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Karimova AF, Ketkar A, Suezov R, Khalitova AR, Gomzikova M, Mukhamedshina Y, Lauth M, Huber M, Simon HU, Brichkina A. In vitro functional assays to assess the reciprocal interplay between tumor cells and macrophages. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23730. [PMID: 38900063 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202400240r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are integral components of the tumor microenvironment. They are involved in various aspects of tumor cell biology, driving pathological processes such as tumor cell proliferation, metastasis, immunosuppression, and resistance to therapy. TAMs exert their tumorigenic effects by secreting growth factors, cytokines/chemokines, metabolites, and other soluble bioactive molecules. These mediators directly promote tumor cell proliferation and modulate interactions with immune and stromal cells, facilitating further tumor growth. As research into therapies targeting TAMs intensifies, there is a growing need for reliable methods to comprehend the impact of TAMs on cancer progression and to validate novel therapeutics directed at TAMs. The traditional "M1-M2" macrophage classification based on transcriptional profiles of TAMs is not only too simplistic to describe their physiological roles, it also does not explain differences observed between mouse and human macrophages. In this context, methods that assess how TAMs influence tumor or immune cells, either through direct contact or the release of soluble factors, offer a more promising approach. We describe here comprehensive protocols for in vitro functional assays to study TAMs, specifically regarding their impact on the growth of lung cancer cells. We have applied these methods to both mouse and human macrophages, achieving similar outcomes in promoting the proliferation of cancer cells. This methodology can serve as a standardized approach for testing novel therapeutic approaches, targeting TAMs with novel immunotherapeutic compounds, or utilizing gene-editing techniques. Taken together, the described methodology may contribute to our understanding of complex macrophage-tumor interactions and support the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelya F Karimova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Avanee Ketkar
- Institute of Systems Immunology, Center for Tumor- and Immune Biology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Marburg, Germany
| | - Roman Suezov
- Institute of Systems Immunology, Center for Tumor- and Immune Biology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Marburg, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center for Tumor- and Immune Biology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Adelya R Khalitova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Marina Gomzikova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Yana Mukhamedshina
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Matthias Lauth
- Department of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center for Tumor- and Immune Biology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Magdalena Huber
- Institute of Systems Immunology, Center for Tumor- and Immune Biology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Marburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Uwe Simon
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Biochemistry, Brandenburg Medical School, Neuruppin, Germany
| | - Anna Brichkina
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
- Institute of Systems Immunology, Center for Tumor- and Immune Biology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Marburg, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center for Tumor- and Immune Biology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Mills GB, Labrie M. Enhancing anticancer activity of macrophages through rational drug combinations. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e180512. [PMID: 38690738 PMCID: PMC11060729 DOI: 10.1172/jci180512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeting tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is an emerging approach being tested in multiple clinical trials. TAMs, depending on their differentiation state, can exhibit pro- or antitumorigenic functions. For example, the M2-like phenotype represents a protumoral state that can stimulate tumor growth, angiogenesis, metastasis, therapy resistance, and immune evasion by expressing immune checkpoint proteins. In this issue of the JCI, Vaccaro and colleagues utilized an innovative drug screen approach to demonstrate that targeting driver oncogenic signaling pathways concurrently with anti-CD47 sensitizes tumor cells, causing them to undergo macrophage-induced phagocytosis. The combination treatment altered expression of molecules on the tumor cells that typically limit phagocytosis. It also reprogrammed macrophages to an M1-like antitumor state. Moreover, the approach was generalizable to tumor cells with different oncogenic pathways, opening the door to precision oncology-based rationale combination therapies that have the potential to improve outcomes for patients with oncogene-driven lung cancers and likely other cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon B. Mills
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Marilyne Labrie
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Sherbrooke (CRCHUS), Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
- Institut de Recherche sur le Cancer de l’Université de Sherbrooke (IRCUS), Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
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Karaman I, Pathak A, Bayik D, Watson DC. Harnessing Bacterial Extracellular Vesicle Immune Effects for Cancer Therapy. Pathog Immun 2024; 9:56-90. [PMID: 38690563 PMCID: PMC11060327 DOI: 10.20411/pai.v9i1.657] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
There are a growing number of studies linking the composition of the human microbiome to disease states and treatment responses, especially in the context of cancer. This has raised significant interest in developing microbes and microbial products as cancer immunotherapeutics that mimic or recapitulate the beneficial effects of host-microbe interactions. Bacterial extracellular vesicles (bEVs) are nano-sized, membrane-bound particles secreted by essentially all bacteria species and contain a diverse bioactive cargo of the producing cell. They have a fundamental role in facilitating interactions among cells of the same species, different microbial species, and even with multicellular host organisms in the context of colonization (microbiome) and infection. The interaction of bEVs with the immune system has been studied extensively in the context of infection and suggests that bEV effects depend largely on the producing species. They thus provide functional diversity, while also being nonreplicative, having inherent cell-targeting qualities, and potentially overcoming natural barriers. These characteristics make them highly appealing for development as cancer immunotherapeutics. Both natively secreted and engineered bEVs are now being investigated for their application as immunotherapeutics, vaccines, drug delivery vehicles, and combinations of the above, with promising early results. This suggests that both the intrinsic immunomodulatory properties of bEVs and their ability to be modified could be harnessed for the development of next-generation microbe-inspired therapies. Nonetheless, there remain major outstanding questions regarding how the observed preclinical effectiveness will translate from murine models to primates, and humans in particular. Moreover, research into the pharmacology, toxicology, and mass manufacturing of this potential novel therapeutic platform is still at early stages. In this review, we highlight the breadth of bEV interactions with host cells, focusing on immunologic effects as the main mechanism of action of bEVs currently in preclinical development. We review the literature on ongoing efforts to develop natively secreted and engineered bEVs from a variety of bacterial species for cancer therapy and finally discuss efforts to overcome outstanding challenges that remain for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irem Karaman
- Bahcesehir University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Asmita Pathak
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Florida
| | - Defne Bayik
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Florida
| | - Dionysios C. Watson
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Florida
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Ihle CL, Straign DM, Canari JA, Torkko KC, Zolman KL, Smith EE, Owens P. Unique macrophage phenotypes activated by BMP signaling in breast cancer bone metastases. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e168517. [PMID: 38193534 PMCID: PMC10906463 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.168517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Metastatic breast cancer (mBC) tissue in bone was systematically profiled to define the composition of the tumor microenvironment. Gene expression identified a high myeloid signature of patients with improved survival outcomes. Bone metastases were profiled by spatial proteomics to examine myeloid populations within the stroma that correlated with macrophage functions. Single-cell spatial analysis uncovered macrophage activation in the stroma of mBC bone lesions. Matched BC patient samples of primary breast tumor and bone metastasis tissues were compared for gene expression in the bone, where bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) was most significantly upregulated. Immune cell changes from breast to bone demonstrated a loss of lymphoid cells but a consistent population of macrophages. BMP-activated macrophages were increased uniquely in bone. Bone marrow-derived macrophage activation coupled with BMP inhibition increased inflammatory responses. Using experimental mouse models of mBC bone metastasis and trained immunity, we found that BMP inhibition restricts progression of metastases early in the macrophage activation state but not after tumors were established in the bone. This study revealed unique myeloid BMP activation states that are distinctly integrated with bone metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire L. Ihle
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Desiree M. Straign
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Kathleen C. Torkko
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Kathryn L. Zolman
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Elizabeth E. Smith
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Philip Owens
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Mahmoud DE, Hanachi M, Yaakoub H, Blanchard S, Pignon P, Souiai O, Delneste Y, Bouchara JP, Papon N, Hérivaux A. Functional insights into human macrophage response against Scedosporium apiospermum and Scedosporium dehoogii. Cytokine 2023; 172:156384. [PMID: 37832161 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Fungal infections caused by Scedosporium species are rising among immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. Within the immunocompetent group, patients with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) are at high risk of developing a chronic airway colonization by these molds. While S. apiospermum is one of the major species encountered in the lungs of pwCF, S. dehoogii has rarely been reported. The innate immune response is believed to be critical for host defense against fungal infections. However, its role has only recently been elucidated and the immune mechanisms against Scedosporium species are currently unknown. In this context, we undertook a comparative investigation of macrophage-mediated immune responses toward S. apiospermum and S. dehoogii conidia. Our data showed that S. apiospermum and S. dehoogii conidia strongly stimulated the expression of a set of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines such as IL-1β, IL-8, IL-6 and TNFα. We demonstrated that S. dehoogii was more potent in stimulating the early release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines while S. apiospermum induced a late inflammatory response at a higher level. Flow cytometry analysis showed that M1-like macrophages were able to internalize both S. apiospermum and S. dehoogii conidia, with a similar intracellular killing rate for both species. In conclusion, these results suggest that M1-like macrophages can rapidly initiate a strong immune response against both S. apiospermum and S. dehoogii. This response is characterized by a similar killing of internalized conidia, but a different time course of cytokine production.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mariem Hanachi
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Biomathematics and Biostatistics-LR16IPT09, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hajar Yaakoub
- Univ Angers, Univ Brest, IRF, SFR ICAT, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Simon Blanchard
- Univ Angers, Nantes Université, Inserm, CNRS, CRCI2NA, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France
| | - Pascale Pignon
- Univ Angers, Nantes Université, Inserm, CNRS, CRCI2NA, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France
| | - Oussama Souiai
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Biomathematics and Biostatistics-LR16IPT09, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Yves Delneste
- Univ Angers, Nantes Université, Inserm, CNRS, CRCI2NA, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France; Immunology and Allergology Laboratory, University Hospital of Angers, Angers, France
| | | | - Nicolas Papon
- Univ Angers, Univ Brest, IRF, SFR ICAT, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Anaïs Hérivaux
- Univ Angers, Univ Brest, IRF, SFR ICAT, 49000 Angers, France.
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Liu L, Chen G, Gong S, Huang R, Fan C. Targeting tumor-associated macrophage: an adjuvant strategy for lung cancer therapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1274547. [PMID: 38022518 PMCID: PMC10679371 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1274547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment landscape for various types of cancer. Nevertheless, lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide due to the development of resistance in most patients. As one of the most abundant groups of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play crucial and complex roles in the development of lung cancer, including the regulation of immunosuppressive TME remodeling, metabolic reprogramming, neoangiogenesis, metastasis, and promotion of tumoral neurogenesis. Hence, relevant strategies for lung cancer therapy, such as inhibition of macrophage recruitment, TAM reprograming, depletion of TAMs, and engineering of TAMs for drug delivery, have been developed. Based on the satisfactory treatment effect of TAM-targeted therapy, recent studies also investigated its synergistic effect with current therapies for lung cancer, including immunotherapy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR) treatment, or photodynamic therapy. Thus, in this article, we summarized the key mechanisms of TAMs contributing to lung cancer progression and elaborated on the novel therapeutic strategies against TAMs. We also discussed the therapeutic potential of TAM targeting as adjuvant therapy in the current treatment of lung cancer, particularly highlighting the TAM-centered strategies for improving the efficacy of anti-programmed cell death-1/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (anti-PD-1/PD-L1) treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Chunmei Fan
- *Correspondence: Chunmei Fan, ; Rongfu Huang,
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Lavy M, Gauttier V, Dumont A, Chocteau F, Deshayes S, Fresquet J, Dehame V, Girault I, Trilleaud C, Neyton S, Mary C, Juin P, Poirier N, Barillé-Nion S, Blanquart C. ChemR23 activation reprograms macrophages toward a less inflammatory phenotype and dampens carcinoma progression. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1196731. [PMID: 37539056 PMCID: PMC10396772 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1196731] [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: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Tumor Associated Macrophages (TAM) are a major component of the tumor environment and their accumulation often correlates with poor prognosis by contributing to local inflammation, inhibition of anti-tumor immune response and resistance to anticancer treatments. In this study, we thus investigated the anti-cancer therapeutic interest to target ChemR23, a receptor of the resolution of inflammation expressed by macrophages, using an agonist monoclonal antibody, αChemR23. Methods Human GM-CSF, M-CSF and Tumor Associated Macrophage (TAM)-like macrophages were obtained by incubation of monocytes from healthy donors with GM-CSF, M-CSF or tumor cell supernatants (Breast cancer (BC) or malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) cells). The effects of αChemR23 on macrophages were studied at the transcriptomic, protein and functional level. Datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were used to study CMKLR1 expression, coding for ChemR23, in BC and MPM tumors. In vivo, αChemR23 was evaluated on overall survival, metastasis development and transcriptomic modification of the metastatic niche using a model of resected triple negative breast cancer. Results We show that ChemR23 is expressed at higher levels in M-CSF and tumor cell supernatant differentiated macrophages (TAM-like) than in GM-CSF-differentiated macrophages. ChemR23 activation triggered by αChemR23 deeply modulates M-CSF and TAM-like macrophages including profile of cell surface markers, cytokine secretion, gene mRNA expression and immune functions. The expression of ChemR23 coding gene (CMKLR1) strongly correlates to TAM markers in human BC tumors and MPM and its histological detection in these tumors mainly corresponds to TAM expression. In vivo, treatment with αChemR23 agonist increased mouse survival and decreased metastasis occurrence in a model of triple-negative BC in correlation with modulation of TAM phenotype in the metastatic niche. Conclusion These results open an attractive opportunity to target TAM and the resolution of inflammation pathways through ChemR23 to circumvent TAM pro-tumoral effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alison Dumont
- Nantes Université, Inserm UMR 1307, CNRS UMR 6075, Université d’Angers, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France
| | - Florian Chocteau
- Nantes Université, Inserm UMR 1307, CNRS UMR 6075, Université d’Angers, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France
| | - Sophie Deshayes
- Nantes Université, Inserm UMR 1307, CNRS UMR 6075, Université d’Angers, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France
| | - Judith Fresquet
- Nantes Université, Inserm UMR 1307, CNRS UMR 6075, Université d’Angers, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France
| | - Virginie Dehame
- Nantes Université, Inserm UMR 1307, CNRS UMR 6075, Université d’Angers, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, service de pneumologie, l'institut du thorax, Nantes, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Philippe Juin
- Nantes Université, Inserm UMR 1307, CNRS UMR 6075, Université d’Angers, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France
- ICO René Gauducheau, Saint Herblain, France
| | | | - Sophie Barillé-Nion
- Nantes Université, Inserm UMR 1307, CNRS UMR 6075, Université d’Angers, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France
| | - Christophe Blanquart
- Nantes Université, Inserm UMR 1307, CNRS UMR 6075, Université d’Angers, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France
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Brady RV, Thamm DH. Tumor-associated macrophages: Prognostic and therapeutic targets for cancer in humans and dogs. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1176807. [PMID: 37090720 PMCID: PMC10113558 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1176807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are ancient, phagocytic immune cells thought to have their origins 500 million years ago in metazoan phylogeny. The understanding of macrophages has evolved to encompass their foundational roles in development, homeostasis, tissue repair, inflammation, and immunity. Notably, macrophages display high plasticity in response to environmental cues, capable of a strikingly wide variety of dynamic gene signatures and phenotypes. Macrophages are also involved in many pathological states including neural disease, asthma, liver disease, heart disease, cancer, and others. In cancer, most tumor-associated immune cells are macrophages, coined tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). While some TAMs can display anti-tumor properties such as phagocytizing tumor cells and orchestrating an immune response, most macrophages in the tumor microenvironment are immunosuppressive and pro-tumorigenic. Macrophages have been implicated in all stages of cancer. Therefore, interest in manipulating macrophages as a therapeutic strategy against cancer developed as early as the 1970s. Companion dogs are a strong comparative immuno-oncology model for people due to documented similarities in the immune system and spontaneous cancers between the species. Data from clinical trials in humans and dogs can be leveraged to further scientific advancements that benefit both species. This review aims to provide a summary of the current state of knowledge on macrophages in general, and an in-depth review of macrophages as a therapeutic strategy against cancer in humans and companion dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel V. Brady
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Douglas H. Thamm
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- Flint Animal Cancer Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
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Zhang M, Liu K, Zhang Q, Xu J, Liu J, Lin H, Lin B, Zhu M, Li M. Alpha fetoprotein promotes polarization of macrophages towards M2-like phenotype and inhibits macrophages to phagocytize hepatoma cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1081572. [PMID: 36911723 PMCID: PMC9995430 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1081572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha-fetoprotein(AFP) is a cancer biomarker for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC); however, its role in macrophage polarization and phagocytosis remains unclear. In the present study, we explored the correlation between AFP regulation of macrophage function and the possible regulatory mechanisms. Human mononuclear leukemia cells (THP-1) and monocytes from healthy donors were used to analyze the effect of AFP on the macrophages' phenotype and phagocytosis. THP-1 cells and healthy human donor-derived monocytes were polarized into M0 macrophages induced by phorbol ester (PMA), and M0 macrophages were polarized into M1 macrophages induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS) and interferon-γ(IFN-γ). Interleukin-4(IL-4) and interleukin-13(IL-13) were used to induce M0 macrophage polarization into M2 macrophages. Tumor-derived AFP(tAFP) stimulated M0 macrophage polarization into M2 macrophages and inhibited M1 macrophages to phagocytize HCC cells. The role of AFP in promoting macrophage polarization into M2 macrophages and inhibiting the M1 macrophages to phagocytize HCC cells may be involved in activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. AFP could also enhanced the migration ability of macrophages and inhibited the apoptosis of HCC cells when co-cultured with M1-like macrophages. AFP is a pivotal cytokine that inhibits macrophages to phagocytize HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minni Zhang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hiakou, Hainan, China
| | - Kun Liu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hiakou, Hainan, China
| | - Qiuyue Zhang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hiakou, Hainan, China
| | - Junnv Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Jinchen Liu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hiakou, Hainan, China
| | - Haifeng Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Bo Lin
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hiakou, Hainan, China
| | - Mingyue Zhu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hiakou, Hainan, China
| | - Mengsen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hiakou, Hainan, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China.,Institution of Tumor, Hainan Medical College, Hiakou, Hainan, China
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