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Wu B, Zhang B, Li B, Wu H, Jiang M. Cold and hot tumors: from molecular mechanisms to targeted therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:274. [PMID: 39420203 PMCID: PMC11491057 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01979-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 10/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has made significant strides in cancer treatment, particularly through immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), which has shown notable clinical benefits across various tumor types. Despite the transformative impact of ICB treatment in cancer therapy, only a minority of patients exhibit a positive response to it. In patients with solid tumors, those who respond well to ICB treatment typically demonstrate an active immune profile referred to as the "hot" (immune-inflamed) phenotype. On the other hand, non-responsive patients may exhibit a distinct "cold" (immune-desert) phenotype, differing from the features of "hot" tumors. Additionally, there is a more nuanced "excluded" immune phenotype, positioned between the "cold" and "hot" categories, known as the immune "excluded" type. Effective differentiation between "cold" and "hot" tumors, and understanding tumor intrinsic factors, immune characteristics, TME, and external factors are critical for predicting tumor response and treatment results. It is widely accepted that ICB therapy exerts a more profound effect on "hot" tumors, with limited efficacy against "cold" or "altered" tumors, necessitating combinations with other therapeutic modalities to enhance immune cell infiltration into tumor tissue and convert "cold" or "altered" tumors into "hot" ones. Therefore, aligning with the traits of "cold" and "hot" tumors, this review systematically delineates the respective immune characteristics, influencing factors, and extensively discusses varied treatment approaches and drug targets based on "cold" and "hot" tumors to assess clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wu
- Department of Neurology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Youth League Committee, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Bowen Li
- Department of Pancreatic and Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Haoqi Wu
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Meixi Jiang
- Department of Neurology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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2
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Ryba-Stanisławowska M. Unraveling Th subsets: insights into their role in immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024:10.1007/s13402-024-00992-0. [PMID: 39325360 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-024-00992-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024] Open
Abstract
T helper (Th) cell subsets play pivotal roles in regulating immune responses within the tumor microenvironment, influencing both tumor progression and anti-tumor immunity. Among these subsets, Th1 cells promote cytotoxic responses through the production of IFN-γ, while Th2 cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs) exert immunosuppressive effects that support tumor growth. Th9 and Th17 cells have context-dependent roles, contributing to both pro-inflammatory and regulatory processes in tumor immunity. Tumor antigen-specific T cells within the tumor microenvironment often exhibit a dysfunctional phenotype due to increased expression of inhibitory receptors such as CTLA-4 and PD-1, leading to reduced antitumor activity. Monoclonal antibodies that block these inhibitory signals-collectively known as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)-can reactivate these T cells, enhancing their ability to target and destroy cancer cells. Recent advancements have highlighted the critical role of T helper subsets in modulating responses to ICIs, with their interactions remaining a focus of ongoing research. Both positive and negative effects of ICIs have been reported in relation to Th cell subsets, with some effects depending on the type of tumor microenvironment. This review summarizes the crucial roles of different T helper cell subsets in tumor immunity and their complex relationship with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Ryba-Stanisławowska
- Department of Medical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 1, Gdańsk, 80-211, Poland.
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3
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von der Grün J, Broglie M, Guckenberger M, Balermpas P. A comprehensive and longitudinal evaluation of the different populations of lymphoid and myeloid cells in the peripheral blood of patients treated with chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:222. [PMID: 39235625 PMCID: PMC11377404 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03810-6] [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: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunotherapy provided significant survival benefits for recurrent and metastatic patients with head and neck cancer. These improvements could not be reproduced in patients treated with curative-intent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and the optimal radio-immunotherapy (RIT) concepts have yet to be designed. Exploration and analysis of the pre-therapeutic immune status of these patients and the changes occurring during the treatment course could be crucial in rationally designing future combined treatments. METHODS Blood samples were collected from a cohort of 25 head and neck cancer patients treated with curative-intended (C)-RT prior to therapy, after the first week of treatment, and three months after treatment completion. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) or all nucleated blood cells were isolated and analyzed via flow cytometry. RESULTS At baseline, patients showed reduced monocyte and lymphocyte counts compared to healthy individuals. Although overall CD8+ T-cell frequencies were reduced, the proportion of memory subsets were increased in patients. Radiotherapy (RT) treatment led to a further increase in CD8+ effector memory T-cells. Among myeloid populations, tumor-promoting subsets became less abundant after RT, in favor of pro-inflammatory cells. CONCLUSION The present study prospectively demonstrated a complex interplay and distinct longitudinal changes in the composition of lymphocytic and myeloid populations during curative (C)-RT of head and neck cancer. Further validation of this method in a larger cohort could allow for better treatment guidance and tailored incorporation of immunotherapies (IT) in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens von der Grün
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Universitäts Spital Zürich (USZ), Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martina Broglie
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Guckenberger
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Universitäts Spital Zürich (USZ), Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Panagiotis Balermpas
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Universitäts Spital Zürich (USZ), Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Zhou Z, Xu J, Liu S, Lv Y, Zhang R, Zhou X, Zhang Y, Weng S, Xu H, Ba Y, Zuo A, Han X, Liu Z. Infiltrating treg reprogramming in the tumor immune microenvironment and its optimization for immunotherapy. Biomark Res 2024; 12:97. [PMID: 39227959 PMCID: PMC11373505 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00630-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has shown promising anti-tumor effects across various tumors, yet it encounters challenges from the inhibitory tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Infiltrating regulatory T cells (Tregs) are important contributors to immunosuppressive TIME, limiting tumor immunosurveillance and blocking effective anti-tumor immune responses. Although depletion or inhibition of systemic Tregs enhances the anti-tumor immunity, autoimmune sequelae have diminished expectations for the approach. Herein, we summarize emerging strategies, specifically targeting tumor-infiltrating (TI)-Tregs, that elevate the capacity of organisms to resist tumors by reprogramming their phenotype. The regulatory mechanisms of Treg reprogramming are also discussed as well as how this knowledge could be utilized to develop novel and effective cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaokai Zhou
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Jiaxin Xu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Shutong Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Yingying Lv
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Ruiqi Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Xing Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Yuyuan Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Siyuan Weng
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Yuhao Ba
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Anning Zuo
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Xinwei Han
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
- Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
- Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
- Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
- Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
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5
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Liu Y, Yang H, Li T, Zhang N. Immunotherapy in liver cancer: overcoming the tolerogenic liver microenvironment. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1460282. [PMID: 39295859 PMCID: PMC11409253 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1460282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is a major global health concern, ranking among the top causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite advances in medical research, the prognosis for liver cancer remains poor, largely due to the inherent limitations of current therapies. Traditional treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy often fail to provide long-term remission and are associated with significant side effects. Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising avenue for cancer treatment, leveraging the body's immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. However, its application in liver cancer has been limited. One of the primary challenges is the liver's unique immune microenvironment, which can inhibit the effectiveness of immunotherapeutic agents. This immune microenvironment creates a barrier, leading to drug resistance and reducing the overall efficacy of treatment. Recent studies have focused on understanding the immunological landscape of liver cancer to develop strategies that can overcome these obstacles. By identifying the specific factors within the liver that contribute to immune suppression and drug resistance, researchers aim to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy. Prospective strategies include combining immunotherapy with other treatments, using targeted therapies to modulate the immune microenvironment, and developing new agents that can bypass or counteract the inhibitory mechanisms in the liver. These advancements hold promise for improving outcomes in liver cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanju Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Hongyuan Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Tian Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Na Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, China
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6
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Romero Fernandez J, Cordoba Largo S, Benlloch Rodriguez R, Gil Haro B. The Effects of Gynecological Tumor Irradiation on the Immune System. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2804. [PMID: 39199577 PMCID: PMC11352652 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16162804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Radiobiology has evolved from a mechanistic model based on DNA damage and response factors into a more complex model that includes effects on the immune system and the tumor microenvironment (TME). Irradiation has an immunomodulatory effect that can manifest as increased anti-tumor immunity or immunosuppression. Irradiation promotes an inflammatory microenvironment through the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and endothelial damage, which recruit immune system cells to the irradiated area. Radiation-induced immunogenic cell death (ICD), characterized by the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and tumor antigens, triggers an anti-tumor immune response of both innate and adaptive immunity. Anti-tumor immunity can manifest at a distance from the irradiated area, a phenomenon known as the abscopal effect (AE), which involves dendritic cells and CD8+ T cells. Irradiation also produces an immunosuppressive effect mediated by tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs), which counterbalances the immunostimulatory effect. In this work, we review the mechanisms involved in the radiation-induced immune response, which support the combined treatment of RT and immunotherapy, focusing, where possible, on gynecologic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesus Romero Fernandez
- Radiation Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, C. Joaquín Rodrigo 1, 28222 Majadahonda, Spain; (S.C.L.); (R.B.R.); (B.G.H.)
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7
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Shi X, Wang X, Yao W, Shi D, Shao X, Lu Z, Chai Y, Song J, Tang W, Wang X. Mechanism insights and therapeutic intervention of tumor metastasis: latest developments and perspectives. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:192. [PMID: 39090094 PMCID: PMC11294630 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01885-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Metastasis remains a pivotal characteristic of cancer and is the primary contributor to cancer-associated mortality. Despite its significance, the mechanisms governing metastasis are not fully elucidated. Contemporary findings in the domain of cancer biology have shed light on the molecular aspects of this intricate process. Tumor cells undergoing invasion engage with other cellular entities and proteins en route to their destination. Insights into these engagements have enhanced our comprehension of the principles directing the movement and adaptability of metastatic cells. The tumor microenvironment plays a pivotal role in facilitating the invasion and proliferation of cancer cells by enabling tumor cells to navigate through stromal barriers. Such attributes are influenced by genetic and epigenetic changes occurring in the tumor cells and their surrounding milieu. A profound understanding of the metastatic process's biological mechanisms is indispensable for devising efficacious therapeutic strategies. This review delves into recent developments concerning metastasis-associated genes, important signaling pathways, tumor microenvironment, metabolic processes, peripheral immunity, and mechanical forces and cancer metastasis. In addition, we combine recent advances with a particular emphasis on the prospect of developing effective interventions including the most popular cancer immunotherapies and nanotechnology to combat metastasis. We have also identified the limitations of current research on tumor metastasis, encompassing drug resistance, restricted animal models, inadequate biomarkers and early detection methods, as well as heterogeneity among others. It is anticipated that this comprehensive review will significantly contribute to the advancement of cancer metastasis research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Shi
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Cancers, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinyi Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wentao Yao
- Department of Urology, Suzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dongmin Shi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Xihuan Shao
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhengqing Lu
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Cancers, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yue Chai
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Cancers, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinhua Song
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Cancers, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Weiwei Tang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Cancers, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Xuehao Wang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Cancers, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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8
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Lynch C, Pitroda SP, Weichselbaum RR. Radiotherapy, immunity, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Lancet Oncol 2024; 25:e352-e362. [PMID: 39089313 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(24)00075-5] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
Radiotherapy exerts immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive effects, both locally, within the irradiated tumour microenvironment, and systemically, outside the radiation field. Inspired by preclinical data that showed synergy between radiotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors, multiple clinical trials were initiated with the hypothesis that combined treatment with radiotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors could stimulate a robust systemic immune response and improve clinical outcomes. However, despite early optimism, radioimmunotherapy trials in the curative and metastatic settings have met with little success. In this Review, we summarise the immunostimulatory effects of radiotherapy that provided the theoretical basis for trials of combination radiotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors. We also discuss findings from clinical trials incorporating radiotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors and examine the success of these trials in the context of the immunosuppressive effects of radiotherapy. We conclude by highlighting targets for relieving radiotherapy-induced immunosuppression with the goal of enhancing the combined effects of radiotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor Lynch
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sean P Pitroda
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ralph R Weichselbaum
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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9
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Cheng W, Kang K, Zhao A, Wu Y. Dual blockade immunotherapy targeting PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 in lung cancer. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:54. [PMID: 39068460 PMCID: PMC11283714 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01581-2] [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: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapies, represented by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), have reshaped the treatment paradigm for both advanced non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Programmed death receptor-1/programmed death receptor ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) are some of the most common and promising targets in ICIs. Compared to ICI monotherapy, which occasionally demonstrates treatment resistance and limited efficacy, the dual blockade immunotherapy targeting PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 operates at different stages of T cell activation with synergistically enhancing immune responses against cancer cells. This emerging dual therapy heralds a new direction for cancer immunotherapy, which, however, may increase the risk of drug-related adverse reactions while improving efficacy. Previous clinical trials have explored combination therapy strategy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 and anti-CTLA-4 agents in lung cancer, yet its efficacy remains to be unclear with the inevitable incidence of immune-related adverse events. The recent advent of bispecific antibodies has made this sort of dual targeting more feasible, aiming to alleviate toxicity without compromising efficacy. Thus, this review highlights the role of dual blockade immunotherapy targeting PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 in treating lung cancer, and further elucidates its pre-clinical mechanisms and current advancements in clinical trials. Besides, we also provide novel insights into the potential combinations of dual blockade therapies with other strategies to optimize the future treatment mode for lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weishi Cheng
- Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Kang
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ailin Zhao
- Department of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yijun Wu
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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10
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Jama M, Tabana Y, Barakat KH. Targeting cytotoxic lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) in breast cancer. Eur J Med Res 2024; 29:353. [PMID: 38956700 PMCID: PMC11218087 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-024-01901-9] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) has a high mortality rate and is one of the most common malignancies in the world. Initially, BC was considered non-immunogenic, but a paradigm shift occurred with the discovery of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the BC tumor microenvironment. CTLA-4 (Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4) immunotherapy has emerged as a treatment option for BC, but it has limitations, including suboptimal antitumor effects and toxicity. Research has demonstrated that anti-CTLA-4 combination therapies, such as Treg depletion, cancer vaccines, and modulation of the gut microbiome, are significantly more effective than CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody (mAB) monotherapy. Second-generation CTLA-4 antibodies are currently being developed to mitigate immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and augment antitumor efficacy. This review examines anti-CTLA-4 mAB in BC, both as monotherapy and in combination with other treatments, and sheds light on ongoing clinical trials, novel CTLA-4 therapeutic strategies, and potential utility of biomarkers in BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Jama
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Yasser Tabana
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Khaled H Barakat
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
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11
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Ramapriyan R, Vykunta VS, Vandecandelaere G, Richardson LGK, Sun J, Curry WT, Choi BD. Altered cancer metabolism and implications for next-generation CAR T-cell therapies. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 259:108667. [PMID: 38763321 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108667] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
This review critically examines the evolving landscape of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy in treating solid tumors, with a particular focus on the metabolic challenges within the tumor microenvironment. CAR T-cell therapy has demonstrated remarkable success in hematologic malignancies, yet its efficacy in solid tumors remains limited. A significant barrier is the hostile milieu of the tumor microenvironment, which impairs CAR T-cell survival and function. This review delves into the metabolic adaptations of cancer cells and their impact on immune cells, highlighting the competition for nutrients and the accumulation of immunosuppressive metabolites. It also explores emerging strategies to enhance CAR T-cell metabolic fitness and persistence, including genetic engineering and metabolic reprogramming. An integrated approach, combining metabolic interventions with CAR T-cell therapy, has the potential to overcome these constraints and improve therapeutic outcomes in solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishab Ramapriyan
- Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Vivasvan S Vykunta
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; ImmunoX Initiative, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Gust Vandecandelaere
- Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Leland G K Richardson
- Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jing Sun
- Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - William T Curry
- Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Bryan D Choi
- Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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Chen H, Zhang JH, Hao Q, Wu XL, Guo JX, Huang CX, Zhang J, Xing GS, An ZL, Ling Y, Zhao JG, Bao YN. Analysis of tumor microenvironment alterations in partially responsive rectal cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Int J Colorectal Dis 2024; 39:99. [PMID: 38926205 PMCID: PMC11208236 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-024-04672-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Achieving a pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) remains a challenge for most patients with rectal cancer. Exploring the potential of combining NCRT with immunotherapy or targeted therapy for those achieving a partial response (PR) offers a promising avenue to enhance treatment efficacy. This study investigated the impact of NCRT on the tumor microenvironment in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients who exhibited a PR. METHODS This was a retrospective, observational study. Five patients demonstrating a PR after neoadjuvant treatment for LARC were enrolled in the study. Biopsy samples before treatment and resected specimens after treatment were stained with a panel of 26 antibodies targeting various immune and tumor-related markers, each labeled with distinct metal tags. The labeled samples were then analyzed using the Hyperion imaging system. RESULTS Heterogeneity within the tumor microenvironment was observed both before and after NCRT. Notably, tumor-associated macrophages, CD4 + T cells, CD8 + T cells, CD56 + natural killer cells, tumor-associated neutrophils, cytokeratin, and E-cadherin exhibited slight increase in abundance within the tumor microenvironment following treatment (change ratios = 0.78, 0.2, 0.27, 0.32, 0.17, 0.46, 0.32, respectively). Conversely, the number of CD14 + monocytes, CD19 + B cells, CD45 + CD4 + T cells, collagen I, α-smooth muscle actin, vimentin, and β-catenin proteins displayed significant decreases post-treatment (change ratios = 1.73, 1.92, 1.52, 1.25, 1.52, 1.12, 2.66, respectively). Meanwhile, Foxp3 + regulatory cells demonstrated no significant change (change ratio = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS NCRT has diverse effects on various components of the tumor microenvironment in LARC patients who achieve a PR after treatment. Leveraging combination therapies may optimize treatment outcomes in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Chen
- Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010050, China
| | - Ji-Hong Zhang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010050, China
| | - Qin Hao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010050, China
| | - Xin-Lin Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010050, China
| | - Jia-Xing Guo
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010050, China
| | - Cong-Xiu Huang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010050, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010050, China
| | - Guo-Sheng Xing
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010050, China
| | - Zhi-Lin An
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010050, China
| | - Yu Ling
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010050, China
| | - Jian-Guo Zhao
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010050, China
| | - Ying-Na Bao
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010050, China.
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13
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Pan H, Tian Y, Pei S, Yang W, Zhang Y, Gu Z, Zhu H, Zou N, Zhang J, Jiang L, Hu Y, Shen S, Wang K, Jin H, Li Z, Zhang Y, Xiao Y, Luo Q, Wang H, Huang J. Combination of percutaneous thermal ablation and adoptive Th9 cell transfer therapy against non-small cell lung cancer. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:52. [PMID: 38760861 PMCID: PMC11100251 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00520-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the predominant malignancies globally. Percutaneous thermal ablation (PTA) has gained widespread use among NSCLC patients, with the potential to elicit immune responses but limited therapeutic efficacies for advanced-stage disease. T-helper type 9 (Th9) cells are a subset of CD4+ effector T cells with robust and persistent anti-tumor effects. This study proposes to develop PTA-Th9 cell integrated therapy as a potential strategy for NSCLC treatment. METHODS The therapeutic efficacies were measured in mice models with subcutaneously transplanted, recurrence, or lung metastatic tumors. The tumor microenvironments (TMEs) were evaluated by flow cytometry. The cytokine levels were assessed by ELISA. The signaling molecules were determined by quantitative PCR and Western blotting. The translational potential was tested in the humanized NSCLC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model. RESULTS We find that PTA combined with adoptive Th9 cell transfer therapy substantially suppresses tumor growth, recurrence, and lung metastasis, ultimately extending the survival of mice with NSCLC grafts, outperforming both PTA and Th9 cell transfer monotherapy. Analysis of TMEs indicates that combinatorial therapy significantly augments tumor-infiltrating Th9 cells, boosts anti-tumor effects of CD8+ T cells, and remodels tumor immunosuppressive microenvironments. Moreover, combinatorial therapy significantly strengthens the regional and circulation immune response of CD8+ T cells in mice with tumor lung metastasis and induces peripheral CD8+ T effector memory cells in mice with tumor recurrence. Mechanically, PTA reinforces the anti-tumor ability of Th9 cells primarily through upregulating interleukin (IL)-1β and subsequently activating the downstream STAT1/IRF1 pathway, which could be effectively blocked by intercepting IL-1β signaling. Finally, the enhanced therapeutic effect of combinatorial therapy is validated in humanized NSCLC PDX models. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, this study demonstrates that combinatorial therapy displays robust and durable anti-tumor efficacy and excellent translational potential, offering excellent prospects for translation and emerging as a promising approach for NSCLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanbo Pan
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Yu Tian
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Siyu Pei
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Wanlin Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Yanyang Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Zenan Gu
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Hongda Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Ningyuan Zou
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Long Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Yingjie Hu
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Shengping Shen
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Haizhen Jin
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Ziming Li
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Yanyun Zhang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Yichuan Xiao
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Qingquan Luo
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Jia Huang
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China.
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Wu K, Zhang G, Shen C, Zhu L, Yu C, Sartorius K, Ding W, Jiang Y, Lu Y. Role of T cells in liver metastasis. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:341. [PMID: 38755133 PMCID: PMC11099083 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06726-2] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
The liver is a major metastatic site (organ) for gastrointestinal cancers (such as colorectal, gastric, and pancreatic cancers) as well as non-gastrointestinal cancers (such as lung, breast, and melanoma cancers). Due to the innate anatomical position of the liver, the apoptosis of T cells in the liver, the unique metabolic regulation of hepatocytes and other potential mechanisms, the liver tends to form an immunosuppressive microenvironment and subsequently form a pre-metastatic niche (PMN), which can promote metastasis and colonization by various tumor cells(TCs). As a result, the critical role of immunoresponse in liver based metastasis has become increasingly appreciated. T cells, a centrally important member of adaptive immune response, play a significant role in liver based metastases and clarifying the different roles of the various T cells subsets is important to guide future clinical treatment. In this review, we first introduce the predisposing factors and related mechanisms of liver metastasis (LM) before introducing the PMN and its transition to LM. Finally, we detail the role of different subsets of T cells in LM and advances in the management of LM in order to identify potential therapeutic targets for patients with LM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kejia Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Guozhu Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Changbing Shen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Taizhou Second People's Hospital Affiliated with Yangzhou University, Taizhou, China
| | - Li Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Chongyuan Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Kurt Sartorius
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Molecular Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Africa Hepatopancreatobiliary Cancer Consortium, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Wei Ding
- Department of General Surgery, Wujin Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University, Changzhou, China.
- Department of General Surgery, The Wujin Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Changzhou, China.
- Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China.
| | - Yong Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China.
| | - Yunjie Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
- Africa Hepatopancreatobiliary Cancer Consortium, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
- Department of General Surgery, Wujin Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University, Changzhou, China.
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15
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Castorina P, Castiglione F, Ferini G, Forte S, Martorana E, Giuffrida D. Mathematical modeling of the synergistic interplay of radiotherapy and immunotherapy in anti-cancer treatments. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1373738. [PMID: 38779678 PMCID: PMC11109403 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1373738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction While radiotherapy has long been recognized for its ability to directly ablate cancer cells through necrosis or apoptosis, radiotherapy-induced abscopal effect suggests that its impact extends beyond local tumor destruction thanks to immune response. Cellular proliferation and necrosis have been extensively studied using mathematical models that simulate tumor growth, such as Gompertz law, and the radiation effects, such as the linear-quadratic model. However, the effectiveness of radiotherapy-induced immune responses may vary among patients due to individual differences in radiation sensitivity and other factors. Methods We present a novel macroscopic approach designed to quantitatively analyze the intricate dynamics governing the interactions among the immune system, radiotherapy, and tumor progression. Building upon previous research demonstrating the synergistic effects of radiotherapy and immunotherapy in cancer treatment, we provide a comprehensive mathematical framework for understanding the underlying mechanisms driving these interactions. Results Our method leverages macroscopic observations and mathematical modeling to capture the overarching dynamics of this interplay, offering valuable insights for optimizing cancer treatment strategies. One shows that Gompertz law can describe therapy effects with two effective parameters. This result permits quantitative data analyses, which give useful indications for the disease progression and clinical decisions. Discussion Through validation against diverse data sets from the literature, we demonstrate the reliability and versatility of our approach in predicting the time evolution of the disease and assessing the potential efficacy of radiotherapy-immunotherapy combinations. This further supports the promising potential of the abscopal effect, suggesting that in select cases, depending on tumor size, it may confer full efficacy to radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Castorina
- Genomics and molecular oncology unit, Istituto Oncologico del Mediterraneo, Viagrande, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Catania, Catania, Italy
- Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Filippo Castiglione
- Biotech Research Center, Technology Innovation Institute, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Institute for Applied Computing, National Research Council of Italy, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Ferini
- Radiotherapy Unit, REM Radioterapia, Viagrande, Italy
- School of Medicine, University Kore of Enna, Enna, Italy
| | - Stefano Forte
- Genomics and molecular oncology unit, Istituto Oncologico del Mediterraneo, Viagrande, Italy
| | - Emanuele Martorana
- Genomics and molecular oncology unit, Istituto Oncologico del Mediterraneo, Viagrande, Italy
| | - Dario Giuffrida
- Genomics and molecular oncology unit, Istituto Oncologico del Mediterraneo, Viagrande, Italy
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16
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Zhu L, Yu X, Tang X, Hu C, Wu L, Liu Y, Zhou Q. Evolving landscape of treatments targeting the microenvironment of liver metastases in non-small cell lung cancer. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:1019-1032. [PMID: 38251678 PMCID: PMC11062672 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Liver metastases (LMs) are common in lung cancer. Despite substantial advances in diagnosis and treatment, the survival rate of patients with LM remains low as the immune-suppressive microenvironment of the liver allows tumor cells to evade the immune system. The impact of LMs on the outcomes of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with solid tumors has been the main focus of recent translational and clinical research. Growing evidence indicates that the hepatic microenvironment delivers paracrine and autocrine signals from non-parenchymal and parenchymal cells. Overall, these microenvironments create pre- and post-metastatic conditions for the progression of LMs. Herein, we reviewed the epidemiology, physiology, pathology and immunology, of LMs associated with non-small cell lung cancer and the role and potential targets of the liver microenvironment in LM in each phase of metastasis. Additionally, we reviewed the current treatment strategies and challenges that should be overcome in preclinical and clinical investigations. These approaches target liver elements as the basis for future clinical trials, including combinatorial interventions reported to resolve hepatic immune suppression, such as immunotherapy plus chemotherapy, immunotherapy plus radiotherapy, immunotherapy plus anti-angiogenesis therapy, and surgical resection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Zhu
- Lung Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xianzhe Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Chengdu Second People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xiaojun Tang
- Lung Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Chenggong Hu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Lei Wu
- Core Facility of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yanyang Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Qinghua Zhou
- Lung Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
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17
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Pennel K, Dutton L, Melissourgou-Syka L, Roxburgh C, Birch J, Edwards J. Novel radiation and targeted therapy combinations for improving rectal cancer outcomes. Expert Rev Mol Med 2024; 26:e14. [PMID: 38623751 PMCID: PMC11140547 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2024.15] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Neoadjuvant radiotherapy (RT) is commonly used as standard treatment for rectal cancer. However, response rates are variable and survival outcomes remain poor, highlighting the need to develop new therapeutic strategies. Research is focused on identifying novel methods for sensitising rectal tumours to RT to enhance responses and improve patient outcomes. This can be achieved through harnessing tumour promoting effects of radiation or preventing development of radio-resistance in cancer cells. Many of the approaches being investigated involve targeting the recently published new dimensions of cancer hallmarks. This review article will discuss key radiation and targeted therapy combination strategies being investigated in the rectal cancer setting, with a focus on exploitation of mechanisms which target the hallmarks of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Pennel
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - Louise Dutton
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - Lydia Melissourgou-Syka
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
- CRUK Scotland Institute, Glasgow, G611BD, UK
| | - Campbell Roxburgh
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
- Academic Unit of Surgery, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G4 0SF, UK
| | - Joanna Birch
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - Joanne Edwards
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
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18
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Yu B, Gao Y, Li J, Gao F, Zhang J, Li L, Feng X, Zuo D, Jin X, Chen W, Li Q. Killing two birds with one stone: Abscopal effect mechanism and its application prospect in radiotherapy. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 196:104325. [PMID: 38462151 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104325] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Abscopal effects are characterized by the emergence of neoplasms in regions unrelated to the primary radiation therapy site, displaying a gradual attenuation or regression throughout the progression of radiation therapy, which have been of interest to scientists since Mole's proposal in 1953. The incidence of abscopal effects in radiation therapy is intricately linked to the immune system, with both innate and adaptive immune responses playing crucial roles. Biological factors impacting abscopal effects ultimately exert their influence on the intricate workings of the immune system. Although abscopal effects are rarely observed in clinical cases, the underlying mechanism remains uncertain. This article examines the biological and physical factors influencing abscopal effects of radiotherapy. Through a review of preclinical and clinical studies, this article aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of abscopal effects and proposes new avenues for future research in this field. The findings presented in this article serve as a valuable reference for researchers seeking to explore this topic in greater depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyi Yu
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuting Gao
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Jiaxin Li
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Feifei Gao
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jiahao Zhang
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China
| | - Linjing Li
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xianglong Feng
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Dashan Zuo
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaodong Jin
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Weiqiang Chen
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Qiang Li
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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19
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Wang M, Chen S, He X, Yuan Y, Wei X. Targeting inflammation as cancer therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:13. [PMID: 38520006 PMCID: PMC10960486 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01528-7] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammation has accompanied human beings since the emergence of wounds and infections. In the past decades, numerous efforts have been undertaken to explore the potential role of inflammation in cancer, from tumor development, invasion, and metastasis to the resistance of tumors to treatment. Inflammation-targeted agents not only demonstrate the potential to suppress cancer development, but also to improve the efficacy of other therapeutic modalities. In this review, we describe the highly dynamic and complex inflammatory tumor microenvironment, with discussion on key inflammation mediators in cancer including inflammatory cells, inflammatory cytokines, and their downstream intracellular pathways. In addition, we especially address the role of inflammation in cancer development and highlight the action mechanisms of inflammation-targeted therapies in antitumor response. Finally, we summarize the results from both preclinical and clinical studies up to date to illustrate the translation potential of inflammation-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manni Wang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, Block3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyuan Chen
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, Block3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemei He
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, Block3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Yuan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, Block3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
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20
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Ye Z, Deng X, Zhang J, Shao R, Song C, Zhao J, Tang H. Causal relationship between immune cells and prostate cancer: a Mendelian randomization study. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1381920. [PMID: 38566827 PMCID: PMC10985200 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1381920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite the abundance of research indicating the participation of immune cells in prostate cancer development, establishing a definitive cause-and-effect relationship has proven to be a difficult undertaking. Methods This study employs Mendelian randomization (MR), leveraging genetic variables related to immune cells from publicly available genome-wide association studies (GWAS), to investigate this association. The primary analytical method used in this study is inverse variance weighting (IVW) analysis. Comprehensive sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy of the results. Results The study identifies four immune cell traits as causally contributing to prostate cancer risk, including CD127- CD8+ T cell %CD8+ T cell (OR = 1.0042, 95%CI:1.0011-1.0073, p = 0.0077), CD45RA on CD39+ resting CD4 regulatory T cell (OR = 1.0029, 95%CI:1.0008-1.0050, p = 0.0065), CD62L- Dendritic Cell Absolute Count (OR = 1.0016; 95%CI:1.0005-1.0026; p = 0.0039), CX3CR1 on CD14+ CD16- monocyte (OR = 1.0024, 95%CI:1.0007-1.0040, p = 0.0060). Additionally, two immune cell traits are identified as causally protective factors: CD4 on monocyte (OR = 0.9975, 95%CI:0.9958-0.9992, p = 0.0047), FSC-A on plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell (OR = 0.9983, 95%CI:0.9970-0.9995, p = 0.0070). Sensitivity analyses indicated no horizontal pleiotropy. Discussion Our MR study provide evidence for a causal relationship between immune cells and prostate cancer, holding implications for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinpei Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinhui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruonan Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cailu Song
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianfu Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hailin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
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21
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Ouyang P, Wang L, Wu J, Tian Y, Chen C, Li D, Yao Z, Chen R, Xiang G, Gong J, Bao Z. Overcoming cold tumors: a combination strategy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1344272. [PMID: 38545114 PMCID: PMC10965539 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1344272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs) therapy has advanced significantly in treating malignant tumors, though most 'cold' tumors show no response. This resistance mainly arises from the varied immune evasion mechanisms. Hence, understanding the transformation from 'cold' to 'hot' tumors is essential in developing effective cancer treatments. Furthermore, tumor immune profiling is critical, requiring a range of diagnostic techniques and biomarkers for evaluation. The success of immunotherapy relies on T cells' ability to recognize and eliminate tumor cells. In 'cold' tumors, the absence of T cell infiltration leads to the ineffectiveness of ICI therapy. Addressing these challenges, especially the impairment in T cell activation and homing, is crucial to enhance ICI therapy's efficacy. Concurrently, strategies to convert 'cold' tumors into 'hot' ones, including boosting T cell infiltration and adoptive therapies such as T cell-recruiting bispecific antibodies and Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cells, are under extensive exploration. Thus, identifying key factors that impact tumor T cell infiltration is vital for creating effective treatments targeting 'cold' tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Ouyang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianlong Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yao Tian
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Caiyun Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dengsheng Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zengxi Yao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ruichang Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guoan Xiang
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jin Gong
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhen Bao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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22
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Xiao HH, Zhang FR, Li S, Guo FF, Hou JL, Wang SC, Yu J, Li XY, Yang HJ. Xinshubao tablet rescues cognitive dysfunction in a mouse model of vascular dementia: Involvement of neurogenesis and neuroinflammation. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 172:116219. [PMID: 38310654 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116219] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Vascular dementia (VaD) represents a severe cognitive dysfunction syndrome closed linked to cardiovascular function. In the present study, we assessed the potential of Xinshubao tablet (XSB), a traditional Chinese prescription widely used for cardiovascular diseases, to mitigate neuropathological damage in a mouse model of VaD and elucidated the underlying mechanisms. Our findings revealed that oral administration of XSB rescued the cardiac dysfunction resulting from bilateral common carotid artery stenosis (BCAS), improved the cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cognitive function, reduced white matter injury, inhibited excessive microglial and astrocytic activation, stimulated hippocampal neurogenesis, and reduced neural apoptosis in the brains of BCAS mice. Mechanistically, RNA-seq analysis indicated that XSB treatment was significantly associated with neuroinflammation, vasculature development, and synaptic transmission, which were further confirmed by q-PCR assays. Western blot results revealed that XSB treatment hindered the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), thereby suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway. These results collectively demonstrated that XSB could ameliorate cognitive dysfunction caused by BCAS through regulating CBF, reducing white matter lesions, suppressing glial activation, promoting neurogenesis, and mitigating neuroinflammation. Notably, the NF-κB signaling pathway emerged as a pivotal player in this mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-He Xiao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Basic Research on Prevention and Treatment for Major Diseases, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China; School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian 116600, China; Fujian Pien Tze Huang Enterprise Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Research and Development, Zhangzhou Pien Tze Huang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Zhangzhou, Fujian Province 363099, China
| | - Feng-Rong Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Basic Research on Prevention and Treatment for Major Diseases, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China; Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Sen Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Basic Research on Prevention and Treatment for Major Diseases, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Fei-Fei Guo
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Jin-Li Hou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Basic Research on Prevention and Treatment for Major Diseases, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Shi-Cong Wang
- Fujian Pien Tze Huang Enterprise Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Research and Development, Zhangzhou Pien Tze Huang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Zhangzhou, Fujian Province 363099, China
| | - Juan Yu
- Fujian Pien Tze Huang Enterprise Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Research and Development, Zhangzhou Pien Tze Huang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Zhangzhou, Fujian Province 363099, China.
| | - Xian-Yu Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Basic Research on Prevention and Treatment for Major Diseases, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
| | - Hong-Jun Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Basic Research on Prevention and Treatment for Major Diseases, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China; China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
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Hui K, Dong C, Hu C, Li J, Yan D, Jiang X. VEGFR affects miR-3200-3p-mediated regulatory T cell senescence in tumour-derived exosomes in non-small cell lung cancer. Funct Integr Genomics 2024; 24:31. [PMID: 38363405 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-024-01305-2] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Numerous studies have demonstrated that regulatory T (Treg) cells play an important role in the tumour microenvironment (TME). The aim of this study was to investigate whether VEGFR2 affects the expression of miR-3200-3p in exosomes secreted by tumour cells, thereby influencing Treg senescence in the TME. The results showed that VEGFR2 expression level was the highest in Calu-1 cells, and after transfection with si-VEGFR2, the exosomes secreted from Calu-1 cells were extracted and characterised with no significant difference from the exosomes of the untransfected group, but the expression of miR-3200-3p in the exosomes of the transfected si-VEGFR2 group was elevated. The Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry (FCM) results suggested that exosomes highly expressing miR-3200-3p could inhibit Treg cell viability and promote apoptosis levels when treated with Treg cells. Detection of the senescence-associated proteins p16 INK4A and MMP3 by western blot (WB) revealed that exosomes highly expressing miR-3200-3p were able to elevate their protein expression levels. Tumour xenograft experiments demonstrated that exosomes with high miR-3200-3p expression promoted Treg cell senescence and inhibited subcutaneous tumour growth in nude mice. Dual-luciferase reporter assays and RNA pull-down assays showed that miR-3200-3p could be linked with DDB1. Overexpression of DDB1 reverses changes in DCAF1/GSTP1/ROS protein expression caused by exosomes with high miR-3200-3p expression. In conclusion, inhibition of VEGFR2 expression in tumour cells promotes the expression of miR-3200-3p in exosomes secreted by tumour cells. miR-3200-3p enters the TME through exosomes and acts on DDB1 in Treg cells to promote senescence of Treg cells to inhibit tumour progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyuan Hui
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 6 Zhenhua East Road, Lianyungang, 222061, Jiangsu, China
| | - Changhong Dong
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 6 Zhenhua East Road, Lianyungang, 222061, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chenxi Hu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 6 Zhenhua East Road, Lianyungang, 222061, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiawen Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dongyue Yan
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 6 Zhenhua East Road, Lianyungang, 222061, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaodong Jiang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 6 Zhenhua East Road, Lianyungang, 222061, Jiangsu, China.
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24
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Frijlink E, Bosma DM, Busselaar J, Battaglia TW, Staal MD, Verbrugge I, Borst J. PD-1 or CTLA-4 blockade promotes CD86-driven Treg responses upon radiotherapy of lymphocyte-depleted cancer in mice. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e171154. [PMID: 38349740 PMCID: PMC10940086 DOI: 10.1172/jci171154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) is considered immunogenic, but clinical data demonstrating RT-induced T cell priming are scarce. Here, we show in a mouse tumor model representative of human lymphocyte-depleted cancer that RT enhanced spontaneous priming of thymus-derived (FOXP3+Helios+) Tregs by the tumor. These Tregs acquired an effector phenotype, populated the tumor, and impeded tumor control by a simultaneous, RT-induced CD8+ cytotoxic T cell (CTL) response. Combination of RT with CTLA-4 or PD-1 blockade, which enables CD28 costimulation, further increased this Treg response and failed to improve tumor control. We discovered that upon RT, the CD28 ligands CD86 and CD80 differentially affected the Treg response. CD86, but not CD80, blockade prevented the effector Treg response, enriched the tumor-draining lymph node migratory conventional DCs that were positive for PD-L1 and CD80 (PD-L1+CD80+), and promoted CTL priming. Blockade of CD86 alone or in combination with PD-1 enhanced intratumoral CTL accumulation, and the combination significantly increased RT-induced tumor regression and OS. We advise that combining RT with PD-1 and/or CTLA-4 blockade may be counterproductive in lymphocyte-depleted cancers, since these interventions drive Treg responses in this context. However, combining RT with CD86 blockade may promote the control of such tumors by enabling a CTL response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elselien Frijlink
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology and Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Immunology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Douwe M.T. Bosma
- Department of Immunology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Julia Busselaar
- Department of Immunology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Thomas W. Battaglia
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology and Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mo D. Staal
- Department of Immunology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Inge Verbrugge
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology and Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jannie Borst
- Department of Immunology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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25
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Song D, Ding Y. A new target of radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy: regulatory T cells. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1330099. [PMID: 38259489 PMCID: PMC10800811 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1330099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy is one important treatment for malignant tumours. It is widely believed today that radiotherapy has not only been used as a local tumour treatment method, but also can induce systemic anti-tumour responses by influencing the tumour microenvironment, but its efficacy is limited by the tumour immunosuppression microenvironment. With the advancement of technology, immunotherapy has entered a golden age of rapid development, gradually occupying a place in clinical tumour treatment. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) widely distributing in the tumour microenvironment play an important role in mediating tumour development. This article analyzes immunotherapy, the interaction between Tregs, tumours and radiotherapy. It briefly introduces immunotherapies targeting Tregs, aiming to provide new strategies for radiotherapy combined with Immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yun Ding
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
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26
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Viswanath D, Park J, Misra R, Pizzuti VJ, Shin SH, Doh J, Won YY. Nanotechnology-enhanced radiotherapy and the abscopal effect: Current status and challenges of nanomaterial-based radio-immunotherapy. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 16:e1924. [PMID: 37632203 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Rare but consistent reports of abscopal remission in patients challenge the notion that radiotherapy (RT) is a local treatment; radiation-induced cancer cell death can trigger activation and recruitment of dendritic cells to the primary tumor site, which subsequently initiates systemic immune responses against metastatic lesions. Although this abscopal effect was initially considered an anomaly, combining RT with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies has been shown to greatly improve the incidence of abscopal responses via modulation of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that nanomaterials can further improve the reliability and potency of the abscopal effect for various different types of cancer by (1) altering the cell death process to be more immunogenic, (2) facilitating the capture and transfer of tumor antigens from the site of cancer cell death to antigen-presenting cells, and (3) co-delivering immune checkpoint inhibitors along with radio-enhancing agents. Several unanswered questions remain concerning the exact mechanisms of action for nanomaterial-enhanced RT and for its combination with immune checkpoint inhibition and other immunostimulatory treatments in clinically relevant settings. The purpose of this article is to summarize key recent developments in this field and also highlight knowledge gaps that exist in this field. An improved mechanistic understanding will be critical for clinical translation of nanomaterials for advanced radio-immunotherapy. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhushyanth Viswanath
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Jeehun Park
- SOFT Foundry Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Rahul Misra
- Analytical Sciences, Sanofi, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vincenzo J Pizzuti
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Sung-Ho Shin
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Junsang Doh
- SOFT Foundry Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Engineering Research, BioMAX, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - You-Yeon Won
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Purdue University Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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27
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He H, Jamal M, Zeng X, Lei Y, Xiao D, Wei Z, Zhang C, Zhang X, Pan S, Ding Q, Tan H, Xie S, Zhang Q. Matrin-3 acts as a potential biomarker and promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by interacting with cell cycle-regulating genes. Cell Cycle 2024; 23:15-35. [PMID: 38252499 PMCID: PMC11005806 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2024.2305535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The oncogenic role of Matrin-3 (MATR3), an a nuclear matrix protein, in HCC remains largely unknown. Here, we document the biological function of MATR3 in HCC based on integrated bioinformatics analysis and functional studies. According to the TCGA database, MATR3 expression was found to be positively correlated with clinicopathological characteristics in HCC. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Kaplan-Meier (KM) curve displayed the diagnostic and prognostic potentials of MATR3 in HCC patients, respectively. Pathway enrichment analysis represented the enrichment of MATR3 in various molecular pathways, including the regulation of the cell cycle. Functional assays in HCC cell lines showed reduced proliferation of cells with stable silencing of MATR3. At the same time, the suppressive effects of MATR3 depletion on HCC development were verified by xenograft tumor experiments. Moreover, MATR3 repression also resulted in cell cycle arrest by modulating the expression of cell cycle-associated genes. In addition, the interaction of MATR3 with cell cycle-regulating factors in HCC cells was further corroborated with co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry (Co-IP/MS). Furthermore, CIBERSORT and TIMER analyses showed an association between MATR3 and immune infiltration in HCC. In general, this study highlights the novel oncogenic function of MATR3 in HCC, which could comprehensively address how aberrant changes in the cell cycle promote HCC development. MATR3 might serve as a prognostic predictor and therapeutic target for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengjing He
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Muhammad Jamal
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xingruo Zeng
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yufei Lei
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Di Xiao
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zimeng Wei
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chengjie Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shan Pan
- School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qianshan Ding
- School of Medicine, Northwest University, Xian, China
| | - Haiyan Tan
- Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Songping Xie
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiuping Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Zhou H, Wang L, Lin Z, Jiang C, Chen X, Wang K, Liu L, Shao L, Pan J, Li J, Zhang D, Wu J. Methylglyoxal from gut microbes boosts radiosensitivity and radioimmunotherapy in rectal cancer by triggering endoplasmic reticulum stress and cGAS-STING activation. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007840. [PMID: 38035726 PMCID: PMC10689421 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preoperative radiation therapy (preRT) is a fundamental aspect of neoadjuvant treatment for rectal cancer (RC), but the response to this treatment remains unsatisfactory. The combination of radiation therapy (RT) and immunotherapy (iRT) presents a promising approach to cancer treatment, though the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood. The gut microbiota may influence the response to RT and immunotherapy. Therefore, we aimed to identify the metabolism of gut microbiota to reverse radioresistance and enhance the efficacy of iRT. METHODS Fecal and serum samples were prospectively collected from patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) who had undergone pre-RT treatment. Candidate gut microbiome-derived metabolites linked with radiosensitization were screened using 16s rRNA gene sequencing and ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-mass coupled with mass spectrometry. In vitro and in vivo studies were conducted to assess the radiosensitizing effects of the metabolites including the syngeneic CT26 tumor model and HCT116 xenograft tumor model, transcriptomics and immunofluorescence. The CT26 abscopal effect modeling was employed to evaluate the combined effects of metabolites on iRT. RESULTS We initially discovered the gut microbiota-associated metabolite, methylglyoxal (MG), which accurately predicts the response to preRT (Area Under Curve (AUC) value of 0.856) among patients with LARC. Subsequently, we observed that MG amplifies the RT response in RC by stimulating intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reducing hypoxia in the tumor in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, our study demonstrated that MG amplifies the RT-induced activation of the cyclic guanosine monophosphate AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes pathway by elevating DNA double-strand breaks. Moreover, it facilitates immunogenic cell death generated by ROS-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress, consequently leading to an increase in CD8+ T and natural killer cells infiltrated in the tumor immune microenvironment. Lastly, we discovered that the combination of anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (anti-PD1) therapy produced long-lasting complete responses in all irradiated tumor sites and half of the non-irradiated ones. CONCLUSIONS Our research indicates that MG shows promise as a radiosensitizer and immunomodulator for RC. Furthermore, we propose that combining MG with iRT has great potential for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Clinical Medicine for Oncology, Fujian Medical University & Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhiwen Lin
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Chenwei Jiang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingte Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Clinical Medicine for Oncology, Fujian Medical University & Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Radiation, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Libin Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Clinical Medicine for Oncology, Fujian Medical University & Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Lingdong Shao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Clinical Medicine for Oncology, Fujian Medical University & Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jianji Pan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Clinical Medicine for Oncology, Fujian Medical University & Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jinluan Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Clinical Medicine for Oncology, Fujian Medical University & Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Da Zhang
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Junxin Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Clinical Medicine for Oncology, Fujian Medical University & Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
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29
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Jeon SH, Song C, Eom KY, Kim IA, Kim JS. Modulation of CD8 + T Cell Responses by Radiotherapy-Current Evidence and Rationale for Combination with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16691. [PMID: 38069014 PMCID: PMC10706388 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy for cancer has been known to affect the responses of immune cells, especially those of CD8+ T cells that play a pivotal role in anti-tumor immunity. Clinical success of immune checkpoint inhibitors led to an increasing interest in the ability of radiation to modulate CD8+ T cell responses. Recent studies that carefully analyzed CD8+ T cell responses following radiotherapy suggest the beneficial roles of radiotherapy on anti-tumor immunity. In addition, numerous clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy of combining radiotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors are currently undergoing. In this review, we summarize the current status of knowledge regarding the changes in CD8+ T cells following radiotherapy from various preclinical and clinical studies. Furthermore, key biological mechanisms that underlie such modulation, including both direct and indirect effects, are described. Lastly, we discuss the current evidence and essential considerations for harnessing radiotherapy as a combination partner for immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jae-Sung Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam 13620, Republic of Korea; (S.H.J.); (C.S.); (K.-Y.E.); (I.A.K.)
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Sartorius D, Blume ML, Fleischer JR, Ghadimi M, Conradi LC, De Oliveira T. Implications of Rectal Cancer Radiotherapy on the Immune Microenvironment: Allies and Foes to Therapy Resistance and Patients' Outcome. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5124. [PMID: 37958298 PMCID: PMC10650490 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15215124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Aside from surgical resection, locally advanced rectal cancer is regularly treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Since the concept of cancer treatment has shifted from only focusing on tumor cells as drivers of disease progression towards a broader understanding including the dynamic tumor microenvironment (TME), the impact of radiotherapy on the TME and specifically the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is increasingly recognized. Both promoting as well as suppressing effects on anti-tumor immunity have been reported in response to rectal cancer (chemo-)radiotherapy and various targets for combination therapies are under investigation. A literature review was conducted searching the PubMed database for evidence regarding the pleiotropic effects of (chemo-)radiotherapy on the rectal cancer TIME, including alterations in cytokine levels, immune cell populations and activity as well as changes in immune checkpoint proteins. Radiotherapy can induce immune-stimulating and -suppressive alterations, potentially mediating radioresistance. The response is influenced by treatment modalities, including the dosage administered and the highly individual intrinsic pre-treatment immune status. Directly addressing the main immune cells of the TME, this review aims to highlight therapeutical implications since efficient rectal cancer treatment relies on personalized strategies combining conventional therapies with immune-modulating approaches, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Lena-Christin Conradi
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straβe 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (D.S.); (M.L.B.); (J.R.F.); (M.G.)
| | - Tiago De Oliveira
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straβe 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (D.S.); (M.L.B.); (J.R.F.); (M.G.)
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Jiang D, Gao X, Tan R, Liu X, Zhu Y, Zhang L. Euphorbia factor L1 suppresses breast cancer liver metastasis via DDR1-mediated immune infiltration. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:9217-9229. [PMID: 37709489 PMCID: PMC10522367 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205030] [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: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Euphorbia factor L1 (EFL1), a lathyrane-type diterpenoid from the medicinal herb Euphorbia lathyris L., has been documented to possess various pharmacologic actives. However, the function of EFL1 on breast cancer is not clear. In this study, we explored the effect and mechanism of EFL1 on breast cancer liver metastasis. Female BALB/c mice were subjected to breast cancer-surgical hepatic implantation (SHI) to establish breast cancer liver metastasis model in vivo. At 10 days post-surgery, mice were administrated with EFL1 once daily for a total of 2 weeks. Serum AST and ALT activities, abdominal circumference, peritoneal fluid, tumor weight and volume were determined to assess liver and mesenteric re-metastasis of breast cancer. H&E staining was used to observe morphology changes in tumor, liver and small intestine tissues. ELISA was applied to observe inflammatory levels. Tumor DDR1 expression and immune infiltration were determined using western blotting, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometer methods. Our results showed that EFL1 administration improved liver function (AST and ALT activities), ascites, liver metastasis and mesenteric re-metastasis in SHI mice. Also, SHI-induced inflammatory cell infiltration and IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α generation in ascites were decreased by EFL1 treatment. Mechanism study revealed that EFL1 intervention enhanced the ratios of CD4+ and CD8+ and CD49b+(NK) T lymphocytes and decreased Treg cells through downregulating DDR1 in the tumor of SHI mice. Furthermore, overexpression of DDR1 abolished the anti-liver metastasis effect and pro-immune infiltration action of EFL1 in SHI mice. Together, our findings suggested that EFL1 protects against breast cancer liver metastasis in vivo by targeting DDR1-mediated immune infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongjing Jiang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine and Research Office, Suzhou Health College of Technology, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - XiaoQin Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine and Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - RuLan Tan
- Traditional Chinese Medicine and Research Office, Suzhou Health College of Technology, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Xun Liu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine and Research Office, Suzhou Health College of Technology, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Ye Zhu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine and Research Office, Suzhou Health College of Technology, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine and Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
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Dąbrowska A, Grubba M, Balihodzic A, Szot O, Sobocki BK, Perdyan A. The Role of Regulatory T Cells in Cancer Treatment Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14114. [PMID: 37762416 PMCID: PMC10531820 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814114] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite tremendous progress in cancer treatment in recent years, treatment resistance is still a major challenge for a great number of patients. One of the main causes is regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs), which suppress excessive inflammatory responses via the secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines and upregulate the immune checkpoints. Their abundance causes an immunosuppressive reprogramming of the tumor environment, which is ideal for tumor growth and drug inefficiency. Hence, regiments that can regain tumor immunogenicity are a promising strategy to overcome Tregs-mediated drug resistance. However, to develop effective therapeutic regimens, it is essential to understand the molecular mechanisms of Treg-mediated resistance. In this article, we gathered a comprehensive summary of the current knowledge on molecular mechanisms and the role of Tregs in cancer treatment resistance, including cancer immunotherapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Dąbrowska
- Student Scientific Circle of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Magdalena Grubba
- Student Scientific Circle of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Amar Balihodzic
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Comprehensive Cancer Center Graz, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Olga Szot
- Student Scientific Circle of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Bartosz Kamil Sobocki
- Student Scientific Circle of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Adrian Perdyan
- 3P-Medicine Laboratory, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Kim S, Jeon SH, Han MG, Kang MH, Kim IA. BRD4 Inhibition Enhances the Antitumor Effects of Radiation Therapy in a Murine Breast Cancer Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13062. [PMID: 37685868 PMCID: PMC10487493 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713062] [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: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) is an intracellular protein that regulates expression of various cellular functions. This study investigated whether BRD4 inhibition can alter the immunomodulatory and antitumor effects of radiation therapy (RT). A murine breast cancer cell line was implanted into BALB/c mice. The dual-tumor model was used to evaluate the abscopal effects of RT. A total of 24 Gy was delivered and BRD4 inhibitor was injected intravenously. Tumor size was measured, and in vivo imaging was performed to evaluate tumor growth. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry were performed to examine immunologic changes upon treatment. The combination of BRD4 inhibitor and RT significantly suppressed tumor growth compared to RT alone. BRD4 inhibitor reduced the size of the unirradiated tumor, indicating that it may induce systemic immune responses. The expression of HIF-1α and PD-L1 in the tumor was significantly downregulated by the BRD4 inhibitor. The proportion of M1 tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) increased, and the proportion of M2 TAMs decreased upon BRD4 inhibition. BRD4 inhibitor expanded CD4+ and CD8+ T cell populations in the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, splenic monocytic myeloid derived suppressor cells, which were increased by RT, were reduced upon the addition of BRD4 inhibitor. Therefore, the addition of BRD4 inhibitor significantly enhanced the systemic antitumor responses of local RT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seongmin Kim
- Department of Tumor Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; (S.K.); (M.G.H.)
- Integrated Major in Innovative Medical Science, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Medical Science Research Institute, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si 13620, Republic of Korea;
| | - Seung Hyuck Jeon
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 173 Gumiro, Seongnam-si 13620, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Guk Han
- Department of Tumor Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; (S.K.); (M.G.H.)
- Medical Science Research Institute, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si 13620, Republic of Korea;
| | - Mi Hyun Kang
- Medical Science Research Institute, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si 13620, Republic of Korea;
| | - In Ah Kim
- Department of Tumor Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; (S.K.); (M.G.H.)
- Integrated Major in Innovative Medical Science, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Medical Science Research Institute, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si 13620, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 173 Gumiro, Seongnam-si 13620, Republic of Korea
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Qiu B, Shen Z, Wu S, Qin X, Yang D, Wang Q. A machine learning-based model for predicting distant metastasis in patients with rectal cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1235121. [PMID: 37655097 PMCID: PMC10465697 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1235121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Distant metastasis from rectal cancer usually results in poorer survival and quality of life, so early identification of patients at high risk of distant metastasis from rectal cancer is essential. Method The study used eight machine-learning algorithms to construct a machine-learning model for the risk of distant metastasis from rectal cancer. We developed the models using 23867 patients with rectal cancer from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2010 and 2017. Meanwhile, 1178 rectal cancer patients from Chinese hospitals were selected to validate the model performance and extrapolation. We tuned the hyperparameters by random search and tenfold cross-validation to construct the machine-learning models. We evaluated the models using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC), the area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC), decision curve analysis, calibration curves, and the precision and accuracy of the internal test set and external validation cohorts. In addition, Shapley's Additive explanations (SHAP) were used to interpret the machine-learning models. Finally, the best model was applied to develop a web calculator for predicting the risk of distant metastasis in rectal cancer. Result The study included 23,867 rectal cancer patients and 2,840 patients with distant metastasis. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that age, differentiation grade, T-stage, N-stage, preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), tumor deposits, perineural invasion, tumor size, radiation, and chemotherapy were-independent risk factors for distant metastasis in rectal cancer. The mean AUC value of the extreme gradient boosting (XGB) model in ten-fold cross-validation in the training set was 0.859. The XGB model performed best in the internal test set and external validation set. The XGB model in the internal test set had an AUC was 0.855, AUPRC was 0.510, accuracy was 0.900, and precision was 0.880. The metric AUC for the external validation set of the XGB model was 0.814, AUPRC was 0.609, accuracy was 0.800, and precision was 0.810. Finally, we constructed a web calculator using the XGB model for distant metastasis of rectal cancer. Conclusion The study developed and validated an XGB model based on clinicopathological information for predicting the risk of distant metastasis in patients with rectal cancer, which may help physicians make clinical decisions. rectal cancer, distant metastasis, web calculator, machine learning algorithm, external validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binxu Qiu
- Department of Gastric and Colorectal Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zixiong Shen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Song Wu
- Department of Gastric and Colorectal Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xinxin Qin
- Department of Gastric and Colorectal Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Dongliang Yang
- Department of Gastric and Colorectal Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Quan Wang
- Department of Gastric and Colorectal Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Shi Y, Ma X, He D, Dong B, Qiao T. Neoadjuvant SBRT combined with immunotherapy in NSCLC: from mechanisms to therapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1213222. [PMID: 37600799 PMCID: PMC10435737 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1213222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The utilisation of neoadjuvant immunotherapy has demonstrated promising preliminary clinical outcomes for early-stage resectable non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Nevertheless, it is imperative to develop novel neoadjuvant combination therapy regimens incorporating immunotherapy to further enhance the proportion of patients who derive benefit. Recent studies have revealed that stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) not only induces direct tumour cell death but also stimulates local and systemic antitumour immune responses. Numerous clinical trials have incorporated SBRT into immunotherapy for advanced NSCLC, revealing that this combination therapy effectively inhibits local tumour growth while simultaneously activating systemic antitumour immune responses. Consequently, the integration of SBRT with neoadjuvant immunotherapy has emerged as a promising strategy for treating resectable NSCLC, as it can enhance the systemic immune response to eradicate micrometastases and recurrent foci post-resection. This review aims to elucidate the potential mechanism of combination of SBRT and immunotherapy followed by surgery and identify optimal clinical treatment strategies. Initially, we delineate the interplay between SBRT and the local tumour immune microenvironment, as well as the systemic antitumour immune response. We subsequently introduce the preclinical foundation and preliminary clinical trials of neoadjuvant SBRT combined with immunotherapy for treating resectable NSCLC. Finally, we discussed the optimal dosage, schedule, and biomarkers for neoadjuvant combination therapy in its clinical application. In conclusion, the elucidation of potential mechanism of neoadjuvant SBRT combined immunotherapy not only offers a theoretical basis for ongoing clinical trials but also contributes to determining the most efficacious therapy scheme for future clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Shi
- Department of Pathology, Xianyang Central Hospital, Xianyang, China
| | - Xiaoyan Ma
- Department of Pathology, Division of Experimental Diagnostic, KingMed Medical Laboratory (Xi’an) Co., Ltd., Xi’an, China
| | - Dan He
- Department of Pathology, Xi’an Central Hospital, Xi’an, China
| | - Bingwei Dong
- Department of Pathology, Xianyang Central Hospital, Xianyang, China
| | - Tianyun Qiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
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Wang Y, Zhong X, He X, Hu Z, Huang H, Chen J, Chen K, Zhao S, Wei P, Li D. Liver metastasis from colorectal cancer: pathogenetic development, immune landscape of the tumour microenvironment and therapeutic approaches. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:177. [PMID: 37480104 PMCID: PMC10362774 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02729-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM) is one of the leading causes of death among patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Although immunotherapy has demonstrated encouraging outcomes in CRC, its benefits are minimal in CRLM. The complex immune landscape of the hepatic tumour microenvironment is essential for the development of a premetastatic niche and for the colonisation and metastasis of CRC cells; thus, an in-depth understanding of these mechanisms can provide effective immunotherapeutic targets for CRLM. This review summarises recent studies on the immune landscape of the tumour microenvironment of CRLM and highlights therapeutic prospects for targeting the suppressive immune microenvironment of CRLM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxian Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyang Zhong
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuefeng He
- ZJU-UCLA Joint Center for Medical Education and Research, Cancer Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zijuan Hu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huixia Huang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiayu Chen
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Keji Chen
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Senlin Zhao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Wei
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Dawei Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Zhong L, Li Y, Muluh TA, Wang Y. Combination of CAR‑T cell therapy and radiotherapy: Opportunities and challenges in solid tumors (Review). Oncol Lett 2023; 26:281. [PMID: 37274466 PMCID: PMC10236127 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.13867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has emerged as a new and breakthrough cancer immunotherapy. Although CAR-T cell therapy has made significant progress clinically in patients with refractory or drug-resistant hematological malignancies, there are numerous challenges in its application to solid tumor therapy, including antigen escape, severe toxic reactions, abnormal vascularization, tumor hypoxia, insufficient infiltration of CAR-T cells and immunosuppression. As a conventional mode of anti-tumor therapy, radiotherapy has shown promising effects in combination with CAR-T cell therapy by enhancing the specific immunity of endogenous target antigens, which promoted the infiltration and expansion of CAR-T cells and improved the hypoxic tumor microenvironment. This review focuses on the obstacles to the application of CAR-T technology in solid tumor therapy, the potential opportunities and challenges of combined radiotherapy and CAR-T cell therapy, and the review of recent literature to evaluate the best combination for the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqiang Zhong
- Thoracic Oncology Ward, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610000, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, Sichuan 644000, P.R. China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, Sichuan 644000, P.R. China
| | - Tobias Achu Muluh
- Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, P.R. China
| | - Yongsheng Wang
- Thoracic Oncology Ward, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610000, P.R. China
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Chi A, Nguyen NP. Mechanistic rationales for combining immunotherapy with radiotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1125905. [PMID: 37377970 PMCID: PMC10291094 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1125905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy consisted mainly of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has led to significantly improved antitumor response. However, such response has been observed only in tumors possessing an overall responsive tumor immune micro-environment (TIME), in which the presence of functional tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) is critical. Various mechanisms of immune escape from immunosurveillance exist, leading to different TIME phenotypes in correlation with primary or acquired resistance to ICIs. Radiotherapy has been shown to induce antitumor immunity not only in the irradiated primary tumor, but also at unirradiated distant sites of metastases. Such antitumor immunity is mainly elicited by radiation's stimulatory effects on antigenicity and adjuvanticity. Furthermore, it may be significantly augmented when irradiation is combined with immunotherapy, such as ICIs. Therefore, radiotherapy represents one potential therapeutic strategy to restore anti-tumor immunity in tumors presenting with an unresponsive TIME. In this review, the generation of anti-tumor immunity, its impairment, radiation's immunogenic properties, and the antitumor effects of combining radiation with immunotherapy will be comprehensively discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Chi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Capital Medical University Xuanwu Hospital, Beijing, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Nam Phong Nguyen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Howard University, Washington, DC, United States
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Liu X, Feng D, Wang W, Liang J, Yu H, Ling B. Tumor Microenvironment CD8 T and Treg Cells-related Genes Signature Distinguishes Distinct Prognosis and Targeted Therapies Response in Endometrial Cancer. J Immunother 2023; 46:178-191. [PMID: 37098928 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
Although most endometrial cancer (EC) patients have a favorable prognosis, the overall survival (OS) of metastatic and recurrent EC could hardly be improved by the current chemoradiotherapy. We aimed to reveal the tumor microenvironment immune infiltration characteristics to elucidate the underlying mechanism of EC progression and guide clinical decisions. In the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort, Kaplan-Meier survival curves confirmed Tregs and CD8 T cells were prognosis-protective factors in OS of EC ( P <0.05). Weighted gene coexpression network analysis identified 2 gene modules closely correlated with Tregs and CD8 T-cell infiltration. We randomly split the TCGA EC cohort into the training and testing cohorts at a ratio of 7:3. An immune-related prognosis risk index (IRPRI), including NR3C1, E2F1, OTOG, TTK, PPP1R16B, and FOXP3, was established by univariate, Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator, and multivariate Cox regression with area under the curve >0.67. Distinct clinical, immune, and mutation characteristics existed between IRPRI groups by multiomics analysis. Cell proliferation and DNA damage repair-related pathways were activated, and immune-related pathways were inactivated in the IRPRI-high group. Furthermore, patients in the IRPRI-high group had lower tumor mutation burden, programmed death-ligand 1 expression, and Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion scores, indicating a poor response to immune checkpoint inhibitors therapy ( P <0.05), which was also validated in the TCGA testing cohort and independent cohorts, GSE78200, GSE115821, and GSE168204. Also, the higher mutation frequencies of BRCA1, BRCA2, and genes enrolled in homologous recombination repair in the IRPRI-low group predicted a good response to PARP inhibitors. Finally, a nomogram integrating the IRPRI group and prognosis significant clinicopathological factors for EC OS prediction was developed and validated with good discrimination and calibration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodie Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Dingqing Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wenhui Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Huan Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Ling
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
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Budi HS, Farhood B. Targeting oral tumor microenvironment for effective therapy. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:101. [PMID: 37221555 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-02943-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral cancers are among the common head and neck malignancies. Different anticancer therapy modalities such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and also targeted molecular therapy may be prescribed for targeting oral malignancies. Traditionally, it has been assumed that targeting malignant cells alone by anticancer modalities such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy suppresses tumor growth. In the last decade, a large number of experiments have confirmed the pivotal role of other cells and secreted molecules in the tumor microenvironment (TME) on tumor progression. Extracellular matrix and immunosuppressive cells such as tumor-associated macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and regulatory T cells (Tregs) play key roles in the progression of tumors like oral cancers and resistance to therapy. On the other hand, infiltrated CD4 + and CD8 + T lymphocytes, and natural killer (NK) cells are key anti-tumor cells that suppress the proliferation of malignant cells. Modulation of extracellular matrix and immunosuppressive cells, and also stimulation of anticancer immunity have been suggested to treat oral malignancies more effectively. Furthermore, the administration of some adjuvants or combination therapy modalities may suppress oral malignancies more effectively. In this review, we discuss various interactions between oral cancer cells and TME. Furthermore, we also review the basic mechanisms within oral TME that may cause resistance to therapy. Potential targets and approaches for overcoming the resistance of oral cancers to various anticancer modalities will also be reviewed. The findings for targeting cells and potential therapeutic targets in clinical studies will also be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik Setia Budi
- Department of Oral Biology, Dental Pharmacology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia.
| | - Bagher Farhood
- Department of Medical Physics and Radiology, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
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Guo S, Yao Y, Tang Y, Xin Z, Wu D, Ni C, Huang J, Wei Q, Zhang T. Radiation-induced tumor immune microenvironments and potential targets for combination therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:205. [PMID: 37208386 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01462-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
As one of the four major means of cancer treatment including surgery, radiotherapy (RT), chemotherapy, immunotherapy, RT can be applied to various cancers as both a radical cancer treatment and an adjuvant treatment before or after surgery. Although RT is an important modality for cancer treatment, the consequential changes caused by RT in the tumor microenvironment (TME) have not yet been fully elucidated. RT-induced damage to cancer cells leads to different outcomes, such as survival, senescence, or death. During RT, alterations in signaling pathways result in changes in the local immune microenvironment. However, some immune cells are immunosuppressive or transform into immunosuppressive phenotypes under specific conditions, leading to the development of radioresistance. Patients who are radioresistant respond poorly to RT and may experience cancer progression. Given that the emergence of radioresistance is inevitable, new radiosensitization treatments are urgently needed. In this review, we discuss the changes in irradiated cancer cells and immune cells in the TME under different RT regimens and describe existing and potential molecules that could be targeted to improve the therapeutic effects of RT. Overall, this review highlights the possibilities of synergistic therapy by building on existing research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Guo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yihan Yao
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Tang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zengfeng Xin
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dang Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chao Ni
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Department of Breast Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Qichun Wei
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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Shi J, Sun Z, Gao Z, Huang D, Hong H, Gu J. Radioimmunotherapy in colorectal cancer treatment: present and future. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1105180. [PMID: 37234164 PMCID: PMC10206275 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1105180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a deadly form of cancer worldwide. Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer and metastatic CRC have a poor long-term prognosis, and rational and effective treatment remains a major challenge. Common treatments include multi-modal combinations of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy; however, recurrence and metastasis rates remain high. The combination of radiotherapy and immunotherapy (radioimmunotherapy [RIT]) may offer new solutions to this problem, but its prospects remain uncertain. This review aimed to summarize the current applications of radiotherapy and immunotherapy, elaborate on the underlying mechanisms, and systematically review the preliminary results of RIT-related clinical trials for CRC. Studies have identified several key predictors of RIT efficacy. Summarily, rational RIT regimens can improve the outcomes of some patients with CRC, but current study designs have limitations. Further studies on RIT should focus on including larger sample sizes and optimizing the combination therapy regimen based on underlying influencing factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Shi
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery III, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery III, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoya Gao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Peking University Shougang Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dandan Huang
- Department of Oncology, Peking University Shougang Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Haopeng Hong
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery III, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Gu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery III, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Peking University Shougang Hospital, Beijing, China
- Peking Tsinghua Center for Life Science, Peking University International Cancer Center, Beijing, China
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Han B, He J, Chen Q, Yuan M, Zeng X, Li Y, Zeng Y, He M, Zhou Q, Feng D, Ma D. ELFN1-AS1 promotes GDF15-mediated immune escape of colorectal cancer from NK cells by facilitating GCN5 and SND1 association. Discov Oncol 2023; 14:56. [PMID: 37147528 PMCID: PMC10163203 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00675-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells to escape from natural killer (NK) cell immune surveillance leads to anti-tumor treatment failure. The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) ELFN1-AS1 is aberrantly expressed in multiple tumors suggesting a role as an oncogene in cancer development. However, whether ELFN1-AS1 regulates immune surveillance in CRC is unclear. Here, we determined that ELFN1-AS1 enhanced the ability of CRC cells to escape from NK cell surveillance in vitro and in vivo. In addition, we confirmed that ELFN1-AS1 in CRC cells attenuated the activity of NK cell by down-regulating NKG2D and GZMB via the GDF15/JNK pathway. Furthermore, mechanistic investigations demonstrated that ELFN1-AS1 enhanced the interaction between the GCN5 and SND1 protein and this influenced H3k9ac enrichment at the GDF15 promotor to stimulate GDF15 production in CRC cells. Taken together, our findings indicate that ELFN1-AS1 in CRC cells suppresses NK cell cytotoxicity and ELFN1-AS1 is a potential therapeutic target for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Han
- GCP Center/Institute of Drug Clinical Trials, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
- Institute of Pharmacy, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Jinsong He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Qing Chen
- GCP Center/Institute of Drug Clinical Trials, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
- Institute of Pharmacy, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Min Yuan
- GCP Center/Institute of Drug Clinical Trials, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
- Institute of Pharmacy, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Xi Zeng
- GCP Center/Institute of Drug Clinical Trials, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
- Institute of Pharmacy, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Yuanting Li
- GCP Center/Institute of Drug Clinical Trials, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
- Institute of Pharmacy, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Yan Zeng
- GCP Center/Institute of Drug Clinical Trials, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Meibo He
- GCP Center/Institute of Drug Clinical Trials, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
- Institute of Pharmacy, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Qilin Zhou
- GCP Center/Institute of Drug Clinical Trials, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Dan Feng
- GCP Center/Institute of Drug Clinical Trials, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.
- Institute of Pharmacy, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.
| | - Daiyuan Ma
- GCP Center/Institute of Drug Clinical Trials, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.
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Zhang G, Zheng G, Zhang H, Qiu L. MUC1 induces the accumulation of Foxp3+ Treg cells in the tumor microenvironment to promote the growth and metastasis of cholangiocarcinoma through the EGFR/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 118:110091. [PMID: 37018979 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in the progression of cholangiocarcinoma. This study aims to explore whether Mucin 1 (MUC1) regulates Foxp3+ Treg cells in the TME of cholangiocarcinoma through the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway. High-throughput sequencing dataset in the GEO database combined with GeneCards and Phenolyzer databases was used to obtain key genes in cholangiocarcinoma, followed by downstream pathway prediction. The relationship among MUC1, EGFR, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was explored. CD4+ T cells extracted from peripheral blood were induced to differentiate into Treg cells, followed by co-culture with cholangiocarcinoma cells. A mouse model was constructed to detect the role of MUC1 in the accumulation of Foxp3+ Treg cells, malignant phenotypes of cholangiocarcinoma, and tumorigenesis in vivo. MUC1, highly expressed in cholangiocarcinoma, might be involved in cholangiocarcinoma development. MUC1 interacted with the EGFR to activate the EGFR/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. MUC1 overexpression could activate the EGFR/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, which promoted the accumulation of Foxp3+ Treg cells in the TME and the malignant phenotypes of cholangiocarcinoma cells both in vitro and in vivo and enhanced tumorigenesis in vivo. MUC1 may interact with EGFR to activate the EGFR/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, which induces the accumulation of Foxp3+ Treg cells, enhancing the malignant phenotypes of cholangiocarcinoma cells and tumorigenesis in vivo and ultimately augmenting cholangiocarcinoma growth and metastasis.
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Shin AE, Giancotti FG, Rustgi AK. Metastatic colorectal cancer: mechanisms and emerging therapeutics. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:222-236. [PMID: 36828759 PMCID: PMC10365888 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 108.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) remains a lethal disease with an approximately 14% 5-year survival rate. While early-stage colorectal cancer (CRC) can be cured by surgery with or without adjuvant chemotherapy, mCRC cannot be eradicated due to a large burden of disseminated cancer cells comprising therapy-resistant metastasis-competent cells. To address this gap, recent studies have focused on further elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying colorectal metastasis and recognizing the limitations of available therapeutic interventions. In this review, we discuss newfound factors that regulate CRC cell dissemination and colonization of distant organs, such as genetic mutations, identification of metastasis-initiating cells (MICs), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and the tumor microenvironment (TME). We also review current treatments for mCRC, therapeutic regimens undergoing clinical trials, and trending preclinical studies being investigated to target treatment-resistant mCRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice E Shin
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Filippo G Giancotti
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anil K Rustgi
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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Liu S, Liao Y, Chen Y, Yang H, Hu Y, Chen Z, Fu S, Wu J. Effect of triple therapy with low-dose total body irradiation and hypo-fractionated radiation plus anti-programmed cell death protein 1 blockade on abscopal antitumor immune responses in breast cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 117:110026. [PMID: 36934673 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Immunostimulatory effects of radiotherapy can be synergistically augmented with immune checkpoint blockade to act both on irradiated tumor lesions and distant, non-irradiated tumor sites. Our hypothesis was that low-dose total body irradiation (L-TBI) combined with hypo-fractionated radiotherapy (H-RT) and anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (aPD-1) checkpoint blockade would enhance the systemic immune response. We tested the efficacy of this triple therapy (L-TBI + H-RT + aPD-1) in BALB/c mice with bilateral breast cancer xenografts. The L-TBI dose was 0.1 Gy. The primary tumor was treated with H-RT (8 Gy × 3). The PD-1 monoclonal antibody was injected intraperitoneally, and the secondary tumors not receiving H-RT were monitored for response. The triple therapy significantly delayed both primary and secondary tumor growths, improved survival rates, and reduced the number of lung metastasis lesions. It increased the activated dendritic and CD8+ T cell populations and reduced the infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in the secondary tumor microenvironment relative to other groups. Thus, L-TBI could be a potential therapeutic modality, and when combined with H-RT and aPD-1, the therapeutic effect could be enhanced significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuya Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yin Liao
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yao Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Hanshan Yang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuru Hu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Shaozhi Fu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.
| | - Jingbo Wu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China; Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan, China; Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.
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Manabe Y, Takahashi Y, Sugie C, Wang Z, Katsuki S, Kondo T, Murai T, Nakashima M, Takaoka T, Ogawa K, Shibamoto Y. Biological effects of prostaglandin E2-EP4 antagonist (AAT-008) in murine colon cancer in vivo: enhancement of immune response to radiotherapy and potential as a radiosensitizer. Transl Cancer Res 2023; 12:351-358. [PMID: 36915594 PMCID: PMC10007874 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-22-1857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Background Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) promotes tumor growth and metastasis by acting on a family of four receptors (EP1-4). We investigated the radiosensitizing effects of a newly developed antagonist of PGE2-EP4 (AAT-008) in mouse colon cancer cells in vivo and explored the mechanism using flow cytometry (FCM). Methods CT26WT cells grown in Balb/c mice were used. AAT-008 at doses of 0, 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg/day was orally administered once or twice daily for up to 19 days. On day 3, the tumors were irradiated at 9 Gy in the radiotherapy (RT) group. Tumor sizes were measured every other day. For the first FCM series, AAT-008 (10 mg/kg/day) was administered from day 0 to 18 and RT (9 Gy) was given on day 3. The population of effector T cells (Teff), defined as CD45+CD8+CD69+, in the tumors was investigated on day 19. For the second FCM series, AAT-008 (30 mg/kg/day) was administered from day 0 to 12. The populations of Teff and regulatory T cells (Treg), and the ratio of Teff/Treg were investigated on day 13. Results The growth delay effect of AAT-008 administered alone (3-30 mg/kg/day) appeared minimal. In the first growth delay experiment where AAT-008 was administered once daily, the combined effect of AAT-008 (30 mg/kg/day) and RT appeared additive. In the second growth delay experiment where AAT-008 was administered twice daily, the combined effect appeared additive at 3 and 10 mg/kg/day and supra-additive at 30 mg/kg/day. In the first FCM series, the mean Teff proportions in the tumors were 43% and 31% in the 10 mg + RT and 0 mg + RT groups, respectively. Notably, 67% Teff was observed in responsive mice in the 10 mg + RT group. In the second FCM series, the mean Treg proportion and Teff/Treg ratio in the 0 mg + RT and 30 mg + RT groups were 4.0% and 1.5%, respectively (P=0.04) and 10 and 22, respectively (P=0.04). Conclusions AAT-008 potentially enhances the radiosensitivity of colon cancer cells, apparently by stimulating the immune system against the cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiko Manabe
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yutaka Takahashi
- Department of Medical Physics and Engineering, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Chikao Sugie
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Zhen Wang
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shohei Katsuki
- Department of Medical Physics and Engineering, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takuhito Kondo
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Taro Murai
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masahiro Nakashima
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Taiki Takaoka
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Ogawa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuta Shibamoto
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
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Jeong KY. Challenges to addressing the unmet medical needs for immunotherapy targeting cold colorectal cancer. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 15:215-224. [PMID: 36908316 PMCID: PMC9994045 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v15.i2.215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
With the establishment of the immune surveillance mechanism since the 1950s, attempts have been made to activate the immune system for cancer treatment through the discovery of various cytokines or the development of antibodies up to now. The fruits of these efforts have contributed to the recognition of the 3rd generation of anticancer immunotherapy as the mainstream of cancer treatment. However, the limitations of cancer immunotherapy are also being recognized through the conceptual establishment of cold tumors recently, and colorectal cancer (CRC) has become a major issue from this therapeutic point of view. Here, it is emphasized that non-clinical strategies to overcome the immunosuppressive environment and clinical trials based on these basic investigations are being made on the journey to achieve better treatment outcomes for the treatment of cold CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keun-Yeong Jeong
- Research and Development Center, PearlsinMires, Seoul 03690, South Korea
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Ni JJ, Zhang ZZ, Ge MJ, Chen JY, Zhuo W. Immune-based combination therapy to convert immunologically cold tumors into hot tumors: an update and new insights. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:288-307. [PMID: 35927312 PMCID: PMC9889774 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-00953-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
As a breakthrough strategy for cancer treatment, immunotherapy mainly consists of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and other immunomodulatory drugs that provide a durable protective antitumor response by stimulating the immune system to fight cancer. However, due to the low response rate and unique toxicity profiles of immunotherapy, the strategies of combining immunotherapy with other therapies have attracted enormous attention. These combinations are designed to exert potent antitumor effects by regulating different processes in the cancer-immunity cycle. To date, immune-based combination therapy has achieved encouraging results in numerous clinical trials and has received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for certain cancers with more studies underway. This review summarizes the emerging strategies of immune-based combination therapy, including combinations with another immunotherapeutic strategy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, anti-angiogenic therapy, targeted therapy, bacterial therapy, and stroma-targeted therapy. Here, we highlight the rationale of immune-based combination therapy, the biomarkers and the clinical progress for these immune-based combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao-Jiao Ni
- Department of Cell Biology and Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Institution of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zi-Zhen Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Institution of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Ming-Jie Ge
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Jing-Yu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Institution of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Wei Zhuo
- Department of Cell Biology and Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Institution of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Yang L, Zhao Q, Wang X, Pilapong C, Li Y, Zou J, Jin J, Rong J. Investigation on the regulatory T cells signature and relevant Foxp3/STAT3 axis in esophageal cancer. Cancer Med 2023; 12:4993-5008. [PMID: 36226375 PMCID: PMC9972178 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have an important role in accelerating the immunosuppression of tumor. Tregs regulation is a hopeful strategy to improve the dismal prognosis of Esophageal cancer (EC), while its mechanisms have not yet been fully clarified. METHODS To characterize the role of Tregs in EC, we comprehensively explored its prognostic value, clinical pathology partnership, related biological functions and potential mechanisms at transcriptome level. Through the integrated analysis of GEO and TCGA datasets, we comprehensively evaluated the Tregs infiltration patterns in EC patients. The correlation between Tregs infiltration and genomic characteristics, as well as biological functions were analyzed by a variety of computational algorithms. RESULTS We observed that Tregs were significantly upregulated in EC and involved in various immune processes. According to TCGA and GEO transcriptional classification schemes, Tregs specific genes were observed to be highly expressed in tumor samples, as well as were closely associated with poor prognosis and worse clinical outcomes. In addition, EC patients can be stratified into high-risk and low-risk immune subgroups according to Tregs/macrophages infiltration level, and the results showed significant differences in tumor development, biological processes and probe gene expression pattern. The multi-variate analysis revealed that the interaction between STAT3 and Foxp3 was a potential prognostic signature of Tregs in EC, especially the modulation effect of STAT3 on Foxp3 expression, which has not been well studied in EC. We also identified that STAT3 and Foxp3 expression presented a high accuracy in predicting Tregs infiltration level in EC patients (AUC: 0.817; 95% CI: 0.756-0.878). CONCLUSIONS Our results revealed that Tregs have the potential to predict prognosis and tumor deterioration in EC patients. A comprehensive landscape of Tregs regulation mechanisms will help us interpret the immunosuppression of tumor microenvironment (TME) and novel strategies for EC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Yang
- Department of Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qijie Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.,Center of Excellence for Molecular Imaging (CEMI), Department of Radiologic Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Xing Wang
- Shichuan Nursing Vocational College, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chalermchai Pilapong
- Center of Excellence for Molecular Imaging (CEMI), Department of Radiologic Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Zou
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Jin
- Department of Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinfeng Rong
- Department of Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, People's Republic of China
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