1
|
Zhang Z, Lv ZG, Lu M, Li H, Zhou J. Nerve-tumor crosstalk in tumor microenvironment: From tumor initiation and progression to clinical implications. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189121. [PMID: 38796026 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189121] [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: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
The autonomic nerve system (ANS) innervates organs and tissues throughout the body and maintains functional balance among various systems. Further investigations have shown that excessive activation of ANS not only causes disruption of homeostasis, but also may promote tumor formation. In addition, the dynamic interaction between nerve and tumor cells in the tumor microenvironment also regulate tumor progression. On the one hand, nerves are passively invaded by tumor cells, that is, perineural invasion (PNI). On the other hand, compared with normal tissues, tumor tissues are subject to more abundant innervation, and nerves can influence tumor progression through regulating tumor proliferation, metastasis and drug resistance. A large number of studies have shown that nerve-tumor crosstalk, including PNI and innervation, is closely related to the prognosis of patients, and contributes to the formation of cancer pain, which significantly deteriorates the quality of life for patients. These findings suggest that nerve-tumor crosstalk represents a potential target for anti-tumor therapies and the management of cancer pain in the future. In this review, we systematically describe the mechanism by which nerve-tumor crosstalk regulates tumorigenesis and progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Zhang
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhen Gang Lv
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Miao Lu
- Department of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Haifeng Li
- Department of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jiahua Zhou
- Department of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Haake SM, Rios BL, Pozzi A, Zent R. Integrating integrins with the hallmarks of cancer. Matrix Biol 2024; 130:20-35. [PMID: 38677444 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2024.04.003] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial cells adhere to a specialized extracellular matrix called the basement membrane which allows them to polarize and form epithelial tissues. The extracellular matrix provides essential physical scaffolding and biochemical and biophysical cues required for tissue morphogenesis, differentiation, function, and homeostasis. Epithelial cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix (i.e., basement membrane) plays a critical role in organizing epithelial tissues, separating the epithelial cells from the stroma. Epithelial cell detachment from the basement membrane classically results in death, though detachment or invasion through the basement membrane represents a critical step in carcinogenesis. Epithelial cells bind to the extracellular matrix via specialized matrix receptors, including integrins. Integrins are transmembrane receptors that form a mechanical linkage between the extracellular matrix and the intracellular cytoskeleton and are required for anchorage-dependent cellular functions such as proliferation, migration, and invasion. The role of integrins in the development, growth, and dissemination of multiple types of carcinomas has been investigated by numerous methodologies, which has led to great complexity. To organize this vast array of information, we have utilized the "Hallmarks of Cancer" from Hanahan and Weinberg as a convenient framework to discuss the role of integrins in the pathogenesis of cancers. This review explores this biology and how its complexity has impacted the development of integrin-targeted anti-cancer therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Haake
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Cancer Biology Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Brenda L Rios
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Cancer Biology Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ambra Pozzi
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Roy Zent
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Cancer Biology Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Nasr S, Li L, Asad M, Moridi M, Wang M, Zemp FJ, Mahoney DJ, Wang E. A computational pipeline for identifying gene targets and signalling pathways in cancer cells to improve lymphocyte infiltration and immune checkpoint therapy efficacy. EBioMedicine 2024; 104:105167. [PMID: 38805852 PMCID: PMC11154126 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105167] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are crucial for effective immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy in solid tumours. However, ∼70% of these tumours exhibit poor lymphocyte infiltration, rendering ICB therapies less effective. METHODS We developed a bioinformatics pipeline integrating multiple previously unconsidered factors or datasets, including tumour cell immune-related pathways, copy number variation (CNV), and single tumour cell sequencing data, as well as tumour mRNA-seq data and patient survival data, to identify targets that can potentially improve T cell infiltration and enhance ICB efficacy. Furthermore, we conducted wet-lab experiments and successfully validated one of the top-identified genes. FINDINGS We applied this pipeline in solid tumours of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and identified a set of genes in 18 cancer types that might potentially improve lymphocyte infiltration and ICB efficacy, providing a valuable drug target resource to be further explored. Importantly, we experimentally validated SUN1, which had not been linked to T cell infiltration and ICB therapy previously, but was one of the top-identified gene targets among 3 cancer types based on the pipeline, in a mouse colon cancer syngeneic model. We showed that Sun1 KO could significantly enhance antigen presentation, increase T-cell infiltration, and improve anti-PD1 treatment efficacy. Moreover, with a single-cell multiome analysis, we identified subgene regulatory networks (sub-GRNs) showing Stat proteins play important roles in enhancing the immune-related pathways in Sun1-KO cancer cells. INTERPRETATION This study not only established a computational pipeline for discovering new gene targets and signalling pathways in cancer cells that block T-cell infiltration, but also provided a gene target pool for further exploration in improving lymphocyte infiltration and ICB efficacy in solid tumours. FUNDING A full list of funding bodies that contributed to this study can be found in the Acknowledgements section.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Nasr
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, China.
| | - Mohammad Asad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Mahroo Moridi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Megan Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Franz J Zemp
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Douglas J Mahoney
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Edwin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cigalotto L, Martinvalet D. Granzymes in health and diseases: the good, the bad and the ugly. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1371743. [PMID: 38646541 PMCID: PMC11026543 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1371743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Granzymes are a family of serine proteases, composed of five human members: GA, B, H, M and K. They were first discovered in the 1980s within cytotoxic granules released during NK cell- and T cell-mediated killing. Through their various proteolytic activities, granzymes can trigger different pathways within cells, all of which ultimately lead to the same result, cell death. Over the years, the initial consideration of granzymes as mere cytotoxic mediators has changed due to surprising findings demonstrating their expression in cells other than immune effectors as well as new intracellular and extracellular activities. Additional roles have been identified in the extracellular milieu, following granzyme escape from the immunological synapse or their release by specific cell types. Outside the cell, granzyme activities mediate extracellular matrix alteration via the degradation of matrix proteins or surface receptors. In certain contexts, these processes are essential for tissue homeostasis; in others, excessive matrix degradation and extensive cell death contribute to the onset of chronic diseases, inflammation, and autoimmunity. Here, we provide an overview of both the physiological and pathological roles of granzymes, highlighting their utility while also recognizing how their unregulated presence can trigger the development and/or worsening of diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia Cigalotto
- Laboratory of Reactive Oxygen Species and Cytotoxic Immunity, Department Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Veneto Institute Of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova, Italy
| | - Denis Martinvalet
- Laboratory of Reactive Oxygen Species and Cytotoxic Immunity, Department Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Veneto Institute Of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chen H, Guan X, He C, Lu T, Lin X, Liao X. Current strategies for targeting HPK1 in cancer and the barriers to preclinical progress. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2024; 28:237-250. [PMID: 38650383 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2024.2344697] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 (HPK1), a 97-kDa serine/threonine Ste20-related protein kinase, functions as an intracellular negative regulator, primarily in hematopoietic lineage cells, where it regulates T cells, B cells, dendritic cells, and other immune cells. Loss of HPK1 kinase activity results in exacerbated cytokine secretion, enhanced T cell signaling, improved viral clearance, and thus increased restraint of tumor growth. These findings highlight HPK1 as a promising target for immuno-oncology treatments, culminating in the advancement of candidate compounds targeting HPK1 to clinical trials by several biotech enterprises. AREAS COVERED Through searching PubMed, Espacenet-patent search, and clinicaltrials.gov, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of HPK1, encompassing its structure and roles in various downstream signaling pathways, the consequences of constitutive activation of HPK1, and potential therapeutic strategies to treat HPK1-driven malignancies. Moreover, the review outlines the patents issued for small molecule inhibitors and clinical investigations of HPK1. EXPERT OPINION To enhance the success of tumor immunotherapy in clinical trials, it is important to develop protein degraders, allosteric inhibitors, and antibody-drug conjugates based on the crystal structure of HPK1, and to explore combination therapy approaches. Although several challenges remain, the development of HPK1 inhibitors display promising in preclinical and clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangna Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Chi He
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Lu
- Zhuhai Yufan Biotechnologies Co., Ltd, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Xingyu Lin
- Zhuhai Yufan Biotechnologies Co., Ltd, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuebin Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chang CY, Chang SC, Wei YF, Tseng YT, Chou CH, Chen YY, Chen CY, Ye YL. Exploring the evolution of T cell function and diversity across different stages of non-small cell lung cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2024; 14:1243-1257. [PMID: 38590421 PMCID: PMC10998748 DOI: 10.62347/aryh6451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The immune system plays a key role in detecting and fighting cancerous tumors. T cells are a crucial component in both natural and therapeutic cancer immunoediting responses, but it is unclear if they are the primary agents of these processes. In this study, patients with lung lesions detected by CT scan were selected, and their peripheral blood samples were analyzed for T cell population and serum cytokines/chemokines. T cell subtypes (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD27, CD28, CD45, CD45RA, CD57, CCR7, and PD1) and serum cytokines/chemokines (IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ, TGF-β, TNFα, CXCL1, CXCL9, and CXCL12) were measured by flow cytometry and analysis before surgical resection or other cancer treatments. The frequency of T cell subpopulations in patients with lung cancer (n = 111) corresponded to those seen in patients with T cell exhaustion. As lung cancer progressed, the proportion of effector memory T cells decreased, while the proportion of naive T cells, PD-1, CD57+, CD28+CD27+, CD45RA+, and CD3+CD4+CCR7 increased. Circulating CD8+PD1+ T cells were positively correlated with intra-tumoral PD-L1 expression. Concurrently, serum levels of IL-2, TGF-β, and CXCL9 decreased, while IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ, and CXCL12 increased during the progression of lung cancer. In conclusion, T cell dysfunction is associated with cancer progression, particularly in advanced-stage lung cancer, and cancer immunoediting will provide early-stage cancer detection and further therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Yu Chang
- Division of Chest Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial HospitalNew Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Cardinal Tien Junior College of Healthcare and ManagementNew Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chieh Chang
- Division of Chest Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University HospitalYilan City, Yilan County, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Feng Wei
- School of Medicine for International Students, College of Medicine, I-Shou UniversityKaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Cancer Hospital, I-Shou UniversityKaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Tseng
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin BranchDouliu City, Yunlin County, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hong Chou
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin BranchDouliu City, Yunlin County, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Yin Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin BranchDouliu City, Yunlin County, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Yu Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin BranchDouliu City, Yunlin County, Taiwan
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, National Taiwan UniversityTaipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ling Ye
- Department of Biotechnology, National Formosa UniversityHuwei City, Yunlin County, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mamand DR, Bazaz S, Mohammad DK, Saher O, Wiklander OPB, Sadeghi B, Hassan M, El-Andaloussi S, Abedi-Valugerdi M. Tumor cell derived osteopontin and prostaglandin E2 synergistically promote the expansion of myeloid derived suppressor cells during the tumor immune escape phase. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 129:111584. [PMID: 38364741 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
The immune escape stage in cancer immunoediting is a pivotal feature, transitioning immune-controlled tumor dormancy to progression, and augmenting invasion and metastasis. Tumors employ diverse mechanisms for immune escape, with generating immunosuppressive cells from skewed hematopoiesis being a crucial mechanism. This led us to suggest that tumor cells with immune escape properties produce factors that induce dysregulations in hematopoiesis. In support of this suggestion, this study found that mice bearing advanced-stage tumors exhibited dysregulated hematopoiesis characterized by the development of splenomegaly, anemia, extramedullary hematopoiesis, production of immunosuppressive mediators, and expanded medullary myelopoiesis. Further ex vivo studies exhibited that conditioned medium derived from EL4lu2 cells could mediate the expansion of myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in bone marrow cell cultures. The protein array profiling results revealed the presence of elevated levels of osteopontin (OPN), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and interleukin 17 (IL-17) in the culture medium derived from EL4luc2 cells. Accordingly, substantial levels of these factors were also detected in the sera of mice bearing EL4luc2 tumors. Among these factors, only PGE2 alone could increase the number of MDSCs in the BM cell cultures. This effect of PGE2 was significantly potentiated by the presence of OPN but not IL-17. Finally, in vitro treatment of EL4luc2 cells with pioglitazone, a modulator of OPN and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) resulted in a significant reduction in cell proliferation in EL4luc2 cells. Our findings highlight the significant role played by tumor cell-derived OPN and PGE2 in fostering the expansion of medullary MDSCs and in promoting tumor cell proliferation. Furthermore, these intertwined cancer processes could be key targets for pioglitazone intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Doste R Mamand
- Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine (BCM), Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden; Department of Cellular Therapy and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (CAST), Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge and Karolinska Comprehensive Cancer Center, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Safa Bazaz
- Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine (BCM), Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden; Department of Cellular Therapy and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (CAST), Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge and Karolinska Comprehensive Cancer Center, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dara K Mohammad
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 83 Stockholm, Sweden; College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Erbil 44002, Iraq
| | - Osama Saher
- Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine (BCM), Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden; Department of Cellular Therapy and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (CAST), Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge and Karolinska Comprehensive Cancer Center, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, 11562 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Oscar P B Wiklander
- Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine (BCM), Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden; Department of Cellular Therapy and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (CAST), Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge and Karolinska Comprehensive Cancer Center, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Behnam Sadeghi
- Translational Cell Therapy Research (TCR), Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Moustapha Hassan
- Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine (BCM), Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden; Experimental Cancer Medicine, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Samir El-Andaloussi
- Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine (BCM), Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden; Department of Cellular Therapy and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (CAST), Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge and Karolinska Comprehensive Cancer Center, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Manuchehr Abedi-Valugerdi
- Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine (BCM), Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden; Department of Cellular Therapy and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (CAST), Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge and Karolinska Comprehensive Cancer Center, Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kim HD, Yeh CY, Chang YC, Kim CH. Dawn era for revisited cancer therapy by innate immune system and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167019. [PMID: 38211726 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167019] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer. However, it shows limited efficacy against certain tumor types. The activation of innate immunity can suppress tumors by mitigating inflammatory and malignant behaviors through immune surveillance. The tumor microenvironment, which is composed of immune cells and cancer cells, plays a crucial role in determining the outcomes of immunotherapy. Relying solely on immune checkpoint inhibitors is not an optimal approach. Instead, there is a need to consider the use of a combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors with other modulators of the innate immune system to improve the tumor microenvironment. This can be achieved through methods such as immune cell antigen presentation and recognition. In this review, we delve into the significance of innate immune cells in tumor regression, as well as the role of the interaction of tumor cells with innate immune cells in evading host immune surveillance. These findings pave the way for the next chapter in the field of immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Do Kim
- Molecular and Cellular Glycobiology Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, SungKyunKwan University, Suwon, Gyunggi-Do 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Chia-Ying Yeh
- Department of Biomedicine Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chan Chang
- Department of Biomedicine Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan.
| | - Cheorl-Ho Kim
- Molecular and Cellular Glycobiology Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, SungKyunKwan University, Suwon, Gyunggi-Do 16419, Republic of Korea; Samsung Advanced Institute of Health Science and Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mierke CT. Phenotypic Heterogeneity, Bidirectionality, Universal Cues, Plasticity, Mechanics, and the Tumor Microenvironment Drive Cancer Metastasis. Biomolecules 2024; 14:184. [PMID: 38397421 PMCID: PMC10887446 DOI: 10.3390/biom14020184] [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: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor diseases become a huge problem when they embark on a path that advances to malignancy, such as the process of metastasis. Cancer metastasis has been thoroughly investigated from a biological perspective in the past, whereas it has still been less explored from a physical perspective. Until now, the intraluminal pathway of cancer metastasis has received the most attention, while the interaction of cancer cells with macrophages has received little attention. Apart from the biochemical characteristics, tumor treatments also rely on the tumor microenvironment, which is recognized to be immunosuppressive and, as has recently been found, mechanically stimulates cancer cells and thus alters their functions. The review article highlights the interaction of cancer cells with other cells in the vascular metastatic route and discusses the impact of this intercellular interplay on the mechanical characteristics and subsequently on the functionality of cancer cells. For instance, macrophages can guide cancer cells on their intravascular route of cancer metastasis, whereby they can help to circumvent the adverse conditions within blood or lymphatic vessels. Macrophages induce microchannel tunneling that can possibly avoid mechanical forces during extra- and intravasation and reduce the forces within the vascular lumen due to vascular flow. The review article highlights the vascular route of cancer metastasis and discusses the key players in this traditional route. Moreover, the effects of flows during the process of metastasis are presented, and the effects of the microenvironment, such as mechanical influences, are characterized. Finally, the increased knowledge of cancer metastasis opens up new perspectives for cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tanja Mierke
- Faculty of Physics and Earth System Science, Peter Debye Institute of Soft Matter Physics, Biological Physics Division, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang H, Yang J, Li X, Zhao H. Current state of immune checkpoints therapy for glioblastoma. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24729. [PMID: 38298707 PMCID: PMC10828821 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24729] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM), one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer, has limited treatment options. Recent years have witnessed the remarkable success of checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy across various cancer types. Against this backdrop, several clinical trials investigating checkpoint inhibitors for GBM are underway in multiple countries. Furthermore, the integration of immunotherapy with traditional treatment approaches is now emerging as a highly promising strategy. This review summarizes the latest advancements in checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy for GBM treatment. We provide a concise yet comprehensive overview of current GBM immunotherapy options. Additionally, this review underscores combination strategies and potential biomarkers for predicting response and resistance in GBM immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- He Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong, 266005, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Emergency Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong, 266005, China
| | - Xiangjun Li
- School of medicine, Department of Breast surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266000, China
| | - Hai Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong, 266005, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hung YP, Tu CC, Lai JI, Yang MH, Lee JM, Chao Y. Enhanced tumor control activities of anti-mPD-L1 antibody and antigen-presenting cell-like natural killer cell in an allograft model. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:136. [PMID: 38279092 PMCID: PMC10811836 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-11889-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the utilization of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in treating numerous types of cancers being approved, their efficacy in tumor control in the clinic is not satisfactory. Since adoptive cell therapy (ACT) can alter the tumor microenvironment, we hypothesized that ACT potentially synergized with ICI in tumor control and examined this hypothesis via a murine allograft model. METHODS Female C57BL/6 mice were stimulated with interleukin 15 and granulocyte monocyte-colony stimulating factor, followed by collecting their bone marrow cells for murine NKDC cultivation. Then, female C57BL/6 mice, inoculated with lymphoma cancer cell line E.G7-OVA, were administrated with murine NKDC cells, murine anti-program cell death ligand-1 antibody (α-mPD-L1), or both for 28 days. After 28 days of treatment, mice were sacrificed whose inoculated tumors, spleen, sentinel lymph nodes, and peripheral blood were collected to measure tumor size, lymphocyte infiltration, and change of immune cell profile. RESULTS Combined treatment of NKDCs with α-mPD-L1 exhibited significantly stronger tumor control efficacy than treatment of NKDCs or α-mPD-L1 alone. NKDCs/α-mPD-L1 combination increased migration of dendritic cells, CD4, CD8 T cells, and activated CD8 T cells to the tumor-bedding site, and promoted endogenous tumor-specific cytotoxic T-cell response. CONCLUSION The current study confirmed our hypothesis that combining NKDC ACT with ICI therapy can potentiate tumor control efficacy by manipulating the tumor microenvironment. This study provided a novel circumstance on tumor immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ping Hung
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chun Tu
- FullHope Biomedical Co., Ltd, New Taipei City, 241405, Taiwan
| | - Jiun-I Lai
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Center of Immuno-Oncology, Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Muh-Hwa Yang
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jan-Mou Lee
- FullHope Biomedical Co., Ltd, New Taipei City, 241405, Taiwan.
| | - Yee Chao
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinic and Hospital, Taipei, 106441, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ohhara Y, Tomaru U, Kinoshita I, Hatanaka KC, Noguchi T, Hatanaka Y, Amono T, Matsuno Y, Dosaka-Akita H. Polymorphisms of the PD-L1 gene 3'-untranslated region are associated with the expression of PD-L1 in non-small cell lung cancer. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2024; 63:e23216. [PMID: 38169142 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.23216] [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: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent results show that polymorphisms of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1, also known as CD274 or B7-H1) might be used as a possible marker for effectiveness of chemotherapy and cancer risk. However, the effect of PD-L1 gene variations on PD-L1 expression remain unclear. Given the post-transcriptional machinery in tumor PD-L1 expression, we investigated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of the PD-L1 gene, rs4143815 and rs4742098, using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections of 154 patients with non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). In rs4143815, the GG genotype showed significant association with PD-L1 expression (P = 0.032). In rs4742098, the AA genotype was significantly associated with histology and PD-L1 expression (P = 0.022 and P = 0.008, respectively). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the AA genotype in rs4742098 was correlated with PD-L1 expression (odds ratio 0.408, P = 0.048). Interestingly, approximately 10% of the NSCLC cases showed somatic mutation when we compared genotypes of these SNPs between NSCLC tissues and non-tumor tissues from the same patients. In addition, cases with somatic mutation showed higher levels of PD-L1 expression than cases with germline mutation in rs4143815 GG. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the rs4143815 and rs4742098 SNPs in the 3'-UTR of PD-L1 were associated with tumor PD-L1 expression in NSCLCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihito Ohhara
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Utano Tomaru
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Ichiro Kinoshita
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kanako C Hatanaka
- Research Division of Genome Companion Diagnostics, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
- Center for Development of Advanced Diagnostics, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takuro Noguchi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Hatanaka
- Research Division of Genome Companion Diagnostics, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Toraji Amono
- Clinical Research and Medical Innovation Center, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Matsuno
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hirotoshi Dosaka-Akita
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Research Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Syamsu SA, Faruk M, Smaradania N, Sampepajung E, Pranoto AS, Irsandy F, Tammasse IFU. PD-1/PD-L1 pathway: Current research in breast cancer. Breast Dis 2024; 43:79-92. [PMID: 38701137 DOI: 10.3233/bd-249006] [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] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immunotherapy has shown encouraging outcomes in breast cancer (BC) treatment in recent years. The programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) transmembrane protein is suggested to function as a co-inhibitory factor in the immune response, where it collaborates with programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) to stimulate apoptosis, suppress cytokine release from PD-1 positive cells, and limit the growth of PD-1 positive cells. Furthermore, in many malignancies, PD-L1 reduces the immune system's response to neoplastic cells. These observations suggest that the PD-1/PD-L1 axis plays a vital role in cancer therapy and the regulation of cancer immune escape mechanisms. This review aimed to provide an overview of the functions of PD-1 and PD-L1 in BC cancer therapy. METHODS This research design is a literature review. The style is a traditional review on topics or variables relating to the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. A literature search was carried out using three online databases. RESULTS The search using the keywords yielded a total of 248 studies. Each result was filtered again according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulting in a final total of 4 studies to be included in the literature review. CONCLUSIONS The combination of PD-1/PD-L1 is essential for many malignancies. According to the evidence presented, this combination presents both an opportunity and a challenge in cancer treatment. Since many solid cancers, especially BC, express high levels of PD-1/PD-L1, cancer treatment mainly involves targeted therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salman Ardi Syamsu
- Division of Oncology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Faruk
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Nilam Smaradania
- Division of Oncology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Elridho Sampepajung
- Division of Oncology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Agung Sindu Pranoto
- Division of Oncology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Febie Irsandy
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Muslim Indonesia, Makassar, Indonesia
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Basu B, Kal S, Karmakar S, Basu M, Ghosh MK. E3 ubiquitin ligases in lung cancer: Emerging insights and therapeutic opportunities. Life Sci 2024; 336:122333. [PMID: 38061537 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Aim In this review, we have attempted to provide the readers with an updated account of the role of a family of proteins known as E3 ligases in different aspects of lung cancer progression, along with insights into the deregulation of expression of these proteins during lung cancer. A detailed account of the therapeutic strategies involving E3 ligases that have been developed or currently under development has also been provided in this review. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The review article employs extensive literature search, along with differential gene expression analysis of lung cancer associated E3 ligases using the DESeq2 package in R, and the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database (http://gepia.cancer-pku.cn/). Protein expression analysis of CPTAC lung cancer samples was carried out using the UALCAN webtool (https://ualcan.path.uab.edu/index.html). Assessment of patient overall survival (OS) in response to high and low expression of selected E3 ligases was performed using the online Kaplan-Meier plotter (https://kmplot.com/analysis/index.php?p=background). KEY FINDINGS: SIGNIFICANCE: The review provides an in-depth understanding of the role of E3 ligases in lung cancer progression and an up-to-date account of the different therapeutic strategies targeting oncogenic E3 ligases for improved lung cancer management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bhaskar Basu
- Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (CSIR-IICB), TRUE Campus, CN-6, Sector-V, Salt Lake, Kolkata- 700091 & 4, Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Satadeepa Kal
- Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (CSIR-IICB), TRUE Campus, CN-6, Sector-V, Salt Lake, Kolkata- 700091 & 4, Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Subhajit Karmakar
- Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (CSIR-IICB), TRUE Campus, CN-6, Sector-V, Salt Lake, Kolkata- 700091 & 4, Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Malini Basu
- Department of Microbiology, Dhruba Chand Halder College, Dakshin Barasat, South 24 Parganas, PIN -743372, India
| | - Mrinal K Ghosh
- Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (CSIR-IICB), TRUE Campus, CN-6, Sector-V, Salt Lake, Kolkata- 700091 & 4, Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Addala V, Newell F, Pearson JV, Redwood A, Robinson BW, Creaney J, Waddell N. Computational immunogenomic approaches to predict response to cancer immunotherapies. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:28-46. [PMID: 37907723 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00830-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunogenomics is an emerging field that bridges genomics and immunology. The establishment of large-scale genomic collaborative efforts along with the development of new single-cell transcriptomic techniques and multi-omics approaches have enabled characterization of the mutational and transcriptional profiles of many cancer types and helped to identify clinically actionable alterations as well as predictive and prognostic biomarkers. Researchers have developed computational approaches and machine learning algorithms to accurately obtain clinically useful information from genomic and transcriptomic sequencing data from bulk tissue or single cells and explore tumours and their microenvironment. The rapid growth in sequencing and computational approaches has resulted in the unmet need to understand their true potential and limitations in enabling improvements in the management of patients with cancer who are receiving immunotherapies. In this Review, we describe the computational approaches currently available to analyse bulk tissue and single-cell sequencing data from cancer, stromal and immune cells, as well as how best to select the most appropriate tool to address various clinical questions and, ultimately, improve patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Venkateswar Addala
- Cancer Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Felicity Newell
- Cancer Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - John V Pearson
- Cancer Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alec Redwood
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Institute of Respiratory Health, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Biomedical Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Bruce W Robinson
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Institute of Respiratory Health, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jenette Creaney
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Institute of Respiratory Health, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Biomedical Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Nicola Waddell
- Cancer Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Das R. T Cell Receptor-Engaging Monoclonal Antibodies Mobilize the Anti-Tumor Functions of Invariant Natural Killer T Cells. Crit Rev Oncog 2024; 29:69-81. [PMID: 38421715 PMCID: PMC11062185 DOI: 10.1615/critrevoncog.2023049947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T cells (iNKTs) are innate-type T lymphocytes that directly kill tumor cells or tumor-growth promoting immunosuppressive cells such astumor-associated macrophages. Additionally, iNKTs robustly transactivate the antitumor functions of T, B, natural killer, and dendritic cells as well as reinvigorate exhausted immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. As such, iNKTs make excellent candidates for inclusion in anti-cancer cellular therapies. However, to capitalize on the potential benefits of iNKT cell-based approaches, it is imperative that we develop new and clinically viable strategies to enhance their antitumor function. To that end, two novel monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that selectively bind to the human (NKTT320) or murine (NKT14m) invariant T cell receptor have been recently developed and characterized. Studies using purified human iNKTs (in vitro) and a model of non-human primate (in vivo) reveal that NKTT320 promotes swift, vigorous and sustained iNKT cell activation that is accompanied by robust production of inflammatory mediators and bystander immune cell activation. Furthermore, NKTT320 augments expression of cytotoxic markers and human iNKT cell degranulation. Similarly, NKT14m prompts dramatic murine iNKT cell activation and functional response both in vitro and in vivo. However, antitumor efficacy of a single dose of NKT14m injection in tumor-bearing mice is limited and tumor-model dependent. In contrast, combination treatment of NKT14m with either low dose interleukin (IL)-12 or the chemotherapeutic agent, cyclophosphamide results in a superior antitumor response in vivo. This is evident by activation of both iNKTs and other immune cells, prolonged survival of the tumor-challenged mice, and long-lasting immunity. Collectively, these recent studies justify further development of anti-iTCR mAbs that can be used alone or in conjunction with immunomodulatory agents to enhance iNKT cell antitumor immunity against various cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rupali Das
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
La Paglia L, Vazzana M, Mauro M, Urso A, Arizza V, Vizzini A. Bioactive Molecules from the Innate Immunity of Ascidians and Innovative Methods of Drug Discovery: A Computational Approach Based on Artificial Intelligence. Mar Drugs 2023; 22:6. [PMID: 38276644 PMCID: PMC10817596 DOI: 10.3390/md22010006] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The study of bioactive molecules of marine origin has created an important bridge between biological knowledge and its applications in biotechnology and biomedicine. Current studies in different research fields, such as biomedicine, aim to discover marine molecules characterized by biological activities that can be used to produce potential drugs for human use. In recent decades, increasing attention has been paid to a particular group of marine invertebrates, the Ascidians, as they are a source of bioactive products. We describe omics data and computational methods relevant to identifying the mechanisms and processes of innate immunity underlying the biosynthesis of bioactive molecules, focusing on innovative computational approaches based on Artificial Intelligence. Since there is increasing attention on finding new solutions for a sustainable supply of bioactive compounds, we propose that a possible improvement in the biodiscovery pipeline might also come from the study and utilization of marine invertebrates' innate immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura La Paglia
- Istituto di Calcolo e Reti ad Alte Prestazioni–Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (L.L.P.); (A.U.)
| | - Mirella Vazzana
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche–Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, 90100 Palermo, Italy; (M.V.); (M.M.); (V.A.)
| | - Manuela Mauro
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche–Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, 90100 Palermo, Italy; (M.V.); (M.M.); (V.A.)
| | - Alfonso Urso
- Istituto di Calcolo e Reti ad Alte Prestazioni–Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (L.L.P.); (A.U.)
| | - Vincenzo Arizza
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche–Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, 90100 Palermo, Italy; (M.V.); (M.M.); (V.A.)
| | - Aiti Vizzini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche–Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, 90100 Palermo, Italy; (M.V.); (M.M.); (V.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Fantini M, Arlen PM, Tsang KY. Potentiation of natural killer cells to overcome cancer resistance to NK cell-based therapy and to enhance antibody-based immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1275904. [PMID: 38077389 PMCID: PMC10704476 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1275904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are cellular components of the innate immune system that can recognize and suppress the proliferation of cancer cells. NK cells can eliminate cancer cells through direct lysis, by secreting perforin and granzymes, or through antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). ADCC involves the binding of the Fc gamma receptor IIIa (CD16), present on NK cells, to the constant region of an antibody already bound to cancer cells. Cancer cells use several mechanisms to evade antitumor activity of NK cells, including the accumulation of inhibitory cytokines, recruitment and expansion of immune suppressor cells such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs), modulation of ligands for NK cells receptors. Several strategies have been developed to enhance the antitumor activity of NK cells with the goal of overcoming cancer cells resistance to NK cells. The three main strategies to engineer and boost NK cells cytotoxicity include boosting NK cells with modulatory cytokines, adoptive NK cell therapy, and the employment of engineered NK cells to enhance antibody-based immunotherapy. Although the first two strategies improved the efficacy of NK cell-based therapy, there are still some limitations, including immune-related adverse events, induction of immune-suppressive cells and further cancer resistance to NK cell killing. One strategy to overcome these issues is the combination of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that mediate ADCC and engineered NK cells with potentiated anti-cancer activity. The advantage of using mAbs with ADCC activity is that they can activate NK cells, but also favor the accumulation of immune effector cells to the tumor microenvironment (TME). Several clinical trials reported that combining engineered NK cells with mAbs with ADCC activity can result in a superior clinical response compared to mAbs alone. Next generation of clinical trials, employing engineered NK cells with mAbs with higher affinity for CD16 expressed on NK cells, will provide more effective and higher-quality treatments to cancer patients.
Collapse
|
19
|
Launonen IM, Vähärautio A, Färkkilä A. The Emerging Role of the Single-Cell and Spatial Tumor Microenvironment in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2023; 13:a041314. [PMID: 37553211 PMCID: PMC10547388 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
The development of single-cell and spatial technologies has enabled a more detailed understanding of the tumor microenvironment and its role in therapy response and clinical outcome of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC). Interestingly, emerging evidence suggests that HGSCs with different genetic drivers harbor distinct tumor-immune microenvironments. Further, spatial cell-cell interactions have been shown to shape the CD8+ T-cell phenotypes and responses to immune checkpoint blockade therapies. The heterogeneous stroma consisting of cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) subtypes, endothelia, and site-specific stromal types such as mesothelium modulates treatment responses via increasing stiffness and by producing ligands that promote drug resistance, angiogenesis, or immune escape. Chemotherapy itself shifts CAFs toward an inflammatory phenotype that associates with poor survival and immune-suppressive signaling. New emerging immunotherapies include combinational approaches and agents targeting, for example, the tumor-intrinsic endoplasmic reticulum pathway. A more detailed understanding of the spatial interplay of tumor, immune, and stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment is needed to develop more efficient immunotherapeutic strategies for HGSC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inga-Maria Launonen
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna Vähärautio
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Foundation for the Finnish Cancer Institute, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anniina Färkkilä
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- FIMM and HiLIfe, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Hospital, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Wong CW, Huang YY, Hurlstone A. The role of IFN-γ-signalling in response to immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Essays Biochem 2023; 67:991-1002. [PMID: 37503572 PMCID: PMC10539948 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20230001] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors, widely known as immune checkpoint blockade therapy (ICBT), is now the fourth pillar in cancer treatment, offering the chance of durable remission for patients with advanced disease. However, ICBT fails to induce objective responses in most cancer patients with still others progressing after an initial response. It is necessary, therefore, to elucidate the primary and acquired resistance mechanisms to ICBT to improve its efficacy. Here, we highlight the paradoxical role of the cytokine interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in ICBT response: on the one hand induction of IFN-γ signalling in the tumour microenvironment correlates with good ICBT response as it drives the cellular immune responses required for tumour destruction; nonetheless, IFN-γ signalling is implicated in ICBT acquired resistance. We address the negative feedback and immunoregulatory effects of IFN-γ signalling that promote immune evasion and resistance to ICBT and discuss how these can be targeted pharmacologically to restore sensitivity or circumvent resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun Wai Wong
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
| | - Yang Yu Huang
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
| | - Adam Hurlstone
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Yang J, Bae H. Drug conjugates for targeting regulatory T cells in the tumor microenvironment: guided missiles for cancer treatment. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:1996-2004. [PMID: 37653036 PMCID: PMC10545761 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01080-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Within the tumor microenvironment (TME), regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a key role in suppressing anticancer immune responses; therefore, various strategies targeting Tregs are becoming important for tumor therapy. To prevent the side effects of nonspecific Treg depletion, such as immunotherapy-related adverse events (irAEs), therapeutic strategies that specifically target Tregs in the TME are being investigated. Tumor-targeting drug conjugates are efficient drugs in which a cytotoxic payload is assembled into a carrier that binds Tregs via a linker. By allowing the drug to act selectively on target cells, this approach has the advantage of increasing the therapeutic effect and minimizing the side effects of immunotherapy. Antibody-drug conjugates, immunotoxins, peptide-drug conjugates, and small interfering RNA conjugates are being developed as Treg-targeting drug conjugates. In this review, we discuss key themes and recent advances in drug conjugates targeting Tregs in the TME, as well as future design strategies for successful use of drug conjugates for Treg targeting in immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juwon Yang
- Department of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunsu Bae
- Department of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Okin D, Kagan JC. Inflammasomes as regulators of non-infectious disease. Semin Immunol 2023; 69:101815. [PMID: 37506489 PMCID: PMC10527946 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Inflammasomes are cytoplasmic organelles that stimulate inflammation upon cellular detection of infectious or non-infectious stress. While much foundational work has focused on the infection-associated aspects of inflammasome activities, recent studies have highlighted the role of inflammasomes in non-infectious cellular and organismal functions. Herein, we discuss the evolution of inflammasome components and highlight characteristics that permit inflammasome regulation of physiologic processes. We focus on emerging data that highlight the importance of inflammasome proteins in the regulation of reproduction, development, and malignancy. A framework is proposed to contextualize these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Okin
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jonathan C Kagan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Zhang L, Wang X, Nepovimova E, Wu Q, Wu W, Kuca K. Deoxynivalenol upregulates hypoxia-inducible factor-1α to promote an "immune evasion" process by activating STAT3 signaling. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 179:113975. [PMID: 37517547 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.113975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Trichothecene mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) negatively regulates immune response by damaging host immune system and harming the organism's health. We hypothesized that DON can initiate an active immunosuppressive mechanism similar to "immune evasion" to alter the cellular microenvironment and evade immune surveillance. We tested this hypothesis using the RAW264.7 macrophage model. DON rapidly increased the expression of immune checkpoints PD-1 and PD-L1, inflammatory cytokine TGF-β, and key immune evasion factors STAT3, VEGF, and TLR-4, and caused cellular hypoxia. Importantly, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) acts as a key regulator of DON-induced immunosuppression. HIF-1α accumulated in the cytoplasm and was gradually transferred to the nucleus following DON treatment. Moreover, DON activated HIF-1α through STAT3 signaling to upregulate downstream signaling, including PD-1/PD-L1. Under DON treatment, immunosuppressive miR-210-3p, lncRNA PVT1, lncRNA H19, and lncRNA HOTAIR were upregulated by the STAT3/HIF-1α axis. Moreover, DON damaged mitochondrial function, causing mitophagy, and suppressed immune defenses. Collectively, DON triggered RAW264.7 intracellular hypoxia and rapidly activated HIF-1α via STAT3 signaling, activating immune evasion signals, miRNAs, and lncRNAs, thereby initiating the key link of immune evasion. This study offers further clues for accurate prevention and treatment of immune diseases caused by mycotoxins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luying Zhang
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, 434025, China
| | - Xu Wang
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU), Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Eugenie Nepovimova
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Králové 500 03, Czech Republic
| | - Qinghua Wu
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, 434025, China; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Králové 500 03, Czech Republic.
| | - Wenda Wu
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Králové 500 03, Czech Republic.
| | - Kamil Kuca
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Králové 500 03, Czech Republic; Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Dalir Abdolahinia E, Han X. The Three-Dimensional In Vitro Cell Culture Models in the Study of Oral Cancer Immune Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4266. [PMID: 37686542 PMCID: PMC10487272 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The onset and progression of oral cancer are accompanied by a dynamic interaction with the host immune system, and the immune cells within the tumor microenvironment play a pivotal role in the development of the tumor. By exploring the cellular immunity of oral cancer, we can gain insight into the contribution of both tumor cells and immune cells to tumorigenesis. This understanding is crucial for developing effective immunotherapeutic strategies to combat oral cancer. Studies of cancer immunology present unique challenges in terms of modeling due to the extraordinary complexity of the immune system. With its multitude of cellular components, each with distinct subtypes and various activation states, the immune system interacts with cancer cells and other components of the tumor, ultimately shaping the course of the disease. Conventional two-dimensional (2D) culture methods fall short of capturing these intricate cellular interactions. Mouse models enable us to learn about tumor biology in complicated and dynamic physiological systems but have limitations as the murine immune system differs significantly from that of humans. In light of these challenges, three-dimensional (3D) culture systems offer an alternative approach to studying cancer immunology and filling the existing gaps in available models. These 3D culture models provide a means to investigate complex cellular interactions that are difficult to replicate in 2D cultures. The direct study of the interaction between immune cells and cancer cells of human origin offers a more relevant and representative platform compared to mouse models, enabling advancements in our understanding of cancer immunology. This review explores commonly used 3D culture models and highlights their significant contributions to expanding our knowledge of cancer immunology. By harnessing the power of 3D culture systems, we can unlock new insights that pave the way for improved strategies in the battle against oral cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaozhe Han
- Department of Oral Science and Translation Research, College of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Chen CW, Lin CY, Tsai JS, Lin CY, Chang CC, Yen YT, Tseng YL, Su PL, Lin CC. Low neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio predicts overall survival benefit in advanced NSCLC patients with low PD-L1 expression and receiving chemoimmunotherapy. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1238876. [PMID: 37671055 PMCID: PMC10475717 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1238876] [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: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Although combination therapy including chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) improves overall survival (OS) of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), there is a higher incidence of adverse events and treatment discontinuation. Since programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) could not serve as a predictive biomarker, we investigated the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a predictive biomarker. In our previous research, we demonstrated that a low NLR could predict survival benefits when patients with high PD-L1 expression (> 50%) received chemoimmunotherapy as opposed to immunotherapy alone. In this current study, our objective is to evaluate this predictive capacity in patients with low PD-L1 expression (< 50%). A total of 142 patients were enrolled, 28 receiving combination therapy and 114 receiving chemotherapy alone. Progression-free survival (PFS) and OS were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Patients who received combination therapy had significantly better PFS and OS than those who received monotherapy. In the subgroup of patients with low NLR, those who received combination therapy exhibited extended PFS and OS with clinical significance, which was also confirmed by multivariate Cox regression analysis. Our study demonstrates the potential use of NLR as a biomarker for predicting survival benefits when receiving combination therapy with chemotherapy and ICIs in patients with advanced NSCLC and low PD-L1 expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chian-Wei Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Yu Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jeng-Shiuan Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yin Lin
- Department of Medical Image, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Chun Chang
- Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ting Yen
- Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yau-Lin Tseng
- Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Po-Lan Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chung Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Liang S, Yao J, Liu D, Rao L, Chen X, Wang Z. Harnessing Nanomaterials for Cancer Sonodynamic Immunotherapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2211130. [PMID: 36881527 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202211130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has made remarkable strides in cancer therapy over the past decade. However, such emerging therapy still suffers from the low response rates and immune-related adverse events. Various strategies have been developed to overcome these serious challenges. Therein, sonodynamic therapy (SDT), as a non-invasive treatment, has received ever-increasing attention especially in the treatment of deep-seated tumors. Significantly, SDT can effectively induce immunogenic cell death to trigger systemic anti-tumor immune response, termed sonodynamic immunotherapy. The rapid development of nanotechnology has revolutionized SDT effects with robust immune response induction. As a result, more and more innovative nanosonosensitizers and synergistic treatment modalities are established with superior efficacy and safe profile. In this review, the recent advances in cancer sonodynamic immunotherapy are summarized with a particular emphasis on how nanotechnology can be explored to harness SDT for amplifying anti-tumor immune response. Moreover, the current challenges in this field and the prospects for its clinical translation are also presented. It is anticipated that this review can provide rational guidance and facilitate the development of nanomaterials-assisted sonodynamic immunotherapy, helping to pave the way for next-generation cancer therapy and eventually achieve a durable response in patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Jianjun Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutical Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Dan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Lang Rao
- Institute of Biomedical Health Technology and Engineering, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518132, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074
- Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Centre for Translational Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Zhaohui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Su S. Effector Immune Cell Deployment: a revolutionized concept in cancer immunotherapy. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2023; 66:1930-1933. [PMID: 36040707 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-022-2184-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shicheng Su
- Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- 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.
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- Biotherapy Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Cluxton C, Naidoo J. Prospective Clinical Trials to Advance the Study of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Toxicity. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:6862-6871. [PMID: 37504362 PMCID: PMC10378048 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30070502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a class of drug that produces durable and sustained anti-tumour responses in a wide variety of malignancies. The exponential rise in their use has been mirrored by a rise in immune-related adverse events (IrAEs). Knowledge of such toxicities, as well as effective management algorithms for these toxicities, is essential to optimize clinical efficacy and safety. Currently, the guidelines for management of the IrAEs are based largely on retrospective studies and case series. In this article, we review the current landscape of clinical trials investigating the management of IrAEs with an aim to develop standardised, randomised controlled trial-based management algorithms for ICI-related toxicities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Cluxton
- Beaumont Hospital, RCSI Cancer Centre, D09 V2N0 Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jarushka Naidoo
- Beaumont Hospital, RCSI Cancer Centre, D09 V2N0 Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Xi Y, Zhang Y, Zheng K, Zou J, Gui L, Zou X, Chen L, Hao J, Zhang Y. A chemotherapy response prediction model derived from tumor-promoting B and Tregs and proinflammatory macrophages in HGSOC. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1171582. [PMID: 37519793 PMCID: PMC10382026 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1171582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Most patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) experienced disease recurrence with cumulative chemoresistance, leading to treatment failure. However, few biomarkers are currently available in clinical practice that can accurately predict chemotherapy response. The tumor immune microenvironment is critical for cancer development, and its transcriptomic profile may be associated with treatment response and differential outcomes. The aim of this study was to develop a new predictive signature for chemotherapy in patients with HGSOC. Methods Two HGSOC single-cell RNA sequencing datasets from patients receiving chemotherapy were reinvestigated. The subtypes of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related XBP1+ B cells, invasive metastasis-related ACTB+ Tregs, and proinflammatory-related macrophage subtypes with good predictive power and associated with chemotherapy response were identified. These results were verified in an independent HGSOC bulk RNA-seq dataset for chemotherapy. Further validation in clinical cohorts used quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Results By combining cluster-specific genes for the aforementioned cell subtypes, we constructed a chemotherapy response prediction model containing 43 signature genes that achieved an area under the receiver operator curve (AUC) of 0.97 (p = 2.1e-07) for the GSE156699 cohort (88 samples). A huge improvement was achieved compared to existing prediction models with a maximum AUC of 0.74. In addition, its predictive capability was validated in multiple independent bulk RNA-seq datasets. The qRT-PCR results demonstrate that the expression of the six genes has the highest diagnostic value, consistent with the trend observed in the analysis of public data. Conclusions The developed chemotherapy response prediction model can be used as a valuable clinical decision tool to guide chemotherapy in HGSOC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Xi
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yingchun Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Kun Zheng
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiawei Zou
- Institute of Clinical Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lv Gui
- Department of Pathology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Zou
- Jinshan Hospital Center for Tumor Diagnosis & Therapy, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Jie Hao
- Institute of Clinical Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiming Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Zhang Q, Liu J, Lin H, Lin B, Zhu M, Li M. Glucose metabolism reprogramming promotes immune escape of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2023; 4:519-536. [PMID: 37455832 PMCID: PMC10344893 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2023.00149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complex process that plays an important role in its progression. Abnormal glucose metabolism in HCC cells can meet the nutrients required for the occurrence and development of liver cancer, better adapt to changes in the surrounding microenvironment, and escape the attack of the immune system on the tumor. There is a close relationship between reprogramming of glucose metabolism and immune escape. This article reviews the current status and progress of glucose metabolism reprogramming in promoting immune escape in liver cancer, aiming to provide new strategies for clinical immunotherapy of liver cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyue Zhang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Jinchen Liu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Haifeng Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 570216, Hainan Province, China
| | - Bo Lin
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Mingyue Zhu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Mengsen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 570216, Hainan Province, China
- Institution of Tumor, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 570102, Hainan Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Si H, Esquivel M, Mendoza Mendoza E, Roarty K. The covert symphony: cellular and molecular accomplices in breast cancer metastasis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1221784. [PMID: 37440925 PMCID: PMC10333702 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1221784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer has emerged as the most commonly diagnosed cancer and primary cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Although significant progress has been made in targeting the primary tumor, the effectiveness of systemic treatments to prevent metastasis remains limited. Metastatic disease continues to be the predominant factor leading to fatality in the majority of breast cancer patients. The existence of a prolonged latency period between initial treatment and eventual recurrence in certain patients indicates that tumors can both adapt to and interact with the systemic environment of the host, facilitating and sustaining the progression of the disease. In order to identify potential therapeutic interventions for metastasis, it will be crucial to gain a comprehensive framework surrounding the mechanisms driving the growth, survival, and spread of tumor cells, as well as their interaction with supporting cells of the microenvironment. This review aims to consolidate recent discoveries concerning critical aspects of breast cancer metastasis, encompassing the intricate network of cells, molecules, and physical factors that contribute to metastasis, as well as the molecular mechanisms governing cancer dormancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongjiang Si
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Madelyn Esquivel
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Erika Mendoza Mendoza
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Kevin Roarty
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Li J, Liang Y, Zhao X, Wu C. Integrating machine learning algorithms to systematically assess reactive oxygen species levels to aid prognosis and novel treatments for triple -negative breast cancer patients. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1196054. [PMID: 37404810 PMCID: PMC10315494 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1196054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Breast cancer has become one of the top health concerns for women, and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) leads to treatment resistance and poor prognosis due to its high degree of heterogeneity and malignancy. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been found to play a dual role in tumors, and modulating ROS levels may provide new insights into prognosis and tumor treatment. Methods This study attempted to establish a robust and valid ROS signature (ROSig) to aid in assessing ROS levels. The driver ROS prognostic indicators were searched based on univariate Cox regression. A well-established pipeline integrating 9 machine learning algorithms was used to generate the ROSig. Subsequently, the heterogeneity of different ROSig levels was resolved in terms of cellular communication crosstalk, biological pathways, immune microenvironment, genomic variation, and response to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. In addition, the effect of the core ROS regulator HSF1 on TNBC cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit-8 and transwell assays. Results A total of 24 prognostic ROS indicators were detected. A combination of the Coxboost+ Survival Support Vector Machine (survival-SVM) algorithm was chosen to generate ROSig. ROSig proved to be the superior risk predictor for TNBC. Cellular assays show that knockdown of HSF1 can reduce the proliferation and invasion of TNBC cells. The individual risk stratification based on ROSig showed good predictive accuracy. High ROSig was identified to be associated with higher cell replication activity, stronger tumor heterogeneity, and an immunosuppressive microenvironment. In contrast, low ROSig indicated a more abundant cellular matrix and more active immune signaling. Low ROSig has a higher tumor mutation load and copy number load. Finally, we found that low ROSig patients were more sensitive to doxorubicin and immunotherapy. Conclusion In this study, we developed a robust and effective ROSig model that can be used as a reliable indicator for prognosis and treatment decisions in TNBC patients. This ROSig also allows a simple assessment of TNBC heterogeneity in terms of biological function, immune microenvironment, and genomic variation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Liang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaochen Zhao
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Chihua Wu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Geng T, Zheng M, Wang Y, Reseland JE, Samara A. An artificial intelligence prediction model based on extracellular matrix proteins for the prognostic prediction and immunotherapeutic evaluation of ovarian serous adenocarcinoma. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1200354. [PMID: 37388244 PMCID: PMC10301747 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1200354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Ovarian Serous Adenocarcinoma is a malignant tumor originating from epithelial cells and one of the most common causes of death from gynecological cancers. The objective of this study was to develop a prediction model based on extracellular matrix proteins, using artificial intelligence techniques. The model aimed to aid healthcare professionals to predict the overall survival of patients with ovarian cancer (OC) and determine the efficacy of immunotherapy. Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas Ovarian Cancer (TCGA-OV) data collection was used as the study dataset, whereas the TCGA-Pancancer dataset was used for validation. The prognostic importance of 1068 known extracellular matrix proteins for OC were determined by the Random Forest algorithm and the Lasso algorithm establishing the ECM risk score. Based on the gene expression data, the differences in mRNA abundance, tumour mutation burden (TMB) and tumour microenvironment (TME) between the high- and low-risk groups were assessed. Results: Combining multiple artificial intelligence algorithms we were able to identify 15 key extracellular matrix genes, namely, AMBN, CXCL11, PI3, CSPG5, TGFBI, TLL1, HMCN2, ESM1, IL12A, MMP17, CLEC5A, FREM2, ANGPTL4, PRSS1, FGF23, and confirm the validity of this ECM risk score for overall survival prediction. Several other parameters were identified as independent prognostic factors for OC by multivariate COX analysis. The analysis showed that thyroglobulin (TG) targeted immunotherapy was more effective in the high ECM risk score group, while the low ECM risk score group was more sensitive to the RYR2 gene-related immunotherapy. Additionally, the patients with low ECM risk scores had higher immune checkpoint gene expression and immunophenoscore levels and responded better to immunotherapy. Conclusion: The ECM risk score is an accurate tool to assess the patient's sensitivity to immunotherapy and forecast OC prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianxiang Geng
- Department of Biomaterials, FUTURE, Center for Functional Tissue Reconstruction, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mengxue Zheng
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yongfeng Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Janne Elin Reseland
- Department of Biomaterials, FUTURE, Center for Functional Tissue Reconstruction, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Athina Samara
- Department of Biomaterials, FUTURE, Center for Functional Tissue Reconstruction, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Otegui N, Houry M, Arozarena I, Serrano D, Redin E, Exposito F, Leon S, Valencia K, Montuenga L, Calvo A. Cancer Cell-Intrinsic Alterations Associated with an Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment and Resistance to Immunotherapy in Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3076. [PMID: 37370686 PMCID: PMC10295869 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123076] [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: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the great clinical success of immunotherapy in lung cancer patients, only a small percentage of them (<40%) will benefit from this therapy alone or combined with other strategies. Cancer cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic mechanisms have been associated with a lack of response to immunotherapy. The present study is focused on cancer cell-intrinsic genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic and metabolic alterations that reshape the tumor microenvironment (TME) and determine response or refractoriness to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Mutations in KRAS, SKT11(LKB1), KEAP1 and TP53 and co-mutations of these genes are the main determinants of ICI response in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Recent insights into metabolic changes in cancer cells that impose restrictions on cytotoxic T cells and the efficacy of ICIs indicate that targeting such metabolic restrictions may favor therapeutic responses. Other emerging pathways for therapeutic interventions include epigenetic modulators and DNA damage repair (DDR) pathways, especially in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). Therefore, the many potential pathways for enhancing the effect of ICIs suggest that, in a few years, we will have much more personalized medicine for lung cancer patients treated with immunotherapy. Such strategies could include vaccines and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nerea Otegui
- CCUN Cancer Center and Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (N.O.); (M.H.); (D.S.); (S.L.); (K.V.); (L.M.)
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maeva Houry
- CCUN Cancer Center and Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (N.O.); (M.H.); (D.S.); (S.L.); (K.V.); (L.M.)
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Imanol Arozarena
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
- Cancer Signaling Unit, Navarrabiomed, University Hospital of Navarra (HUN), Public University of Navarra (UPNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Diego Serrano
- CCUN Cancer Center and Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (N.O.); (M.H.); (D.S.); (S.L.); (K.V.); (L.M.)
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Esther Redin
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Francisco Exposito
- Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT 06519, USA;
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Sergio Leon
- CCUN Cancer Center and Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (N.O.); (M.H.); (D.S.); (S.L.); (K.V.); (L.M.)
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Karmele Valencia
- CCUN Cancer Center and Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (N.O.); (M.H.); (D.S.); (S.L.); (K.V.); (L.M.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Montuenga
- CCUN Cancer Center and Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (N.O.); (M.H.); (D.S.); (S.L.); (K.V.); (L.M.)
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Calvo
- CCUN Cancer Center and Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (N.O.); (M.H.); (D.S.); (S.L.); (K.V.); (L.M.)
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Gil-Edo R, Hernández-Ribelles G, Royo S, Thawait N, Serrels A, Carda M, Falomir E. Exploring BenzylethoxyAryl Urea Scaffolds for Multitarget Immunomodulation Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108582. [PMID: 37239929 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Thirteen benzylethoxyaryl ureas have been synthesized and biologically evaluated as multitarget inhibitors of VEGFR-2 and PD-L1 proteins to overcome resistance phenomena offered by cancer. The antiproliferative activity of these molecules on several tumor cell lines (HT-29 and A549), on the endothelial cell line HMEC-1, on immune cells (Jurkat T) and on the non-tumor cell line HEK-293 has been determined. Selective indexes (SI) have been also determined and compounds bearing p-substituted phenyl urea unit together with a diaryl carbamate exhibited high SI values. Further studies on these selected compounds to determine their potential as small molecule immune potentiators (SMIPs) and as antitumor agents have been performed. From these studies, we have concluded that the designed ureas have good tumor antiangiogenic properties, exhibit good inhibition of CD11b expression, and regulate pathways involved in CD8 T-cell activity. These properties suggest that these compounds could be potentially useful in the development of new cancer immune treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Gil-Edo
- Inorganic and Organic Chemistry Department, University Jaume I, 12071 Castellón, Spain
| | | | - Santiago Royo
- Institute of Agronomic Engineering for Development, Polytechnic University of Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Natasha Thawait
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Alan Serrels
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Miguel Carda
- Inorganic and Organic Chemistry Department, University Jaume I, 12071 Castellón, Spain
| | - Eva Falomir
- Inorganic and Organic Chemistry Department, University Jaume I, 12071 Castellón, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Tourkochristou E, Mouzaki A, Triantos C. Gene Polymorphisms and Biological Effects of Vitamin D Receptor on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Development and Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098288. [PMID: 37175993 PMCID: PMC10179740 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease, with increasing prevalence worldwide. The genetic and molecular background of NAFLD pathogenesis is not yet clear. The vitamin D/vitamin D receptor (VDR) axis is significantly associated with the development and progression of NAFLD. Gene polymorphisms may influence the regulation of the VDR gene, although their biological significance remains to be elucidated. VDR gene polymorphisms are associated with the presence and severity of NAFLD, as they may influence the regulation of adipose tissue activity, fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. Vitamin D binds to the hepatic VDR to exert its biological functions, either by activating VDR transcriptional activity to regulate gene expression associated with inflammation and fibrosis or by inducing intracellular signal transduction through VDR-mediated activation of Ca2+ channels. VDR activity has protective and detrimental effects on hepatic steatosis, a characteristic feature of NAFLD. Vitamin D-VDR signaling may control the progression of NAFLD by regulating immune responses, lipotoxicity, and fibrogenesis. Elucidation of the genetic and molecular background of VDR in the pathophysiology of NAFLD will provide new therapeutic targets for this disease through the development of VDR agonists, which already showed promising results in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evanthia Tourkochristou
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, University Hospital of Patras, Rion, 26504 Patras, Greece
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Athanasia Mouzaki
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Christos Triantos
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, University Hospital of Patras, Rion, 26504 Patras, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Peng L, Xu Q, Yin S, Zhang Y, Wu H, Liu Y, Chen L, Hu Y, Yuan J, Peng K, Lin Q. The emerging nanomedicine-based technology for non-small cell lung cancer immunotherapy: how far are we from an effective treatment. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1153319. [PMID: 37182180 PMCID: PMC10172578 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1153319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a prominent etiology of cancer-related mortality. The heterogeneous nature of this disease impedes its accurate diagnosis and efficacious treatment. Consequently, constant advancements in research are imperative in order to comprehend its intricate nature. In addition to currently available therapies, the utilization of nanotechnology presents an opportunity to enhance the clinical outcomes of NSCLC patients. Notably, the burgeoning knowledge of the interaction between the immune system and cancer itself paves the way for developing novel, emerging immunotherapies for treating NSCLC in the early stages of the disease. It is believed that with the novel engineering avenues of nanomedicine, there is a possibility to overcome the inherent limitations derived from conventional and emerging treatments, such as off-site drug cytotoxicity, drug resistance, and administration methods. Combining nanotechnology with the convergence points of current therapies could open up new avenues for meeting the unmet needs of NSCLC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Qin Lin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Pabst L, Lopes S, Bertrand B, Creusot Q, Kotovskaya M, Pencreach E, Beau-Faller M, Mascaux C. Prognostic and Predictive Biomarkers in the Era of Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087577. [PMID: 37108738 PMCID: PMC10145126 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087577] [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: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic algorithm of lung cancer has recently been revolutionized by the emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, an objective and durable response rate remains low with those recent therapies and some patients even experience severe adverse events. Prognostic and predictive biomarkers are therefore needed in order to select patients who will respond. Nowadays, the only validated biomarker is the PD-L1 expression, but its predictive value remains imperfect, and it does not offer any certainty of a sustained response to treatment. With recent progresses in molecular biology, genome sequencing techniques, and the understanding of the immune microenvironment of the tumor and its host, new molecular features have been highlighted. There are evidence in favor of the positive predictive value of the tumor mutational burden, as an example. From the expression of molecular interactions within tumor cells to biomarkers circulating in peripheral blood, many markers have been identified as associated with the response to immunotherapy. In this review, we would like to summarize the latest knowledge about predictive and prognostic biomarkers of immune checkpoint inhibitors efficacy in order to go further in the field of precision immuno-oncology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucile Pabst
- Pulmonology Department, University Hospital of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Sébastien Lopes
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospital of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Basil Bertrand
- Pulmonology Department, University Hospital of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Laboratory Streinth (STress REsponse and INnovative THerapy against Cancer), Inserm UMR_S 1113, IRFAC, Université de Strasbourg, ITI InnoVec, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Quentin Creusot
- Pulmonology Department, University Hospital of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Laboratory Streinth (STress REsponse and INnovative THerapy against Cancer), Inserm UMR_S 1113, IRFAC, Université de Strasbourg, ITI InnoVec, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Maria Kotovskaya
- Pulmonology Department, University Hospital of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Laboratory Streinth (STress REsponse and INnovative THerapy against Cancer), Inserm UMR_S 1113, IRFAC, Université de Strasbourg, ITI InnoVec, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Erwan Pencreach
- Laboratory Streinth (STress REsponse and INnovative THerapy against Cancer), Inserm UMR_S 1113, IRFAC, Université de Strasbourg, ITI InnoVec, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Michèle Beau-Faller
- Laboratory Streinth (STress REsponse and INnovative THerapy against Cancer), Inserm UMR_S 1113, IRFAC, Université de Strasbourg, ITI InnoVec, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Céline Mascaux
- Pulmonology Department, University Hospital of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Laboratory Streinth (STress REsponse and INnovative THerapy against Cancer), Inserm UMR_S 1113, IRFAC, Université de Strasbourg, ITI InnoVec, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Liu S, Sun Q, Ren X. Novel strategies for cancer immunotherapy: counter-immunoediting therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:38. [PMID: 37055849 PMCID: PMC10099030 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01430-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The advent of immunotherapy has made an indelible mark on the field of cancer therapy, especially the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors in clinical practice. Although immunotherapy has proven its efficacy and safety in some tumors, many patients still have innate or acquired resistance to immunotherapy. The emergence of this phenomenon is closely related to the highly heterogeneous immune microenvironment formed by tumor cells after undergoing cancer immunoediting. The process of cancer immunoediting refers to the cooperative interaction between tumor cells and the immune system that involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape. During these phases, conflicting interactions between the immune system and tumor cells result in the formation of a complex immune microenvironment, which contributes to the acquisition of different levels of immunotherapy resistance in tumor cells. In this review, we summarize the characteristics of different phases of cancer immunoediting and the corresponding therapeutic tools, and we propose normalized therapeutic strategies based on immunophenotyping. The process of cancer immunoediting is retrograded through targeted interventions in different phases of cancer immunoediting, making immunotherapy in the context of precision therapy the most promising therapy to cure cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaochuan Liu
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, 300060, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, 300060, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, 300060, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, 300060, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, 300060, Tianjin, China
- Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, 300060, Tianjin, China
| | - Qian Sun
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, 300060, Tianjin, China.
| | - Xiubao Ren
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, 300060, Tianjin, China.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Want MY, Bashir Z, Najar RA. T Cell Based Immunotherapy for Cancer: Approaches and Strategies. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11040835. [PMID: 37112747 PMCID: PMC10142387 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11040835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
T cells are critical in destroying cancer cells by recognizing antigens presented by MHC molecules on cancer cells or antigen-presenting cells. Identifying and targeting cancer-specific or overexpressed self-antigens is essential for redirecting T cells against tumors, leading to tumor regression. This is achieved through the identification of mutated or overexpressed self-proteins in cancer cells, which guide the recognition of cancer cells by T-cell receptors. There are two main approaches to T cell-based immunotherapy: HLA-restricted and HLA-non-restricted Immunotherapy. Significant progress has been made in T cell-based immunotherapy over the past decade, using naturally occurring or genetically engineered T cells to target cancer antigens in hematological malignancies and solid tumors. However, limited specificity, longevity, and toxicity have limited success rates. This review provides an overview of T cells as a therapeutic tool for cancer, highlighting the advantages and future strategies for developing effective T cell cancer immunotherapy. The challenges associated with identifying T cells and their corresponding antigens, such as their low frequency, are also discussed. The review further examines the current state of T cell-based immunotherapy and potential future strategies, such as the use of combination therapy and the optimization of T cell properties, to overcome current limitations and improve clinical outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muzamil Y Want
- Department of Immunology, Division of Translational Immuno-Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Zeenat Bashir
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Canisius College, Buffalo, NY 14208, USA
| | - Rauf A Najar
- Department of Pediatrics, Lung Biology and Disease Program, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Murazawa C, Hashimoto N, Kuraishi K, Motoyama M, Hashimoto SI, Ikeuchi M, Norimura S, Matsunaga T, Teramoto K, Haba R, Abe N, Yajima T, Kontani K. Status and prognostic value of immunological biomarkers of breast cancer. Oncol Lett 2023; 25:164. [PMID: 36960188 PMCID: PMC10028224 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.13750] [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: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune response to cancer serves an important role in disease progression and patient prognosis. For triple-negative breast cancer showing aggressive behavior, immunotherapy has a good efficacy because of the potent immunogenicity of this type of cancer. However, the dominant subtype, luminal human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer, is less immunogenic. To determine whether luminal HER2-negative cancer reacts to the anticancer immune response, the present study analyzed the status and prognostic value of the principal immunological biomarkers of breast cancer, including tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), CD8+ T lymphocytes, the major histocompatibility complex and programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1). The biomarkers were compared between patients with luminal HER2-negative breast cancer and those with immunogenic subtypes including triple-negative and HER2-overexpressed breast cancer. A total of 71 patients with primary breast cancer were classified into the immunogenic non-luminal (n=23) and less immunogenic luminal HER2-negative groups (n=48) based on immunogenicity. In the luminal HER2-negative group, compared with patients with low TIL levels, those with high TIL levels were at an advanced stage of cancer (P=0.024) and showed worse relapse-free survival (P=0.057); however, the remaining biomarkers exhibited no association with cancer progression or prognosis. In the non-luminal group, patients with high TIL levels showed significantly better RFS than those with low TIL levels (P=0.014). Compared with non-luminal patients negative for PD-L1, those positive for PD-L1 exhibited better overall survival (P=0.064). Notably, TIL status was found to exhibit contrasting prognostic predictions based on immunogenicity. In conclusion, TILs are a strong candidate for prognostic prediction in breast cancer, regardless of the subtype. PD-L1 is a potential candidate for prognostic prediction in immunogenic breast cancers, but not in the luminal HER2-negative subtype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chisa Murazawa
- Department of Thoracic, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Nozomi Hashimoto
- Department of Thoracic, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Kana Kuraishi
- Department of Thoracic, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Mutsumi Motoyama
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kagawa University Hospital, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichiro Hashimoto
- Department of Thoracic, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Mayumi Ikeuchi
- Department of Thoracic, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Shoko Norimura
- Department of Surgery, Takamatsu Red Cross Hospital, Takamatsu, Kagawa 760-0017, Japan
| | - Toru Matsunaga
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kagawa University Hospital, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Koji Teramoto
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga 520-2191, Japan
| | - Reiji Haba
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kagawa University Hospital, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Noriko Abe
- Department of Thoracic, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Toshiki Yajima
- Department of Thoracic, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Keiichi Kontani
- Department of Thoracic, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
- Correspondence to: Dr Keiichi Kontani, Department of Thoracic, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, 1750-1 Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan, E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Kiousi DE, Kouroutzidou AZ, Neanidis K, Karavanis E, Matthaios D, Pappa A, Galanis A. The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Cancer Immunotherapy: Current Knowledge and Future Directions. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072101. [PMID: 37046762 PMCID: PMC10093606 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is a treatment modality that aims to stimulate the anti-tumor immunity of the host to elicit favorable clinical outcomes. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) gained traction due to the lasting effects and better tolerance in patients carrying solid tumors in comparison to conventional treatment. However, a significant portion of patients may present primary or acquired resistance (non-responders), and thus, they may have limited therapeutic outcomes. Resistance to ICIs can be derived from host-related, tumor-intrinsic, or environmental factors. Recent studies suggest a correlation of gut microbiota with resistance and response to immunotherapy as well as with the incidence of adverse events. Currently, preclinical and clinical studies aim to elucidate the unique microbial signatures related to ICI response and anti-tumor immunity, employing metagenomics and/or multi-omics. Decoding this complex relationship can provide the basis for manipulating the malleable structure of the gut microbiota to enhance therapeutic success. Here, we delve into the factors affecting resistance to ICIs, focusing on the intricate gut microbiome–immunity interplay. Additionally, we review clinical studies and discuss future trends and directions in this promising field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Despoina E. Kiousi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Antonia Z. Kouroutzidou
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Neanidis
- Oncology Department, 424 General Military Training Hospital, 56429 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Emmanuel Karavanis
- Oncology Department, 424 General Military Training Hospital, 56429 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Aglaia Pappa
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Alex Galanis
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Davidson CT, Miller E, Muir M, Dawson JC, Lee M, Aitken S, Serrels A, Webster SP, Homer NZM, Andrew R, Brunton VG, Hadoke PWF, Walker BR. 11β-HSD1 inhibition does not affect murine tumour angiogenesis but may exert a selective effect on tumour growth by modulating inflammation and fibrosis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0255709. [PMID: 36940215 PMCID: PMC10027213 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids inhibit angiogenesis by activating the glucocorticoid receptor. Inhibition of the glucocorticoid-activating enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) reduces tissue-specific glucocorticoid action and promotes angiogenesis in murine models of myocardial infarction. Angiogenesis is important in the growth of some solid tumours. This study used murine models of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) to test the hypothesis that 11β-HSD1 inhibition promotes angiogenesis and subsequent tumour growth. SCC or PDAC cells were injected into female FVB/N or C57BL6/J mice fed either standard diet, or diet containing the 11β-HSD1 inhibitor UE2316. SCC tumours grew more rapidly in UE2316-treated mice, reaching a larger (P<0.01) final volume (0.158 ± 0.037 cm3) than in control mice (0.051 ± 0.007 cm3). However, PDAC tumour growth was unaffected. Immunofluorescent analysis of SCC tumours did not show differences in vessel density (CD31/alpha-smooth muscle actin) or cell proliferation (Ki67) after 11β-HSD1 inhibition, and immunohistochemistry of SCC tumours did not show changes in inflammatory cell (CD3- or F4/80-positive) infiltration. In culture, the growth/viability (assessed by live cell imaging) of SCC cells was not affected by UE2316 or corticosterone. Second Harmonic Generation microscopy showed that UE2316 reduced Type I collagen (P<0.001), whilst RNA-sequencing revealed that multiple factors involved in the innate immune/inflammatory response were reduced in UE2316-treated SCC tumours. 11β-HSD1 inhibition increases SCC tumour growth, likely via suppression of inflammatory/immune cell signalling and extracellular matrix deposition, but does not promote tumour angiogenesis or growth of all solid tumours.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Callam T. Davidson
- BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Eileen Miller
- BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Morwenna Muir
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - John C. Dawson
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Lee
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart Aitken
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Alan Serrels
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Scott P. Webster
- BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Natalie Z. M. Homer
- BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Edinburgh Mass Spectrometry Core, Clinical Research Facility, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Andrew
- BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Valerie G. Brunton
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick W. F. Hadoke
- BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Brian R. Walker
- BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Wei Y, Song D, Wang R, Li T, Wang H, Li X. Dietary fungi in cancer immunotherapy: From the perspective of gut microbiota. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1038710. [PMID: 36969071 PMCID: PMC10032459 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1038710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies are recently emerged as a new strategy in treating various kinds of cancers which are insensitive to standard therapies, while the clinical application of immunotherapy is largely compromised by the low efficiency and serious side effects. Gut microbiota has been shown critical for the development of different cancer types, and the potential of gut microbiota manipulation through direct implantation or antibiotic-based depletion in regulating the overall efficacy of cancer immunotherapies has also been evaluated. However, the role of dietary supplementations, especially fungal products, in gut microbiota regulation and the enhancement of cancer immunotherapy remains elusive. In the present review, we comprehensively illustrated the limitations of current cancer immunotherapies, the biological functions as well as underlying mechanisms of gut microbiota manipulation in regulating cancer immunotherapies, and the benefits of dietary fungal supplementation in promoting cancer immunotherapies through gut microbiota modulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yibing Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dingka Song
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ran Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingting Li
- College of Medical Technology, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoguang Li, ; Hui Wang,
| | - Xiaoguang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoguang Li, ; Hui Wang,
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Azoulay T, Slouzky I, Karmona M, Filatov M, Hayun M, Ofran Y, Sarig G, Ringelstein-Harlev S. Compromised activity of natural killer cells in diffuse large b-cell lymphoma is related to lymphoma-induced modification of their surface receptor expression. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:707-718. [PMID: 36048214 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03284-4] [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: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
While natural killer (NK) cells are essential players in detection and elimination of malignant cells, these surveillance properties can be compromised by cancer cells. Since NK cell education primarily occurs in the bone marrow and lymphoid tissue, this process might be particularly affected by their infiltration with lymphoma cells. This study aimed to explore functional properties of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patient NK cells, which could potentially promote tumour immune evasion and disease propagation.NK cells isolated from the peripheral blood (PB) of 26 DLBCL patients and 13 age-matched healthy controls (HC) were analysed. The cytotoxic CD56dim subtype was the only one identified in patients. Compared to HC, patient cells demonstrated low levels of inhibitory CD158a/b along with decreased expression of activating NKG2D and CD161 and increased inhibitory NKG2A levels. Patient NK cell cytotoxic activity was impaired, as were their degranulation and inflammatory cytokine production, which partially recovered following non-receptor-dependant stimulation.The phenotypically skewed and restricted population of patient NK cells, along with their blunted cytotoxic and immune-regulatory activity, appear to be driven by exposure to lymphoma environment. These NK cell functional aberrations could support lymphoma immune evasion and should be considered in the era of cellular therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tehila Azoulay
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Rambam Health Care Campus, 8, Ha'Aliya Street, 3109601, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ilana Slouzky
- Hematology Laboratory, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Michal Karmona
- Hematology Laboratory, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Michal Hayun
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Rambam Health Care Campus, 8, Ha'Aliya Street, 3109601, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yishai Ofran
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Rambam Health Care Campus, 8, Ha'Aliya Street, 3109601, Haifa, Israel.,Department of Hematology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Galit Sarig
- Hematology Laboratory, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel. .,The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Shimrit Ringelstein-Harlev
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Rambam Health Care Campus, 8, Ha'Aliya Street, 3109601, Haifa, Israel. .,The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Bahreyni A, Mohamud Y, Luo H. Recent advancements in immunotherapy of melanoma using nanotechnology-based strategies. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 159:114243. [PMID: 36641926 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is a malignant tumor that accounts for the deadliest form of skin cancers. Despite the significant efforts made recently for development of immunotherapeutic strategies including using immune checkpoint inhibitors and cancer vaccines, the clinical outcomes are unsatisfying. Different factors affect efficient cancer immunotherapy such as side-effects, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and tumor heterogeneity. In the past decades, various nanotechnology-based approaches have been developed to enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy, in addition to diminishing the toxicity associated with it. Several studies have shown that proper application of nanomaterials can revolutionize the outcome of immunotherapy in diverse melanoma models. This review summarizes the recent advancement in the integration of nanotechnology and cancer immunotherapy in melanoma treatment. The importance of nanomaterials and their therapeutic advantages for patients with melanoma are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amirhossein Bahreyni
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Yasir Mohamud
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Honglin Luo
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Wang R, Zhao Y, Li Z, Guo J, Zhao S, Song L, Wu D, Wang L, Chang C. S100a9 deficiency accelerates MDS-associated tumor escape via PD-1/PD-L1 overexpression. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2023; 55:194-201. [PMID: 36810783 PMCID: PMC10157523 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2023015] [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] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent studies, the tolerable safety profile and positive bone marrow (BM) response suggest a beneficial use of anti-PD-1 agents in the treatment of Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS), but the underlying mechanism is still unknown. MDS is mainly characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis, which may contribute to inflammatory signaling or immune dysfunction. Our previous studies focused on inflammatory signaling, and the results showed that S100a9 expression was higher in low-risk MDS and lower in high-risk MDS. In this study, we combine the inflammatory signaling and immune dysfunction. SKM-1 cells and K562 cells co-cultured with S100a9 acquire apoptotic features. Moreover, we confirm the inhibitory effect of S100a9 on PD-1/PD-L1. Importantly, PD-1/PD-L1 blockade and S100a9 can both activate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. The cytotoxicity is higher in lower-risk MDS-lymphocytes than in high-risk MDS-lymphocytes, and S100a9 partially rescues the exhausted cytotoxicity in lymphocytes. Our study demonstrates that S100a9 may inhibit MDS-associated tumor escape via PD-1/PD-L1 blockade through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway activation. Our findings indicate the possible mechanisms by which anti-PD-1 agents may contribute to the treatment of MDS. These insights may provide mutation-specific treatment as a supplementary therapy for MDS patients with high-risk mutations, such as TP53, N-RAS or other complex mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roujia Wang
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Youshan Zhao
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Zijuan Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Juan Guo
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Sida Zhao
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Luxi Song
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Dong Wu
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Lan Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Chunkang Chang
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Xu W, Yang S, Lu L, Xu Q, Wu S, Zhou J, Lu J, Fan X, Meng N, Ding Y, Zheng X, Lu W. Influence of lung cancer model characteristics on tumor targeting behavior of nanodrugs. J Control Release 2023; 354:538-553. [PMID: 36641120 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Evidence is mounting that there is a significant gap between the antitumor efficacy of nanodrugs in preclinical mouse tumor models and in clinical human tumors, and that differences in tumor models are likely to be responsible for this gap. Herein, we investigated the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect in mouse lung cancer models with different tumor growth rates, volumes and locations, and analyzed the nanodrug tumor targeting behaviors limited by tumor vascular pathophysiological characteristics in various tumor models. The results showed that the fast-growing tumors were characterized by lower vascular tight junctions, leading to higher vascular paracellular transport activity and nanodrug tumor accumulation. The paracellular transport activity increased with the growth of tumor, but the vascular density and transcellular transport activity decreased, and as a result, the average tumor accumulation of passive targeting nanodrugs decreased. Orthotopic tumors were rich in blood vessels, but had low vascular transcellular and paracellular transport activities, making it difficult for nanodrug accumulation in orthotopic tumors via passive targeting strategies. The antitumor efficacy of passive targeting nanodrugs in various lung cancer-bearing mice validated the aforementioned nanodrug accumulation behavior, and nanodrugs based on the angiogenesis-tumor sequential targeting strategy achieved obviously improved efficacy in orthotopic lung cancer-bearing mice. These results suggest that the EPR effect varies in different tumor models and should not be used as a universal targeting strategy for antitumor nanodrugs. Besides, attention should be paid to the animal tumor models in the evaluation of nanodrugs so as to avoid exaggerating the antitumor efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weixia Xu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shengmin Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Linwei Lu
- The Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, and The Institutes of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Qianzhu Xu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Sunyi Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jianfen Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jiashen Lu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xingyan Fan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Nana Meng
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yuan Ding
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xudong Zheng
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Weiyue Lu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201203, China; The Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, and The Institutes of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Pharmaceutical Intelligent Equipment, Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Center for Druggability of Cardiovascular Non-Coding RNA, Institute for Frontier Medical Technology, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, 333 Longteng Rd., Shanghai 201620, China.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Gastric adenocarcinoma following CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy. Ann Hematol 2023; 102:461-462. [PMID: 36385650 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-022-05045-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
50
|
Ezhilarasan D, Najimi M. Deciphering the possible reciprocal loop between hepatic stellate cells and cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment of the liver. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 182:103902. [PMID: 36621514 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103902] [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: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs)/myofibroblasts are the important sources of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the liver tumor microenvironment (TME). The crosstalk between activated HSCs and tumor cells mediates HCC progression, metastasis, tumor cell survival, angiogenesis and chemoresistance. In TME, HCC cells secrete various soluble factors responsible for the phenotypic activation of quiescent HSCs. Tumor cells use activated HSC-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) for migration and invasion. Further, in liver TME, activated HSCs and sinusoidal endothelial cells engage in a crosstalk that causes the secretion of angiogenesis and metastasis-related growth factors and cytokines. Activated HSCs and immune cells crosstalk to decrease immune surveillance in the liver TME by increasing the population of T regulatory cells and M2 macrophages or myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Thus, HSCs play a vital role in liver TME cell interactions. Therefore, a deep understanding of HSCs activation and their crosstalk with cancer and immune cells in TME may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies to target HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Devaraj Ezhilarasan
- Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600077, India.
| | - Mustapha Najimi
- Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Brussels 1200, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|