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He M, Zong X, Xu B, Qi W, Huang W, Djekidel MN, Zhang Y, Pagala VR, Li J, Hao X, Guy C, Bai L, Cross R, Li C, Peng J, Feng Y. Dynamic Foxp3-chromatin interaction controls tunable Treg cell function. J Exp Med 2024; 221:e20232068. [PMID: 38935023 PMCID: PMC11211070 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20232068] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor Foxp3 determines regulatory T (Treg) cell fate and function via mechanisms that remain unclear. Here, we investigate the nature of Foxp3-mediated gene regulation in suppressing autoimmunity and antitumor immune response. Contrasting with previous models, we find that Foxp3-chromatin binding is regulated by Treg activation states, tumor microenvironment, and antigen and cytokine stimulations. Proteomics studies uncover dynamic proteins within Foxp3 proximity upon TCR or IL-2 receptor signaling in vitro, reflecting intricate interactions among Foxp3, signal transducers, and chromatin. Pharmacological inhibition and genetic knockdown experiments indicate that NFAT and AP-1 protein Batf are required for enhanced Foxp3-chromatin binding in activated Treg cells and tumor-infiltrating Treg cells to modulate target gene expression. Furthermore, mutations at the Foxp3 DNA-binding domain destabilize the Foxp3-chromatin association. These representative settings delineate context-dependent Foxp3-chromatin interaction, suggesting that Foxp3 associates with chromatin by hijacking DNA-binding proteins resulting from Treg activation or differentiation, which is stabilized by direct Foxp3-DNA binding, to dynamically regulate Treg cell function according to immunological contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghong He
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Xinying Zong
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Beisi Xu
- Center for Applied Bioinformatics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Wenjie Qi
- Center for Applied Bioinformatics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Wenjun Huang
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Tumor Cell Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Vishwajeeth R. Pagala
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Xiaolei Hao
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Clifford Guy
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Lu Bai
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Richard Cross
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Chunliang Li
- Department of Tumor Cell Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Junmin Peng
- Department of Structure Biology and Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Yongqiang Feng
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
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2
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Li T, Wu T, Li X, Qian C. Transcriptional switches in melanoma T Cells: Facilitating polarizing into regulatory T cells. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 137:112484. [PMID: 38885605 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma is a malignant skin tumor with a high mortality rate. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are immune cells with immunosuppressive roles, however, the precise mechanisms governing Treg involvement in melanoma remain enigmatic. Experimental findings unveiled different transcription factor switches between normal and tumor T cell, with heightened FOXP3 and BATF in the latter. These factors induced immunosuppressive molecules and Treg maintenance genes, polarizing tumor T cells into Tregs. Spatial transcriptomics illuminated the preferential settlement of Tregs at the melanoma periphery. Within this context, FOXP3 in Tregs facilitated direct enhancement of specific ligand gene expression, fostering communication with neighboring cells. Novel functional molecules bound to FOXP3 or BATF in Tregs, such as SPOCK2, SH2D2A, and ligand molecules ITGB2, LTA, CLEC2C, CLEC2D, were discovered, which had not been previously reported in melanoma Treg studies. Furthermore, we validated our findings in a large number of clinical samples and identified the Melanoma Treg-Specific Regulatory Tag Set (Mel TregS). ELISA analysis showed that the protein levels of Mel TregS in melanoma Tregs were higher than in normal Tregs. We then utilized SERS technology to measure the signal values of Mel TregS in exosome, and successfully discriminated between healthy individuals and melanoma patients, as well as early and late-stage patients. This approach significantly enhanced detection sensitivity. In sum, our research elucidated fresh insights into the mechanisms governing Treg self-maintenance and communication with surrounding cells in melanoma. We also introduced an innovative method for clinical disease monitoring through SERS technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengda Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China.
| | - Tianqin Wu
- The 100th Hospital of PLA, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Cheng Qian
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, China.
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3
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Simon M, Stüve P, Schmidleithner L, Bittner S, Beumer N, Strieder N, Schmidl C, Pant A, Gebhard C, Eigenberger A, Rehli M, Prantl L, Hehlgans T, Brors B, Imbusch CD, Delacher M, Feuerer M. Single-cell chromatin accessibility and transposable element landscapes reveal shared features of tissue-residing immune cells. Immunity 2024; 57:1975-1993.e10. [PMID: 39047731 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.06.015] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Tissue adaptation is required for regulatory T (Treg) cell function within organs. Whether this program shares aspects with other tissue-localized immune populations is unclear. Here, we analyzed single-cell chromatin accessibility data, including the transposable element (TE) landscape of CD45+ immune cells from colon, skin, adipose tissue, and spleen. We identified features of organ-specific tissue adaptation across different immune cells. Focusing on tissue Treg cells, we found conservation of the Treg tissue adaptation program in other tissue-localized immune cells, such as amphiregulin-producing T helper (Th)17 cells. Accessible TEs can act as regulatory elements, but their contribution to tissue adaptation is not understood. TE landscape analysis revealed an enrichment of specific transcription factor binding motifs in TE regions within accessible chromatin peaks. TEs, specifically from the LTR family, were located in enhancer regions and associated with tissue adaptation. These findings broaden our understanding of immune tissue residency and provide an important step toward organ-specific immune interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malte Simon
- Division of Applied Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; Chair for Immunology, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Stüve
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; Chair for Immunology, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Schmidleithner
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; Chair for Immunology, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Bittner
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; Chair for Immunology, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Niklas Beumer
- Division of Applied Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; Division of Personalized Medical Oncology, DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Personalized Oncology, University Hospital Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | | | | | - Asmita Pant
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; Chair for Immunology, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Gebhard
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Eigenberger
- Department of Plastic, Hand, and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Rehli
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lukas Prantl
- Department of Plastic, Hand, and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Hehlgans
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; Chair for Immunology, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Benedikt Brors
- Division of Applied Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Medical Faculty Heidelberg and Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Charles D Imbusch
- Division of Applied Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Delacher
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; Research Center for Immunotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Markus Feuerer
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; Chair for Immunology, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
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Gu S, Huang Q, Sun C, Wen C, Yang N. Transcriptomic and epigenomic insights into pectoral muscle fiber formation at the late embryonic development in pure chicken lines. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103882. [PMID: 38833745 PMCID: PMC11190745 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103882] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Long-term intensive genetic selection has led to significant differences between broiler and layer chickens, which are evident during the embryonic period. Despite this, there is a paucity of research on the genetic regulation of the initial formation of muscle fiber morphology in chick embryos. Embryonic d 17 (E17) is the key time point for myoblast fusion completion and muscle fiber morphology formation in chickens. This study aimed to explore the genetic regulatory mechanisms underlying the early muscle fiber morphology establishment in broiler chickens of Cornish (CC) and White Plymouth Rock (RR) and layer chickens of White Leghorn (WW) at E17 using the transcriptomic and chromatin accessibility sequencing of pectoral major muscles. The results showed that broiler chickens exhibited significant higher embryo weight and pectoral major muscle weight at E17 compared to layer chickens (P = 0.000). A total of 1,278, 1,248, and 892 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of RNA-seq data were identified between CC vs. WW, RR vs. WW, and CC vs. RR, separately. All DEGs were combined for cluster analysis and they were divided into 6 clusters, including cluster 1 with higher expression in broilers and cluster 6 with higher expression in layers. DEGs in cluster 1 were enriched in terms related to macrophage activation (P = 0.002) and defense response to bacteria (P = 0.002), while DEGs in cluster 6 showed enrichment in protein-DNA complex (P = 0.003) and monooxygenase activity (P = 0.000). ATAC-seq data analysis identified a total of 38,603 peaks, with 13,051 peaks for CC, 18,780 peaks for RR, and 6,772 peaks for WW. Integrative analysis of transcriptomic and chromatin accessibility data revealed GOLM1, ISLR2, and TOPAZ1 were commonly upregulated genes in CC and RR. Furthermore, screening of all upregulated DEGs in cluster 1 from CC and RR identified GOLM1, ISLR2, and HNMT genes associated with neuroimmune functions and MYOM3 linked to muscle morphology development, showing significantly elevated expression in broiler chickens compared to layer chickens. These findings suggest active neural system connectivity during the initial formation of muscle fiber morphology in embryonic period, highlighting the early interaction between muscle fiber formation morphology and the nervous system. This study provides novel insights into late chick embryo development and lays a deeper foundation for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding and Frontier Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Qiang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding and Frontier Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Congjiao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding and Frontier Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, Hainan 572025, China
| | - Chaoliang Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding and Frontier Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, Hainan 572025, China
| | - Ning Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding and Frontier Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, Hainan 572025, China.
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5
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Sumida TS, Cheru NT, Hafler DA. The regulation and differentiation of regulatory T cells and their dysfunction in autoimmune diseases. Nat Rev Immunol 2024; 24:503-517. [PMID: 38374298 PMCID: PMC11216899 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-024-00994-x] [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] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
The discovery of FOXP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells as a distinct cell lineage with a central role in regulating immune responses provided a deeper understanding of self-tolerance. The transcription factor FOXP3 serves a key role in Treg cell lineage determination and maintenance, but is not sufficient to enable the full potential of Treg cell suppression, indicating that other factors orchestrate the fine-tuning of Treg cell function. Moreover, FOXP3-independent mechanisms have recently been shown to contribute to Treg cell dysfunction. FOXP3 mutations in humans cause lethal fulminant systemic autoinflammation (IPEX syndrome). However, it remains unclear to what degree Treg cell dysfunction is contributing to the pathophysiology of common autoimmune diseases. In this Review, we discuss the origins of Treg cells in the periphery and the multilayered mechanisms by which Treg cells are induced, as well as the FOXP3-dependent and FOXP3-independent cellular programmes that maintain the suppressive function of Treg cells in humans and mice. Further, we examine evidence for Treg cell dysfunction in the context of common autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomokazu S Sumida
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Nardos T Cheru
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - David A Hafler
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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6
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Pang L, Zhou F, Liu Y, Ali H, Khan F, Heimberger AB, Chen P. Epigenetic regulation of tumor immunity. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e178540. [PMID: 39133578 PMCID: PMC11178542 DOI: 10.1172/jci178540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Although cancer has long been considered a genetic disease, increasing evidence shows that epigenetic aberrations play a crucial role in affecting tumor biology and therapeutic response. The dysregulated epigenome in cancer cells reprograms the immune landscape within the tumor microenvironment, thereby hindering antitumor immunity, promoting tumor progression, and inducing immunotherapy resistance. Targeting epigenetically mediated tumor-immune crosstalk is an emerging strategy to inhibit tumor progression and circumvent the limitations of current immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this Review, we discuss the mechanisms by which epigenetic aberrations regulate tumor-immune interactions and how epigenetically targeted therapies inhibit tumor progression and synergize with immunotherapy.
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7
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Lu X, Liu J, Feng L, Huang Y, Xu Y, Li C, Wang W, Kan Y, Yang J, Zhang M. BATF promotes tumor progression and association with FDG PET-derived parameters in colorectal cancer. J Transl Med 2024; 22:558. [PMID: 38862971 PMCID: PMC11165778 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05367-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the study was to evaluate the expression and function of basic leucine zipper ATF-like transcription factor (BATF) in colorectal cancer (CRC), and its correlation with 2-deoxy-2[18F]fluoro-D-glucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) parameters. METHODS The TIMER database, GEPIA database, TCGA, and GEO database were used to analyze the expression profile of BATF in human cancers. The reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and western blot analyses were used to evaluate the mRNA level and protein expression in different CRC cell lines. The expression of BATF in SW620 and HCT116 cells was silenced and cell counting kit-8 assays and clonogenic assay were utilized to evaluate the role of BATF in CRC proliferation. The expression of tumor BATF and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT-1) were examined using immunohistochemical tools in 37 CRC patients undergoing preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging. The correlation between the PET/CT parameters and immunohistochemical result was evaluated. RESULTS In database, BATF was highly expressed in pan-cancer analyses, including CRC, and was associated with poor prognosis in CRC. In vitro, the results showed that knocking down of BATF expression could inhibit the proliferation of SW620 and HCT116 cells. In CRC patients, BATF expression was upregulated in tumor tissues compared with matched para-tumoral tissues, and was related with gender and Ki-67 levels. BATF expression was positively related to GLUT-1 expression and PET/CT parameters, including tumor size, maximum standard uptake value, metabolic tumor volume, and total lesion glycolysis. The multiple logistic analyses showed that SUVmax was an independent predictor of BATF expression. With 15.96 g/cm3 as the cutoff, sensitivity was 85.71%, specificity 82.61%, and area-under-the-curve 0.854. CONCLUSION BATF may be an oncogene associated with 18F-FDG PET/CT parameters in CRC. SUVmax may be an independent predictor of BATF expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Lu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Lijuan Feng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Yanfeng Xu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Cuicui Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yin Kan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Jigang Yang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Mingyu Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China.
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Lv Y, Ma X, Liu Q, Long Z, Li S, Tan Z, Wang D, Xing X, Chen L, Chen W, Wang Q, Wei Q, Hou M, Xiao Y. c-Jun targets miR-451a to regulate HQ-induced inhibition of erythroid differentiation via the BATF/SETD5/ARHGEF3 axis. Toxicology 2024; 505:153843. [PMID: 38801936 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Benzene, a widely used industrial chemical, has been clarified to cause hematotoxicity. Our previous study suggested that miR-451a may play a role in benzene-induced impairment of erythroid differentiation. However, the mechanism underlying remains unclear. In this study, we explored the role of miR-451a and its underlying mechanisms in hydroquinone (HQ)-induced suppression of erythroid differentiation in K562 cells. 0, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, and 50 μM HQ treatment of K562 cells resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of erythroid differentiation, as well as the expression of miR-451a. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to predict potential target genes of miR-451a and dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed that miR-451a can directly bind to the 3'-UTR regions of BATF, SETD5, and ARHGEF3 mRNAs. We further demonstrated that over-expression or down-regulation of miR-451a altered the expression of BATF, SETD5, and ARHGEF3, and also modified erythroid differentiation. In addition, BATF, SETD5, and ARHGEF3 were verified to play a role in HQ-induced inhibition of erythroid differentiation in this study. Knockdown of SETD5 and ARHGEF3 reversed HQ-induced suppression of erythroid differentiation while knockdown of BATF had the opposite effect. On the other hand, we also identified c-Jun as a potential transcriptional regulator of miR-451a. Forced expression of c-Jun increased miR-451a expression and reversed the inhibition of erythroid differentiation induced by HQ, whereas knockdown of c-Jun had the opposite effect. And the binding site of c-Jun and miR-451a was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Collectively, our findings indicate that miR-451a and its downstream targets BATF, SETD5, and ARHGEF3 are involved in HQ-induced erythroid differentiation disorder, and c-Jun regulates miR-451a as a transcriptional regulator in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanrong Lv
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xiaoju Ma
- Department of Hospital Acquired Infection Control and Public Health Management, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 517108, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zihao Long
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Shuangqi Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zhaoqing Tan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Dongsheng Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xiumei Xing
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Liping Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Wen Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Qing Wei
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Mengjun Hou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yongmei Xiao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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9
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Lang Y, Huang H, Jiang H, Wu S, Chen Y, Xu B, Liu Y, Zhu D, Zheng X, Chen L, Jiang J. TIGIT Blockade Reshapes the Tumor Microenvironment Based on the Single-cell RNA-Sequencing Analysis. J Immunother 2024; 47:172-181. [PMID: 38545758 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000511] [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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
SUMMARY Immune checkpoint blockade therapy is a pivotal approach in treating malignant tumors. TIGIT has emerged as a focal point of interest among the diverse targets for tumor immunotherapy. Nonetheless, there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the immune microenvironment alterations following TIGIT blockade treatment. To bridge this knowledge gap, we performed single-cell sequencing on mice both before and after the administration of anti-TIGIT therapy. Our analysis revealed that TIGIT was predominantly expressed on T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. The blockade of TIGIT exhibited inhibitory effects on Treg cells by downregulating the expression of Foxp3 and reducing the secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines. In addition, TIGIT blockade facilitated the activation of NK cells, leading to an increase in cell numbers, and promoted cDC1 maturation through the secretion of XCL1 and Flt3L. This activation, in turn, stimulated the TCR signaling of CD8 + T cells, thereby enhancing their antitumor effect. Consequently, anti-TIGIT therapy demonstrated substantial potential for cancer immunotherapy. Our research provided novel insights into future therapeutic strategies targeting TIGIT for patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Lang
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou, China
| | - Hao Huang
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou, China
| | - Hongwei Jiang
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou, China
| | - Shaoxian Wu
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou, China
| | - Yaping Chen
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou, China
| | - Yingting Liu
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Dawei Zhu
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou, China
| | - Xiao Zheng
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou, China
| | - Lujun Chen
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou, China
| | - Jingting Jiang
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
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10
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Zhang R, Miao J, Zhai M, Liu R, Li F, Xu X, Huang L, Wang T, Yang R, Yang R, Wang Y, He A, Wang J. BATF promotes extramedullary infiltration through TGF-β1/Smad/MMPs axis in acute myeloid leukemia. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:1146-1159. [PMID: 38477642 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23715] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is one of the most prevalent types of leukemia and is challenging to cure for most patients. Basic Leucine Zipper ATF-Like Transcription Factor (BATF) has been reported to participate in the development and progression of numerous tumors. However, its role in AML is largely unknown. In this study, the expression and prognostic value of BATF were examined in AML. Our results demonstrated that BATF expression was upregulated in AML patients, which was significantly correlated with poor clinical characteristics and survival. Afterward, functional experiments were performed after knocking down or overexpressing BATF by transfecting small interfering RNAs and overexpression plasmids into AML cells. Our findings revealed that BATF promoted the migratory and invasive abilities of AML cells in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the target genes of BATF were searched from databases to explore the binding of BATF to the target gene using ChIP and luciferase assays. Notably, our observations validated that BATF is bound to the promoter region of TGF-β1, which could transcriptionally enhance the expression of TGF-β1 and activate the TGF-β1/Smad/MMPs signaling pathway. In summary, our study established the aberrantly high expression of BATF and its pro-migratory function via the TGF-β1-Smad2/3-MMP2/9 axis in AML, which provides novel insights into extramedullary infiltration of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jiyu Miao
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Meng Zhai
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fangmei Li
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xuezhu Xu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lingjuan Huang
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ruoyu Yang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yiwen Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Aili He
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Hematological Diseases, Xi'an, China
- Department of Tumor and Immunology in Precision Medical Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnostics & Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jianli Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Hematological Diseases, Xi'an, China
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11
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Kumagai S, Itahashi K, Nishikawa H. Regulatory T cell-mediated immunosuppression orchestrated by cancer: towards an immuno-genomic paradigm for precision medicine. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:337-353. [PMID: 38424196 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-024-00870-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that aberrant signalling stemming from genetic abnormalities in cancer cells has a fundamental role in their evasion of antitumour immunity. Immune escape mechanisms include enhanced expression of immunosuppressive molecules, such as immune-checkpoint proteins, and the accumulation of immunosuppressive cells, including regulatory T (Treg) cells, in the tumour microenvironment. Therefore, Treg cells are key targets for cancer immunotherapy. Given that therapies targeting molecules predominantly expressed by Treg cells, such as CD25 or GITR, have thus far had limited antitumour efficacy, elucidating how certain characteristics of cancer, particularly genetic abnormalities, influence Treg cells is necessary to develop novel immunotherapeutic strategies. Hence, Treg cell-targeted strategies based on the particular characteristics of cancer in each patient, such as the combination of immune-checkpoint inhibitors with molecularly targeted agents that disrupt the immunosuppressive networks mediating Treg cell recruitment and/or activation, could become a new paradigm of cancer therapy. In this Review, we discuss new insights on the mechanisms by which cancers generate immunosuppressive networks that attenuate antitumour immunity and how these networks confer resistance to cancer immunotherapy, with a focus on Treg cells. These insights lead us to propose the concept of 'immuno-genomic precision medicine' based on specific characteristics of cancer, especially genetic profiles, that correlate with particular mechanisms of tumour immune escape and might, therefore, inform the optimal choice of immunotherapy for individual patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shogo Kumagai
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center, Chiba, Japan
- Division of Cellular Signalling, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kota Itahashi
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hiroyoshi Nishikawa
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan.
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center, Chiba, Japan.
- Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.
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12
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Xiang M, Li H, Zhan Y, Ma D, Gao Q, Fang Y. Functional CRISPR screens in T cells reveal new opportunities for cancer immunotherapies. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:73. [PMID: 38581063 PMCID: PMC10996278 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01987-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
T cells are fundamental components in tumour immunity and cancer immunotherapies, which have made immense strides and revolutionized cancer treatment paradigm. However, recent studies delineate the predicament of T cell dysregulation in tumour microenvironment and the compromised efficacy of cancer immunotherapies. CRISPR screens enable unbiased interrogation of gene function in T cells and have revealed functional determinators, genetic regulatory networks, and intercellular interactions in T cell life cycle, thereby providing opportunities to revamp cancer immunotherapies. In this review, we briefly described the central roles of T cells in successful cancer immunotherapies, comprehensively summarised the studies of CRISPR screens in T cells, elaborated resultant master genes that control T cell activation, proliferation, fate determination, effector function, and exhaustion, and highlighted genes (BATF, PRDM1, and TOX) and signalling cascades (JAK-STAT and NF-κB pathways) that extensively engage in multiple branches of T cell responses. In conclusion, this review bridged the gap between discovering element genes to a specific process of T cell activities and apprehending these genes in the global T cell life cycle, deepened the understanding of T cell biology in tumour immunity, and outlined CRISPR screens resources that might facilitate the development and implementation of cancer immunotherapies in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghua Xiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huayi Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhan
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ding Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qinglei Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yong Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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13
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Swatler J, De Luca M, Rotella I, Lise V, Mazza EMC, Lugli E. CD4+ Regulatory T Cells in Human Cancer: Subsets, Origin, and Molecular Regulation. Cancer Immunol Res 2024; 12:393-399. [PMID: 38562083 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0517] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
CD4+CD25hiFOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) play major roles in the maintenance of immune tolerance, prevention of inflammation, and tissue homeostasis and repair. In contrast with these beneficial roles, Tregs are abundant in virtually all tumors and have been mechanistically linked to disease progression, metastases development, and therapy resistance. Tregs are thus recognized as a major target for cancer immunotherapy. Compared with other sites in the body, tumors harbor hyperactivated Treg subsets whose molecular characteristics are only beginning to be elucidated. Here, we describe current knowledge of intratumoral Tregs and discuss their potential cellular and tissue origin. Furthermore, we describe currently recognized molecular regulators that drive differentiation and maintenance of Tregs in cancer, with a special focus on those signals regulating their chronic immune activation, with relevant implications for cancer progression and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Swatler
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan
| | - Marco De Luca
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan
| | - Ivano Rotella
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan
| | - Veronica Lise
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan
| | | | - Enrico Lugli
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan
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14
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Chaudhuri SM, Weinberg SE, Wang D, Yalom LK, Montauti E, Iyer R, Tang AY, Torres Acosta MA, Shen J, Mani NL, Wang S, Liu K, Lu W, Bui TM, Manzanares LD, Dehghani Z, Wai CM, Gao B, Wei J, Yue F, Cui W, Singer BD, Sumagin R, Zhang Y, Fang D. Mediator complex subunit 1 architects a tumorigenic Treg cell program independent of inflammation. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101441. [PMID: 38428427 PMCID: PMC10983042 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
While immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, its safety has been hampered by immunotherapy-related adverse events. Unexpectedly, we show that Mediator complex subunit 1 (MED1) is required for T regulatory (Treg) cell function specifically in the tumor microenvironment. Treg cell-specific MED1 deletion does not predispose mice to autoimmunity or excessive inflammation. In contrast, MED1 is required for Treg cell promotion of tumor growth because MED1 is required for the terminal differentiation of effector Treg cells in the tumor. Suppression of these terminally differentiated Treg cells is sufficient for eliciting antitumor immunity. Both human and murine Treg cells experience divergent paths of differentiation in tumors and matched tissues with non-malignant inflammation. Collectively, we identify a pathway promoting the differentiation of a Treg cell effector subset specific to tumors and demonstrate that suppression of a subset of Treg cells is sufficient for promoting antitumor immunity in the absence of autoimmune consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuvam M Chaudhuri
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Samuel E Weinberg
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Dongmei Wang
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Lenore K Yalom
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Elena Montauti
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Radhika Iyer
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Amy Y Tang
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Manuel A Torres Acosta
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Jian Shen
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Nikita L Mani
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Shengnan Wang
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Kun Liu
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Weiyuan Lu
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Triet M Bui
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Laura D Manzanares
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Zeinab Dehghani
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ching Man Wai
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Beixue Gao
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Juncheng Wei
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Feng Yue
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Weiguo Cui
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Benjamin D Singer
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ronen Sumagin
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Yana Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Deyu Fang
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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15
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Xiang X, He Y, Zhang Z, Yang X. Interrogations of single-cell RNA splicing landscapes with SCASL define new cell identities with physiological relevance. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2164. [PMID: 38461306 PMCID: PMC10925056 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46480-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA splicing shapes the gene regulatory programs that underlie various physiological and disease processes. Here, we present the SCASL (single-cell clustering based on alternative splicing landscapes) method for interrogating the heterogeneity of RNA splicing with single-cell RNA-seq data. SCASL resolves the issue of biased and sparse data coverage on single-cell RNA splicing and provides a new scheme for classifications of cell identities. With previously published datasets as examples, SCASL identifies new cell clusters indicating potentially precancerous and early-tumor stages in triple-negative breast cancer, illustrates cell lineages of embryonic liver development, and provides fine clusters of highly heterogeneous tumor-associated CD4 and CD8 T cells with functional and physiological relevance. Most of these findings are not readily available via conventional cell clustering based on single-cell gene expression data. Our study shows the potential of SCASL in revealing the intrinsic RNA splicing heterogeneity and generating biological insights into the dynamic and functional cell landscapes in complex tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianke Xiang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Center for Synthetic & Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yao He
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center and School of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Zemin Zhang
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center and School of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
- Cancer Research Institute, Shenzhen Bay Lab, Shenzhen, 518132, China
| | - Xuerui Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- Center for Synthetic & Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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16
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Kondo M, Kumagai S, Nishikawa H. Metabolic advantages of regulatory T cells dictated by cancer cells. Int Immunol 2024; 36:75-86. [PMID: 37837615 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxad035] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells employ glycolysis for their survival and growth (the "Warburg effect"). Consequently, surrounding cells including immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are exposed to hypoglycemic, hypoxic, and low pH circumstances. Since effector T cells depend on the glycolysis for their survival and functions, the metabolically harsh TME established by cancer cells is unfavorable, resulting in the impairment of effective antitumor immune responses. By contrast, immunosuppressive cells such as regulatory T (Treg) cells can infiltrate, proliferate, survive, and exert immunosuppressive functions in the metabolically harsh TME, indicating the different metabolic dependance between effector T cells and Treg cells. Indeed, some metabolites that are harmful for effector T cells can be utilized by Treg cells; lactic acid, a harmful metabolite for effector T cells, is available for Treg cell proliferation and functions. Deficiency of amino acids such as tryptophan and glutamine in the TME impairs effector T cell activation but increases Treg cell populations. Furthermore, hypoxia upregulates fatty acid oxidation via hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and promotes Treg cell migration. Adenosine is induced by the ectonucleotidases CD39 and CD73, which are strongly induced by HIF-1α, and reportedly accelerates Treg cell development by upregulating Foxp3 expression in T cells via A2AR-mediated signals. Therefore, this review focuses on the current views of the unique metabolism of Treg cells dictated by cancer cells. In addition, potential cancer combination therapies with immunotherapy and metabolic molecularly targeted reagents that modulate Treg cells in the TME are discussed to develop "immune metabolism-based precision medicine".
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Kondo
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Shogo Kumagai
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
- Division of Cellular Signaling, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Hiroyoshi Nishikawa
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
- Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
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17
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Wang B, Feng Y, Li Z, Zhou F, Luo J, Yang B, Long S, Li X, Liu Z, Li X, Chen J, Wang L, Wei W. Identification and validation of chromatin regulator-related signatures as a novel prognostic model for low-grade gliomas using translational bioinformatics. Life Sci 2024; 336:122312. [PMID: 38042284 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122312] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The purpose of this study is to explore the potential biological role and prognostic significance of chromatin regulators (CRs) in low-grade gliomas (LGGs). MAIN METHODS CRs were obtained from the FACER database. Transcription profiles of LGG patients were collected from the TCGA and CGGA databases. Differentially expressed CRs (DECRs) between LGGs and normal controls were identified using DESeq2. The consensus clustering algorithm was employed to distinguish subtypes of LGGs based on prognosis-related DECRs. The differences in clinical and molecular characteristics between different subtypes were explored. R packages, GSVA, ssGSEA, and ESTIMATE were utilized to elucidate the tumor microenvironment and activated pathways in different subtypes. Subsequently, a CRs-related signature was developed using LASSO Cox regression. Its performance was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier curve and ROC curve analyses. In vitro experiments were performed to explore the function of JADE3 in LGGs, which predominantly expressed in glioma cells. KEY FINDINGS We identified 43 DECRs and two CRs-related subtypes of LGGs. The subtype characterized by shorter survival displayed significant enrichment for pathways associated with DNA damage response and repair, along with heightened immune cell infiltration. Furthermore, the CRs-based signature exhibited excellent prognostic performance in both the TCGA and CGGA databases. Knockdown of JADE3 significantly increased the invasion, migration, and proliferation abilities of Hs683. SIGNIFICANCE Our study reveals the aberrant expression and prognostic value of CRs in LGGs. It emphasizes the potential regulatory role of CRs in the microenvironment and DNA damage repair in LGGs. JADE3 could be a possible therapeutic target for LGGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 430071 Wuhan, China; Brain Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 430071 Wuhan, China
| | - Zhengwei Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 430071 Wuhan, China
| | - Fan Zhou
- Huanggang Central Hospital of Yangtze University, Hubei 438000, China
| | - Jie Luo
- Huanggang Central Hospital of Yangtze University, Hubei 438000, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 430071 Wuhan, China; Brain Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shengrong Long
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 430071 Wuhan, China; Brain Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinyi Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 430071 Wuhan, China
| | - Zhenyuan Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 430071 Wuhan, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 430071 Wuhan, China; Brain Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jincao Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 430071 Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Huanggang Central Hospital of Yangtze University, Hubei 438000, China.
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 430071 Wuhan, China; Brain Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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18
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NISHIKAWA H. Establishment of immune suppression by cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment. PROCEEDINGS OF THE JAPAN ACADEMY. SERIES B, PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2024; 100:114-122. [PMID: 38346752 PMCID: PMC10978970 DOI: 10.2183/pjab.100.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
With the clinical success of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), cancer immunotherapy has become an important pillar of cancer treatment in various types of cancer. However, more than half of patients fail to respond to ICIs, even in combination, uncovering a limited window of clinical responses. Therefore, it is essential to develop more effective cancer immunotherapies and to define biomarkers for stratifying responders and nonresponders by exploring the immunological landscape in the tumor microenvironment (TME). It has become clear that differences in immune responses in the TME determine the clinical efficacy of cancer immunotherapies. Additionally, gene alterations in cancer cells contribute to the development of the immunological landscape, particularly immune suppression in the TME. Therefore, integrated analyses of immunological and genomic assays are key for understanding diverse immune suppressive mechanisms in the TME. Developing novel strategies to control immune suppression in the TME from the perspective of immunology and the cancer genome is crucial for effective cancer immunotherapy (immune-genome precision medicine).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyoshi NISHIKAWA
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute/Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center, Tokyo/Chiba, Japan
- Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
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19
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Li J, Chen G, Luo Y, Xu J, He J. The molecular subtypes and clinical prognosis characteristic of tertiary lymphoid structures-related gene of cutaneous melanoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:23097. [PMID: 38155221 PMCID: PMC10754817 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50327-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the remarkable efficacy of PD-1-associated immune checkpoint inhibitors in treating cutaneous melanoma (CM), the inconsistency in the expression of PD-1 and its ligand PD-L1, and resulting variability in the effectiveness of immunotherapy, present significant challenges for clinical application. Therefore, further research is necessary to identify tumor-related biomarkers that can predict the prognosis of immunotherapy. Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) have been recognized as a crucial factor in predicting the response of immune checkpoint inhibitors in solid tumors, including CM. However, the study of TLSs in CM is not yet comprehensive. Gene expression profiles have been shown to correlate with CM risk stratification and patient outcomes. In this study, we identified TLS-related genes that can be used for prognostic purposes and developed a corresponding risk model. The impact of TLS-related genes on clinicopathological characteristics, immune infiltration and drug susceptibility was also explored. Our biological function enrichment analysis provided preliminary evidence of related signaling pathways. Our findings provide a new perspective on risk stratification and individualized precision therapy for CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Li
- Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
- Chonging College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Bishan District, 61 Puguoba Road, Bicheng Street, Chongqing, 402760, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Chen
- Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Luo
- Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Xu
- Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun He
- Chonging College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Bishan District, 61 Puguoba Road, Bicheng Street, Chongqing, 402760, People's Republic of China.
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20
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Wang D, Ding D, Ying J, Qin Y. Bioinformatics identification of a T-cell-related signature for predicting prognosis and drug sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma. IET Syst Biol 2023; 17:366-377. [PMID: 37935646 PMCID: PMC10725711 DOI: 10.1049/syb2.12082] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a fatal disease with poor clinical outcomes. T cells play a vital role in the crosstalk between the tumour microenvironment and HCC. Single-cell RNA sequencing data were downloaded from the GSE149614 dataset. The T-cell-related prognostic signature (TRPS) was developed with the integrative procedure including 10 machine learning algorithms. The TRPS was established using 7 T-cell-related markers in the Cancer Genome Atlas cohort with 1-, 2- and 3-year area under curve values of 0.820, 0.725 and 0.678, respectively. TRPS acted as an independent risk factor for HCC patients. HCC patients with a high TRPS-based risk score had a higher Tumour Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion score, lower PD1 and CTLA4 immunophenoscore and lower level of immunoactivated cells, including CD8+ T cells and NK cells. The response rate was significantly higher in patients with low-risk scores in immunotherapy cohorts, including IMigor210 and GSE91061. The TRPS-based nomogram had a relatively good predictive value in evaluating the mortality risk at 1, 3 and 5 years in HCC. Overall, this study develops a TRPS by integrated bioinformatics analysis. This TRPS acted as an independent risk factor for the OS rate of HCC patients. It can screen for HCC patients who might benefit from immunotherapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianqian Wang
- Health Science CenterNingbo UniversityNingboZhejiangChina
| | - Dongxiao Ding
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryThe People's Hospital of Beilun DistrictNingboZhejiangChina
| | - Junjie Ying
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryThe People's Hospital of Beilun DistrictNingboZhejiangChina
| | - Yunsheng Qin
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic SurgeryFirst Affiliated HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Department of Hepatobiliary SurgeryThe People's Hospital of Beilun DistrictNingboZhejiangChina
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21
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Trujillo-Ochoa JL, Kazemian M, Afzali B. The role of transcription factors in shaping regulatory T cell identity. Nat Rev Immunol 2023; 23:842-856. [PMID: 37336954 PMCID: PMC10893967 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-023-00893-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Forkhead box protein 3-expressing (FOXP3+) regulatory T cells (Treg cells) suppress conventional T cells and are essential for immunological tolerance. FOXP3, the master transcription factor of Treg cells, controls the expression of multiples genes to guide Treg cell differentiation and function. However, only a small fraction (<10%) of Treg cell-associated genes are directly bound by FOXP3, and FOXP3 alone is insufficient to fully specify the Treg cell programme, indicating a role for other accessory transcription factors operating upstream, downstream and/or concurrently with FOXP3 to direct Treg cell specification and specialized functions. Indeed, the heterogeneity of Treg cells can be at least partially attributed to differential expression of transcription factors that fine-tune their trafficking, survival and functional properties, some of which are niche-specific. In this Review, we discuss the emerging roles of accessory transcription factors in controlling Treg cell identity. We specifically focus on members of the basic helix-loop-helix family (AHR), basic leucine zipper family (BACH2, NFIL3 and BATF), CUT homeobox family (SATB1), zinc-finger domain family (BLIMP1, Ikaros and BCL-11B) and interferon regulatory factor family (IRF4), as well as lineage-defining transcription factors (T-bet, GATA3, RORγt and BCL-6). Understanding the imprinting of Treg cell identity and specialized function will be key to unravelling basic mechanisms of autoimmunity and identifying novel targets for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge L Trujillo-Ochoa
- Immunoregulation Section, Kidney Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Majid Kazemian
- Departments of Biochemistry and Computer Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Behdad Afzali
- Immunoregulation Section, Kidney Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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22
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Shan F, Cillo AR, Cardello C, Yuan DY, Kunning SR, Cui J, Lampenfeld C, Williams AM, McDonough AP, Pennathur A, Luketich JD, Kirkwood JM, Ferris RL, Bruno TC, Workman CJ, Benos PV, Vignali DAA. Integrated BATF transcriptional network regulates suppressive intratumoral regulatory T cells. Sci Immunol 2023; 8:eadf6717. [PMID: 37713508 PMCID: PMC11045170 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.adf6717] [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: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Human regulatory T cells (Tregs) are crucial regulators of tissue repair, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. However, it is challenging to inhibit the suppressive function of Tregs for cancer therapy without affecting immune homeostasis. Identifying pathways that may distinguish tumor-restricted Tregs is important, yet the transcriptional programs that control intratumoral Treg gene expression, and that are distinct from Tregs in healthy tissues, remain largely unknown. We profiled single-cell transcriptomes of CD4+ T cells in tumors and peripheral blood from patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) and those in nontumor tonsil tissues and peripheral blood from healthy donors. We identified a subpopulation of activated Tregs expressing multiple tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) genes (TNFR+ Tregs) that is highly enriched in the tumor microenvironment (TME) compared with nontumor tissue and the periphery. TNFR+ Tregs are associated with worse prognosis in HNSCC and across multiple solid tumor types. Mechanistically, the transcription factor BATF is a central component of a gene regulatory network that governs key aspects of TNFR+ Tregs. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated BATF knockout in human activated Tregs in conjunction with bulk RNA sequencing, immunophenotyping, and in vitro functional assays corroborated the central role of BATF in limiting excessive activation and promoting the survival of human activated Tregs. Last, we identified a suite of surface molecules reflective of the BATF-driven transcriptional network on intratumoral Tregs in patients with HNSCC. These findings uncover a primary transcriptional regulator of highly suppressive intratumoral Tregs, highlighting potential opportunities for therapeutic intervention in cancer without affecting immune homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Shan
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Integrative Systems Biology Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Anthony R. Cillo
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Carly Cardello
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Daniel Y. Yuan
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sheryl R. Kunning
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jian Cui
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Caleb Lampenfeld
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Asia M. Williams
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Alexandra P. McDonough
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Arjun Pennathur
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - James D. Luketich
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - John M. Kirkwood
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Robert L. Ferris
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tullia C. Bruno
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Creg J. Workman
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Panayiotis V. Benos
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Dario A. A. Vignali
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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23
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Fattori S, Le Roy A, Houacine J, Robert L, Abes R, Gorvel L, Granjeaud S, Rouvière MS, Ben Amara A, Boucherit N, Tarpin C, Pakradouni J, Charafe-Jauffret E, Houvenaeghel G, Lambaudie E, Bertucci F, Rochigneux P, Gonçalves A, Foussat A, Chrétien AS, Olive D. CD25high Effector Regulatory T Cells Hamper Responses to PD-1 Blockade in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Cancer Res 2023; 83:3026-3044. [PMID: 37379438 PMCID: PMC10502453 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-0613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Treg) impede effective antitumor immunity. However, the role of Tregs in the clinical outcomes of patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains controversial. Here, we found that an immunosuppressive TNBC microenvironment is marked by an imbalance between effector αβCD8+ T cells and Tregs harboring hallmarks of highly suppressive effector Tregs (eTreg). Intratumoral eTregs strongly expressed PD-1 and persisted in patients with TNBC resistant to PD-1 blockade. Importantly, CD25 was the most selective surface marker of eTregs in primary TNBC and metastases compared with other candidate targets for eTreg depletion currently being evaluated in trials for patients with advanced TNBC. In a syngeneic TNBC model, the use of Fc-optimized, IL2 sparing, anti-CD25 antibodies synergized with PD-1 blockade to promote systemic antitumor immunity and durable tumor growth control by increasing effector αβCD8+ T-cell/Treg ratios in tumors and in the periphery. Together, this study provides the rationale for the clinical translation of anti-CD25 therapy to improve PD-1 blockade responses in patients with TNBC. SIGNIFICANCE An imbalance between effector CD8+ T cells and CD25high effector Tregs marks immunosuppressive microenvironments in αPD-1-resistant TNBC and can be reversed through effector Treg depletion to increase αPD-1 efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Fattori
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, UM105, Marseille, France
- Cancer Immunomonitoring Platform, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | | | | | - Lucie Robert
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, UM105, Marseille, France
| | - Riad Abes
- Alderaan Biotechnology, Paris, France
| | - Laurent Gorvel
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, UM105, Marseille, France
- Cancer Immunomonitoring Platform, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Samuel Granjeaud
- Systems Biology Platform, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, UM105, Marseille, France
| | - Marie-Sarah Rouvière
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, UM105, Marseille, France
- Cancer Immunomonitoring Platform, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Amira Ben Amara
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, UM105, Marseille, France
- Cancer Immunomonitoring Platform, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Nicolas Boucherit
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, UM105, Marseille, France
- Cancer Immunomonitoring Platform, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Carole Tarpin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Jihane Pakradouni
- Department of Clinical Research and Innovations, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Emmanuelle Charafe-Jauffret
- Department of Pathology, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
- Faculty of Medical and Paramedic Sciences, Aix-Marseille University, UM105, Marseille, France
| | - Gilles Houvenaeghel
- Faculty of Medical and Paramedic Sciences, Aix-Marseille University, UM105, Marseille, France
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Eric Lambaudie
- Department of Pathology, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
- Faculty of Medical and Paramedic Sciences, Aix-Marseille University, UM105, Marseille, France
| | - François Bertucci
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
- Faculty of Medical and Paramedic Sciences, Aix-Marseille University, UM105, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Rochigneux
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, UM105, Marseille, France
- Cancer Immunomonitoring Platform, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Anthony Gonçalves
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
- Faculty of Medical and Paramedic Sciences, Aix-Marseille University, UM105, Marseille, France
| | | | - Anne-Sophie Chrétien
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, UM105, Marseille, France
- Cancer Immunomonitoring Platform, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
- Faculty of Medical and Paramedic Sciences, Aix-Marseille University, UM105, Marseille, France
| | - Daniel Olive
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, UM105, Marseille, France
- Cancer Immunomonitoring Platform, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
- Alderaan Biotechnology, Paris, France
- Faculty of Medical and Paramedic Sciences, Aix-Marseille University, UM105, Marseille, France
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24
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Yang W, Xu M, Xu S, Guan Q, Geng S, Wang J, Wei W, Xu H, Liu Y, Meng Y, Gao MQ. Single-cell RNA reveals a tumorigenic microenvironment in the interface zone of human breast tumors. Breast Cancer Res 2023; 25:100. [PMID: 37644609 PMCID: PMC10463980 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-023-01703-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The interface zone, area around invasive carcinoma, can be thought of as the actual tissue of the tumor microenvironment with precedent alterations for tumor invasion. However, the heterogeneity and characteristics of the microenvironment in the interface area have not yet been thoroughly explored. METHODS For in vitro studies, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was used to characterize the cells from the tumor zone, the normal zone and the interface zone with 5-mm-wide belts between the tumor invasion front and the normal zone. Through scRNA-seq data analysis, we compared the cell types and their transcriptional characteristics in the different zones. Pseudotime, cell-cell communication and pathway analysis were performed to characterize the zone-specific microenvironment. Cell proliferation, wound healing and clone formation experiments explored the function of differentially expressed gene BMPR1B, which were confirmed by tumor models in vivo. RESULTS After screening, 88,548 high-quality cells were obtained and identified. Regulatory T cells, M2 macrophages, angiogenesis-related mast cells, stem cells with weak DNA repair ability, endothelial cells with angiogenic activity, fibroblasts with collagen synthesis and epithelial cells with proliferative activity form a unique tumorigenic microenvironment in the interface zone. Cell-cell communication analysis revealed that there are special ligand-receptor pairs between different cell types in the interface zone, which protects endothelial cell apoptosis and promotes epithelial cell proliferation and migration, compared to the normal zone. Compared with the normal zone, the highly expressed BMPR1B gene promotes the tumorigenic ability of cancer cells in the interface zone. CONCLUSIONS Our work identified a unique tumorigenic microenvironment of the interface zone and allowed for deeper insights into the tumor microenvironment of breast cancer that will serve as a helpful resource for advancing breast cancer diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Meiyu Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shuoqi Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qingxian Guan
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shuaiming Geng
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Juanhong Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Pathology, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hongwei Xu
- Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yong Meng
- School of Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ming-Qing Gao
- School of Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.
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25
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Liu R, Zhao E, Yu H, Yuan C, Abbas MN, Cui H. Methylation across the central dogma in health and diseases: new therapeutic strategies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:310. [PMID: 37620312 PMCID: PMC10449936 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01528-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The proper transfer of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein is essential for cell-fate control, development, and health. Methylation of DNA, RNAs, histones, and non-histone proteins is a reversible post-synthesis modification that finetunes gene expression and function in diverse physiological processes. Aberrant methylation caused by genetic mutations or environmental stimuli promotes various diseases and accelerates aging, necessitating the development of therapies to correct the disease-driver methylation imbalance. In this Review, we summarize the operating system of methylation across the central dogma, which includes writers, erasers, readers, and reader-independent outputs. We then discuss how dysregulation of the system contributes to neurological disorders, cancer, and aging. Current small-molecule compounds that target the modifiers show modest success in certain cancers. The methylome-wide action and lack of specificity lead to undesirable biological effects and cytotoxicity, limiting their therapeutic application, especially for diseases with a monogenic cause or different directions of methylation changes. Emerging tools capable of site-specific methylation manipulation hold great promise to solve this dilemma. With the refinement of delivery vehicles, these new tools are well positioned to advance the basic research and clinical translation of the methylation field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruochen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Erhu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Huijuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Chaoyu Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Muhammad Nadeem Abbas
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China.
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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26
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Pulanco MC, Madsen AT, Tanwar A, Corrigan DT, Zang X. Recent advancements in the B7/CD28 immune checkpoint families: new biology and clinical therapeutic strategies. Cell Mol Immunol 2023; 20:694-713. [PMID: 37069229 PMCID: PMC10310771 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-023-01019-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The B7/CD28 families of immune checkpoints play vital roles in negatively or positively regulating immune cells in homeostasis and various diseases. Recent basic and clinical studies have revealed novel biology of the B7/CD28 families and new therapeutics for cancer therapy. In this review, we discuss the newly discovered KIR3DL3/TMIGD2/HHLA2 pathways, PD-1/PD-L1 and B7-H3 as metabolic regulators, the glycobiology of PD-1/PD-L1, B7x (B7-H4) and B7-H3, and the recently characterized PD-L1/B7-1 cis-interaction. We also cover the tumor-intrinsic and -extrinsic resistance mechanisms to current anti-PD-1/PD-L1 and anti-CTLA-4 immunotherapies in clinical settings. Finally, we review new immunotherapies targeting B7-H3, B7x, PD-1/PD-L1, and CTLA-4 in current clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc C Pulanco
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Anne T Madsen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, 10461, USA
- Department of Urology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Ankit Tanwar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, 10461, USA
- Department of Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Devin T Corrigan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Xingxing Zang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, 10461, USA.
- Department of Urology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, 10461, USA.
- Department of Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, 10461, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, 10461, USA.
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27
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van Gulijk M, van Krimpen A, Schetters S, Eterman M, van Elsas M, Mankor J, Klaase L, de Bruijn M, van Nimwegen M, van Tienhoven T, van Ijcken W, Boon L, van der Schoot J, Verdoes M, Scheeren F, van der Burg SH, Lambrecht BN, Stadhouders R, Dammeijer F, Aerts J, van Hall T. PD-L1 checkpoint blockade promotes regulatory T cell activity that underlies therapy resistance. Sci Immunol 2023; 8:eabn6173. [PMID: 37205768 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.abn6173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Despite the clinical success of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), in certain cancer types, most patients with cancer do not respond well. Furthermore, in patients for whom ICB is initially successful, this is often short-lived because of the development of resistance to ICB. The mechanisms underlying primary or secondary ICB resistance are incompletely understood. Here, we identified preferential activation and enhanced suppressive capacity of regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in αPD-L1 therapy-resistant solid tumor-bearing mice. Treg cell depletion reversed resistance to αPD-L1 with concomitant expansion of effector T cells. Moreover, we found that tumor-infiltrating Treg cells in human patients with skin cancer, and in patients with non-small cell lung cancer, up-regulated a suppressive transcriptional gene program after ICB treatment, which correlated with lack of treatment response. αPD-1/PD-L1-induced PD-1+ Treg cell activation was also seen in peripheral blood of patients with lung cancer and mesothelioma, especially in nonresponders. Together, these data reveal that treatment with αPD-1 and αPD-L1 unleashes the immunosuppressive role of Treg cells, resulting in therapy resistance, suggesting that Treg cell targeting is an important adjunct strategy to enhance therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy van Gulijk
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Anneloes van Krimpen
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd Schetters
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation and Mucosal Immunology, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mike Eterman
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marit van Elsas
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Joanne Mankor
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Larissa Klaase
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marjolein de Bruijn
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Menno van Nimwegen
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Tim van Tienhoven
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Wilfred van Ijcken
- Department of Biomics, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Johan van der Schoot
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Martijn Verdoes
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Institute for Chemical Immunology, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Ferenc Scheeren
- Department of Dermatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd H van der Burg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Bart N Lambrecht
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation and Mucosal Immunology, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ralph Stadhouders
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Floris Dammeijer
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Joachim Aerts
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Thorbald van Hall
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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28
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Kumar V, Stewart JH. Immunometabolic reprogramming, another cancer hallmark. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1125874. [PMID: 37275901 PMCID: PMC10235624 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1125874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular carcinogenesis is a multistep process that involves acquired abnormalities in key biological processes. The complexity of cancer pathogenesis is best illustrated in the six hallmarks of the cancer: (1) the development of self-sufficient growth signals, (2) the emergence of clones that are resistant to apoptosis, (3) resistance to the antigrowth signals, (4) neo-angiogenesis, (5) the invasion of normal tissue or spread to the distant organs, and (6) limitless replicative potential. It also appears that non-resolving inflammation leads to the dysregulation of immune cell metabolism and subsequent cancer progression. The present article delineates immunometabolic reprogramming as a critical hallmark of cancer by linking chronic inflammation and immunosuppression to cancer growth and metastasis. We propose that targeting tumor immunometabolic reprogramming will lead to the design of novel immunotherapeutic approaches to cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Kumar
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC), New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - John H. Stewart
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC), New Orleans, LA, United States
- Louisiana State University- Louisiana Children’s Medical Center, Stanley S. Scott, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC), New Orleans, LA, United States
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29
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Sugiyama D, Hinohara K, Nishikawa H. Significance of regulatory T cells in cancer immunology and immunotherapy. Exp Dermatol 2023; 32:256-263. [PMID: 36458459 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Immunosuppression in the tumour microenvironment (TME) attenuates antitumor immunity, consequently hindering protective immunosurveillance and preventing effective antitumor immunity induced by cancer immunotherapy. Multiple mechanisms including immune checkpoint molecules, such as CTLA-4, PD-1, and LAG-3, and immunosuppressive cells are involved in the immunosuppression in the TME. Regulatory T (Treg) cells, a population of immunosuppressive cells, play an important role in inhibiting antitumor immunity. Therefore, Treg cells in the TME correlate with an unfavourable prognosis in various cancer types. Thus, Treg cell is considered to become a promising target for cancer immunotherapy. Elucidating Treg cell functions in cancer patients is therefore crucial for developing optimal Treg cell-targeted immunotherapy. Here, we describe Treg cell functions and phenotypes in the TME from the perspective of Treg cell-targeted immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Sugiyama
- Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Hinohara
- Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroyoshi Nishikawa
- Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute/Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center, Chuo-ku, Japan
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30
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Epigenetic Perspective of Immunotherapy for Cancers. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030365. [PMID: 36766706 PMCID: PMC9913322 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has brought new hope for cancer patients in recent times. However, despite the promising success of immunotherapy, there is still a need to address major challenges including heterogeneity in response among patients, the reoccurrence of the disease, and iRAEs (immune-related adverse effects). The first critical step towards solving these issues is understanding the epigenomic events that play a significant role in the regulation of specific biomolecules in the context of the immune population present in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) during various treatments and responses. A prominent advantage of this step is that it would enable researchers to harness the reversibility of epigenetic modifications for their druggability. Therefore, we reviewed the crucial studies in which varying epigenomic events were captured with immuno-oncology set-ups. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic possibilities of their utilization for the betterment of immunotherapy in terms of diagnosis, progression, and cure for cancer patients.
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31
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BATF reprograms the tumor immune status. MED 2023; 4:10-12. [PMID: 36640752 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2022.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The AP-1 family member BATF maintains immune cell function. Two recent papers by Zhang et al.1 and Itahashi et al.2 investigated the role of this protein in cancer immunity, finding that its depletion in CAR-T cells augments anti-tumor activity and it contributes to Treg-mediated immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment.
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32
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Braband KL, Kaufmann T, Floess S, Zou M, Huehn J, Delacher M. Stepwise acquisition of unique epigenetic signatures during differentiation of tissue Treg cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1082055. [PMID: 36569861 PMCID: PMC9772052 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1082055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells in non-lymphoid tissues are not only critical for maintaining self-tolerance, but are also important for promoting organ homeostasis and tissue repair. It is proposed that the generation of tissue Treg cells is a stepwise, multi-site process, accompanied by extensive epigenome remodeling, finally leading to the acquisition of unique tissue-specific epigenetic signatures. This process is initiated in the thymus, where Treg cells acquire core phenotypic and functional properties, followed by a priming step in secondary lymphoid organs that permits Treg cells to exit the lymphoid organs and seed into non-lymphoid tissues. There, a final specialization process takes place in response to unique microenvironmental cues in the respective tissue. In this review, we will summarize recent findings on this multi-site tissue Treg cell differentiation and highlight the importance of epigenetic remodeling during these stepwise events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin L. Braband
- Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany,Research Center for Immunotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Tamara Kaufmann
- Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany,Research Center for Immunotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Stefan Floess
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Mangge Zou
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jochen Huehn
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany,Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Delacher
- Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany,Research Center for Immunotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany,*Correspondence: Michael Delacher,
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