1
|
Shi HX, Tao HT, He JJ, Zhu FY, Xie CQ, Cheng YN, Hou LL, Sun H, Qin CJ, Fang D, Xie SQ. Targeting DKK1 enhances the antitumor activity of paclitaxel and alleviates chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in breast cancer. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:152. [PMID: 39085861 PMCID: PMC11290233 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02067-y] [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: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy in combination with immunotherapy has gradually shown substantial promise to increase T cell infiltration and antitumor efficacy. However, paclitaxel in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitor targeting PD-1/PD-L1 was only used to treat a small proportion of metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), and the clinical outcomes was very limited. In addition, this regimen cannot prevent paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy. Therefore, there was an urgent need for a novel target to enhance the antitumor activity of paclitaxel and alleviate chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in breast cancer. Here, we found that Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) expression was upregulated in multiply subtypes of human breast cancer specimens after paclitaxel-based chemotherapy. Mechanistic studies revealed that paclitaxel promoted DKK1 expression by inducing EGFR signaling in breast cancer cells, and the upregulation of DKK1 could hinder the therapeutic efficacy of paclitaxel by suppressing the infiltration and activity of CD8+ T cells in tumor microenvironment. Moreover, paclitaxel treatment in tumor-bearing mice also increased DKK1 expression through the activation of EGFR signaling in the primary sensory dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, leading to the development of peripheral neuropathy, which is charactered by myelin damage in the sciatic nerve, neuropathic pain, and loss of cutaneous innervation in hindpaw skin. The addition of an anti-DKK1 antibody not only improved therapeutic efficacy of paclitaxel in two murine subtype models of breast cancer but also alleviated paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy. Taken together, our findings providing a potential chemoimmunotherapy strategy with low neurotoxicity that can benefit multiple subtypes of breast cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Xiang Shi
- Institute of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng, 475004, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Hang-Tian Tao
- Institute of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Jin-Jin He
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Feng-Yi Zhu
- Institute of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Cui-Qing Xie
- Institute of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Yu-Na Cheng
- Institute of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Li-Li Hou
- Institute of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Hua Sun
- Institute of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Chang-Jiang Qin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China.
| | - Dong Fang
- Institute of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng, 475004, China.
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China.
| | - Song-Qiang Xie
- Institute of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng, 475004, China.
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu X, Zhao A, Xiao S, Li H, Li M, Guo W, Han Q. PD-1: A critical player and target for immune normalization. Immunology 2024; 172:181-197. [PMID: 38269617 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune system imbalances contribute to the pathogenesis of several different diseases, and immunotherapy shows great therapeutic efficacy against tumours and infectious diseases with immune-mediated derivations. In recent years, molecules targeting the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint have attracted much attention, and related signalling pathways have been studied clearly. At present, several inhibitors and antibodies targeting PD-1 have been utilized as anti-tumour therapies. However, increasing evidence indicates that PD-1 blockade also has different degrees of adverse side effects, and these new explorations into the therapeutic safety of PD-1 inhibitors contribute to the emerging concept that immune normalization, rather than immune enhancement, is the ultimate goal of disease treatment. In this review, we summarize recent advancements in PD-1 research with regard to immune normalization and targeted therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuening Liu
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Alison Zhao
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Su Xiao
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- People's Hospital of Zhoucun, Zibo, Shandong, China
| | - Haohao Li
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Menghua Li
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, China
| | - Qiuju Han
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang J, Li Q, Liang F, Du X, Song P, Wu T, Chen R, Lin X, Liu Q, Hu H, Han P, Huang X. Dickkopf-1 drives perineural invasion via PI3K-AKT signaling pathway in head and neck squamous cancer. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e518. [PMID: 38525111 PMCID: PMC10959454 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Perineural invasion (PNI) leads to the poor prognosis of head and neck squamous cancer (HNSCC) patients, but the mechanism of PNI remains unclear. Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), a secretory protein in the Wnt signaling pathway, was found indeed upregulated in HNSCC cells and tissues. Higher expression of DKK1 was statistically relevant to T stage, N stage, PNI, and poor prognosis of HNSCC. DKK1 overexpression enhanced the migration abilities of cancer cells. Moreover, DKK1-overexpressing cancer cells promoted cancer cells invasion of peripheral nerves in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, DKK1 could promote the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. The migration abilities of neuroblastoma cells, which were enhanced by DKK1-overexpressing HNSCC cell lines, could be reversed by an inhibitor of Akt (MK2206). The association of DKK1 with PNI was also confirmed in HNSCC samples. Variables, including T stage, N stage, DKK1 expression, and PNI, were used to establish a nomogram to predict the survival probability and disease-free probability at 3 and 5 years. In summary, DKK1 can promote the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway in tumor cells and then could induce neuritogenesis and facilitate PNI. MK2206 may be a potential therapeutic target drug for HNSCC patients with PNI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgerySun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationGuangzhouChina
| | - Qianying Li
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgerySun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationGuangzhouChina
| | - Faya Liang
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgerySun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationGuangzhouChina
| | - Xin Du
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Pan Song
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgerySun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationGuangzhouChina
| | - Taowei Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgerySun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationGuangzhouChina
| | - Renhui Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgerySun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationGuangzhouChina
| | - Xiaorong Lin
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Breast DiseasesShantou Central HospitalShantouChina
| | - Qinglian Liu
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Hai Hu
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Ping Han
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgerySun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationGuangzhouChina
| | - Xiaoming Huang
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgerySun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationGuangzhouChina
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Haibo Z, Tianyun L, Xiaoman C, Xiaoyan H. Cell Senescence-Related Genes as Biomarkers for Prognosis and Immunotherapeutic Response in Colon Cancer. Biochem Genet 2024:10.1007/s10528-024-10690-z. [PMID: 38411939 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-024-10690-z] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) stands out as the most prevalent malignancy diagnosed within the gastrointestinal tract, bearing substantial incidence and mortality rates. The processes of ageing and senescence intricately intertwine with tumorigenesis and immune regulation, concurrently exerting influence on the remodelling of the tumor microenvironment (TME). This phenomenon, in turn, significantly impacts the efficacy of immunotherapeutic interventions. Despite this awareness, the comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay between cellular senescence and TME in the context of COAD remains elusive. Further inquiry is imperative to comprehensively gauge the relevance of cellular senescence-related genes (CSGs) in the realms of immune infiltration and the prognostication of COAD. Differentially expressed cell senescence-related genes (DE-CSGs) within COAD tumors and normal specimens were discerned through analysis of the TCGA-COAD dataset. Leveraging univariate, LASSO, and multivariate Cox regression analyses, we formulated a prognostic risk signature. Subsequent validation utilised two independent GEO datasets. Furthermore, a nomogram was devised to gauge the prognostic significance of this signature. Additionally, the immune landscape of the Cell Senescence-related Signature (CSS) was characterised using CIBERSORT and TIMER algorithms. The expression levels of CSGs were quantified through RT-PCR in COAD specimens. Drawing upon mRNA expression profiles of 191 DE-CSGs, we successfully established a 9-gene CSS, demonstrating its autonomy as a prognostic determinant for COAD patients. Those assigned high-risk scores exhibited an immunosuppressive phenotype, marked by elevated proportions of resting CD4+memory T cells and macrophages M0, correlating with diminished overall survival. Subsequent analyses uncovered that the amalgamation of CSS with the expression profiles of immune checkpoint key genes effectively predicted patient prognosis. Furthermore, patients with low-risk scores demonstrated a potential association with more favourable therapeutic outcomes in the context of immunotherapy. This study has culminated in the development of a prognostic risk signature grounded in cell senescence-related genes for COAD. We posit that the CSS plays a regulatory role in immune infiltration, emerging as a robust biomarker for prognosis and a predictive indicator for immunotherapeutic responsiveness within the COAD landscape.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhang Haibo
- Central Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Lan Tianyun
- Central Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Chen Xiaoman
- Central Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Han Xiaoyan
- Central Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhao C, Liu L, He Q, Li Y, Feng J, Chen Y, Li Y, Xu X, Zhu S, Ye Y, Wen Y, Zeng Z, Zhou D, Jin F. Dickkopf-1 is an immune infiltration-related prognostic biomarker of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:3837-3855. [PMID: 38376441 PMCID: PMC10929804 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is currently one of the most viable therapies for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), characterized by high immune cell infiltration. The Wnt-signaling inhibitor and immune activation mediator, Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), has a strong correlation with tumor growth, tumor microenvironment, and, consequently, disease prognosis. Nevertheless, it is still unclear how DKK1 expression, HNSCC prognosis, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes are related. To better understand these associations, we examined how DKK1 expression varies across different tumor and normal tissues. In our study, we investigated the association between DKK1 mRNA expression and clinical outcomes. Next, we assessed the link between DKK1 expression and tumor immune cell infiltration. Additionally, using immunohistochemistry, we evaluated the expression of DKK1 in 15 healthy head and neck tissue samples, and the expression of CD3, CD4, and DKK1 in 27 HNSCC samples. We also explored aberrant DKK1 expression during tumorigenesis. DKK1 expression was remarkably higher in HNSCC tissues than in healthy tissues, and was shown to be associated with tumor stage, grade, lymph node metastasis, histology, and a dismal clinical prognosis in HNSCC. DKK1 expression in HNSCC tissues was inversely correlated with CD3+ (P < 0.0001) and CD4+ (P < 0.0001) immune cell infiltration, while that in immune cells was inversely associated with HNSCC prognosis. These findings offer a bioinformatics perspective on the function of DKK1 in HNSCC immunotherapy and provide justification for clinical research on DKK1-targeted HNSCC treatments. DKK1 is a central target for improving the efficacy of HNSCC immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chaofen Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology, The School of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, P.R. China
| | - Lina Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology, The School of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, P.R. China
| | - Qianyong He
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology, The School of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, P.R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology, The School of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, P.R. China
| | - Jianglong Feng
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, P.R. China
| | - Yue Chen
- Department of Oncology, The School of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, P.R. China
| | - Yuxin Li
- Department of Oncology, The School of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, P.R. China
| | - Xinyu Xu
- Department of Oncology, The School of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, P.R. China
| | - Shaoyuan Zhu
- Department of Oncology, The School of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, P.R. China
| | - Yuanmei Ye
- Department of Oncology, The School of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, P.R. China
| | - Yajing Wen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Zhirui Zeng
- Department of Physiology, The School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, P.R. China
| | - Ding’an Zhou
- Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, P. R. China
| | - Feng Jin
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology, The School of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gu Z, Wu Q, Shang B, Zhang K, Zhang W. Organoid co-culture models of the tumor microenvironment promote precision medicine. CANCER INNOVATION 2024; 3:e101. [PMID: 38948532 PMCID: PMC11212345 DOI: 10.1002/cai2.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, the three-dimensional (3D) culture system has emerged as a promising preclinical model for tumor research owing to its ability to replicate the tissue structure and molecular characteristics of solid tumors in vivo. This system offers several advantages, including high throughput, efficiency, and retention of tumor heterogeneity. Traditional Matrigel-submerged organoid cultures primarily support the long-term proliferation of epithelial cells. One solution for the exploration of the tumor microenvironment is a reconstitution approach involving the introduction of exogenous cell types, either in dual, triple or even multiple combinations. Another solution is a holistic approach including patient-derived tumor fragments, air-liquid interface, suspension 3D culture, and microfluidic tumor-on-chip models. Organoid co-culture models have also gained popularity for studying the tumor microenvironment, evaluating tumor immunotherapy, identifying predictive biomarkers, screening for effective drugs, and modeling infections. By leveraging these 3D culture systems, it is hoped to advance the clinical application of therapeutic approaches and improve patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoru Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Quanyou Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Bingqing Shang
- Department of Urology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Kaitai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Immunology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Xu H, Jia Z, Liu F, Li J, Huang Y, Jiang Y, Pu P, Shang T, Tang P, Zhou Y, Yang Y, Su J, Liu J. Biomarkers and experimental models for cancer immunology investigation. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e437. [PMID: 38045830 PMCID: PMC10693314 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid advancement of tumor immunotherapies poses challenges for the tools used in cancer immunology research, highlighting the need for highly effective biomarkers and reproducible experimental models. Current immunotherapy biomarkers encompass surface protein markers such as PD-L1, genetic features such as microsatellite instability, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and biomarkers in liquid biopsy such as circulating tumor DNAs. Experimental models, ranging from 3D in vitro cultures (spheroids, submerged models, air-liquid interface models, organ-on-a-chips) to advanced 3D bioprinting techniques, have emerged as valuable platforms for cancer immunology investigations and immunotherapy biomarker research. By preserving native immune components or coculturing with exogenous immune cells, these models replicate the tumor microenvironment in vitro. Animal models like syngeneic models, genetically engineered models, and patient-derived xenografts provide opportunities to study in vivo tumor-immune interactions. Humanized animal models further enable the simulation of the human-specific tumor microenvironment. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the advantages, limitations, and prospects of different biomarkers and experimental models, specifically focusing on the role of biomarkers in predicting immunotherapy outcomes and the ability of experimental models to replicate the tumor microenvironment. By integrating cutting-edge biomarkers and experimental models, this review serves as a valuable resource for accessing the forefront of cancer immunology investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hengyi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular OncologyNational Cancer Center /National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Ziqi Jia
- Department of Breast Surgical OncologyNational Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Fengshuo Liu
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Jiayi Li
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Department of Breast Surgical OncologyNational Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yansong Huang
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Department of Breast Surgical OncologyNational Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yiwen Jiang
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Pengming Pu
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Tongxuan Shang
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Pengrui Tang
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yongxin Zhou
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yufan Yang
- School of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jianzhong Su
- Oujiang LaboratoryZhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain HealthWenzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular OncologyNational Cancer Center /National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Department of Breast Surgical OncologyNational Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang Y, Yu T, Chen J, Zhao R, Diao M, Mei P, He S, Qiu W, Ye G, Jiang L, Xiao H, Liao Y. Immune characteristics analysis and construction of a four-gene prognostic signature for lung adenocarcinoma based on estrogen reactivity. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:1047. [PMID: 37907850 PMCID: PMC10619241 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11415-y] [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: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a common type of malignant tumor with poor prognosis and high mortality. In our previous studies, we found that estrogen is an important risk factor for LUAD, and different estrogen statuses can predict different prognoses. Therefore, in this study, we constructed a prognostic signature related to estrogen reactivity to determine the relationship between different estrogen reactivities and prognosis. We downloaded the LUAD dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, calculated the estrogen reactivity of each sample, and divided them into a high-estrogen reactivity group and a low-estrogen reactivity group. The difference in overall survival between the groups was significant. We also analyzed the status of immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint expression between the groups. We analyzed the differential gene expression between the groups and screened four key prognostic factors by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and univariable and multivariable Cox regression. Based on the four genes, a risk signature was established. To a certain extent, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed the predictive ability of the risk signature, which was further verified using the GSE31210 dataset. We also determined the role of estrogen in LUAD using an orthotopic mouse model. Additionally, we developed a predictive nomogram combining the risk signature with other clinical characteristics. In conclusion, our four-gene prognostic signature based on estrogen reactivity had prognostic value and can provide new insights into the development of treatment strategies for LUAD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yangwei Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tong Yu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiaping Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Rong Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingxin Diao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Peiyuan Mei
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shiwen He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenlin Qiu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Guanchao Ye
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lijuan Jiang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Han Xiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yongde Liao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wu J, Dong W, Pan Y, Wang J, Wu M, Yu Y. Crosstalk between gut microbiota and metastasis in colorectal cancer: implication of neutrophil extracellular traps. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1296783. [PMID: 37936694 PMCID: PMC10626548 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1296783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary colorectal cancer (CRC) often leads to liver metastasis, possibly due to the formation of pre-metastatic niche (PMN) in liver. Thus, unravelling the key modulator in metastasis is important for the development of clinical therapies. Gut microbiota dysregulation is a key event during CRC progression and metastasis. Numerous studies have elucidated the correlation between specific gut bacteria strains (e.g., pks + E. coli and Bacteroides fragilis) and CRC initiation, and gut bacteria translocation is commonly witnessed during CRC progression. Gut microbiota shapes tumor microenvironment (TME) through direct contact with immune cells or through its functional metabolites. However, how gut microbiota facilitates CRC metastasis remains controversial. Meanwhile, recent studies identify the dissemination of bacteria from gut lumen to liver, suggesting the role of gut microbiota in shaping tumor PMN. A pro-tumoral PMN is characterized by the infiltration of immunosuppressive cells and increased pro-inflammatory immune responses. Notably, neutrophils form web-like structures known as neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) both in primary TME and metastatic sites, NETs are involved in cancer progression and metastasis. In this review, we focus on the role of gut microbiota in CRC progression and metastasis, highlight the multiple functions of different immune cell types in TME, especially neutrophils and NETs, discuss the possible mechanisms of gut microbiota in shaping PMN formation, and provide therapeutical indications in clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Research and Lab Center, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, China
| | - Wenyan Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yayun Pan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, China
| | - Minliang Wu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Thomas EM, Wright JA, Blake SJ, Page AJ, Worthley DL, Woods SL. Advancing translational research for colorectal immuno-oncology. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:1442-1450. [PMID: 37563222 PMCID: PMC10628092 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02392-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: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common and deadly disease. Unfortunately, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) fail to elicit effective anti-tumour responses in the vast majority of CRC patients. Patients that are most likely to respond are those with DNA mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) and microsatellite instability (MSI) disease. However, reliable predictors of ICI response are lacking, even within the dMMR/MSI subtype. This, together with identification of novel mechanisms to increase response rates and prevent resistance, are ongoing and vitally important unmet needs. To address the current challenges with translation of early research findings into effective therapeutic strategies, this review summarises the present state of preclinical testing used to inform the development of immuno-regulatory treatment strategies for CRC. The shortfalls and advantages of commonly utilised mouse models of CRC, including chemically induced, transplant and transgenic approaches are highlighted. Appropriate use of existing models, incorporation of patient-derived data and development of cutting-edge models that recapitulate important features of human disease will be key to accelerating clinically relevant research in this area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elaine M Thomas
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Josephine A Wright
- Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Stephen J Blake
- Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Amanda J Page
- School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Daniel L Worthley
- Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Susan L Woods
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
- Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wu R, Tong S, Yin J, Zhu Z, Mao Z, Xu L. Oncolytic vaccinia virus acts synergistically with anti-PD-L1 antibody to enhance the killing of colon cancer cells by CD8 + T cells. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 247:154535. [PMID: 37257241 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154535] [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: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Both oncolytic vaccinia virus (OVV) and anti-PD-L1 antibody hold promise in cancer immunotherapy. Herein, we aimed to explore the possible synergistic effects of OVV and anti-PD-L1 on the growth and metastasis of colon cancer (CC) in mouse models. Microarray profiling of CC-related genes was first conducted. Expression of PD-L1 in CC tissues was predicted by TCGA and verified by flow cytometry and RT-qPCR. Then, mouse CC cell lines stably carrying luciferase MC38-luc and CT26-luc were infected with recombinant double-deleted vaccinia virus (vvDD) to evaluate the effect of vvDD on cell viability. The data indicated that PD-L1 was highly expressed in CC tissues and cells following vvDD infection. MC38-luc cells were inoculated into mice to construct CC-bearing mouse models, which were treated with vvDD or combined with anti-PD-L1, with tumor growth, metastasis, survival, and the immune environment analyzed. It was found that OVV combined with anti-PD-L1 antibody led to lower tumor burden and growth and higher survival rates than individual treatment in CC-bearing mice. In addition, this combination exerted a remote effect on the untreated subcutaneous tumors in the lateral abdomen, thus suppressing the tumor metastasis. Furthermore, combined therapy of OVV with anti-PD-L1 antibody activated CD8+ T cells, reduced exhaustion of CD8+ T cells, and enhanced their immune response, strengthening the killing of CC cells and inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis. In conclusion, our findings provide mechanistic insights into the action and efficacy of OVV as an immunomodulatory agent combined with the anti-PD-L1 antibody for the treatment of CC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Runda Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, PR China
| | - Shan Tong
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, PR China
| | - Jun Yin
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, PR China
| | - Zheng Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, PR China
| | - Zhongqi Mao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, PR China.
| | - Lu Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mu P, Zhou S, Lv T, Xia F, Shen L, Wan J, Wang Y, Zhang H, Cai S, Peng J, Hua G, Zhang Z. Newly developed 3D in vitro models to study tumor-immune interaction. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:81. [PMID: 37016422 PMCID: PMC10074642 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02653-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy as a rapidly developing therapeutic approach has revolutionized cancer treatment and revitalized the field of tumor immunology research. 3D in vitro models are emerging as powerful tools considering their feature to maintain tumor cells in a near-native state and have been widely applied in oncology research. The novel 3D culture methods including the co-culture of organoids and immune cells, ALI culture, 3D-microfluidic culture and 3D-bioprinting offer new approaches for tumor immunology study and can be applied in many fields such as personalized treatment, immunotherapy optimizing and adoptive cell therapy. In this review, we introduce commonly used 3D in vitro models and summarize their applications in different aspects of tumor immunology research. We also provide a preliminary analysis of the current shortcomings of these models and the outlook of future development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peiyuan Mu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Radiation Oncology, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shujuan Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Radiation Oncology, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Tao Lv
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Radiation Oncology, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Fan Xia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Radiation Oncology, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lijun Shen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Radiation Oncology, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Juefeng Wan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Radiation Oncology, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yaqi Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Radiation Oncology, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Radiation Oncology, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Sanjun Cai
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Cancer institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 200032, Shanghai, China
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Junjie Peng
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoqiang Hua
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Radiation Oncology, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Cancer institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 200032, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Radiation Oncology, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wang X, Lin S, Wang L, Cao Z, Zhang M, Zhang Y, Liu R, Liu J. Versatility of bacterial outer membrane vesicles in regulating intestinal homeostasis. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade5079. [PMID: 36921043 PMCID: PMC10017049 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade5079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) play vital roles in bacterial communication both intraspecifically and interspecifically. However, extracellular mechanisms of gut microbiota-derived OMVs in the intestine remain poorly understood. Here, we report that OMVs released from Akkermansia muciniphila are able to (i) restore disturbed balance of the gut microbiota by selectively promoting the proliferation of beneficial bacteria through membrane fusion, (ii) elicit mucosal immunoglobulin A response by translocating into Peyer's patches and subsequently activating B cells and dendritic cells, and (iii) maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier by entering intestinal epithelial cells to stimulate the expressions of tight junctions and mucus. We demonstrate that transplantation of gut microbiota-associated OMVs to the intestine can alleviate colitis and enhance anti-programmed cell death protein 1 therapy against colorectal cancer by regulating intestinal homeostasis. This work discloses the importance of gut microbiota-derived OMVs in intestinal ecology, providing an alternative target for disease intervention and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Sisi Lin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Zhenping Cao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Mengmeng Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Jinyao Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Fu J, Jin X, Chen W, Chen Z, Wu P, Xiao W, Liu Y, Deng S. Identification of the molecular characteristics associated with microsatellite status of colorectal cancer patients for the clinical application of immunotherapy. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1083449. [PMID: 36814498 PMCID: PMC9939640 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1083449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Mismatch repair-proficient (pMMR) microsatellite stability (MSS) in colorectal cancer (CRC) indicates an unfavorable therapeutic response to immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, the molecular characteristics of CRC patients with pMMR MSS remain largely unknown. Methods: Heterogeneities between mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) microsatellite instability (MSI) and pMMR MSS CRC patients were investigated at the single-cell level. Next, an MSS-related risk score was constructed by single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). The differences in immune and functional characteristics between the high- and low-score groups were systematically analyzed. Results: Based on the single-cell RNA (scRNA) atlas, an MSS-specific cancer cell subpopulation was identified. By taking the intersection of the significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between different cancer cell subtypes of the single-cell training and validation cohorts, 29 MSS-specific cancer cell marker genes were screened out for the construction of the MSS-related risk score. This risk score signature could efficiently separate pMMR MSS CRC patients into two subtypes with significantly different immune characteristics. The interactions among the different cell types were stronger in the MSS group than in the MSI group, especially for the outgoing signals of the cancer cells. In addition, functional differences between the high- and low-score groups were preliminarily investigated. Conclusion: In this study, we constructed an effective risk model to classify pMMR MSS CRC patients into two completely different groups based on the specific genes identified by single-cell analysis to identify potential CRC patients sensitive to immunotherapy and screen effective synergistic targets.
Collapse
|
15
|
Yang RH, Qin J, Cao JL, Zhang MZ, Li YY, Wang MQ, Fang D, Xie SQ. Dickkopf-1 drives tumor immune evasion by inducing PD-L1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 208:115378. [PMID: 36513141 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms regulating PD-L1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is important to improve the response rate to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy. Here, we show that DKK1 expression is positively associated with PD-L1 expression and inversely correlated with CD8+ T cell infiltration in human HCC tumor specimens. In a subcutaneous xenograft tumor model, overexpression of DKK1 significantly promotes tumor growth, tumoral PD-L1 expression, but reduces tumoral CD8+ T cell infiltration; whereas knockdown of DKK1 has opposite effects. Moreover, enforced expression of DKK1 dramatically promotes PD-L1 expression, Akt activation, β-catenin phosphorylation and total protein expression in HCC cells. By contrast, knockdown of DKK1 inhibits all, relative to controls. In addition, CKAP4 depletion, Akt inhibition, or β-catenin depletion remarkably abrogates DKK1 overexpression-induced transcriptional expression of PD-L1 in HCC cells. Reconstituted expression of the active Akt1 largely increased PD-L1 transcriptional expression in HCC cells. Similarly, expression of WT β-catenin, but not the phosphorylation-defective β-catenin S552A mutant, significantly promotes PD-L1 expression. Correlation analysis of human HCC tumor specimens further revealed that DKK1 and PD-L1 expression were positively correlated with p-β-catenin expression. Together, our findings revealed that DKK1 promotes PD-L1 expression through the activation of Akt/β-catenin signaling, providing a potential strategy to enhance the clinical efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy in HCC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruo-Han Yang
- Institute of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng 475004, China; The Academy for Advanced Interdisplinary Studies, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Jia Qin
- Institute of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Jin-Lan Cao
- Institute of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Ming-Zhu Zhang
- Institute of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Ying-Ying Li
- Institute of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Meng-Qing Wang
- Institute of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Dong Fang
- Institute of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng 475004, China; The Academy for Advanced Interdisplinary Studies, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng 475004, China; Henan Province Engineering Research Center of High Value Utilization to Natural Medical Resource in Yellow River Basin, Kaifeng 475004, China.
| | - Song-Qiang Xie
- Institute of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng 475004, China; The Academy for Advanced Interdisplinary Studies, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng 475004, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Xin C, Lai Y, Ji L, Wang Y, Li S, Hao L, Zhang W, Meng R, Xu J, Hong Y, Lou Z. A novel 9-gene signature for the prediction of postoperative recurrence in stage II/III colorectal cancer. Front Genet 2023; 13:1097234. [PMID: 36704343 PMCID: PMC9871489 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1097234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Individualized recurrence risk prediction in patients with stage II/III colorectal cancer (CRC) is crucial for making postoperative treatment decisions. However, there is still a lack of effective approaches for identifying patients with stage II and III CRC at a high risk of recurrence. In this study, we aimed to establish a credible gene model for improving the risk assessment of patients with stage II/III CRC. Methods: Recurrence-free survival (RFS)-related genes were screened using Univariate Cox regression analysis in GSE17538, GSE39582, and GSE161158 cohorts. Common prognostic genes were identified by Venn diagram and subsequently subjected to least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis for signature construction. Kaplan-Meier (K-M), calibration, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the predictive accuracy and superiority of our risk model. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was employed to investigate the relationship between the infiltrative abundances of immune cells and risk scores. Genes significantly associated with the risk scores were identified to explore the biological implications of the 9-gene signature. Results: Survival analysis identified 347 RFS-related genes. Using these genes, a 9-gene signature was constructed, which was composed of MRPL41, FGD3, RBM38, SPINK1, DKK1, GAL3ST4, INHBB, CTB-113P19.1, and FAM214B. K-M curves verified the survival differences between the low- and high-risk groups classified by the 9-gene signature. The area under the curve (AUC) values of this signature were close to or no less than the previously reported prognostic signatures and clinical factors, suggesting that this model could provide improved RFS prediction. The ssGSEA algorithm estimated that eight immune cells, including regulatory T cells, were aberrantly infiltrated in the high-risk group. Furthermore, the signature was associated with multiple oncogenic pathways, including cell adhesion and angiogenesis. Conclusion: A novel RFS prediction model for patients with stage II/III CRC was constructed using multicohort validation. The proposed signature may help clinicians better manage patients with stage II/III CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Xin
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Lai
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Ye Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Shihao Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Liqiang Hao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Ronggui Meng
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Jun Xu, ; Yonggang Hong, ; Zheng Lou,
| | - Yonggang Hong
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Jun Xu, ; Yonggang Hong, ; Zheng Lou,
| | - Zheng Lou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Jun Xu, ; Yonggang Hong, ; Zheng Lou,
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Shi T, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Song X, Wang H, Zhou X, Liang K, Luo Y, Che K, Wang X, Pan Y, Liu F, Yang J, Liu Q, Yu L, Liu B, Wei J. DKK1 Promotes Tumor Immune Evasion and Impedes Anti-PD-1 Treatment by Inducing Immunosuppressive Macrophages in Gastric Cancer. Cancer Immunol Res 2022; 10:1506-1524. [PMID: 36206576 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-22-0218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) have key functions in promoting a suppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and immune evasion, which largely limit treatment effects of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in different cancers, including gastric cancer. Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) is associated with tumor progression and has been shown to negatively regulate antitumor immunity, but the impact of DKK1 on the TIME remains incompletely understood. Here, we found that tumoral DKK1 expression is closely associated with worse survival and a suppressive TIME in gastric cancer patients. Results from in vitro coculture assays suggested that DKK1 induces macrophages to become immunosuppressive, thereby inhibiting antitumor responses of CD8+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. In vivo DKK1 blockade in syngeneic gastric cancer mouse models reprogramed TAMs to restore the immune activity in the TIME and triggered significant tumor regression. DKK1 blockade also directly reduced the growth of human gastric cancer tumors with high DKK1 expression in a xenograft model. Mechanistically, DKK1 interacted with cytoskeleton-associated protein 4 (CKAP4) on the macrophage surface and activated downstream PI3K-AKT signaling, which contributed to immune suppression. TAM reprogramming by DKK1 blockade also augmented the efficacy of programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) blockade in gastric cancer models. Therefore, our study provides novel insights into the role of DKK1 on tumor-intrinsic, innate, and adaptive antitumor immunity modulation and suggests that DKK1 is a promising immunotherapeutic target for enhanced PD-1 blockade therapy in gastric cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Shi
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yipeng Zhang
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Wang
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Xueru Song
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Hanbing Wang
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhou
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Kaijie Liang
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuting Luo
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Keying Che
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yunfeng Pan
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Fangcen Liu
- Pathology Department, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital to Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ju Yang
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Qin Liu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Lixia Yu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Baorui Liu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jia Wei
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Chen M, Wang Z, Liu Z, Liu N, Fang W, Zhang H, Jin X, Li J, Zhao W, Qu H, Song F, Chang Z, Li Y, Tang Y, Xu C, Zhang X, Wang X, Peng Z, Cai J, Li J, Shen L. The Optimal Therapy after Progression on Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in MSI Metastatic Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14205158. [PMID: 36291942 PMCID: PMC9601260 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14205158] [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: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Programmed death 1 (PD1)/programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) inhibitor is the standard therapy for advanced microsatellite instability (MSI)/mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) gastrointestinal cancers. However, the suitable therapy after the progression of anti-PD1/PD-L1 for MSI/dMMR gastrointestinal cancer patients was unknown, until now. Here, we conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the efficacy of anti-PD1/PD-L1 plus other drug therapy versus chemotherapy with or without targeted therapy for patients who had progressed on prior anti-PD1/PD-L1 monotherapy. Our study found that anti-PD1/PD-L1 plus other drug therapy had significantly improved the disease control rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival, along with a numerically higher objective response rate versus chemotherapy with or without targeted therapy. The promising findings of our retrospective study need to be further confirmed in prospective trials. Abstract Background: In microsatellite instability (MSI)/mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) gastrointestinal cancers, the optimum therapy after the progression of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is yet unknown. Here, we compared the efficacy of programmed death 1 (PD1)/programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) inhibitors plus other therapy and chemotherapy with or without targeted therapy in MSI/dMMR gastrointestinal cancer patients after progression on anti-PD1/PD-L1 monotherapy. Methods: We retrospectively recruited MSI/dMMR gastrointestinal cancer patients who had progressed on anti-PD1/PD-L1 monotherapy. Objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and PFS ratio (PFSr) were compared between patients who received anti-PD1/PD-L1 plus other therapy (ICI-plus group) and patients who received chemotherapy with or without targeted therapy (chemo-targeted group). Results: In total, 26 and 25 patients were recruited in the ICI-plus group and chemo-targeted group, respectively. Significantly better DCR (80.8% vs. 44.0%, p = 0.007), PFS (median PFS 6.9 months vs. 3.0 months, p = 0.001), OS (median OS NR vs. 14.1 months, p = 0.043), and PFSr (2.4 vs. 0.9, p = 0.021), along with a numerically higher ORR (23.1% vs. 12.0%, p = 0.503) were observed in the ICI-plus group compared with the chemo-targeted group. Multivariate analyses identified the therapy regimen as an important prognostic factor in gastrointestinal cancers. Conclusions: Compared to conventional chemotherapy with or without targeted therapy, continuing anti-PD1/PD-L1 in combination with other treatments showed better clinical outcomes in MSI/dMMR gastrointestinal cancer patients who progressed on PD1/PD-L1 blockade, which should be validated prospectively in clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mifen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Zhenghang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Zimin Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Weijia Fang
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hangyu Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xuan Jin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Jiayi Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Weifeng Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital/People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University/People’s Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Huajun Qu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai 264099, China
| | - Fanghua Song
- Department of Oncology, Dalian University Affiliated Xinhua Hospital, Dalian 116021, China
| | - Zhiwei Chang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Yong Tang
- Department of Digestive Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, China
| | - Chunlei Xu
- Department of Digestive Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, China
| | - Xiaotian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Xicheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Zhi Peng
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Jinping Cai
- Medical Affairs, 3D Medicines, Inc., Shanghai 201321, China
| | - Jian Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100142, China
- Correspondence: (J.L.); (L.S.); Tel.: +86-10-88196561 (J.L.)
| | - Lin Shen
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100142, China
- Correspondence: (J.L.); (L.S.); Tel.: +86-10-88196561 (J.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Wang X, Liang B, Li J, Pi X, Zhang P, Zhou X, Chen X, Zhou S, Yang R. Identification and characterization of four immune-related signatures in keloid. Front Immunol 2022; 13:942446. [PMID: 35967426 PMCID: PMC9365668 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.942446] [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: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A keloid is a fibroproliferative disorder of unknown etiopathogenesis that requires ill-defined treatment. Existing evidence indicates that the immune system plays an important role in the occurrence and development of keloid. However, there is still a lack of research on the immune-related signatures of keloid. Here we identified immune-related signatures in keloid and explored their pathological mechanisms. Transcriptomic datasets (GSE7890, GSE92566, and GSE44270) of keloid and normal skin tissues were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The overlap of differentially expressed genes and immune-related genes was considered as differentially expressed immune-related genes (DEIGs). Functional analysis, expression, and distribution were applied to explore the function and characteristics of DEIGs, and the expression of these DEIGs in keloid and normal skin tissues was verified by immunohistochemistry. Finally, we conducted interactive network analysis and immune infiltration analysis to determine the therapeutic potential and immune correlation. We identified four DEIGs (LGR5, PTN, JAG1, and DKK1). In these datasets, only GSE7890 met the screening criteria. In the GSE7890 dataset, DKK1 and PTN were downregulated in keloid, whereas JAG1 and LGR5 were upregulated in keloid. In addition, we obtained the same conclusion through immunohistochemistry. Functional analysis indicated that these four DEIGs were mainly involved in stem cell, cell cycle, UV response, and therapy resistance. Through interactive network analysis, we found that these DEIGs were associated with drugs currently used to treat keloid, such as hydrocortisone, androstanolone, irinotecan, oxaliplatin, BHQ-880, and lecoleucovorin. Finally, many immune cells, including CD8+ T cells, resting memory CD4+ T cells, and M1 macrophages, were obtained by immune infiltration analysis. In conclusion, we identified four immune signaling molecules associated with keloid (LGR5, PTN, JAG1, and DKK1). These immune-related signaling molecules may be important modules in the pathogenesis of keloid. Additionally, we developed novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of this challenging disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiang Wang
- Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
- Department of Burn Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Bo Liang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiehua Li
- Department of Dermatology, The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Xiaobing Pi
- Department of Dermatology, The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Neijiang Health Vocational College, Neijiang, China
| | - Xinzhu Zhou
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Chen
- Department of Burn Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaodong Chen, ; Sitong Zhou, ; Ronghua Yang,
| | - Sitong Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaodong Chen, ; Sitong Zhou, ; Ronghua Yang,
| | - Ronghua Yang
- Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaodong Chen, ; Sitong Zhou, ; Ronghua Yang,
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Weng J, Li S, Zhu Z, Liu Q, Zhang R, Yang Y, Li X. Exploring immunotherapy in colorectal cancer. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:95. [PMID: 35842707 PMCID: PMC9288068 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01294-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy combined with or without targeted therapy is the fundamental treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Due to the adverse effects of chemotherapeutic drugs and the biological characteristics of the tumor cells, it is difficult to make breakthroughs in traditional strategies. The immune checkpoint blockades (ICB) therapy has made significant progress in the treatment of advanced malignant tumors, and patients who benefit from this therapy may obtain a long-lasting response. Unfortunately, immunotherapy is only effective in a limited number of patients with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H), and segment initial responders can subsequently develop acquired resistance. From September 4, 2014, the first anti-PD-1/PD-L1 drug Pembrolizumab was approved by the FDA for the second-line treatment of advanced malignant melanoma. Subsequently, it was approved for mCRC second-line treatment in 2017. Immunotherapy has rapidly developed in the past 7 years. The in-depth research of the ICB treatment indicated that the mechanism of colorectal cancer immune-resistance has become gradually clear, and new predictive biomarkers are constantly emerging. Clinical trials examining the effect of immune checkpoints are actively carried out, in order to produce long-lasting effects for mCRC patients. This review summarizes the treatment strategies for mCRC patients, discusses the mechanism and application of ICB in mCRC treatment, outlines the potential markers of the ICB efficacy, lists the key results of the clinical trials, and collects the recent basic research results, in order to provide a theoretical basis and practical direction for immunotherapy strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junyong Weng
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'an Road, Xuhui, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shanbao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Zhonglin Zhu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'an Road, Xuhui, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'an Road, Xuhui, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ruoxin Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'an Road, Xuhui, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yufei Yang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'an Road, Xuhui, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xinxiang Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'an Road, Xuhui, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Park MH, Shin JH, Bothwell AL, Chae WJ. Dickkopf proteins in pathological inflammatory diseases. J Leukoc Biol 2022; 111:893-901. [PMID: 34890067 PMCID: PMC9889104 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.3ri0721-385r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The human body encounters various challenges. Tissue repair and regeneration processes are augmented after tissue injury to reinstate tissue homeostasis. The Wnt pathway plays a crucial role in tissue repair since it induces target genes required for cell proliferation and differentiation. Since tissue injury causes inflammatory immune responses, it has become increasingly clear that the Wnt ligands can function as immunomodulators while critical for tissue homeostasis. The Wnt pathway and Wnt ligands have been studied extensively in cancer biology and developmental biology. While the Wnt ligands are being studied actively, how the Wnt antagonists and their regulatory mechanisms can modulate immune responses during chronic pathological inflammation remain elusive. This review summarizes DKK family proteins as immunomodulators, aiming to provide an overarching picture for tissue injury and repair. To this end, we first review the Wnt pathway components and DKK family proteins. Next, we will review DKK family proteins (DKK1, 2, and 3) as a new class of immunomodulatory protein in cancer and other chronic inflammatory diseases. Taken together, DKK family proteins and their immunomodulatory functions in chronic inflammatory disorders provide novel insights to understand immune diseases and make them attractive molecular targets for therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Hee Park
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, 401 College Street., Richmond, VA 23298,Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, 401 College Street., Richmond, VA 23298
| | - Jae Hun Shin
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Alfred L.M. Bothwell
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Wook-Jin Chae
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, 401 College Street., Richmond, VA 23298,Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, 401 College Street., Richmond, VA 23298
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Wu M, Huang Q, Xie Y, Wu X, Ma H, Zhang Y, Xia Y. Improvement of the anticancer efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade via combination therapy and PD-L1 regulation. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:24. [PMID: 35279217 PMCID: PMC8917703 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01242-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 77.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint molecules are promising anticancer targets, among which therapeutic antibodies targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway have been widely applied to cancer treatment in clinical practice and have great potential. However, this treatment is greatly limited by its low response rates in certain cancers, lack of known biomarkers, immune-related toxicity, innate and acquired drug resistance, etc. Overcoming these limitations would significantly expand the anticancer applications of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade and improve the response rate and survival time of cancer patients. In the present review, we first illustrate the biological mechanisms of the PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoints and their role in the healthy immune system as well as in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The PD-1/PD-L1 pathway inhibits the anticancer effect of T cells in the TME, which in turn regulates the expression levels of PD-1 and PD-L1 through multiple mechanisms. Several strategies have been proposed to solve the limitations of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment, including combination therapy with other standard treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, anti-angiogenic therapy, other immunotherapies and even diet control. Downregulation of PD-L1 expression in the TME via pharmacological or gene regulation methods improves the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment. Surprisingly, recent preclinical studies have shown that upregulation of PD-L1 in the TME also improves the response and efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade. Immunotherapy is a promising anticancer strategy that provides novel insight into clinical applications. This review aims to guide the development of more effective and less toxic anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengling Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qianrui Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yao Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China.,Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Xuyi Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province/Rehabilitation Medicine Research Institute, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hongbo Ma
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yiwen Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Yong Xia
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China. .,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province/Rehabilitation Medicine Research Institute, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Liu J, Huang X, Huang L, Huang J, Liang D, Liao L, Deng Y, Zhang L, Zhang B, Tang W. Organoid: Next-Generation Modeling of Cancer Research and Drug Development. Front Oncol 2022; 11:826613. [PMID: 35155215 PMCID: PMC8831330 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.826613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal carcinoma is a highly prevalent and heterogeneous gastrointestinal malignancy. The emergence of organoid technology has provided a new direction for colorectal cancer research. As a novel-type model, organoid has significant advantages compared with conventional tumor research models, characterized with the high success rate of construction and the high matching with the original tumor. These characteristics provide new possibilities to study the mechanism of colorectal carcinogenesis and improve the treatment effects. The present literature would mainly summarize the characteristics of tumor organoids and the up-to-date technique development of patient-derived organoids (PDOs) and application in colorectal cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jungang Liu
- Division of Colorectal & Anal Surgery, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaoliang Huang
- Division of Colorectal & Anal Surgery, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Lihaoyun Huang
- Division of Colorectal & Anal Surgery, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Jinlian Huang
- Division of Colorectal & Anal Surgery, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Dingyu Liang
- Division of Colorectal & Anal Surgery, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Lixian Liao
- Division of Colorectal & Anal Surgery, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Yuqing Deng
- Division of Colorectal & Anal Surgery, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Lihua Zhang
- Division of Colorectal & Anal Surgery, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Beibei Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Weizhong Tang
- Division of Colorectal & Anal Surgery, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Kikuchi A, Matsumoto S, Sada R. Dickkopf signaling, beyond Wnt-mediated biology. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 125:55-65. [PMID: 34801396 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Dickkopf1 (DKK1) was originally identified as a secreted protein that antagonizes Wnt signaling. Although DKK1 is essential for the developmental process, its functions in postnatal and adult life are unclear. However, evidence is accumulating that DKK1 is involved in tumorigenesis in a manner unrelated to Wnt signaling. In addition, recent studies have revealed that DKK1 may control immune reactions, although the relationship of this to Wnt signaling is unknown. Other DKK family members, DKK2-4, are likely to have their own functions. Here, we review the possible novel functions of DKKs. We summarize the characteristics of receptors of DKKs and the signaling mechanisms through DKKs and their receptors, provide evidence showing that DKKs are involved in tumor aggressiveness independently of Wnt signaling, and emphasize promising cancer therapies targeting DKKs and receptors. Lastly, we discuss various physiological and pathological processes controlled by DKKs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akira Kikuchi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Shinji Matsumoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryota Sada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Song X, Xie D, Tan F, Zhou Y, Li Y, Zhou Z, Pei Q, Pei H. Intravascular emboli relates to immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and predicts prognosis in stage III colorectal cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:20609-20628. [PMID: 34438367 PMCID: PMC8436899 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203451] [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: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stage III colorectal cancer (CRC) patients experience varying degrees of prognosis even if receiving standard therapeutic regimes. Intravascular emboli (IVE), a type of vascular invasion, impacts the clinical outcome in CRC. In this study, we confirmed the role of IVE in predicting the prognosis of stage III CRC patients and characterized the tumor microenvironment (TME) of CRC with IVE. METHODS Data from 220 consecutive patients (cohort 1) with stage III CRC undergoing radical surgery was collected retrospectively between January 2009 to December 2014. According to the presence of IVE, which was confirmed by two independent pathologists, patients were classified into two groups. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relation of IVE presence to patients' prognosis. The association between IVE and clinicopathological factors was also analyzed. Furthermore, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and gene set enrichment analyses (GSEA) were performed to describe features of the TME based on microarray data consisting of 6 patients. Tumor tissues from a separate cohort of 73 patients with stage III CRC (cohort 2) collected between June 2014 and December 2015 were used to analyze tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. RESULTS IVE was observed in 126 (57.3%) patients and could serve as an unfavorable independent prognostic predictor (P < 0.001) as well as lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05) and tumor location (P < 0.05). Additionally, patients with IVE had a higher neutrophil percentage (P = 0.002) and lower lymphocyte percentage (P = 0.002) relative to those without IVE. CRC with IVE had a significantly different profile of DEGs compared to CRC without IVE, and GSEA showed chronic inflammatory and immunosuppressive TME may promote IVE development. In cohort 2, tumors with IVE had fewer CD3+ TILs in the stromal region, as well as fewer CD8+ TILs in both stromal and tumoral regions relative to those without IVE. CONCLUSION IVE, which was related closely to a chronic inflammatory and immunosuppressive TME, forecasted a worse prognosis of stage III CRC patients and may be taken into consideration when a therapeutic strategy is decided upon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangping Song
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China.,Department of Geriatric Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China
| | - Di Xie
- Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China
| | - Fengbo Tan
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China
| | - Yuqiang Li
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China
| | - Zhongyi Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China
| | - Qian Pei
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China
| | - Haiping Pei
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China.,The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|