to classify each dataset. A machine learning method was used to perform the classification. We classified ccRCC into three subtypes-stem cell activated (SC-A), stem cell dormant (SC-D), and stem cell excluded (SC-E)-based on the expressions of stem cell-related genes. Compared with the other subtypes, C2(SC-A) had the highest degree of cancer stem cell concentration, the highest level of immune cell infiltration, a distinct mutation landscape, and the worst prognosis. Moreover, drug sensitivity analysis revealed that subgroup C2(SC-A) had the highest sensitivity to immunotherapy CTLA-4 blockade and the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) inhibitor sunitinib. The identification of ccRCC subtypes based on cancer stem cell gene sets demonstrated the heterogeneity of ccRCC and provided a new strategy for its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongzhi Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hanjiang Xu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chaozhao Liang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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23
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Naz F, Shi M, Sajid S, Yang Z, Yu C. Cancer stem cells: a major culprit of intra-tumor heterogeneity. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:5782-5811. [PMID: 35018226 PMCID: PMC8727794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is recognized as a preeminent factor of the world's mortality. Although various modalities have been designed to cure this life-threatening ailment, a significant impediment in the effective output of cancer treatment is heterogeneity. Cancer is characterized as a heterogeneous health disorder that comprises a distinct group of transformed cells to assist anomalous proliferation of affected cells. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a leading cause of cancer heterogeneity that is continually transformed by cellular extrinsic and intrinsic factors. They intensify neoplastic cells aggressiveness by strengthening their dissemination, relapse and therapy resistance. Considering this viewpoint, in this review article we have discussed some intrinsic (transcription factors, cell signaling pathways, genetic alterations, epigenetic modifications, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and epitranscriptomics) and extrinsic factors (tumor microenvironment (TME)) that contribute to CSC heterogeneity and plasticity, which may help scientists to meddle these processes and eventually improve cancer research and management. Besides, the potential role of CSCs heterogeneity in establishing metastasis and therapy resistance has been articulated which signifies the importance of developing novel anticancer therapies to target CSCs along with targeting bulk tumor mass to achieve an effective output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiza Naz
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijing 100029, China
| | - Mengran Shi
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijing 100029, China
| | - Salvia Sajid
- Department of Biotechnology, Jinnah University for WomenKarachi 74600, Pakistan
| | - Zhao Yang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijing 100029, China
- College of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Biological Resources in Tarim Basin of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Tarim UniversityAlar 843300, Xinjiang, China
| | - Changyuan Yu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijing 100029, China
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24
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Seebacher NA, Krchniakova M, Stacy AE, Skoda J, Jansson PJ. Tumour Microenvironment Stress Promotes the Development of Drug Resistance. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:1801. [PMID: 34829672 PMCID: PMC8615091 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10111801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Multi-drug resistance (MDR) is a leading cause of cancer-related death, and it continues to be a major barrier to cancer treatment. The tumour microenvironment (TME) has proven to play an essential role in not only cancer progression and metastasis, but also the development of resistance to chemotherapy. Despite the significant advances in the efficacy of anti-cancer therapies, the development of drug resistance remains a major impediment to therapeutic success. This review highlights the interplay between various factors within the TME that collectively initiate or propagate MDR. The key TME-mediated mechanisms of MDR regulation that will be discussed herein include (1) altered metabolic processing and the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) axis; (2) changes in stromal cells; (3) increased cancer cell survival via autophagy and failure of apoptosis; (4) altered drug delivery, uptake, or efflux and (5) the induction of a cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotype. The review also discusses thought-provoking ideas that may assist in overcoming the TME-induced MDR. We conclude that stressors from the TME and exposure to chemotherapeutic agents are strongly linked to the development of MDR in cancer cells. Therefore, there remains a vast area for potential research to further elicit the interplay between factors existing both within and outside the TME. Elucidating the mechanisms within this network is essential for developing new therapeutic strategies that are less prone to failure due to the development of resistance in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Krchniakova
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic;
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, 65691 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Alexandra E. Stacy
- Cancer Drug Resistance & Stem Cell Program, School of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Jan Skoda
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic;
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, 65691 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Patric J. Jansson
- Cancer Drug Resistance & Stem Cell Program, School of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia;
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
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25
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Cao J, Bhatnagar S, Wang J, Qi X, Prabha S, Panyam J. Cancer stem cells and strategies for targeted drug delivery. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2021; 11:1779-1805. [PMID: 33095384 PMCID: PMC8062588 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-020-00863-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small proportion of cancer cells with high tumorigenic activity, self-renewal ability, and multilineage differentiation potential. Standard anti-tumor therapies including conventional chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and molecularly targeted therapies are not effective against CSCs, and often lead to enrichment of CSCs that can result in tumor relapse. Therefore, it is hypothesized that targeting CSCs is key to increasing the efficacy of cancer therapies. In this review, CSC properties including CSC markers, their role in tumor growth, invasiveness, metastasis, and drug resistance, as well as CSC microenvironment are discussed. Further, CSC-targeted strategies including the use of targeted drug delivery systems are examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, China
- College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Shubhmita Bhatnagar
- College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- School of Pharmacy, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Jiawei Wang
- College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Xueyong Qi
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, China
| | - Swayam Prabha
- College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- Cancer Research & Molecular Biology and Department of Pharmacology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Jayanth Panyam
- College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
- School of Pharmacy, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA.
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26
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Cui X, Liu R, Duan L, Cao D, Zhang Q, Zhang A. CAR-T therapy: Prospects in targeting cancer stem cells. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:9891-9904. [PMID: 34585512 PMCID: PMC8572776 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a group of tumour cells with stem cell characteristics, have the ability of self-renewal, multi-lineage differentiation and tumour formation. Since CSCs are resistant to conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy, their existence may be one of the root causes of cancer treatment failure and tumour progression. The elimination of CSCs may be effective for eventual tumour eradication. Because of the good therapeutic effects without major histocompatibility complex (MHC) restriction and the unique characteristics of CSCs, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy is expected to be an important method to eliminate CSCs. In this review, we have discussed the feasibility of CSCs-targeted CAR-T therapy for cancer treatment, summarized current research and clinical trials of targeting CSCs with CAR-T cells and forecasted the challenges and future direction from the perspectives of toxicity, persistence and potency, trafficking, infiltration, immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment, and tumour heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyue Cui
- Basic Laboratory, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, China
| | - Lian Duan
- Basic Laboratory, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, China
| | - Dan Cao
- Basic Laboratory, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, China.,Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, China
| | - Qiaoling Zhang
- Basic Laboratory, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, China.,Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, China
| | - Aijie Zhang
- Basic Laboratory, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, China
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27
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Chen Y, Li M, Cao J, Cai G, Li X, Liu Y, Chen W. CTLA-4 promotes lymphoma progression through tumor stem cell enrichment and immunosuppression. Open Life Sci 2021; 16:909-919. [PMID: 34553071 PMCID: PMC8422981 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2021-0094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The recurrence rate of lymphoma is very high, and tumor stem cells may be an important mechanism. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) can inhibit antitumor immunity and promote cancer progression, but its role and mechanism in lymphoma are still unclear. Here we collected lymphoma tissue and peripheral blood from patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Results showed that CTLA-4 expression and CD44+ cell in the high-risk group were significantly higher than that in the low-risk group. Correlation analysis showed that CTLA-4 expression positively correlated with CD44+ cell in lymphoma tissue and regulatory T (Treg) cells in lymphocytes. In vitro experiment showed that CTLA-4 increased the ratio of lymphoma stem cells, and proliferation and invasion of lymphoma cells through TGF-β pathway. Moreover, CTLA-4 enhanced the proliferation of Treg cells induced by lymphoma cells. Animal experiments showed that CTLA-4 can promote transplanted lymphoma growth. Immunohistochemistry results showed that both Ki-67 and CD44+ cells increased significantly in the CTLA-4 group. TGF-β neutralization can significantly block these effects of CTLA-4. In conclusion, CTLA-4 promoted DLBCL progression through lymphoma stem cell enrichment and immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Chen
- Department of Integrated TCM and Western Medicine, Central Hospital of Yiyang City, Yiyang, Hunan, 413200, China
| | - Meng Li
- Department of Pathology, The 8th Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Jian Cao
- Department of Integrated TCM and Western Medicine, Central Hospital of Yiyang City, Yiyang, Hunan, 413200, China
| | - Guohong Cai
- Department of Integrated TCM and Western Medicine, Central Hospital of Yiyang City, Yiyang, Hunan, 413200, China
| | - Xiantao Li
- Department of Integrated TCM and Western Medicine, Central Hospital of Yiyang City, Yiyang, Hunan, 413200, China
| | - Yuejiao Liu
- Department of Pathology, The 8th Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Wen Chen
- Department of Pathology, The 8th Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100091, China
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28
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The Immune Privilege of Cancer Stem Cells: A Key to Understanding Tumor Immune Escape and Therapy Failure. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092361. [PMID: 34572009 PMCID: PMC8469208 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are broadly considered immature, multipotent, tumorigenic cells within the tumor mass, endowed with the ability to self-renew and escape immune control. All these features contribute to place CSCs at the pinnacle of tumor aggressiveness and (immune) therapy resistance. The immune privileged status of CSCs is induced and preserved by various mechanisms that directly affect them (e.g., the downregulation of the major histocompatibility complex class I) and indirectly are induced in the host immune cells (e.g., activation of immune suppressive cells). Therefore, deeper insights into the immuno-biology of CSCs are essential in our pursuit to find new therapeutic opportunities that eradicate cancer (stem) cells. Here, we review and discuss the ability of CSCs to evade the innate and adaptive immune system, as we offer a view of the immunotherapeutic strategies adopted to potentiate and address specific subsets of (engineered) immune cells against CSCs.
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29
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Esmaeili SA, Sahranavard S, Salehi A, Bagheri V. Selectively targeting cancer stem cells: Current and novel therapeutic strategies and approaches in the effective eradication of cancer. IUBMB Life 2021; 73:1045-1059. [PMID: 34184810 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subgroup of cells in malignant cancers, which possess self-renewal capacity, tumor-initiating capability, and pluripotency, as well as being responsible for tumor maintenance, metastasis, relapse, and chemoresistance. The treatment modalities previously established for cancer included surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. The majority of tumor cells of non-CSCs could be eradicated using conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Therefore, novel and promising therapeutic strategies that selectively target CSCs are of great importance. In this review, we described different therapeutic strategies such as immunotherapy, metabolism-based therapeutic strategies, and additional potential therapeutic approaches (targeting microRNAs [miRNAs], histone deacetylase, and DNA methyl transferase) against CSCs. Taken together, due to the inefficiency of anticancer single therapies, targeting CSCs through their metabolism and using immunotherapy and miRNAs besides classical chemo- and radiotherapy may exert better therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed-Alireza Esmaeili
- Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Shamim Sahranavard
- Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Traditional Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Astireh Salehi
- Biology Department, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Vahid Bagheri
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
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30
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Lei MML, Lee TKW. Cancer Stem Cells: Emerging Key Players in Immune Evasion of Cancers. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:692940. [PMID: 34235155 PMCID: PMC8257022 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.692940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are subpopulations of undifferentiated cancer cells within the tumor bulk that are responsible for tumor initiation, recurrence and therapeutic resistance. The enhanced ability of CSCs to give rise to new tumors suggests potential roles of these cells in the evasion of immune surveillance. A growing body of evidence has described the interplay between CSCs and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Recent data have shown the pivotal role of some major immune cells in driving the expansion of CSCs, which concurrently elicit evasion of the detection and destruction of various immune cells through a number of distinct mechanisms. Here, we will discuss the role of immune cells in driving the stemness of cancer cells and provide evidence of how CSCs evade immune surveillance by exerting their effects on tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), dendritic cells (DCs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), T-regulatory (Treg) cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). The knowledge gained from the interaction between CSCs and various immune cells will provide insight into the mechanisms by which tumors evade immune surveillance. In conclusion, CSC-targeted immunotherapy emerges as a novel immunotherapy strategy against cancer by disrupting the interaction between immune cells and CSCs in the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Mang Leng Lei
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Terence Kin Wah Lee
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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31
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Volovat SR, Negru S, Stolniceanu CR, Volovat C, Lungulescu C, Scripcariu D, Cobzeanu BM, Stefanescu C, Grigorescu C, Augustin I, Lupascu Ursulescu C, Volovat CC. Nanomedicine to modulate immunotherapy in cutaneous melanoma (Review). Exp Ther Med 2021; 21:535. [PMID: 33815608 PMCID: PMC8014970 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.9967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has shifted the paradigm in cancer treatment in recent years. Immune checkpoint blockage (ICB), the active cancer vaccination and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) for T-cell-based adoptive cell transfer represent the main developments, achieving a surprising increased survival in patients included in clinical trials. In spite of these results, the current state-of-the-art immunotherapy has its limitations in efficacy. The existence of an interdisciplinary interface involving current knowledge in biology, immunology, bioengineering and materials science represents important progress in increasing the effectiveness of immunotherapy in cancer. Cutaneous melanoma remains a difficult cancer to treat, in which immunotherapy is a major therapeutic option. In fact, enhancing immunotherapy is possible using sophisticated biomedical nanotechnology platforms of organic or inorganic materials or engineering various immune cells to enhance the immune system. In addition, biological devices have developed, changing the approach to and treatment results in melanoma. In this review, we present different modalities to modulate the immune system, as well as opportunities and challenges in melanoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Ruxandra Volovat
- Department of Medicine III-Medical Oncology-Radiotherapy, 'Grigore T. Popa' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Serban Negru
- Department of Medical Oncology, 'Victor Babes' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cati Raluca Stolniceanu
- Department of Biophysics and Medical Physics-Nuclear Medicine, 'Grigore T. Popa' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Constantin Volovat
- Department of Medicine III-Medical Oncology-Radiotherapy, 'Grigore T. Popa' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania.,Department of Medical Oncology, 'Euroclinic' Center of Oncology, 70010 Iasi, Romania
| | - Cristian Lungulescu
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Dragos Scripcariu
- Department of Surgery, 'Grigore T. Popa' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Bogdan Mihail Cobzeanu
- Department of Surgery, 'Grigore T. Popa' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Cipriana Stefanescu
- Department of Biophysics and Medical Physics-Nuclear Medicine, 'Grigore T. Popa' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Cristina Grigorescu
- Department of Surgery, 'Grigore T. Popa' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Iolanda Augustin
- Department of Medical Oncology, 'Euroclinic' Center of Oncology, 70010 Iasi, Romania
| | - Corina Lupascu Ursulescu
- Department of Radiology, 'Grigore T. Popa' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Cristian Constantin Volovat
- Department of Radiology, 'Grigore T. Popa' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania.,Department of Radiology, 'Sf. Spiridon' Emergency Clinic Hospital, 700111 Iasi, Romania
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32
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Kharkar PS. Cancer Stem Cell (CSC) Inhibitors in Oncology-A Promise for a Better Therapeutic Outcome: State of the Art and Future Perspectives. J Med Chem 2020; 63:15279-15307. [PMID: 33325699 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a subpopulation of cancer cells endowed with self-renewal, tumorigenicity, pluripotency, chemoresistance, differentiation, invasive ability, and plasticity, reside in specialized tumor niches and are responsible for tumor maintenance, metastasis, therapy resistance, and tumor relapse. The new-age "hierarchical or CSC" model of tumor heterogeneity is based on the concept of eradicating CSCs to prevent tumor relapse and therapy resistance. Small-molecular entities and biologics acting on various stemness signaling pathways, surface markers, efflux transporters, or components of complex tumor microenvironment are under intense investigation as potential anti-CSC agents. In addition, smart nanotherapeutic tools have proved their utility in achieving CSC targeting. Several CSC inhibitors in clinical development have shown promise, either as mono- or combination therapy, in refractory and difficult-to-treat cancers. Clinical investigations with CSC marker follow-up as a measure of clinical efficacy are needed to turn the "hype" into the "hope" these new-age oncology therapeutics have to offer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant S Kharkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga, Mumbai 400 019, India
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33
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Quaglino E, Cavallo F, Conti L. Cancer stem cell antigens as targets for new combined anti-cancer therapies. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2020; 129:105861. [PMID: 33031926 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2020.105861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) has ushered in a new, golden age for cancer immunotherapy. However, their clinical success remains limited in several solid cancer types because of the low intrinsic immunogenicity of tumors and the development of immune escape mechanisms. Cancer stem cells (CSC), a small population of cancer cells that are responsible for tumor onset, metastatic spread and relapse after treatment, play a pivotal role in resistance to ICIs. The development of novel therapies that can target CSCs would thus improve the outcomes of current immunotherapy regimens. In this light, vaccines that target CSCs are a promising strategy. This paper briefly describes the immunologic properties of CSCs and their antigenic profile, and reviews current preclinical and clinical approaches that combine CSC-targeting vaccines with different synergistic therapies for the development of more effective antineoplastic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Quaglino
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Laura Conti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
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34
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Guo M, You C, Dong W, Luo B, Wu Y, Chen Y, Li J, Pan M, Li M, Zhao F, Dou J. The surface dominant antigen MUC1 is required for colorectal cancer stem cell vaccine to exert anti-tumor efficacy. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 132:110804. [PMID: 33017767 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC), initiated and maintained by colorectal cancer stem cells (CCSCs), ranks the third most common cancers and has drawn wide attentions worldwide. Therefore, targeting clearance of CCSCs has become an important strategy of CRC immunotherapy. Mucin1 (MUC1) is a tumor-associated cell surface antigen of CRC, but its role in CCSC vaccine remains unclear. In the study, we demonstrated that MUC1 may be a dominant antigen to exert antitumor immunity in CCSC vaccine. First, CCSCs were enriched from CT26 cell line via a serum-free sphere formation approach, and were identified by detecting expression of CD133, ALDH, and ALCAM. Then, the isolated CCSCs were frozen for 30 min and thawed for 30 min to prepare the cell lysate. The specific anti-MUC1 antibody was added to the cell lysate to neutralize the dominant antigen MUC1. Finally, mice were subcutaneously immunized with the cell lysate, followed by a challenge with CT26 cells at one week after final vaccination. Attractively, CCSC vaccine significantly activated the NK cells, T cells, and B cells, resulting in inhibiting the tumor growth via a target killing of CCSCs as evidenced by a decrease of CD133+cells in tumor compared to CCSC vaccine with specific anti-MUC1 antibody. In addition, CCSC vaccine reduced expression of inflammatory factors in vaccinated mice. As expected, neutralizing antibody against MUC1 significantly impaired the antitumor efficacy of CCSC vaccine. Overall, CCSC vaccine could serve as a potent vaccine for CRC immunotherapy. The surface dominant antigen MUC1 may play a key role in regulating immunogenicity of CCSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Guo
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Chengzhong You
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Wenqi Dong
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Biao Luo
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yuheng Wu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yanuo Chen
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jianping Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Meng Pan
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Miao Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Fengshu Zhao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jun Dou
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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35
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Huang T, Song X, Xu D, Tiek D, Goenka A, Wu B, Sastry N, Hu B, Cheng SY. Stem cell programs in cancer initiation, progression, and therapy resistance. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:8721-8743. [PMID: 32754274 PMCID: PMC7392012 DOI: 10.7150/thno.41648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past few decades, substantial evidence has convincingly revealed the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) as a minor subpopulation in cancers, contributing to an aberrantly high degree of cellular heterogeneity within the tumor. CSCs are functionally defined by their abilities of self-renewal and differentiation, often in response to cues from their microenvironment. Biological phenotypes of CSCs are regulated by the integrated transcriptional, post-transcriptional, metabolic, and epigenetic regulatory networks. CSCs contribute to tumor progression, therapeutic resistance, and disease recurrence through their sustained proliferation, invasion into normal tissue, promotion of angiogenesis, evasion of the immune system, and resistance to conventional anticancer therapies. Therefore, elucidation of the molecular mechanisms that drive cancer stem cell maintenance, plasticity, and therapeutic resistance will enhance our ability to improve the effectiveness of targeted therapies for CSCs. In this review, we highlight the key features and mechanisms that regulate CSC function in tumor initiation, progression, and therapy resistance. We discuss factors for CSC therapeutic resistance, such as quiescence, induction of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and resistance to DNA damage-induced cell death. We evaluate therapeutic approaches for eliminating therapy-resistant CSC subpopulations, including anticancer drugs that target key CSC signaling pathways and cell surface markers, viral therapies, the awakening of quiescent CSCs, and immunotherapy. We also assess the impact of new technologies, such as single-cell sequencing and CRISPR-Cas9 screening, on the investigation of the biological properties of CSCs. Moreover, challenges remain to be addressed in the coming years, including experimental approaches for investigating CSCs and obstacles in therapeutic targeting of CSCs.
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36
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Qian X, Leonard F, Wenhao Y, Sudhoff H, Hoffmann TK, Ferrone S, Kaufmann AM, Albers AE. Immunotherapeutics for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma stem cells. HNO 2020; 68:94-99. [PMID: 31996933 DOI: 10.1007/s00106-020-00819-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cell (CSC)-related therapy resistance has become a new obstacle to the successful application of cancer treatment and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is no exception to this finding. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is highly immune-suppressive, and recently the immune suppression and invasion of HNSCC-CSCs have been characterized. These characteristics have received research and clinical attention because they would enable the stratification of patients into specific cancer subtypes and, consequently, the establishment of new therapeutic approaches with improved efficacy. This review discusses the feasibility of CSC-targeted strategies and their incorporation with nanotechnology to improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Qian
- Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - F Leonard
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Y Wenhao
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - H Sudhoff
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medizinische Fakultät OWL, Klinikum Bielefeld, Universität Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - T K Hoffmann
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - S Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Massachussets General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - A M Kaufmann
- Clinic for Gynecology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - A E Albers
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.
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Aldehyde dehydrogenase-positive melanoma stem cells in tumorigenesis, drug resistance and anti-neoplastic immunotherapy. Mol Biol Rep 2019; 47:1435-1443. [PMID: 31838656 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-019-05227-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a rare subset of cancer cells, are well known for their self-renewing capacity. CSCs play a critical role in therapeutic failure and are responsible for poor prognosis in leukemia and various solid tumors. However, it is still unclear how CSCs initiate carcinogenesis and evade the immune response. In humans, the melanoma initiating cells (MICs) are recognized as the CSCs in melanomas, and were verified to possess CSC potentials. The enzymatic system, aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) is considered to be a specific marker for CSCs in several tumors. The expression of ALDH in MICs may be closely correlated with phenotypic heterogeneity, melanoma-genesis, metastasis, and drug resistance. The ALDH+ CSCs/MICs not only serve as an indicator for therapeutic efficacy, but have also become a target for the treat of melanoma. In this review, we initially introduce the multiple capacities of MICs in melanoma. Then, we summarize in vivo and in vitro studies that illustrate the relationship between ALDH and MICs. Furthermore, understanding of chemotherapy resistance in melanoma relies on ALDH+ MICs. Finally, we review studies that focus on melanoma immunotherapies, rendering ALDH a potential marker to evaluate the efficacy of anti-neoplastic therapies or an adjuvant anti-melanoma target.
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38
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Sun HR, Wang S, Yan SC, Zhang Y, Nelson PJ, Jia HL, Qin LX, Dong QZ. Therapeutic Strategies Targeting Cancer Stem Cells and Their Microenvironment. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1104. [PMID: 31709180 PMCID: PMC6821685 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been demonstrated in a variety of tumors and are thought to act as a clonogenic core for the genesis of new tumor growth. This small subpopulation of cancer cells has been proposed to help drive tumorigenesis, metastasis, recurrence and conventional therapy resistance. CSCs show self-renewal and flexible clonogenic properties and help define specific tumor microenvironments (TME). The interaction between CSCs and TME is thought to function as a dynamic support system that fosters the generation and maintenance of CSCs. Investigation of the interaction between CSCs and the TME is shedding light on the biologic mechanisms underlying the process of tumor malignancy, metastasis, and therapy resistance. We summarize recent advances in CSC biology and their environment, and discuss the challenges and future strategies for targeting this biology as a new therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Ran Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shun Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Can Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peter J Nelson
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Hu-Liang Jia
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lun-Xiu Qin
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong-Zhu Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Rajayi H, Tavasolian P, Rezalotfi A, Ebrahimi M. Cancer Stem Cells Targeting; the Lessons from the Interaction of the Immune System, the Cancer Stem Cells and the Tumor Niche. Int Rev Immunol 2019; 38:267-283. [DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2019.1669593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hajar Rajayi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parsova Tavasolian
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alaleh Rezalotfi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Ebrahimi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Regenerative Biomedicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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40
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Ruiu R, Tarone L, Rolih V, Barutello G, Bolli E, Riccardo F, Cavallo F, Conti L. Cancer stem cell immunology and immunotherapy: Harnessing the immune system against cancer's source. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2019; 164:119-188. [PMID: 31383404 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2019.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite recent advances in diagnosis and therapy having improved cancer outcome, many patients still do not respond to treatments, resulting in the progression or relapse of the disease, eventually impairing survival expectations. The limited efficacy of therapy is often attributable to its inability to affect cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small population of cells resistant to current radio- and chemo-therapies. CSCs are characterized by self-renewal and tumor-initiating capabilities, and function as a reservoir for the local and distant recurrence of the disease. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches able to effectively target and deplete CSCs are urgently needed. Immunotherapy is facing a renewed interest for its potential in cancer treatment, and the possibility of harnessing the immune system to target CSCs is being addressed by a new exciting research field. In this chapter, we discuss the cancer stem cell model and illustrate CSC biological and molecular properties, critically addressing theoretical and practical issues linked with their definition and study. We then review the existing literature regarding the immunological properties of CSCs and the complex interplay occurring between CSCs and immune cells. Finally, we present up-to-date studies on CSC immunotargeting and its potential future perspective. In conclusion, understanding the interplay between CSC biology and tumor immunology will provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that regulate CSC immunological properties. This will contribute to the design of new CSC-directed immunotherapeutic strategies with the potential of strongly improving cancer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Ruiu
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Lidia Tarone
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Valeria Rolih
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Barutello
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Bolli
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Federica Riccardo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
| | - Laura Conti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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Badrinath N, Yoo SY. Recent Advances in Cancer Stem Cell-Targeted Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11030310. [PMID: 30841635 PMCID: PMC6468501 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11030310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are one of the reasons for the relapse of cancer cells and metastasis. They have drug resistance against most chemotherapeutic agents. CSCs are also responsible for tumor cell heterogeneity and cause minimal residual disease. In order to achieve complete regression of tumors, CSCs have to be targeted. Recent advances in immunotherapies have shown promising outcomes in curing cancer, which are also applicable to target CSCs. CSCs express immune markers and exhibit specific immune characteristics in various cancers, which can be used in immunotherapies to target CSCs in the tumor microenvironment. Recently, various strategies have been used to target CSCs. Adaptive T-cells, dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccines, oncolytic viruses, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and combination therapies are now being used to target CSCs. Here, we discuss the feasibility of these immunological approaches and the recent trends in immunotherapies to target CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narayanasamy Badrinath
- Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea.
- Research Institute for Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan 50612, Korea.
| | - So Young Yoo
- Research Institute for Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan 50612, Korea.
- BIO-IT Foundry Technology Institute, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea.
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42
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Turdo A, Veschi V, Gaggianesi M, Chinnici A, Bianca P, Todaro M, Stassi G. Meeting the Challenge of Targeting Cancer Stem Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:16. [PMID: 30834247 PMCID: PMC6387961 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Notwithstanding cancer patients benefit from a plethora of therapeutic alternatives, drug resistance remains a critical hurdle. Indeed, the high mortality rate is associated with metastatic disease, which is mostly incurable due to the refractoriness of metastatic cells to current treatments. Increasing data demonstrate that tumors contain a small subpopulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) able to establish primary tumor and metastasis. CSCs are endowed with multiple treatment resistance capabilities comprising a highly efficient DNA damage repair machinery, the activation of survival pathways, enhanced cellular plasticity, immune evasion and the adaptation to a hostile microenvironment. Due to the presence of distinct cell populations within a tumor, cancer research has to face the major challenge of targeting the intra-tumoral as well as inter-tumoral heterogeneity. Thus, targeting molecular drivers operating in CSCs, in combination with standard treatments, may improve cancer patients’ outcomes, yielding long-lasting responses. Here, we report a comprehensive overview on the most significant therapeutic advances that have changed the known paradigms of cancer treatment with a particular emphasis on newly developed compounds that selectively affect the CSC population. Specifically, we are focusing on innovative therapeutic approaches including differentiation therapy, anti-angiogenic compounds, immunotherapy and inhibition of epigenetic enzymes and microenvironmental cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Turdo
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Veronica Veschi
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Miriam Gaggianesi
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Aurora Chinnici
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Paola Bianca
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Matilde Todaro
- Department of PROMISE, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giorgio Stassi
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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43
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Qian X, Nie X, Wollenberg B, Sudhoff H, Kaufmann AM, Albers AE. Heterogeneity of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Stem Cells. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1139:23-40. [PMID: 31134493 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-14366-4_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Current systemic cancer treatment in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is moving toward more personalized approaches such as de-escalation protocols human-papilloma-virus dependent HNSCC or application of checkpoint inhibitors. However, these treatments have been challenged by cancer stem cells (CSC), a small population within the bulk tumor, which are leading to treatment failure, tumor recurrence, or metastases. This review will give an overview of the characteristics of HNSCC-CSC. Specifically, the mechanisms by which HNSCC-CSC induce tumor initiation, progression, recurrence, or metastasis will be discussed. Although evidence-based treatment options targeting HNSCC-CSC specifically are still being sought for, they warrant a promise for additional and sustainable treatment options where for HNSCC patients where others have failed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Qian
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institutes of Health, Berlin, Germany.,Division of Molecular Diagnostics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaobo Nie
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, People's Republic of China
| | - Barbara Wollenberg
- University Hospital Schleswig Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Holger Sudhoff
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Klinikum Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Andreas M Kaufmann
- Clinic for Gynecology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institutes of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas E Albers
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institutes of Health, Berlin, Germany.
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44
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Cancer stem cells: Road to therapeutic resistance and strategies to overcome resistance. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1866:165339. [PMID: 30481586 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Unlike other normal cells, a subpopulation of cells often termed as "stem cells" are long-lived and generate cellular progeny throughout life. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are rare immortal cells within a tumor that can both self-renew by dividing and giving rise to many cell types that constitute the tumor. CSCs also have been shown to be involved in fundamental processes of cell proliferation and metastatic dissemination. CSCs are generally resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, a subset of remaining CSCs after therapy can survive and promote cancer relapse and resistance to therapies. Understanding the biological characteristics of CSCs, the pathways leading to their sustainability and proliferation, and the CSCs role in drug resistance is crucial for establishing novel tumor diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. In this review, we address the pathways that regulate CSCs, the role of CSCs in the resistance to therapy, and strategies to overcome therapeutic resistance.
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45
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Guo M, You C, Dou J. Role of transmembrane glycoprotein mucin 1 (MUC1) in various types of colorectal cancer and therapies: Current research status and updates. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 107:1318-1325. [PMID: 30257347 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.08.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is the third most common malignant tumor in the world. In recent years, the morbidity and mortality of CRC have increased in the world due to increasingly ageing population, modern dietary habits, environmental change, genetic disorders and chronic intestinal inflammation. Despite recent advances in earlier detection and improvements in chemotherapy, the 5-year survival rate of patients with metastatic CRC remains low. Therefore, novel effective treatment strategies for primary or metastatic CRC have emerged to enhance cure rate as well as elongation of patient's survival. Immunotherapy has been proposed for a potentially effective therapeutic approach to the treatment of CRC. Tumor vaccination in preclinical and clinical studies has supported the antitumor activity induced by immunization with CRC cell vaccines. Epithelial cell molecule Mucin 1 (MUC1), a transmembrane glycoprotein aberrantly overexpressed in various cancers including CRC, has been used as a candidate target antigen in the peptide, dendritic cell, and whole tumor vaccines. Several clinical trials in progress reveal the immunogenicity and suitability of MUC1 that acted as immunotherapeutic vaccines for CRC/colorectal cancer stem cells (CCSC). The present review summarizes the potential roles of MUC1 on CRC/CCSC vaccines according to the latest data. Moreover, this review also discusses the novel strategies for targeting CCSC via inducing an immune response against MUC1 to achieve the best prevention and treatment effects in animal models and clinical trails.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Guo
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Chengzhong You
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jun Dou
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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