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Song X, Chen R, Li J, Zhu Y, Jiao J, Liu H, Chen Z, Geng J. Fragile Treg cells: Traitors in immune homeostasis? Pharmacol Res 2024; 206:107297. [PMID: 38977207 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107297] [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] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells play a key role in maintaining immune tolerance and tissue homeostasis. However, in some disease microenvironments, Treg cells exhibit fragility, which manifests as preserved FoxP3 expression accompanied by inflammation and loss of immunosuppression. Fragile Treg cells are formatively, phenotypically and functionally diverse in various diseases, further complicating the role of Treg cells in the immunotherapeutic response and offering novel targets for disease treatment by modulating specific Treg subsets. In this review, we summarize findings on fragile Treg cells to provide a framework for characterizing the formation and role of fragile Treg cells in different diseases, and we discuss how this information may guide the development of more specific Treg-targeted immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiyu Song
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, PR China.
| | - Ruo Chen
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, PR China.
| | - Jiaxin Li
- Student Brigade of Basic Medicine School, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, PR China.
| | - Yumeng Zhu
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, PR China.
| | - Jianhua Jiao
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, PR China.
| | - Hongjiao Liu
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, PR China.
| | - Zhinan Chen
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, PR China.
| | - Jiejie Geng
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, PR China; State Key Laboratory of New Targets Discovery and Drug Development for Major Diseases, PR China.
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Gui Z, Ye Y, Li Y, Ren Z, Wei N, Liu L, Wang H, Zhang M. Construction of a novel cancer-associated fibroblast-related signature to predict clinical outcome and immune response in cervical cancer. Transl Oncol 2024; 46:102001. [PMID: 38850798 PMCID: PMC11214323 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.102001] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
This study developed a prognostic signature for cervical cancer using transcriptome profiling and clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and TISCH database, focusing on cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Through LASSO Cox regression and integrated bioinformatics analyses, we identified 144 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to CAFs, from which an 11-gene CAF-related signature (CAFRSig) was constructed. The CAFRSig effectively stratified patients into high- and low-risk categories, demonstrating significant prognostic capability in predicting overall survival. Gene ontology (GO) and gene set variation analysis (GSVA) linked the DEGs to crucial pathways in tumor malignancy, immune response, and fatty acid metabolism. The immune landscape analysis, utilizing the TIMER platform and CIBERSORT algorithm, revealed a positive correlation between immune cell effector functions and CAFRSig scores, highlighting the model's potential to identify patients likely to respond to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies. Furthermore, neuropilin 1 (NRP1), a key gene in the CAFRSig, was upregulated in cervical cancer tissues and associated with disease progression and differentiation. The downregulation of NRP1 curbed cell proliferation and influenced the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), implicating the PI3K/AKT pathway and modulating PD-L1 expression. This comprehensive analysis establishes a robust prognostic signature based on CAF-related genes, offering valuable insights for optimizing therapeutic strategies in cervical cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongxuan Gui
- Oncology Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, PR China
| | - Yingquan Ye
- Oncology Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, PR China
| | - Yu Li
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, PR China
| | - Zhengting Ren
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, PR China
| | - Nan Wei
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Anhui Second People's Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, PR China; Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, PR China
| | - Li Liu
- Oncology Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, PR China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, PR China.
| | - Mei Zhang
- Oncology Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, PR China; The Traditional and Western Medicine (TCM)-Integrated Cancer Center of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, PR China; Graduate School of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
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Chen S, Zhang L, Song Y, Xie K, Wang Y, Liang Y. A Comprehensive Analysis of NRP1 in Malignancies Provide Therapeutic Implication for Treating Cancer Patients Infected with SARS-CoV-2. Biochem Genet 2024; 62:2399-2417. [PMID: 37938510 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-023-10518-2] [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: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) is caused by SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2), which can lead to pneumonia, cytokine storms, and lymphopenia. Patients with cancer are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe COVID-19 due to immunosuppression. Recent studies have indicated that NRP1 (Neuropilin 1) may act as a novel mediator of SARS-CoV-2 entry into the host cell. As no systematic review has been performed investigating the characteristics of NRP1 in pan-carcinoma, we comprehensively analyzed NRP1 in patients with pan-cancer. Using a bioinformatics approach, we aimed to systematically examine NRP1 expression profiles in both pan-carcinoma and healthy tissues. We found that lung and genitourinary cancers have a relatively higher NRP-1 expression than other cancer patients, suggesting that these patients may be more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2. Our analysis further revealed that NRP1 expression was downregulated in Vero E6 cells, whole blood, lung organoids, testis tissue, and alveolospheres infected with SARS-CoV-2. Notably, NRP1 was associated with immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoint genes, and immune-related genes in most patients with cancer. These findings suggest that, in patients with specific types of cancer, especially lung and genitourinary, high expression of NRP1 contributes to greater susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and an increased risk of damage due to cytokine storms. Overall, NRP1 appears to play a critical role in regulating immunological properties and metabolism in many tumor types. Specific inhibitors of the NRP1 antigen (pegaptanib, EG00229, or MNRP1685A) combined with other anti-SARS-CoV-2 strategies may aid in treating patients with lung and genitourinary cancers following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuzhao Chen
- Department of Hematologic Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Limei Zhang
- Department of Hematologic Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yiling Song
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, SunYat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Kunying Xie
- Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Hematologic Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yang Liang
- Department of Hematologic Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Yoshida T, Nakamoto T, Atsumi N, Ohe C, Sano T, Yasukochi Y, Tsuta K, Kinoshita H. Impact of LAG-3/FGL1 pathway on immune evasive contexture and clinical outcomes in advanced urothelial carcinoma. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e009358. [PMID: 39043605 PMCID: PMC11268076 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2024-009358] [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: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1)/anti-PD-ligand-1 (PD-L1) pathway inhibition is a standard regimen for advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC); however, its limited efficacy has been reflected in reported medium response rates. This study explored the role of next-generation coinhibitory receptors (IRs; lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3), T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (TIM-3), and T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT)) and their ligands (LGs) in the response to PD-(L)1 blockade therapy and the oncological outcomes in patients with UC. METHODS We investigated metastatic UC cases who underwent PD-(L)1 therapy (cohort 1: n=348, cohort 2: n=89, and cohort 4: n=29) or advanced UC cases involving surgery (cohort 3: n=293 and cohort 5: n=90). We assessed the mRNA expression profiles and corresponding clinical information regarding IRs and LGs using cohorts 1, 2, and 3. Additionally, we elucidated the spatial features of these targeted markers using multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples from cohorts 4 and 5. Survival, differential expressed gene, and Gene Set Enrichment analyses were performed. For mIHC, quantitative analyses were also performed to correlate immune and tumor cell densities with patient survival. RESULTS LAG-3 expression was strongly associated with the responsiveness of PD-(L)1 blockade compared with the expression of TIM-3 and TIGIT. In tumors with high LAG-3 levels, the increased expression of fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1) had a significantly negative effect on the response to PD-(L)1 blockade and overall survival. Moreover, high FGL1 levels were associated with elevated CD4+ regulatory T-cell gene signatures and the upregulation of CD39 and neuropilin-1, with both indicating CD8+ T-cell exhaustion. mIHC analyses revealed that patients with stromal CD8+LAG-3+cellshigh-tumor FGL1+cellshigh exhibited a significant negative correlation with survival rates compared with those with stromal CD8+LAG-3+cellshigh-tumor FGL1+cellslow. CONCLUSIONS LAG-3 expression and high FGL1 coexpression are important predictive factors of adverse oncological outcomes related to the presence of immunosuppressive contextures. These findings are hypothesis-generating, warranting further mechanistic and clinical studies aimed to evaluate LAG-3/FGL1 blockade in UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Yoshida
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
- Department of Urology, Osaka Saiseikai-Noe Hospital, Osaka, Japan
- Corporate Sponsored Research Programs for Multicellular Interactions in Cancer, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takahiro Nakamoto
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Pathology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naho Atsumi
- Corporate Sponsored Research Programs for Multicellular Interactions in Cancer, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Pathology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Chisato Ohe
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takeshi Sano
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Yasukochi
- Department of Genome Analysis, Institute of Biomedical Science, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Koji Tsuta
- Corporate Sponsored Research Programs for Multicellular Interactions in Cancer, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Pathology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hidefumi Kinoshita
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
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Fu D, Shi X, Yi X, Wu D, He H, Zhou W, Cheng W. m6A reader IGF2BP2 promotes M2 macrophage polarization and malignant biological behavior of bladder cancer by stabilizing NRP1 mRNA expression. BMC Urol 2024; 24:147. [PMID: 39014364 PMCID: PMC11251312 DOI: 10.1186/s12894-024-01534-4] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) has been confirmed to play oncogenic role in many cancers. However, the role and mechanism of IGF2BP2 in bladder cancer (BCa) still deserves to be further revealed. METHODS The mRNA and protein levels of IGF2BP2 and neuronilin-1 (NRP1) were detected by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were determined using colony formation assay, EdU assay, CCK8 assay, flow cytometry and transwell assay. Xenograft tumor model was conducted to evaluate the role of IGF2BP2 in vivo. THP-1-M0 macrophages were co-cultured with the condition medium (CM) of BCa cells to induce polarization. M2 macrophage polarization was assessed by detecting the mRNA levels of M2 macrophage markers using RT-qPCR and measuring the proportion of M2 macrophage markers using flow cytometry. Moreover, MeRIP and RIP assay were performed to assess m6A level and the interaction between IGF2BP2 and NRP1. RESULTS IGF2BP2 and NRP1 were upregulated in BCa tissues and cells. IGF2BP2 knockdown suppressed BCa cell growth and metastasis, as well as inhibited BCa tumor growth. After THP-1-M0 macrophages were co-cultured with the CM of BCa cells, the levels of M2 macrophage markers were markedly enhanced, while this effect was abolished by IGF2BP2 knockdown. IGF2BP2 level was positively correlated with NRP1 level, and it could increase NRP1 mRNA stability. NRP1 overexpression reversed the suppressive effect of IGF2BP2 knockdown on M2 macrophage polarization and BCa cell progression. CONCLUSION m6A-reader IGF2BP2 enhanced M2 macrophage polarization and BCa cell progression by promoting NRP1 mRNA stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dian Fu
- Department of Urology, Jinling College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, No.305, Zhongshandong Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210002, China
| | - Xiuquan Shi
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, No.305, Zhongshandong Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210002, China
| | - Xiaoming Yi
- Department of Urology, Jinling College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, No.305, Zhongshandong Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210002, China
| | - Ding Wu
- Department of Urology, Jinling College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, No.305, Zhongshandong Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210002, China
| | - Haowei He
- Department of Urology, Jinling College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, No.305, Zhongshandong Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210002, China
| | - Wenquan Zhou
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, No.305, Zhongshandong Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210002, China.
| | - Wen Cheng
- Department of Urology, Jinling College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, No.305, Zhongshandong Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210002, China.
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Wang Y, Li J, Nakahata S, Iha H. Complex Role of Regulatory T Cells (Tregs) in the Tumor Microenvironment: Their Molecular Mechanisms and Bidirectional Effects on Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7346. [PMID: 39000453 PMCID: PMC11242872 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137346] [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: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) possess unique immunosuppressive activity among CD4-positive T cells. Tregs are ubiquitously present in mammals and function to calm excessive immune responses, thereby suppressing allergies or autoimmune diseases. On the other hand, due to their immunosuppressive function, Tregs are thought to promote cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a multicellular system composed of many cell types, including tumor cells, infiltrating immune cells, and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Within this environment, Tregs are recruited by chemokines and metabolic factors and impede effective anti-tumor responses. However, in some cases, their presence can also improve patient's survival rates. Their functional consequences may vary across tumor types, locations, and stages. An in-depth understanding of the precise roles and mechanisms of actions of Treg is crucial for developing effective treatments, emphasizing the need for further investigation and validation. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the complex and multifaceted roles of Tregs within the TME, elucidating cellular communications, signaling pathways, and their impacts on tumor progression and highlighting their potential anti-tumor mechanisms through interactions with functional molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Oita University Faculty of Medicine, Yufu 879-5593, Japan;
| | - Jiazhou Li
- Division of Biological Information Technology, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan;
- Division of HTLV-1/ATL Carcinogenesis and Therapeutics, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan;
| | - Shingo Nakahata
- Division of HTLV-1/ATL Carcinogenesis and Therapeutics, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan;
| | - Hidekatsu Iha
- Department of Microbiology, Oita University Faculty of Medicine, Yufu 879-5593, Japan;
- Division of Pathophysiology, The Research Center for GLOBAL and LOCAL Infectious Diseases (RCGLID), Oita University, Yufu 879-5593, Japan
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Yu H, Ren J, Deng H, Li L, Zhang Z, Cheng S, Guo Z, Huang A, Dang Y, Song K, Wu D, Yao X, Qin Y, Yang Z, Xu K, He X, Chen J. Neuropilin-1 is a novel host factor modulating the entry of hepatitis B virus. J Hepatol 2024:S0168-8278(24)02339-0. [PMID: 38960374 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) has been identified as the cellular receptor for hepatitis B virus (HBV). However, hepatocytes expressing NTCP exhibit varying susceptibilities to HBV infection. This study aimed to investigate whether other host factors modulate the process of HBV infection. METHODS Liver biopsy samples obtained from children with hepatitis B were used for single-cell sequencing and susceptibility analysis. Primary human hepatocytes, HepG2-NTCP cells, and human liver chimeric mice were used to analyze the effect of candidate host factors on HBV infection. RESULTS Single-cell sequencing and susceptibility analysis revealed a positive correlation between neuropilin-1 (NRP1) expression and HBV infection. In the HBV-infected cell model, NRP1 overexpression before HBV inoculation significantly enhanced viral attachment and internalization, and promoted viral infection in the presence of NTCP. Mechanistic studies indicated that NRP1 formed a complex with LHBs and NTCP. The NRP1 b domain mediated its interaction with conserved arginine residues at positions 88 and 92 in the preS1 domain of the HBV envelope protein LHBs. This NRP1-preS1 interaction subsequently promoted the binding of preS1 to NTCP, facilitating viral infection. Moreover, disruption of the NRP1-preS1 interaction by the NRP1 antagonist EG00229 significantly attenuated the binding affinity between NTCP and preS1, thereby inhibiting HBV infection both in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that NRP1 is a novel host factor for HBV infection, which interacts with preS1 and NTCP to modulate HBV entry into hepatocytes. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS HBV infection is a global public health problem, but the understanding of the early infection process of HBV remains limited. Through single-cell sequencing, we identified a novel host factor, NRP1, which modulates HBV entry by interacting with HBV preS1 and NTCP. Moreover, antagonists targeting NRP1 can inhibit HBV infection both in vitro and in vivo. This study could further advance our comprehension of the early infection process of HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibo Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jihua Ren
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Haijun Deng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Linfeng Li
- Basic Medicine Research and Innovation Center for Novel Target and Therapeutic Intervention (Ministry of Education), Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhenzhen Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Infection and Immunity, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shengtao Cheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zufeng Guo
- Basic Medicine Research and Innovation Center for Novel Target and Therapeutic Intervention (Ministry of Education), Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ailong Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yongjun Dang
- Basic Medicine Research and Innovation Center for Novel Target and Therapeutic Intervention (Ministry of Education), Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Kunling Song
- Basic Medicine Research and Innovation Center for Novel Target and Therapeutic Intervention (Ministry of Education), Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Daiqing Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinyan Yao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yiping Qin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Kexin Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin He
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Juan Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Chia ZJ, Cao YN, Little PJ, Kamato D. Transforming growth factor-β receptors: versatile mechanisms of ligand activation. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:1337-1348. [PMID: 38351317 PMCID: PMC11192764 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-024-01235-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling is initiated by activation of transmembrane TGF-β receptors (TGFBR), which deploys Smad2/3 transcription factors to control cellular responses. Failure or dysregulation in the TGF-β signaling pathways leads to pathological conditions. TGF-β signaling is regulated at different levels along the pathways and begins with the liberation of TGF-β ligand from its latent form. The mechanisms of TGFBR activation display selectivity to cell types, agonists, and TGF-β isoforms, enabling precise control of TGF-β signals. In addition, the cell surface compartments used to release active TGF-β are surprisingly vibrant, using thrombospondins, integrins, matrix metalloproteinases and reactive oxygen species. The scope of TGFBR activation is further unfolded with the discovery of TGFBR activation initiated by other signaling pathways. The unique combination of mechanisms works in series to trigger TGFBR activation, which can be explored as therapeutic targets. This comprehensive review provides valuable insights into the diverse mechanisms underpinning TGFBR activation, shedding light on potential avenues for therapeutic exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Jie Chia
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
- Discovery Biology, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
| | - Ying-Nan Cao
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangzhou Xinhua University, Guangzhou, 510520, China
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangzhou Xinhua University, Guangzhou, 510520, China
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia.
- Discovery Biology, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia.
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia.
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Blinova VG, Zhdanov DD. Many Faces of Regulatory T Cells: Heterogeneity or Plasticity? Cells 2024; 13:959. [PMID: 38891091 PMCID: PMC11171907 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110959] [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] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential for maintaining the immune balance in normal and pathological conditions. In autoimmune diseases and transplantation, they restrain the loss of self-tolerance and promote engraftment, whereas in cancer, an increase in Treg numbers is mostly associated with tumor growth and poor prognosis. Numerous markers and their combinations have been used to identify Treg subsets, demonstrating the phenotypic diversity of Tregs. The complexity of Treg identification can be hampered by the unstable expression of some markers, the decrease in the expression of a specific marker over time or the emergence of a new marker. It remains unclear whether such phenotypic shifts are due to new conditions or whether the observed changes are due to initially different populations. In the first case, cellular plasticity is observed, whereas in the second, cellular heterogeneity is observed. The difference between these terms in relation to Tregs is rather blurred. Considering the promising perspectives of Tregs in regenerative cell-based therapy, the existing confusing data on Treg phenotypes require further investigation and analysis. In our review, we introduce criteria that allow us to distinguish between the heterogeneity and plasticity of Tregs normally and pathologically, taking a closer look at their diversity and drawing the line between two terms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varvara G. Blinova
- Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya st. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Dmitry D. Zhdanov
- Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya st. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia;
- Department of Biochemistry, People’s Friendship University of Russia Named after Patrice Lumumba (RUDN University), Miklukho-Maklaya st. 6, 117198 Moscow, Russia
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10
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Zheng X, Lei W, Zhang Y, Jin H, Han C, Wu F, Jia C, Zeng R, Chen Z, Zhang Y, Wang H, Liu Q, Yao Z, Yu Y, Zhou J. Neuropilin-1 high monocytes protect against neonatal inflammation. Cell Mol Immunol 2024; 21:575-588. [PMID: 38632385 PMCID: PMC11143335 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-024-01157-7] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Neonates are susceptible to inflammatory disorders such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) due to their immature immune system. The timely appearance of regulatory immune cells in early life contributes to the control of inflammation in neonates, yet the underlying mechanisms of which remain poorly understood. In this study, we identified a subset of neonatal monocytes characterized by high levels of neuropilin-1 (Nrp1), termed Nrp1high monocytes. Compared with their Nrp1low counterparts, Nrp1high monocytes displayed potent immunosuppressive activity. Nrp1 deficiency in myeloid cells aggravated the severity of NEC, whereas adoptive transfer of Nrp1high monocytes led to remission of NEC. Mechanistic studies showed that Nrp1, by binding to its ligand Sema4a, induced intracellular p38-MAPK/mTOR signaling and activated the transcription factor KLF4. KLF4 transactivated Nos2 and enhanced the production of nitric oxide (NO), a key mediator of immunosuppression in monocytes. These findings reveal an important immunosuppressive axis in neonatal monocytes and provide a potential therapeutic strategy for treating inflammatory disorders in neonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Zheng
- Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, International Joint Laboratory of Ocular Diseases (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
- Institute of Pediatric Health and Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Mechanism and Intervention on Serious Disease in Hebei Province, Department of Immunology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Wen Lei
- Pediatric Immunity and Healthcare Biomedical Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, 510320, China
| | - Yongmei Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, International Joint Laboratory of Ocular Diseases (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Han Jin
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroimmunology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Cha Han
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Fan Wu
- Institute of Pediatric Health and Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Department of Neonatology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Neonatal Intestinal Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Chonghong Jia
- Institute of Pediatric Health and Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Department of Neonatology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Neonatal Intestinal Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Ruihong Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Immune Mechanism and Intervention on Serious Disease in Hebei Province, Department of Immunology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Zhanghua Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Yuxia Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Haitao Wang
- Department of oncology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Sex Hormones and Diseases, Tianjin, 300211, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroimmunology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Zhi Yao
- Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, International Joint Laboratory of Ocular Diseases (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Ying Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, International Joint Laboratory of Ocular Diseases (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China.
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11
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Santagata S, Rea G, Bello AM, Capiluongo A, Napolitano M, Desicato S, Fragale A, D'Alterio C, Trotta AM, Ieranò C, Portella L, Persico F, Di Napoli M, Di Maro S, Feroce F, Azzaro R, Gabriele L, Longo N, Pignata S, Perdonà S, Scala S. Targeting CXCR4 impaired T regulatory function through PTEN in renal cancer patients. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:2016-2026. [PMID: 38704478 PMCID: PMC11183124 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02702-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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tregs trafficking is controlled by CXCR4. In Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC), the effect of the new CXCR4 antagonist, R54, was explored in peripheral blood (PB)-Tregs isolated from primary RCC patients. METHODS PB-Tregs were isolated from 77 RCC patients and 38 healthy donors (HDs). CFSE-T effector-Tregs suppression assay, IL-35, IFN-γ, IL-10, TGF-β1 secretion, and Nrp-1+Tregs frequency were evaluated. Tregs were characterised for CTLA-4, PD-1, CD40L, PTEN, CD25, TGF-β1, FOXP3, DNMT1 transcriptional profile. PTEN-pAKT signalling was evaluated in the presence of R54 and/or triciribine (TCB), an AKT inhibitor. Methylation of TSDR (Treg-Specific-Demethylated-Region) was conducted. RESULTS R54 impaired PB-RCC-Tregs function, reduced Nrp-1+Tregs frequency, the release of IL-35, IL-10, and TGF-β1, while increased IFN-γ Teff-secretion. The CXCR4 ligand, CXCL12, recruited CD25+PTEN+Tregs in RCC while R54 significantly reduced it. IL-2/PMA activates Tregs reducing pAKT+Tregs while R54 increases it. The AKT inhibitor, TCB, prevented the increase in pAKT+Tregs R54-mediated. Moreover, R54 significantly reduced FOXP3-TSDR demethylation with DNMT1 and FOXP3 downregulation. CONCLUSION R54 impairs Tregs function in primary RCC patients targeting PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway, reducing TSDR demethylation and FOXP3 and DNMT1 expression. Thus, CXCR4 targeting is a strategy to inhibit Tregs activity in the RCC tumour microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Santagata
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Rea
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Bello
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Capiluongo
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Napolitano
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Sonia Desicato
- Urology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Fragale
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Crescenzo D'Alterio
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Trotta
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Caterina Ieranò
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Portella
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Persico
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, Urology Unit, University of Naples "Federico II", 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - Marilena Di Napoli
- Uro-gynecological Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore Di Maro
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Florinda Feroce
- Pathology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Azzaro
- Transfusion Medicine Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia Gabriele
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Longo
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, Urology Unit, University of Naples "Federico II", 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - Sandro Pignata
- Uro-gynecological Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Sisto Perdonà
- Urology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Scala
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy.
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12
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Yin N, Li X, Zhang X, Xue S, Cao Y, Niedermann G, Lu Y, Xue J. Development of pharmacological immunoregulatory anti-cancer therapeutics: current mechanistic studies and clinical opportunities. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:126. [PMID: 38773064 PMCID: PMC11109181 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01826-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy represented by anti-PD-(L)1 and anti-CTLA-4 inhibitors has revolutionized cancer treatment, but challenges related to resistance and toxicity still remain. Due to the advancement of immuno-oncology, an increasing number of novel immunoregulatory targets and mechanisms are being revealed, with relevant therapies promising to improve clinical immunotherapy in the foreseeable future. Therefore, comprehending the larger picture is important. In this review, we analyze and summarize the current landscape of preclinical and translational mechanistic research, drug development, and clinical trials that brought about next-generation pharmacological immunoregulatory anti-cancer agents and drug candidates beyond classical immune checkpoint inhibitors. Along with further clarification of cancer immunobiology and advances in antibody engineering, agents targeting additional inhibitory immune checkpoints, including LAG-3, TIM-3, TIGIT, CD47, and B7 family members are becoming an important part of cancer immunotherapy research and discovery, as are structurally and functionally optimized novel anti-PD-(L)1 and anti-CTLA-4 agents and agonists of co-stimulatory molecules of T cells. Exemplified by bispecific T cell engagers, newly emerging bi-specific and multi-specific antibodies targeting immunoregulatory molecules can provide considerable clinical benefits. Next-generation agents also include immune epigenetic drugs and cytokine-based therapeutics. Cell therapies, cancer vaccines, and oncolytic viruses are not covered in this review. This comprehensive review might aid in further development and the fastest possible clinical adoption of effective immuno-oncology modalities for the benefit of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanhao Yin
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xintong Li
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xuanwei Zhang
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Shaolong Xue
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 20, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yu Cao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Laboratory of Emergency Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
- Institute of Disaster Medicine & Institute of Emergency Medicine, Sichuan University, No. 17, Gaopeng Avenue, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Gabriele Niedermann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site DKTK-Freiburg, Robert-Koch-Strasse 3, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - You Lu
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 2222, Xinchuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Jianxin Xue
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 2222, Xinchuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
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13
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Naidu AS, Wang CK, Rao P, Mancini F, Clemens RA, Wirakartakusumah A, Chiu HF, Yen CH, Porretta S, Mathai I, Naidu SAG. Precision nutrition to reset virus-induced human metabolic reprogramming and dysregulation (HMRD) in long-COVID. NPJ Sci Food 2024; 8:19. [PMID: 38555403 PMCID: PMC10981760 DOI: 10.1038/s41538-024-00261-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of COVID-19, is devoid of any metabolic capacity; therefore, it is critical for the viral pathogen to hijack host cellular metabolic machinery for its replication and propagation. This single-stranded RNA virus with a 29.9 kb genome encodes 14 open reading frames (ORFs) and initiates a plethora of virus-host protein-protein interactions in the human body. These extensive viral protein interactions with host-specific cellular targets could trigger severe human metabolic reprogramming/dysregulation (HMRD), a rewiring of sugar-, amino acid-, lipid-, and nucleotide-metabolism(s), as well as altered or impaired bioenergetics, immune dysfunction, and redox imbalance in the body. In the infectious process, the viral pathogen hijacks two major human receptors, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-2 and/or neuropilin (NRP)-1, for initial adhesion to cell surface; then utilizes two major host proteases, TMPRSS2 and/or furin, to gain cellular entry; and finally employs an endosomal enzyme, cathepsin L (CTSL) for fusogenic release of its viral genome. The virus-induced HMRD results in 5 possible infectious outcomes: asymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe to fatal episodes; while the symptomatic acute COVID-19 condition could manifest into 3 clinical phases: (i) hypoxia and hypoxemia (Warburg effect), (ii) hyperferritinemia ('cytokine storm'), and (iii) thrombocytosis (coagulopathy). The mean incubation period for COVID-19 onset was estimated to be 5.1 days, and most cases develop symptoms after 14 days. The mean viral clearance times were 24, 30, and 39 days for acute, severe, and ICU-admitted COVID-19 patients, respectively. However, about 25-70% of virus-free COVID-19 survivors continue to sustain virus-induced HMRD and exhibit a wide range of symptoms that are persistent, exacerbated, or new 'onset' clinical incidents, collectively termed as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) or long COVID. PASC patients experience several debilitating clinical condition(s) with >200 different and overlapping symptoms that may last for weeks to months. Chronic PASC is a cumulative outcome of at least 10 different HMRD-related pathophysiological mechanisms involving both virus-derived virulence factors and a multitude of innate host responses. Based on HMRD and virus-free clinical impairments of different human organs/systems, PASC patients can be categorized into 4 different clusters or sub-phenotypes: sub-phenotype-1 (33.8%) with cardiac and renal manifestations; sub-phenotype-2 (32.8%) with respiratory, sleep and anxiety disorders; sub-phenotype-3 (23.4%) with skeleto-muscular and nervous disorders; and sub-phenotype-4 (10.1%) with digestive and pulmonary dysfunctions. This narrative review elucidates the effects of viral hijack on host cellular machinery during SARS-CoV-2 infection, ensuing detrimental effect(s) of virus-induced HMRD on human metabolism, consequential symptomatic clinical implications, and damage to multiple organ systems; as well as chronic pathophysiological sequelae in virus-free PASC patients. We have also provided a few evidence-based, human randomized controlled trial (RCT)-tested, precision nutrients to reset HMRD for health recovery of PASC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Satyanarayan Naidu
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA.
- N-terminus Research Laboratory, 232659 Via del Rio, Yorba Linda, CA, 92887, USA.
| | - Chin-Kun Wang
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- School of Nutrition, Chung Shan Medical University, 110, Section 1, Jianguo North Road, Taichung, 40201, Taiwan
| | - Pingfan Rao
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- College of Food and Bioengineering, Fujian Polytechnic Normal University, No.1, Campus New Village, Longjiang Street, Fuqing City, Fujian, China
| | - Fabrizio Mancini
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- President-Emeritus, Parker University, 2540 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, TX, 75229, USA
| | - Roger A Clemens
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- University of Southern California, Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy/D. K. Kim International Center for Regulatory & Quality Sciences, 1540 Alcazar St., CHP 140, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Aman Wirakartakusumah
- International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST), Guelph, ON, Canada
- IPMI International Business School Jakarta; South East Asian Food and Agriculture Science and Technology, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Hui-Fang Chiu
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health & Well-being, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Hua Yen
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital; School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Sebastiano Porretta
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- President, Italian Association of Food Technology (AITA), Milan, Italy
- Experimental Station for the Food Preserving Industry, Department of Consumer Science, Viale Tanara 31/a, I-43121, Parma, Italy
| | - Issac Mathai
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- Soukya International Holistic Health Center, Whitefield, Bengaluru, India
| | - Sreus A G Naidu
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- N-terminus Research Laboratory, 232659 Via del Rio, Yorba Linda, CA, 92887, USA
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14
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Ma X, Liu H, Shi C, Zhao Y, Wang H, Han Z. Bioinformatics analysis and clinical significance of NRP-1 in triple-negative breast cancer. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27368. [PMID: 38495206 PMCID: PMC10943386 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27368] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic values of neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and analyze its immune function in the tumor microenvironment. Methods Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus, Genotype Tissue Expression, Immune Cell Abundance Identifier (ImmuCellAI), Reactome, and Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer databases, the cancer tissues from 50 patients with TNBC and corresponding adjacent noncancerous tissues from 10 patients (tissue microarrays were purchased from Shanghai Xinchao Biotechnology Co., Ltd.) were collected for validation. Bioinformatics combined with immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the relationship among NRP-1 expression, prognosis, tumor immune cell infiltration, immune genes, and drug resistance so as to investigate the role of NRP-1 in the development of TNBC. Results A significant difference in NRP-1 gene expression was found between the cancerous and noncancerous tissues (p-value < 0.05); NRP-1 expression was high in carcinoma. No significant correlation was found between NRP-1 protein expression levels and each stage in the TCGA database. Prognostic expression survival analysis showed that the survival probability of patients with high NRP-1 expression was significantly lower than that of patients with low NRP-1 expression (p-value < 0.05), suggesting that the gene might be a pro-oncogene. The data from 50 clinical samples also confirmed that the NRP-1 expression was significantly higher in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) tissues than in adjacent noncancerous tissues. The NRP-1 expression significantly correlated with the tumor diameter and pathological grade (p-value < 0.05), but not with age, stage, and ki67 (p-value > 0.05). The Kaplan-Meier survival curves suggested that the median overall survival was significantly shorter in patients with high NRP-1 expression than in those with low NRP-1 expression (13.6 months vs 15.2 months, p-value < 0.05). The 300 genes most significantly positively associated with this gene were selected for Gene Ontology (including Biological Process, Molecular Function, and Cellular Component groups) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomics enrichment analysis. The findings showed that NRP-1 was involved in immune regulation in TNBC. In addition, the NRP-1 expression in TNBC positively correlated with a variety of immune cells and checkpoints. Conclusion NRP-1 can be used as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Ma
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221000, China
| | - Haonan Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221000, China
| | - Congcong Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221000, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221000, China
| | - Hongmei Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221000, China
| | - Zhengxiang Han
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221000, China
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15
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Yi J, Gao H, Wei X, Wang M, Xu W, Yu D, Zhao M, Zhao M, Wang Z, Wei W, Jin S. The transcription factor GATA3 positively regulates NRP1 to promote radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 262:130052. [PMID: 38342257 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130052] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Radiation-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis (RIPF) frequently arises as a delayed complication following radiation therapy for thoracic cancers, encompassing lung, breast, and esophageal malignancies. Characterized by a relentless and irreversible accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins within the lung parenchyma, RIPF presents a significant clinical challenge. While the modulation of gene expression by transcription factors is a recognized aspect in various pathologies, their specific role in the context of RIPF has been less clear. This study elucidates that ionizing radiation prompts the translocation of the transcription factor GATA3 into the nucleus. This translocation facilitates GATA3's binding to the NRP1 promoter, thereby enhancing the transcription and subsequent translation of NRP1. Further investigations demonstrate that the TGF-β pathway agonist, SRI-011381, can mitigate the effects of NRP1 knockdown on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and ECM deposition, suggesting a pivotal role of the GATA3/NRP1/TGF-β axis in the pathogenesis of RIPF. In conclusion, our findings not only underscore the critical involvement of GATA3 in RIPF but also highlight the GATA3/NRP1/TGF-β signaling pathway as a promising target for therapeutic intervention in RIPF management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxuan Yi
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Hui Gao
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xinfeng Wei
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Mingwei Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Weiqiang Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Duo Yu
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Mingqi Zhao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Mengdie Zhao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Zhicheng Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Radiotherapy, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Shunzi Jin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
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16
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Dhupar R, Powers AA, Eisenberg SH, Gemmill RM, Bardawil CE, Udoh HM, Cubitt A, Nangle LA, Soloff AC. Orchestrating Resilience: How Neuropilin-2 and Macrophages Contribute to Cardiothoracic Disease. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1446. [PMID: 38592275 PMCID: PMC10934188 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13051446] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunity has evolved to balance the destructive nature of inflammation with wound healing to overcome trauma, infection, environmental insults, and rogue malignant cells. The inflammatory response is marked by overlapping phases of initiation, resolution, and post-resolution remodeling. However, the disruption of these events can lead to prolonged tissue damage and organ dysfunction, resulting long-term disease states. Macrophages are the archetypic phagocytes present within all tissues and are important contributors to these processes. Pleiotropic and highly plastic in their responses, macrophages support tissue homeostasis, repair, and regeneration, all while balancing immunologic self-tolerance with the clearance of noxious stimuli, pathogens, and malignant threats. Neuropilin-2 (Nrp2), a promiscuous co-receptor for growth factors, semaphorins, and integrins, has increasingly been recognized for its unique role in tissue homeostasis and immune regulation. Notably, recent studies have begun to elucidate the role of Nrp2 in both non-hematopoietic cells and macrophages with cardiothoracic disease. Herein, we describe the unique role of Nrp2 in diseases of the heart and lung, with an emphasis on Nrp2 in macrophages, and explore the potential to target Nrp2 as a therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev Dhupar
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (R.D.); (H.M.U.)
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Surgical and Research Services, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA
| | - Amy A. Powers
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (R.D.); (H.M.U.)
| | - Seth H. Eisenberg
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (R.D.); (H.M.U.)
| | - Robert M. Gemmill
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Charles E. Bardawil
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (R.D.); (H.M.U.)
| | - Hannah M. Udoh
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (R.D.); (H.M.U.)
| | - Andrea Cubitt
- aTyr Pharma, San Diego, CA 92121, USA; (A.C.); (L.A.N.)
| | | | - Adam C. Soloff
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (R.D.); (H.M.U.)
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Surgical and Research Services, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA
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17
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Long X, Zhang S, Wang Y, Chen J, Lu Y, Hou H, Lin B, Li X, Shen C, Yang R, Zhu H, Cui R, Cao D, Chen G, Wang D, Chen Y, Zhai S, Zeng Z, Wu S, Lou M, Chen J, Zou J, Zheng M, Qin J, Wang X. Targeting JMJD1C to selectively disrupt tumor T reg cell fitness enhances antitumor immunity. Nat Immunol 2024; 25:525-536. [PMID: 38356061 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-024-01746-8] [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: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells are critical for immune tolerance but also form a barrier to antitumor immunity. As therapeutic strategies involving Treg cell depletion are limited by concurrent autoimmune disorders, identification of intratumoral Treg cell-specific regulatory mechanisms is needed for selective targeting. Epigenetic modulators can be targeted with small compounds, but intratumoral Treg cell-specific epigenetic regulators have been unexplored. Here, we show that JMJD1C, a histone demethylase upregulated by cytokines in the tumor microenvironment, is essential for tumor Treg cell fitness but dispensable for systemic immune homeostasis. JMJD1C deletion enhanced AKT signals in a manner dependent on histone H3 lysine 9 dimethylation (H3K9me2) demethylase and STAT3 signals independently of H3K9me2 demethylase, leading to robust interferon-γ production and tumor Treg cell fragility. We have also developed an oral JMJD1C inhibitor that suppresses tumor growth by targeting intratumoral Treg cells. Overall, this study identifies JMJD1C as an epigenetic hub that can integrate signals to establish tumor Treg cell fitness, and we present a specific JMJD1C inhibitor that can target tumor Treg cells without affecting systemic immune homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehui Long
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Sulin Zhang
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuliang Wang
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingjing Chen
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanlai Lu
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Hou
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Bichun Lin
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xutong Li
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chang Shen
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruirui Yang
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Huamin Zhu
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rongrong Cui
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Duanhua Cao
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Geng Chen
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Chen
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Sulan Zhai
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiqin Zeng
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shusheng Wu
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengting Lou
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Junhong Chen
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian Zou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Mingyue Zheng
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jun Qin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiaoming Wang
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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18
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Gui J, Yang L, Liu J, Li Y, Zou M, Sun C, Huang L, Zhu X, Huang K. Identifying the prognosis implication, immunotherapy response prediction value, and potential targeted compound inhibitors of integrin subunit α3 (ITGA3) in human cancers. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24236. [PMID: 38293430 PMCID: PMC10825359 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24236] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The integrin subunit α3 (ITGA3) is a member of the integrin alpha chain protein family, which could promote progression, metastasis, and invasion in some cancers. Still, its function in the tumor microenvironment (TME), cancer prognosis, and immunotherapy remains unclear. A multifaceted analysis of ITGA3 in pan-cancer utilizing various databases and online web tools revealed ITGA3 was aberrantly expressed in tumor tissues and upregulated in most cancers, which may be related to ITGA3 genomic alterations and methylation modification. In addition, ITGA3 was significantly correlated with the poor or better prognosis of cancer patients, immune-related pathways in hallmark, immune infiltration, and immune checkpoints, revealing a biological function of ITGA3 in the tumor progression, tumor microenvironment, and tumor immunity. We also found that ITGA3 could predict the response to tumor immunotherapy based on cytokine-treated samples and immunotherapy cohorts. ITGA3 may participate in shaping and regulating the tumor microenvironment to affect the tumor immune response, which was a promising immunotherapy response predictive biomarker and potential therapeutic target to work synergistically with cancer immunotherapy to boost the response and efficacy. Finally, potential targeted compound inhibitors and sensitive drugs were screened using databases ConnectivityMap (CMap) and CellMiner, and AutoDock Tools was used for molecular docking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Gui
- Department of Neurosurgery, The 2 Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
- HuanKui Academy, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, PR China
| | - Lufei Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The 2 Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurological Tumors and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Nanchang, PR China
- JXHC Key Laboratory of Neurological Medicine, Jiangxi, 330006, Nanchang, PR China
| | - Junzhe Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The 2 Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurological Tumors and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Nanchang, PR China
- JXHC Key Laboratory of Neurological Medicine, Jiangxi, 330006, Nanchang, PR China
| | - Yishuang Li
- Queen Mary School, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, PR China
| | - Mi Zou
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, PR China
| | - Chengpeng Sun
- HuanKui Academy, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, PR China
| | - Le Huang
- HuanKui Academy, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, PR China
| | - Xingen Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The 2 Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurological Tumors and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Nanchang, PR China
- JXHC Key Laboratory of Neurological Medicine, Jiangxi, 330006, Nanchang, PR China
| | - Kai Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The 2 Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurological Tumors and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Nanchang, PR China
- JXHC Key Laboratory of Neurological Medicine, Jiangxi, 330006, Nanchang, PR China
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19
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Gong C, Tu Z, Long X, Liu X, Liu F, Liu J, Zhu X, Li J, Huang K. Predictive role of E2F6 in cancer prognosis and responses of immunotherapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 127:111302. [PMID: 38071912 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111302] [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: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND E2F6 is a member of the E2F transcription factor family. Numerous studies have demonstrated that E2F6 is critical to cancer development and progression, but its role in cancer immunotherapy remains unclear. METHODS Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases were used to obtain RNA-seq data for cancer and normal tissues, and we utilized the cBioPortal to analyze E2F6 genomic alterations in pan-cancer. The protein localization of E2F6 was obtained using the Human Protein Atlas (HPA), and the upregulation of E2F6 expression in clinical glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tissues was detected by Western blot analysis. The ComPPI website was used to analyze the protein interaction information of E2F6. To evaluate the role of E2F6 in pan-cancer prognosis, we used univariate Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier methods, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was utilized to identify markers associated with E2F6 expression in tumors. TIMER 2.0 was used to study E2F6-related immune cell infiltration in tumor tissues, and the correlation of E2F6 with immunotherapy biomarkers was investigated using Spearman correlation analysis. The role of E2F6 in the cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry, and the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays were utilized to determine the proliferative ability of cells. RESULTS In most tumor types, E2F6 was highly expressed and was a good predictor of prognosis. E2F6 was significantly related to markers of immune activation, tumor immune cell infiltration, and immune regulators. Furthermore, E2F6 knockdown significantly attenuated the proliferative ability of glioma cells. Finally, E2F6 effectively predicted anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD1) treatment response. CONCLUSION E2F6 is an effective biomarker that predicts the prognosis of cancer patients treated with anti-immune checkpoint therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuandong Gong
- Department of Neurosurgery, the 2(nd) affiliated hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurological Tumors and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; JXHC Key Laboratory of Neurological Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
| | - Zewei Tu
- Department of Neurosurgery, the 2(nd) affiliated hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurological Tumors and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; JXHC Key Laboratory of Neurological Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
| | - Xiaoyan Long
- East China Institute of Digital Medical Engineering, Shangrao, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
| | - Xinjun Liu
- People's Hospital of Yingtan City, Yingtan, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jiangxi Provincial Children's Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Xingen Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, the 2(nd) affiliated hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurological Tumors and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; JXHC Key Laboratory of Neurological Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China.
| | - Jingying Li
- Department of Comprehensive Intensive Care Unit, the 2(nd) affiliated hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China.
| | - Kai Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, the 2(nd) affiliated hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurological Tumors and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; JXHC Key Laboratory of Neurological Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China.
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20
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Xu X, Chen G, Zhou H, Liu Y, Ding H, Wang Z, Shen H, Li X, Li H. Downregulation of Nrp1 transcription promotes blood-brain barrier disruption following experimental cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. Neurosci Lett 2024; 818:137553. [PMID: 37949291 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137553] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) following cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) is a major factor in the pathophysiology of stroke. Endothelial cell-cell communication is essential for maintaining BBB integrity. By analyzing GSE227651 data, we found that a decrease in endothelial cell-cell communication mediated by Sema3/Nrp1 may be due to the downregulation of Nrp1 transcription, which could contribute to BBB breakdown after CIRI. We confirmed this hypothesis by using western blot analysis to show a reduction in Nrp1 protein levels in penumbra endothelial cells after CIRI in mice. We then overexpressed Nrp1 specifically in brain endothelial cells using adeno-associated virus in mice. Furthermore, Nrp1 overexpression had a protective effect on BBB integrity, as evidenced by a decrease in IgG and albumin leakage caused by CIRI in mice. Finally, we found that Nrp1 overexpression also reduced brain cell death and neurological deficits induced by cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in mice. Our findings suggest that Nrp1 downregulation may be a key factor in the breakdown of endothelial cell-cell communication and subsequent BBB disruption following CIRI. Targeting Nrp1-mediated pathways may be a promising approach for mitigating BBB damage and alleviating neurological consequences in stroke patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, 215006, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, 215006, China
| | - Hai Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Binhai County People's Hospital, Binhai, Jiangsu, 224500, China
| | - Yangyang Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, 215006, China
| | - Haojie Ding
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, 215006, China
| | - Zongqi Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, 215006, China
| | - Haitao Shen
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, 215006, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, 215006, China
| | - Haiying Li
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, 215006, China.
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21
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Ibrahim MAA, Ali SSM, Abdeljawaad KAA, Abdelrahman AHM, Gabr GA, Shawky AM, Mekhemer GAH, Sidhom PA, Paré PW, Hegazy MEF. In-silico natural product database mining for novel neuropilin-1 inhibitors: molecular docking, molecular dynamics and binding energy computations. JOURNAL OF TAIBAH UNIVERSITY FOR SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/16583655.2023.2182623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud A. A. Ibrahim
- Computational Chemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
- School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sara S. M. Ali
- Computational Chemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Khlood A. A. Abdeljawaad
- Computational Chemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Alaa H. M. Abdelrahman
- Computational Chemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Gamal A. Gabr
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
- Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute (AGERI), Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M. Shawky
- Science and Technology Unit (STU), Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gamal A. H. Mekhemer
- Computational Chemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Peter A. Sidhom
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Paul W. Paré
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
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22
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Imirowicz I, Saifee A, Henry L, Tunkle L, Popescu A, Huang P, Jakpor J, Barbano A, Goru R, Gunawan A, Sicilia M, Ono M, Bao X, Lee I. Unique tRNA Fragment Upregulation with SARS-CoV-2 but Not with SARS-CoV Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:399. [PMID: 38203569 PMCID: PMC10779308 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Unlike other coronaviruses, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly infected the global population, with some suffering long-term effects. Thanks to extensive data on SARS-CoV-2 made available through global, multi-level collaborative research, investigators are getting closer to understanding the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Here, using publicly available total and small RNAseq data of Calu3 cell lines, we conducted a comparative analysis of the changes in tRNA fragments (tRFs; regulatory small noncoding RNAs) in the context of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and SARS-CoV-2 infections. We found extensive upregulation of multiple tRFs in SARS-CoV-2 infection that was not present in SARS-CoV or other virus infections our group has studied. By comparing the total RNA changes in matching samples, we identified significant downregulation of TRDMT1 (tRNA methyltransferase), only in SARS-CoV-2 infection, a potential upstream event. We further found enriched neural functions among downregulated genes with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Interestingly, theoretically predicted targets of the upregulated tRFs without considering mRNA expression data are also enriched in neural functions such as axon guidance. Based on a combination of expression data and theoretical calculations, we propose potential targets for tRFs. For example, among the mRNAs downregulated with SARS-CoV-2 infection (but not with SARS-CoV infection), SEMA3C is a theoretically calculated target of multiple upregulated tRFs and a ligand of NRP1, a SARS-CoV-2 receptor. Our analysis suggests that tRFs contribute to distinct neurological features seen in SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Azeem Saifee
- Outreach Division, miRcore, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA
| | - Leanne Henry
- Outreach Division, miRcore, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA
| | - Leo Tunkle
- Outreach Division, miRcore, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA
| | | | - Philip Huang
- Outreach Division, miRcore, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA
| | - Jibiana Jakpor
- Outreach Division, miRcore, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA
- miRcore Volunteer Program, miRcore, Ann Arbor, MI 40104, USA
| | - Ava Barbano
- Outreach Division, miRcore, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA
- miRcore Volunteer Program, miRcore, Ann Arbor, MI 40104, USA
| | - Rohit Goru
- Outreach Division, miRcore, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA
| | | | - Maria Sicilia
- miRcore Volunteer Program, miRcore, Ann Arbor, MI 40104, USA
| | - Mori Ono
- Outreach Division, miRcore, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA
| | - Xiaoyong Bao
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA;
| | - Inhan Lee
- Outreach Division, miRcore, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA
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23
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Troncoso MF, Elola MT, Blidner AG, Sarrias L, Espelt MV, Rabinovich GA. The universe of galectin-binding partners and their functions in health and disease. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105400. [PMID: 37898403 PMCID: PMC10696404 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105400] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Galectins, a family of evolutionarily conserved glycan-binding proteins, play key roles in diverse biological processes including tissue repair, adipogenesis, immune cell homeostasis, angiogenesis, and pathogen recognition. Dysregulation of galectins and their ligands has been observed in a wide range of pathologic conditions including cancer, autoimmune inflammation, infection, fibrosis, and metabolic disorders. Through protein-glycan or protein-protein interactions, these endogenous lectins can shape the initiation, perpetuation, and resolution of these processes, suggesting their potential roles in disease monitoring and treatment. However, despite considerable progress, a full understanding of the biology and therapeutic potential of galectins has not been reached due to their diversity, multiplicity of cell targets, and receptor promiscuity. In this article, we discuss the multiple galectin-binding partners present in different cell types, focusing on their contributions to selected physiologic and pathologic settings. Understanding the molecular bases of galectin-ligand interactions, particularly their glycan-dependency, the biochemical nature of selected receptors, and underlying signaling events, might contribute to designing rational therapeutic strategies to control a broad range of pathologic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- María F Troncoso
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas (IQUIFIB) Prof Alejandro C. Paladini, CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María T Elola
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas (IQUIFIB) Prof Alejandro C. Paladini, CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ada G Blidner
- Laboratorio de Glicomedicina, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luciana Sarrias
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas (IQUIFIB) Prof Alejandro C. Paladini, CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María V Espelt
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas (IQUIFIB) Prof Alejandro C. Paladini, CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gabriel A Rabinovich
- Laboratorio de Glicomedicina, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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24
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Sandoval S, Malany K, Thongphanh K, Martinez CA, Goodson ML, Souza FDC, Lin LW, Sweeney N, Pennington J, Lein PJ, Kerkvliet NI, Ehrlich AK. Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor inhibits neuropilin-1 upregulation on IL-2-responding CD4 + T cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1193535. [PMID: 38035105 PMCID: PMC10682649 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1193535] [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: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 (Nrp1), a transmembrane protein expressed on CD4+ T cells, is mostly studied in the context of regulatory T cell (Treg) function. More recently, there is increasing evidence that Nrp1 is also highly expressed on activated effector T cells and that increases in these Nrp1-expressing CD4+ T cells correspond with immunopathology across several T cell-dependent disease models. Thus, Nrp1 may be implicated in the identification and function of immunopathologic T cells. Nrp1 downregulation in CD4+ T cells is one of the strongest transcriptional changes in response to immunoregulatory compounds that act though the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-activated transcription factor. To better understand the link between AhR and Nrp1 expression on CD4+ T cells, Nrp1 expression was assessed in vivo and in vitro following AhR ligand treatment. In the current study, we identified that the percentage of Nrp1 expressing CD4+ T cells increases over the course of activation and proliferation in vivo. The actively dividing Nrp1+Foxp3- cells express the classic effector phenotype of CD44hiCD45RBlo, and the increase in Nrp1+Foxp3- cells is prevented by AhR activation. In contrast, Nrp1 expression is not modulated by AhR activation in non-proliferating CD4+ T cells. The downregulation of Nrp1 on CD4+ T cells was recapitulated in vitro in cells isolated from C57BL/6 and NOD (non-obese diabetic) mice. CD4+Foxp3- cells expressing CD25, stimulated with IL-2, or differentiated into Th1 cells, were particularly sensitive to AhR-mediated inhibition of Nrp1 upregulation. IL-2 was necessary for AhR-dependent downregulation of Nrp1 expression both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, the data demonstrate that Nrp1 is a CD4+ T cell activation marker and that regulation of Nrp1 could be a previously undescribed mechanism by which AhR ligands modulate effector CD4+ T cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Sandoval
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Keegan Malany
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Krista Thongphanh
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Clarisa A. Martinez
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Michael L. Goodson
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Felipe Da Costa Souza
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Lo-Wei Lin
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Nicolle Sweeney
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Jamie Pennington
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Pamela J. Lein
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Nancy I. Kerkvliet
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Allison K. Ehrlich
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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25
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Karkashan A, Attar R. Computational screening of natural products to identify potential inhibitors for human neuropilin-1 (NRP1) receptor to abrogate the binding of SARS-CoV-2 and host cell. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:9987-9996. [PMID: 36437796 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2150685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Recently, a new variant B.1.1.529 or Omicron variant and its sub-variants (BA2.75, BA.5) of SARS-CoV-2 (Severe acute respiratory virus 2) have been reported with a larger number of mutations in the spike protein and particularly in the RBD (receptor-binding domain). The omicron (B.1.1.529) variant has aggravated the pandemic situation further and needs more analysis for therapeutic development. Keeping in view the urgency of the required data, the current study used molecular modeling and simulation-based methods to target the NRP1 (Neuropilin 1) protein to halt the entry into the host cell. Employing a molecular screening approach to screen the North-East African natural compounds database (NEANCDB) revealed Subereamine B with a docking score of -8.44 kcal/mol, Zinolol with the docking score of -8.05 while Subereamine A with a docking score of -7.88 kcal/mol as the best hits against NRP1. Molecular simulation-based further validation revealed stable dynamics, good structural packing, and dynamic residues flexibility index. Moreover, hydrogen bonding fraction analysis demonstrated the interactions remained sustained during the simulation. Furthermore, the total binding free energy for Subereamine B was -44.24 ±0.91 kcal/mol, for Zinolol -34.32 ±0.40 kcal/mol while for Subereamine A the TBE was calculated to be -41.78 ± 0.36 kcal/mol respectively. This shows that the two arginine-based alkaloids, i.e. Subereamine B and Subereamine A could inhibit the NRP1 more strongly than Zinolol. In conclusion, this study provides a basis for the development of novel drugs against SARS-CoV-2.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Karkashan
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Roba Attar
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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26
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D’Amore V, Donati G, Lenci E, Ludwig BS, Kossatz S, Baiula M, Trabocchi A, Kessler H, Di Leva FS, Marinelli L. Molecular View on the iRGD Peptide Binding Mechanism: Implications for Integrin Activity and Selectivity Profiles. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:6302-6315. [PMID: 37788340 PMCID: PMC10598797 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Receptor-selective peptides are widely used as smart carriers for specific tumor-targeted delivery. A remarkable example is the cyclic nonapeptide iRGD (CRGDKPGDC, 1) that couples intrinsic cytotoxic effects with striking tumor-homing properties. These peculiar features are based on a rather complex multistep mechanism of action, where the primary event is the recognition of RGD integrins. Despite the high number of preclinical studies and the recent success of a phase I trial for the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), there is little information available about the iRGD three-dimensional (3D) structure and integrin binding properties. Here, we re-evaluate the peptide's affinity for cancer-related integrins including not only the previously known targets αvβ3 and αvβ5 but also the αvβ6 isoform, which is known to drive cell growth, migration, and invasion in many malignancies including PDAC. Furthermore, we use parallel tempering in the well-tempered ensemble (PT-WTE) metadynamics simulations to characterize the in-solution conformation of iRGD and extensive molecular dynamics calculations to fully investigate its binding mechanism to integrin partners. Finally, we provide clues for fine-tuning the peptide's potency and selectivity profile, which, in turn, may further improve its tumor-homing properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo
Maria D’Amore
- Department
of Pharmacy, Università degli Studi
di Napoli “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Greta Donati
- Department
of Pharmacy, Università degli Studi
di Napoli “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Lenci
- Department
of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff″, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 13, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Beatrice Stefanie Ludwig
- Department
of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Klinikum Rechts der Isar
and Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), Technical University Munich, Munich 81675, Germany
| | - Susanne Kossatz
- Department
of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Klinikum Rechts der Isar
and Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), Technical University Munich, Munich 81675, Germany
- Department
of Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University Munich, Garching 85748, Germany
| | - Monica Baiula
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University
of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Trabocchi
- Department
of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff″, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 13, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Horst Kessler
- Department
of Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University Munich, Garching 85748, Germany
| | - Francesco Saverio Di Leva
- Department
of Pharmacy, Università degli Studi
di Napoli “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Luciana Marinelli
- Department
of Pharmacy, Università degli Studi
di Napoli “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
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27
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He D, Wang L, Xu J, Zhao J, Bai H, Wang J. Research advances in mechanism of antiangiogenic therapy combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors for treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1265865. [PMID: 37915579 PMCID: PMC10618022 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1265865] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has changed the treatment strategy of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in recent years, among which anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies are the most used. However, the majority of patients with NSCLC do not derive benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Vascular abnormalities are a hallmark of most solid tumors and facilitate immune evasion. Thus, combining antiangiogenic therapies might increase the effectiveness of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies. In this paper, the mechanisms of anti-angiogenic agents combined with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies are illustrated, moreover, relevant clinical studies and predictive immunotherapeutic biomarkers are summarized and analyzed, in order to provide more treatment options for NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Hua Bai
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Key Laboratory of Translational Research on Lung Cancer, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Key Laboratory of Translational Research on Lung Cancer, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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28
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Sandoval S, Malany K, Thongphanh K, Martinez CA, Goodson ML, Souza FDC, Lin LW, Pennington J, Lein PJ, Kerkvliet NI, Ehrlich AK. Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor inhibits neuropilin-1 upregulation on IL-2 responding CD4 + T cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.25.559429. [PMID: 37808764 PMCID: PMC10557576 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.25.559429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 (Nrp1), a transmembrane protein expressed on CD4 + T cells, is mostly studied in the context of regulatory T cell (Treg) function. More recently, there is increasing evidence that Nrp1 is also highly expressed on activated effector T cells and that increases in these Nrp1-expressing CD4 + T cells correspond with immunopathology across several T cell-dependent disease models. Thus, Nrp1 may be implicated in the identification and function of immunopathologic T cells. Nrp1 downregulation in CD4 + T cells is one of the strongest transcriptional changes in response to immunoregulatory compounds that act though the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-activated transcription factor. To better understand the link between AhR and Nrp1 expression on CD4 + T cells, Nrp1 expression was assessed in vivo and in vitro following AhR ligand treatment. In the current study, we identified that the percentage of Nrp1 expressing CD4 + T cells increases over the course of activation and proliferation in vivo . The actively dividing Nrp1 + Foxp3 - cells express the classic effector phenotype of CD44 hi CD45RB lo , and the increase in Nrp1 + Foxp3 - cells is prevented by AhR activation. In contrast, Nrp1 expression is not modulated by AhR activation in non-proliferating CD4 + T cells. The downregulation of Nrp1 on CD4 + T cells was recapitulated in vitro in cells isolated from C57BL/6 and NOD (non-obese diabetic) mice. CD4 + Foxp3 - cells expressing CD25, stimulated with IL-2, or differentiated into Th1 cells, were particularly sensitive to AhR-mediated inhibition of Nrp1 upregulation. IL-2 was necessary for AhR-dependent downregulation of Nrp1 expression both in vitro and in vivo . Collectively, the data demonstrate that Nrp1 is a CD4 + T cell activation marker and that regulation of Nrp1 could be a previously undescribed mechanism by which AhR ligands modulate effector CD4 + T cell responses.
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29
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Corallo D, Dalla Vecchia M, Lazic D, Taschner-Mandl S, Biffi A, Aveic S. The molecular basis of tumor metastasis and current approaches to decode targeted migration-promoting events in pediatric neuroblastoma. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 215:115696. [PMID: 37481138 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115696] [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: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Cell motility is a crucial biological process that plays a critical role in the development of multicellular organisms and is essential for tissue formation and regeneration. However, uncontrolled cell motility can lead to the development of various diseases, including neoplasms. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the discovery of regulatory mechanisms underlying the metastatic spread of neuroblastoma, a solid pediatric tumor that originates in the embryonic migratory cells of the neural crest. The highly motile phenotype of metastatic neuroblastoma cells requires targeting of intracellular and extracellular processes, that, if affected, would be helpful for the treatment of high-risk patients with neuroblastoma, for whom current therapies remain inadequate. Development of new potentially migration-inhibiting compounds and standardized preclinical approaches for the selection of anti-metastatic drugs in neuroblastoma will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Corallo
- Laboratory of Target Discovery and Biology of Neuroblastoma, Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica (IRP), Fondazione Città della Speranza, 35127 Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Dalla Vecchia
- Laboratory of Target Discovery and Biology of Neuroblastoma, Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica (IRP), Fondazione Città della Speranza, 35127 Padova, Italy
| | - Daria Lazic
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, CCRI, Zimmermannplatz 10, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sabine Taschner-Mandl
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, CCRI, Zimmermannplatz 10, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alessandra Biffi
- Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Division, Woman's and Child Health Department, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Sanja Aveic
- Laboratory of Target Discovery and Biology of Neuroblastoma, Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica (IRP), Fondazione Città della Speranza, 35127 Padova, Italy.
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30
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Zhang L, Ma J, Zhou D, Zhou J, Hu B, Ma X, Tang J, Bai Y, Chen H, Jing Y. Single-Nucleus Transcriptome Profiling of Locally Advanced Cervical Squamous Cell Cancer Identifies Neural-Like Progenitor Program Associated with the Efficacy of Radiotherapy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2300348. [PMID: 37424047 PMCID: PMC10477877 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202300348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Radiotherapy is the first-line treatment for locally advanced cervical squamous cell cancer (CSCC). However, ≈50% of patients fail to respond to therapy and, in some cases, tumors progress after radical radiotherapy. Here, single-nucleus RNA-seq is performed to construct high-resolution molecular landscapes of various cell types in CSCC before and during radiotherapy, to better understand radiotherapy related molecular responses within tumor microenvironment. The results show that expression levels of a neural-like progenitor (NRP) program in tumor cells are significantly higher after radiotherapy and these are enriched in the tumors of nonresponding patients. The enrichment of the NRP program in malignant cells from the tumors of nonresponders in an independent cohort analyzed by bulk RNA-seq is validated. In addition, an analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset shows that NRP expression is associated with poor prognosis in CSCC patients. In vitro experiments on the CSCC cell line demonstrate that downregulation of neuregulin 1 (NRG1), a key gene from NRP program, is associated with decreased cell growth and increased sensitivity to radiation. Immunohistochemistry staining in cohort 3 validated key genes, NRG1 and immediate early response 3 from immunomodulatory program, as radiosensitivity regulators. The findings reveal that the expression of NRP in CSCC can be used to predict the efficacy of radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Department of Radiation OncologyRenji HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200127China
| | - Jun Ma
- Eye InstituteEye & ENT HospitalShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200031China
| | - Di Zhou
- Department of Radiation OncologyRenji HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200127China
| | - Junjun Zhou
- Department of Radiation OncologyRenji HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200127China
| | - Bin Hu
- Department of Radiation OncologyRenji HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200127China
| | - Xiumei Ma
- Department of Radiation OncologyRenji HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200127China
| | - Jianming Tang
- Department of Radiation OncologyThe First Hospital of Lanzhou UniversityLanzhou UniversityLanzhou730000China
| | - Yongrui Bai
- Department of Radiation OncologyRenji HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200127China
| | - Haiyan Chen
- Department of Radiation OncologyRenji HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200127China
| | - Ying Jing
- Center for Intelligent Medicine ResearchGreater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou)Fudan UniversityGuangzhou511458China
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31
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Ma X, Zhao Y, Shi C, Jiang H, Liu H, Wang H, Qin X, Wang Y, Han Z. Systematic pan-cancer analysis identified neuropilin 1 as an immunological and prognostic biomarker. Cell Biochem Funct 2023; 41:658-675. [PMID: 37306257 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3821] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Neuropilin 1 (NRP1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein, nontyrosine kinase receptor that plays an important role in axonal growth and angiogenesis in the nervous system. Although currently more and more studies have shown that NRP1 plays an important role in some cancers, no systematic pan-cancer analysis of NRP-1 has been performed to date. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the associated immune function and prognostic value of NRP1 in 33 tumors of various cancer types. In this study, based on The Cancer Genome Atlas, Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia, Genotype Tissue Expression, cBioportal for cancer genomics, and Human Protein Atlas (HPA databases), various bioinformatics analysis methods were used to investigate the potential carcinogenic effects of NRP1 activation, pan-cancer analysis of NRP1 expression, and the relationship between NRP1 expression and prognosis indicators including overall survival, disease-specific survival, disease-free interval, and progression-free interval, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and microsatellite instability (MSI). The results showed that NRP1 was highly expressed in most tumors. In addition, NRP1 was found to be positively or negatively correlated with the prognosis of different tumors. Also, the expression of NRP1 was associated with TMB and MSI in in 27 and 21 different types of tumors, respectively, and with DNA methylation in almost all the various types of tumors. The expression of the NRP1 gene was negatively correlated with the infiltration levels of most immune cells. In addition, the correlation between the level of immune cell infiltration and NRP1 expression varied according to immune cell subtype. Our study suggests that NRP1 plays an important role in tumor development and tumor immunity and could potentially be used as a prognostic indicator in a variety of malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Ma
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Congcong Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Oncology, Jiawang People's Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haonan Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongmei Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaobing Qin
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuqin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhengxiang Han
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Fang Y, Zhang Q, Chen C, Chen Z, Zheng R, She C, Zhang R, Wu J. Identification and comprehensive analysis of epithelial-mesenchymal transition related target genes of miR-222-3p in breast cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1189635. [PMID: 37546414 PMCID: PMC10400091 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1189635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a crucial mechanism that microRNA-222-3p (miR-222-3p) promotes breast cancer (BC) progression. Our study aimed to identify EMT-associated target genes (ETGs) of miR-222-3p for further analysis of their roles in BC based on bioinformatics tools. Methods Based on bioinformatics analysis, we identified 10 core ETGs of miR-222-3p. Then, we performed a comprehensive analysis of 10 ETGs and miR-222-3p, including pathway enrichment analysis of ETGs, differential expression, clinical significance, correlation with immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoint genes (ICGs) expression, tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), stemness, drug sensitivity, and genetic alteration. Results The expression of miR222-3p in basal-like BC was significantly higher than in other subtypes of BC and the normal adjacent tissue. Pathway analysis suggested that the ETGs might regulate the EMT process via the PI3K-Akt and HIF-1 signaling pathway. Six of the 10 core ETGs of miR-222-3p identified were down-expressed in BC, which were EGFR, IL6, NRP1, NTRK2, LAMC2, and PIK3R1, and SERPINE1, MUC1, MMP11, and BIRC5 were up-expressed in BC, which also showed potential diagnostic values in BC. Prognosis analysis revealed that higher NTRK2 and PIK3R1 expressions were related to a better prognosis, and higher BIRC5 and miR-222-3p expressions were related to a worse prognosis. Most ETGs and miR-222-3p were positively correlated with various infiltration of various immune cells and ICGs expression. Lower TMB scores were correlated with higher expression of MUC1 and NTRK2, and higher BIRC5 was related to a higher TMB score. Lower expression of MUC1, NTRK2, and PIK3R1 were associated with higher MSI scores. Higher expression of ETGs was associated with lower mRNAsi scores, except BIRC5 and miR-222-3p conversely. Most ETGs and miR-222-3p expression were negatively correlated with the drug IC50 values. The analysis of the genetic alteration of the ETGs suggested that amplification was the main genetic alteration of eight ETGs except for NTRK2 and PIK3R1. Conclusion MiR-222-3p might be a specific biomarker of basal-like BC. We successfully identify 10 core ETGs of miR-222-3p, some might be useful diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. The comprehensive analysis of 10 ETGs and miR-222-3p indicated that they might be involved in the development of BC, which might be novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Fang
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- The Department of Central Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qunchen Zhang
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- The Department of Central Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chunfa Chen
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- The Department of Central Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zexiao Chen
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- The Department of Central Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Rongji Zheng
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- The Department of Central Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chuanghong She
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- The Department of Central Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Rendong Zhang
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- The Department of Central Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jundong Wu
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- The Department of Central Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
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Chen J, Li Y, Xu L, Sang Y, Li D, Du M. Paradoxical expression of NRP1 in decidual stromal and immune cells reveals a novel inflammation balancing mechanism during early pregnancy. Inflamm Res 2023:10.1007/s00011-023-01734-y. [PMID: 37328599 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-023-01734-y] [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: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN To investigate the balancing mechanisms between decidualization-associated inflammation and pregnancy-related immunotolerance. MATERIAL OR SUBJECTS Decidual samples from women with normal pregnancy (n = 58) or unexplained spontaneous miscarriage (n = 13), peripheral blood from normal pregnancy and endometria from non-pregnancy (n = 10) were collected. Primary endometrial stromal cells (ESCs), decidual stromal cells (DSCs), decidual immune cells (DICs) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated. TREATMENT The plasmid carrying neuropilin-1 (NRP1) gene was transfected into ESC for overexpression. To induce decidualization in vitro, ESCs were treated with a combination of 10 nM estradiol, 100 nM progesterone and 0.5 mM cAMP. Anti-Sema3a and anti-NRP1 neutralizing antibodies were applied to block the ligand-receptor interactions. METHODS RNA-seq analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed genes in DSCs and DICs, and NRP1 expression was verified by Western blotting and flow cytometry. The secretion of inflammatory mediators was measured using a multifactor cytometric bead array. The effects of Sema3a-NRP1 pathway on DICs were determined by flow cytometry. Statistical differences between groups were compared using the T test and one way or two-way ANOVA. RESULTS Combined with five RNA-seq datasets, NRP1 was the only immune checkpoint changing oppositely between DSCs and DICs. The decreased expression of NRP1 in DSCs allowed intrinsic inflammatory responses required for decidualization, while its increased expression in DICs enhanced tolerant phenotypes beneficial to pregnancy maintenance. DSC-secreted Sema3a promoted immunosuppression in DICs via NRP1 binding. In women with miscarriage, NRP1 was abnormally elevated in DSCs but diminished in decidual macrophages and NK cells. CONCLUSION NRP1 is a multifunctional controller that balances the inflammatory states of DSCs and DICs in gravid uterus. Abnormal expression of NRP1 is implicated in miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Chen
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Zhao Zhou Road 413, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yanhong Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Zhao Zhou Road 413, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ling Xu
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Zhao Zhou Road 413, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yifei Sang
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Zhao Zhou Road 413, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Dajin Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Zhao Zhou Road 413, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Meirong Du
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Zhao Zhou Road 413, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200434, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau SAR, 519020, China.
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Ma S, Kim JH, Chen W, Li L, Lee J, Xue J, Liu Y, Chen G, Tang B, Tao W, Kim JS. Cancer Cell-Specific Fluorescent Prodrug Delivery Platforms. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2207768. [PMID: 37026629 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202207768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Targeting cancer cells with high specificity is one of the most essential yet challenging goals of tumor therapy. Because different surface receptors, transporters, and integrins are overexpressed specifically on tumor cells, using these tumor cell-specific properties to improve drug targeting efficacy holds particular promise. Targeted fluorescent prodrugs not only improve intracellular accumulation and bioavailability but also report their own localization and activation through real-time changes in fluorescence. In this review, efforts are highlighted to develop innovative targeted fluorescent prodrugs that efficiently accumulate in tumor cells in different organs, including lung cancer, liver cancer, cervical cancer, breast cancer, glioma, and colorectal cancer. The latest progress and advances in chemical design and synthetic considerations in fluorescence prodrug conjugates and how their therapeutic efficacy and fluorescence can be activated by tumor-specific stimuli are reviewed. Additionally, novel perspectives are provided on strategies behind engineered nanoparticle platforms self-assembled from targeted fluorescence prodrugs, and how fluorescence readouts can be used to monitor the position and action of the nanoparticle-mediated delivery of therapeutic agents in preclinical models. Finally, future opportunities for fluorescent prodrug-based strategies and solutions to the challenges of accelerating clinical translation for the treatment of organ-specific tumors are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyue Ma
- The Youth Innovation Team of Shaanxi Universities, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chemical Additives for Industry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, China
- Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma, Ministry of Education, College of Emergency and Trauma, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Ji Hyeon Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, South Korea
| | - Wei Chen
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Lu Li
- The Youth Innovation Team of Shaanxi Universities, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chemical Additives for Industry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Jieun Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, South Korea
| | - Junlian Xue
- The Youth Innovation Team of Shaanxi Universities, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chemical Additives for Industry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Yuxia Liu
- The Youth Innovation Team of Shaanxi Universities, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chemical Additives for Industry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Guang Chen
- The Youth Innovation Team of Shaanxi Universities, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chemical Additives for Industry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, China
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of Shandong, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Bo Tang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of Shandong, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Wei Tao
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jong Seung Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, South Korea
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Zhang D, Jiang Z, Hu J, Sun X, Zheng Y, Shen Y. Comprehensively prognostic and immunological analysis of snail family transcriptional repressor 2 in pan-cancer and identification in pancreatic carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1117585. [PMID: 37251370 PMCID: PMC10213725 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1117585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Snail family transcriptional repressor 2 (SNAI2) is a transcription factor that induces epithelial to mesenchymal transition in neoplastic epithelial cells. It is closely related to the progression of various malignancies. However, the significance of SNAI2 in human pan-cancer is still largely unknown. Methods The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx), and Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) databases were taken to examine the SNAI2 expression pattern in tissues and cancer cells. The link between SNAI2 gene expression levels and prognosis, as well as immune cell infiltration, was investigated using the Kaplan-Meier technique and Spearman correlation analysis. We also explored the expression and distribution of SNAI2 in various tumor tissues and cells by the THPA (Human Protein Atlas) database. We further investigated the relationship between SNAI2 expression levels and immunotherapy response in various clinical immunotherapy cohorts. Finally, the immunoblot was used to quantify the SNAI2 expression levels, and the proliferative and invasive ability of pancreatic cancer cells was determined by colony formation and transwell assays. Results We discovered heterogeneity in SNAI2 expression in different tumor tissues and cancer cell lines by exploring public datasets. The genomic alteration of SNAI2 existed in most cancers. Also, SNAI2 exhibits prognosis predictive ability in various cancers. SNAI2 was significantly correlated with immune-activated hallmarks, cancer immune cell infiltrations, and immunoregulators. It's worth noting that SNAI2 expression is significantly related to the effectiveness of clinical immunotherapy. SNAI2 expression was also found to have a high correlation with the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes and DNA methylation in many cancers. Finally, the knockdown of SNAI2 significantly weakened the proliferative and invasive ability of pancreatic cancer cells. Conclusion These findings suggested that SNAI2 could be used as a biomarker in human pan-cancer to detect immune infiltration and poor prognosis, which provides a new idea for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhenhong Jiang
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Department of Medical Genetics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jianping Hu
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Department of Medical Genetics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiaoyun Sun
- Department of Medical Genetics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yan Zheng
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Department of Medical Genetics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yang Shen
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Department of Medical Genetics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Mortaezaee K, Majidpoor J. Mechanisms of CD8 + T cell exclusion and dysfunction in cancer resistance to anti-PD-(L)1. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 163:114824. [PMID: 37141735 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
CD8+ T cells are the front-line defensive cells against cancer. Reduced infiltration and effector function of CD8+ T cells occurs in cancer and is contributed to defective immunity and immunotherapy resistance. Exclusion and exhaustion of CD8+ T cells are the two key factors associated with reduced durability of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. Initially activated T cells upon exposure to chronic antigen stimulation or immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) acquire a hyporesponsive state that progressively lose their effector function. Thus, a key strategy in cancer immunotherapy is to look for factors contributed to defective CD8+ T cell infiltration and function. Targeting such factors can define a promising supplementary approach in patients receiving anti-programmed death-1 receptor (PD-1)/anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) therapy. Recently, bispecific antibodies are developed against PD-(L)1 and a dominant factor within TME, representing higher safety profile and exerting more desired outcomes. The focus of this review is to discuss about promoters of deficient infiltration and effector function of CD8+ T cells and their addressing in cancer ICI therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keywan Mortaezaee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
| | - Jamal Majidpoor
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
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Zhu QY. Bioinformatics analysis of the pathogenic link between Epstein-Barr virus infection, systemic lupus erythematosus and diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6310. [PMID: 37072474 PMCID: PMC10113247 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33585-2] [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: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a risk factor for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). While prior research has suggested a potential correlation between SLE and DLBCL, the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. The present study aimed to explore the contribution of EBV infection to the pathogenesis of DLBCL in the individuals with SLE using bioinformatics approaches. The Gene Expression Omnibus database was used to compile the gene expression profiles of EBV-infected B cells (GSE49628), SLE (GSE61635), and DLBCL (GSE32018). Altogether, 72 shared common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were extracted and enrichment analysis of the shared genes showed that p53 signaling pathway was a common feature of the pathophysiology. Six hub genes were selected using protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, including CDK1, KIF23, NEK2, TOP2A, NEIL3 and DEPDC1, which showed preferable diagnostic values for SLE and DLBCL and involved in immune cell infiltration and immune responses regulation. Finally, TF-gene and miRNA-gene regulatory networks and 10 potential drugs molecule were predicted. Our study revealed the potential molecular mechanisms by which EBV infection contribute to the susceptibility of DLBCL in SLE patients for the first time and identified future biomarkers and therapeutic targets for SLE and DLBCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Ying Zhu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518003, People's Republic of China.
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He LH, Zhang XZ, Lao MY, Zhang HJ, Yang HS, Bai XL. Immune Checkpoint Neuropilins as Novel Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets for Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082225. [PMID: 37190154 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The traditional immune checkpoint blockade therapy benefits some patients with cancer, but elicits no response in certain cancers, such as pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD); thus, novel checkpoints and effective targets are required. Here, we found that there was a higher Neuropilin (NRP) expression in tumor tissues as novel immune checkpoints, which was associated with poor prognosis and pessimistic responses to immune checkpoint blockade therapy. In the tumor microenvironment of PAAD samples, NRPs were widely expressed in tumor, immune and stromal cells. The relationship of NRPs with tumor immunological features in PAAD and pan-cancer was evaluated using bioinformatics methods; it was positively correlated with the infiltration of myeloid immune cells and the expression of most immune checkpoint genes. Bioinformatics analysis, in vitro and in vivo experiments suggested that NRPs exhibit potential immune-related and immune-independent pro-tumor effects. NRPs, especially NRP1, are attractive biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancers, particularly PAAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Hong He
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for the Study of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiao-Zhen Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for the Study of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Meng-Yi Lao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for the Study of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Han-Jia Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for the Study of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Han-Shen Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for the Study of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xue-Li Bai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for the Study of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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Barthe M, Hertereau L, Lamghari N, Osman-Ponchet H, Braud VM. Receptors and Cofactors That Contribute to SARS-CoV-2 Entry: Can Skin Be an Alternative Route of Entry? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076253. [PMID: 37047226 PMCID: PMC10094153 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
To prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2, all routes of entry of the virus into the host must be mapped. The skin is in contact with the external environment and thus may be an alternative route of entry to transmission via the upper respiratory tract. SARS-CoV-2 cell entry is primarily dependent on ACE2 and the proteases TMPRSS2 or cathepsin L but other cofactors and attachment receptors have been identified that may play a more important role in specific tissues such as the skin. The continued emergence of new variants may also alter the tropism of the virus. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on these receptors and cofactors, their expression profile, factors modulating their expression and their role in facilitating SARS-CoV-2 infection. We discuss their expression in the skin and their possible involvement in percutaneous infection since the presence of the virus has been detected in the skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Barthe
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS UMR7275, 06560 Valbonne, France; (M.B.); (L.H.); (N.L.)
- PKDERM Laboratories, 45 Boulevard Marcel Pagnol, 06130 Grasse, France
| | - Leslie Hertereau
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS UMR7275, 06560 Valbonne, France; (M.B.); (L.H.); (N.L.)
| | - Noura Lamghari
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS UMR7275, 06560 Valbonne, France; (M.B.); (L.H.); (N.L.)
- PKDERM Laboratories, 45 Boulevard Marcel Pagnol, 06130 Grasse, France
| | - Hanan Osman-Ponchet
- PKDERM Laboratories, 45 Boulevard Marcel Pagnol, 06130 Grasse, France
- Correspondence: (H.O.-P.); (V.M.B.)
| | - Véronique M. Braud
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS UMR7275, 06560 Valbonne, France; (M.B.); (L.H.); (N.L.)
- Correspondence: (H.O.-P.); (V.M.B.)
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Ruffin AT, Li H, Vujanovic L, Zandberg DP, Ferris RL, Bruno TC. Improving head and neck cancer therapies by immunomodulation of the tumour microenvironment. Nat Rev Cancer 2023; 23:173-188. [PMID: 36456755 PMCID: PMC9992112 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-022-00531-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Targeted immunotherapy has improved patient survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), but less than 20% of patients produce a durable response to these treatments. Thus, new immunotherapies that consider all key players of the complex HNSCC tumour microenvironment (TME) are necessary to further enhance tumour-specific T cell responses in patients. HNSCC is an ideal tumour type in which to evaluate immune and non-immune cell differences because of two distinct TME aetiologies (human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive and HPV-negative disease), multiple anatomic sites for tumour growth, and clear distinctions between patients with locally advanced disease and those with recurrent and/or metastatic disease. Recent technological and scientific advancements have provided a more complete picture of all cellular constituents within this complex TME and have evaluated the interplay of both immune and non-immune cells within HNSCC. Here, we include a comprehensive analysis of the complete ecosystem of the HNSCC TME, performed utilizing data-rich resources such as The Cancer Genome Atlas, and cutting-edge techniques, such as single-cell RNA sequencing, high-dimensional flow cytometry and spatial multispectral imaging, to generate improved treatment strategies for this diverse disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayana T Ruffin
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Graduate Program of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Housaiyin Li
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology (MGDB) Graduate Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lazar Vujanovic
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Dan P Zandberg
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Robert L Ferris
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Tullia C Bruno
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Liao Y, Wang J, Zou J, Liu Y, Liu Z, Huang Z. Multi-omics analysis reveals genomic, clinical and immunological features of SARS-CoV-2 virus target genes in pan-cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1112704. [PMID: 36875081 PMCID: PMC9982007 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1112704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus, also known as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, has raised great threats to humans. The connection between the SARS-CoV-2 virus and cancer is currently unclear. In this study, we thus evaluated the multi-omics data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database utilizing genomic and transcriptomic techniques to fully identify the SARS-CoV-2 target genes (STGs) in tumor samples from 33 types of cancers. The expression of STGs was substantially linked with the immune infiltration and may be used to predict survival in cancer patients. STGs were also substantially associated with immunological infiltration, immune cells, and associated immune pathways. At the molecular level, the genomic changes of STGs were frequently related with carcinogenesis and patient survival. In addition, pathway analysis revealed that STGs were involved in the control of signaling pathways associated with cancer. The prognostic features and nomogram of clinical factors of STGs in cancers have been developed. Lastly, by mining the cancer drug sensitivity genomics database, a list of potential STG-targeting medicines was compiled. Collectively, this work demonstrated comprehensively the genomic alterations and clinical characteristics of STGs, which may offer new clues to explore the mechanisms on a molecular level between SARS-CoV-2 virus and cancers as well as provide new clinical guidance for cancer patients who are threatened by the COVID-19 epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Liao
- Key Laboratory of Computer-Aided Drug Design of Dongguan City, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Maoming People's Hospital, Maoming, China
- Key Laboratory of Big Data Mining and Precision Drug Design of Guangdong Medical University, Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs of Guangdong Province, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Jiaojiao Wang
- Center of Scientific Research, Department of Cardiology, Maoming People's Hospital, Maoming, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiami Zou
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Computer-Aided Drug Design of Dongguan City, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
- Key Laboratory of Big Data Mining and Precision Drug Design of Guangdong Medical University, Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs of Guangdong Province, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Zhiping Liu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zunnan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Computer-Aided Drug Design of Dongguan City, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
- Key Laboratory of Big Data Mining and Precision Drug Design of Guangdong Medical University, Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs of Guangdong Province, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
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Chen Z, Yang H, Ren Y, Yang Z, Huang J, Li C, Xiong Y, Yu B. Distinct roles of ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2: A pan-cancer analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1119534. [PMID: 36896172 PMCID: PMC9990624 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1119534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 proteins, encoded by ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2 genes respectively, are the receptors of adiponectin secrected by adipose tissue. Increasing studies have identified the vital role of adipose tissue in various diseases, including cancers. Hence, there is an urgent need to explore the roles of AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 in cancers. METHODS We conducted a comprehensive pan-cancer analysis for the roles of AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 via several public databases, including expression differences, prognostic value, and the correlations with tumor microenvironment, epigenetic modification, and drug sensitivity. RESULTS Both ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2 genes are dysregulated in most cancers, but their genomic alteration frequencies are low. In addition, they are also correlated with the prognosis of some cancers. Although they are not strongly correlated with tumor mutation burden (TMB) or microsatellite instability (MSI), ADIPOR1/2 genes display a significant association with cancer stemness, tumor immune microenvironment, immune checkpoint genes (especially CD274 and NRP1), and drug sensitivity. DISCUSSION ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2 play critical roles in diverse cancers, and it is a potential strategy to treat tumors through targeting ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoyuan Chen
- Central Laboratory of Yan’an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Department of Orthopedics of Yan’an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Huiqin Yang
- Department of Orthopedics of Yan’an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yunfeng Ren
- Department of Orthopedics of Yan’an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Ze Yang
- Department of Orthopedics of Yan’an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Jiazheng Huang
- Department of Orthopedics of Yan’an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Cheng Li
- Department of Orthopedics of Yan’an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Ying Xiong
- Department of Orthopedics of Yan’an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Bin Yu
- Central Laboratory of Yan’an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Bin Yu,
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Zhang H, Tomar VS, Li J, Basavaraja R, Yan F, Gui J, McBrearty N, Costich TL, Beiting DP, Blanco MA, Conejo-Garcia JR, Saggu G, Berger A, Nefedova Y, Gabrilovich DI, Fuchs SY. Protection of Regulatory T Cells from Fragility and Inactivation in the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancer Immunol Res 2022; 10:1490-1505. [PMID: 36255418 PMCID: PMC9722544 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-22-0295] [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: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Fragility of regulatory T (Treg) cells manifested by the loss of neuropilin-1 (NRP1) and expression of IFNγ undermines the immune suppressive functions of Treg cells and contributes to the success of immune therapies against cancers. Intratumoral Treg cells somehow avoid fragility; however, the mechanisms by which Treg cells are protected from fragility in the tumor microenvironment are not well understood. Here, we demonstrate that the IFNAR1 chain of the type I IFN (IFN1) receptor was downregulated on intratumoral Treg cells. Downregulation of IFNAR1 mediated by p38α kinase protected Treg cells from fragility and maintained NRP1 levels, which were decreased in response to IFN1. Genetic or pharmacologic inactivation of p38α and stabilization of IFNAR1 in Treg cells induced fragility and inhibited their immune suppressive and protumorigenic activities. The inhibitor of sumoylation TAK981 (Subasumstat) upregulated IFNAR1, eliciting Treg fragility and inhibiting tumor growth in an IFNAR1-dependent manner. These findings describe a mechanism by which intratumoral Treg cells retain immunosuppressive activities and suggest therapeutic approaches for inducing Treg fragility and increasing the efficacy of immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongru Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary
Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Vivek S. Tomar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary
Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jinyang Li
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman
School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Raghavendra Basavaraja
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary
Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Fangxue Yan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary
Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jun Gui
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary
Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Noreen McBrearty
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary
Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Tara Lee Costich
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and
Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Daniel P. Beiting
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine,
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - M. Andres Blanco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary
Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jose R. Conejo-Garcia
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and
Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Gurpanna Saggu
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Lexington, MA,
02421, USA
| | - Allison Berger
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Lexington, MA,
02421, USA
| | | | | | - Serge Y. Fuchs
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary
Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Correspondence to: Serge Y.
Fuchs, Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University
of Pennsylvania, 380 S. University Ave, Hill 316, Philadelphia, PA 19104; USA.
Tel: 1-215-573-6949;
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Zhang X, Wu D, Tian Y, Chen X, Lan J, Wei F, Li Y, Luo Y, Sun X. Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides ameliorate lipopolysaccharide-induced acute pneumonia via inhibiting NRP1-mediated inflammation. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2022; 60:2201-2209. [PMID: 36373992 PMCID: PMC9665083 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2022.2142615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GLP), from Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss. ex Fr.) Karst. (Ganodermataceae), are reported to have anti-inflammatory effects, including anti-neuroinflammation and anti-colitis. Nevertheless, the role of GLP in acute pneumonia is unknown. OBJECTIVE To explore the protective role of GLP against LPS-induced acute pneumonia and investigate possible mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS GLP were extracted and used for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis after acid hydrolysis and PMP derivatization. Sixty C57BL/6N male mice were randomly divided into six groups: Sham, Model, LPS + GLP (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg/d administered intragastrically for two weeks) and LPS + dexamethasone (6 mg/kg/d injected intraperitoneally for one week). Acute pneumonia mouse models were established by intratracheal injection of LPS. Haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was examined to evaluate lung lesions. ELISA and quantitative real-time PCR were employed to assess inflammatory factors expression. Western blots were carried out to measure Neuropilin-1 expression and proteins related to apoptosis and autophagy. RESULTS GLP suppressed inflammatory cell infiltration. In BALF, cell counts were 1.1 × 106 (model) and 7.1 × 105 (100 mg/kg). Release of GM-CSF and IL-6 was reduced with GLP (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) treatment. The expression of genes IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and Saa3 was reduced. GLP treatment also suppressed the activation of Neuropilin-1 (NRP1), upregulated the levels of Bcl2/Bax and LC3 and led to downregulation of the ratio C-Caspase 3/Caspase 3 and P62 expression. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS GLP could protect against LPS-induced acute pneumonia through multiple mechanisms: blocking the infiltration of inflammatory cells, inhibiting cytokine secretion, suppressing NRP1 activation and regulating pneumonocyte apoptosis and autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelian Zhang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmacovigilance, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Daoshun Wu
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmacovigilance, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Tian
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangdong Chen
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmacovigilance, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Lan
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmacovigilance, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Wei
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmacovigilance, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ye Li
- Ganoherb (Fujian) Technology Corporation, Nanping, China
| | - Yun Luo
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmacovigilance, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaobo Sun
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmacovigilance, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Pan B, Zheng L, Liu S, Fang J, Lou C, Hu X, Ye L, Lai H, Gao J, Zhang Y, Ni K, He D. MiR-148a deletion protects from bone loss in physiological and estrogen-deficient mice by targeting NRP1. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:470. [DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01261-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AbstractBone metabolic homeostasis is largely dependent on the dynamic balance between osteoblasts and osteoclasts. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in regulating bone metabolism. In this study, we explored the role of a new miRNA (miR-148a) in osteoporosis. We compared the bone phenotype between miR-148a knockout (KO) mice and the wild-type (WT) littermates. We found miR-148a KO mice exhibited an increased bone mass phenotype and decreased osteoclastogenesis compared to the WT group. In vitro, miR-148a overexpression promoted osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption function. Mechanistically, NRP1 was identified as a novel direct target of miR-148a, and NRP1 silencing reversed the effect of miR-148a knockout. In OVX and calvarial osteolysis models, miR-148a KO protects mice against excessive bone resorption, while miR-148a agomiR/AAV-shNRP1 accelerates pathologic bone loss. Finally, the miR-148a level was found to be positively correlated with β-CTX in postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) serum specimens. In summary, our findings revealed that miR-148a genetic deletion ameliorates bone loss under physiological and pathological conditions by targeting NRP1. In osteoclast-related bone metabolic diseases such as PMOP, miR-148a may be an attractive therapeutic target in the future.
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Augustin JE, Soussan P, Bass AJ. Targeting the complexity of ERBB2 biology in gastroesophageal carcinoma. Ann Oncol 2022; 33:1134-1148. [PMID: 35963482 DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
ERBB2 is the most prominent therapeutic target in gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA). For two decades, trastuzumab was the only treatment available for GEA overexpressing ERBB2. Several drugs showing evidence of efficacy over or in complement to trastuzumab in breast cancer failed to show clinical benefit in GEA. This resistance to anti-ERBB2 therapy is peculiarly recurrent in GEA and is mostly due to tumor heterogeneity with the existence of low expressing ERBB2 tumor clones and loss of ERBB2 over time. The development of new ERBB2 testing strategies and the use of antibody-drug conjugates having a bystander effect are providing new tools to fight heterogeneity in ERBB2-positive GEA. Co-amplifications of tyrosine kinase receptors, alterations in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathways and in proteins controlling cell cycle are well known to contribute resistance to anti-ERBB2 therapy, and they can be targeted by dual therapy. Recently described, NF1 mutations are responsible for Ras phosphorylation and activation and can also be targeted by MEK/ERK inhibition along with anti-ERBB2 therapy. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that immune mechanisms involving antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity are preponderant over intracellular signaling in anti-ERBB2 therapy action. A better comprehension of these mechanisms could leverage immune action of anti-ERBB2 therapy and elucidate efficacy of combinations associating immunotherapy and anti-ERBB2 therapy, as suggested by the recent intermediate positive results of the KEYNOTE-811 trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Augustin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA; Department of Pathology, Henri Mondor University Hospital, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France; INSERM U955 Team 18, Université Paris Est Créteil - Faculté de Médecine, Créteil, France
| | - P Soussan
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Sorbonne Université - Faculté Saint Antoine, Paris, France; Department of Virology, GHU Paris-Est, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - A J Bass
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, USA.
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Wang Z, Zhong H, Liang X, Ni S. Targeting tumor-associated macrophages for the immunotherapy of glioblastoma: Navigating the clinical and translational landscape. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1024921. [PMID: 36311702 PMCID: PMC9606568 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1024921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) can directly clear tumor cells and enhance the phagocytic ability of immune cells. An abundance of TAMs at the site of the glioblastoma tumor indicates that TAM-targeting immunotherapy could represent a potential form of treatment for this aggressive cancer. Herein, we discuss: i) the dynamic role of TAMs in glioblastoma; ii) describe the formation of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment; iii) summarize the latest clinical trial data that reveal how TAM function can be regulated in favor tumor eradication; and lastly, iv) evaluate the implications of existing and novel translational approaches for treating glioblastoma in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zide Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
| | - Hanlin Zhong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaohong Liang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaohong Liang, ; Shilei Ni,
| | - Shilei Ni
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaohong Liang, ; Shilei Ni,
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Naidoo N, Moodley J, Khaliq OP, Naicker T. Neuropilin-1 in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, HIV-1, and SARS-CoV-2 infection: A review. Virus Res 2022; 319:198880. [PMID: 35905790 PMCID: PMC9316720 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2022.198880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
This review explores the role of transmembrane neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) in pregnancy, preeclampsia (PE), human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. Since these conditions are assessed independently, this review attempts to predict their comorbid clinical manifestations. Dysregulation of NRP-1 contributes to the pathogenesis of PE by (a) impairing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling for adequate spiral artery remodeling and placentation, (b) inducing syncytiotrophoblast (ST) cell apoptosis and increasing ST-derived microparticle circulation and (c) by decreasing regulatory T cell activity predisposing maternal immune intolerance. Although NRP-1 is upregulated in SARS-CoV-2 placentae, its exploitation for SARS-CoV-2 internalization and increased infectivity may alter angiogenesis through the competitive inhibition of VEGF. The anti-inflammatory nature of NRP-1 may aid its upregulation in HIV-1 infection; however, the HIV-accessory protein, tat, reduces NRP-1 expression. Upregulated NRP-1 in macrophages and dendritic cells also demonstrated HIV-1 resistance/reduced infectivity. Notably, HIV-1-infected pregnant women receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) to prevent vertical transmission may experience immune reconstitution, impaired decidualization, and elevated markers of endothelial injury. Since endothelial dysfunction and altered immune responses are central to PE, HIV-1 infection, ART usage and SARS-CoV-2 infection, it is plausible that an exacerbation of both features may prevail in the synergy of these events. Additionally, this review identifies microRNAs (miRNAs) mediating NRP-1 expression. MiR-320 and miR-141 are overexpressed in PE, while miR-206 and miR-124-3p showed increased expression in PE and HIV-1 infection. Additionally, miR-214 is overexpressed in PE, HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 infection, implicating treatment strategies to reduce these miRNAs to upregulate and normalize NRP-1 expression. However, inconsistencies in the data of the role and regulation of miRNAs in PE, HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 infections require clarification. This review provides a platform for early diagnosis and potential therapeutic intervention of PE, HIV-1, and SARS-CoV-2 infections independently and as comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitalia Naidoo
- Women's Health and HIV Research Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa.
| | - Jagidesa Moodley
- Women's Health and HIV Research Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
| | - Olive Pearl Khaliq
- Women's Health and HIV Research Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
| | - Thajasvarie Naicker
- Optics and Imaging Centre, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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McRitchie BR, Akkaya B. Exhaust the exhausters: Targeting regulatory T cells in the tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2022; 13:940052. [PMID: 36248808 PMCID: PMC9562032 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.940052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The concept of cancer immunotherapy has gained immense momentum over the recent years. The advancements in checkpoint blockade have led to a notable progress in treating a plethora of cancer types. However, these approaches also appear to have stalled due to factors such as individuals' genetic make-up, resistant tumor sub-types and immune related adverse events (irAE). While the major focus of immunotherapies has largely been alleviating the cell-intrinsic defects of CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), amending the relationship between tumor specific CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells has started driving attention as well. A major roadblock to improve the cross-talk between CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells is the immune suppressive action of tumor infiltrating T regulatory (Treg) cells. Despite their indispensable in protecting tissues against autoimmune threats, Tregs have also been under scrutiny for helping tumors thrive. This review addresses how Tregs establish themselves at the TME and suppress anti-tumor immunity. Particularly, we delve into factors that promote Treg migration into tumor tissue and discuss the unique cellular and humoral composition of TME that aids survival, differentiation and function of intratumoral Tregs. Furthermore, we summarize the potential suppression mechanisms used by intratumoral Tregs and discuss ways to target those to ultimately guide new immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bayley R. McRitchie
- Department of Neurology, The College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States,Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Billur Akkaya
- Department of Neurology, The College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States,Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States,Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States,*Correspondence: Billur Akkaya,
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Smith GT, Radin DP, Tsirka SE. From protein-protein interactions to immune modulation: Therapeutic prospects of targeting Neuropilin-1 in high-grade glioma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:958620. [PMID: 36203599 PMCID: PMC9532003 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.958620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past several years there has been a marked increase in our understanding of the pathophysiological hallmarks of glioblastoma development and progression, with specific respect to the contribution of the glioma tumor microenvironment to the rapid progression and treatment resistance of high-grade gliomas. Despite these strides, standard of care therapy still only targets rapidly dividing tumor cells in the glioma, and does little to curb the pro-tumorigenic functions of non-cancerous cells entrenched in the glioma microenvironment. This tumor promoting environment as well as the heterogeneity of high-grade gliomas contribute to the poor prognosis of this malignancy. The interaction of non-malignant cells in the microenvironment with the tumor cells accentuate phenotypes such as rapid proliferation or immunosuppression, so therapeutically modulating one target expressed on one cell type may be insufficient to restrain these rapidly developing neoplasias. With this in mind, identifying a target expressed on multiple cell types and understanding how it governs tumor-promoting functions in each cell type may have great utility in better managing this disease. Herein, we review the physiology and pathological effects of Neuropilin-1, a transmembrane co-receptor which mediates signal transduction pathways when associated with multiple other receptors. We discuss its effects on the properties of endothelial cells and on immune cell types within gliomas including glioma-associated macrophages, microglia, cytotoxic T cells and T regulatory cells. We also consider its effects when elaborated on the surface of tumor cells with respect to proliferation, stemness and treatment resistance, and review attempts to target Neuroplin-1 in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory T. Smith
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Graduate Program, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Daniel P. Radin
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Graduate Program, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
- Stony Brook Medical Scientist Training Program, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Stella E. Tsirka
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Graduate Program, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
- Stony Brook Medical Scientist Training Program, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Stella E. Tsirka,
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