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Shi X, Chen W, Yin Y, Cao H, Wang X, Jiang W, Li Q, Li X, Yu Y, Wang X. RAC1 high NK cell-based immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma via STAT3-NKG2D axis. Cancer Lett 2024; 592:216909. [PMID: 38679407 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells exert an indispensable role in innate immune responses against cancer progression, however NK cell dysfunction has been rarely reported in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study sought to uncover the immunoregulatory mechanisms of tumor-infiltrating NK cells in HCC. A consensus NK cell-based signature (NKS) was constructed using integrative machine learning algorithms based on multi-omics data of HCC patients. HCC tumors had lower numbers of infiltrating NK cells than para-tumor normal liver tissues. Based on the NK cell-associated genes, the NKS was built for HCC prognostic prediction and clinical utilities. Drug targets and novel compounds were then identified for high-NKS groups. RAC1 was confirmed as the hub gene in the NKS genes. RAC1 was upregulated in HCC tumors and positively correlated with shorter survival time. RAC1 overexpression in NK-92 cells facilitated the cancer-killing capacity by the anticancer cytotoxic effectors and the upregulated NKG2D. The survival time of PDX-bearing mice was also prolonged upon NK-92RAC1 cells. Mechanistically, RAC1 interacted with STAT3 and facilitated its activation, thereby enabling its binding to the promoter region of NKG2D and functioning as a transcriptional regulator in NK-92 via molecular docking, Co-IP assay, CHIP and luciferase experiments. Collectively, our study describes a novel function of RAC1 in potentiating NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity against HCC, highlighting the clinical utilities of NKS score and RAC1high NK cell subset in HCC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Shi
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Living Donor Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China; School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210009, China
| | - Wenwei Chen
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Living Donor Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China
| | - Yefeng Yin
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Hengsong Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210009, China
| | - Xinyi Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210009, China
| | - Wangjie Jiang
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Living Donor Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China
| | - Qing Li
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Living Donor Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China.
| | - Xiangcheng Li
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Living Donor Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China.
| | - Yue Yu
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Living Donor Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China.
| | - Xuehao Wang
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Living Donor Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China; School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210009, China.
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Feng P, Luo L, Yang Q, Meng W, Guan Z, Li Z, Sun G, Dong Z, Yang M. Hippo kinases Mst1 and Mst2 maintain NK cell homeostasis by orchestrating metabolic state and transcriptional activity. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:430. [PMID: 38898027 PMCID: PMC11187177 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06828-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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in immune response against viral infections and tumors. However, further investigation is needed to better understand the key molecules responsible for determining the fate and function of NK cells. In this study, we made an important discovery regarding the involvement of the Hippo kinases Mst1 and Mst2 as novel regulators in maintaining mouse NK cell homeostasis. The presence of high Mst1 and Mst2 (Mst1/2) activity in NK cells is essential for their proper development, survival and function in a canonical Hippo signaling independent mode. Mechanistically, Mst1/2 induce cellular quiescence by regulating the processes of proliferation and mitochondrial metabolism, thereby ensuring the development and survival of NK cells. Furthermore, Mst1/2 effectively sense IL-15 signaling and facilitate the activation of pSTAT3-TCF1, which contributes to NK cell homeostasis. Overall, our investigation highlights the crucial role of Mst1/2 as key regulators in metabolic reprogramming and transcriptional regulation for mouse NK cell survival and function, emphasizing the significance of cellular quiescence during NK cell development and functional maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiran Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Reconstruction, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University (Heyuan Shenhe People's Hospital), Jinan University, Heyuan, 517000, China
| | - Liang Luo
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Quanli Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital(Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Wanqing Meng
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Zerong Guan
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Zhizhong Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Reconstruction, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University (Heyuan Shenhe People's Hospital), Jinan University, Heyuan, 517000, China
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Guodong Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Reconstruction, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University (Heyuan Shenhe People's Hospital), Jinan University, Heyuan, 517000, China
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Zhongjun Dong
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University and Institute for Clinical Immunology, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Meixiang Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Reconstruction, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University (Heyuan Shenhe People's Hospital), Jinan University, Heyuan, 517000, China.
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital(Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, China.
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control (Jinan University), Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Germ-free animals and Microbiota Application, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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Wang Z, Pan B, Su L, Yu H, Wu X, Yao Y, Zhang X, Qiu J, Tang N. SUMOylation inhibitors activate anti-tumor immunity by reshaping the immune microenvironment in a preclinical model of hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024; 47:513-532. [PMID: 38055116 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00880-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE High levels of heterogeneity and immunosuppression characterize the HCC immune microenvironment (TME). Unfortunately, the majority of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients do not benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) therapy. New small molecule therapies for the treatment of HCC are the goal of our research. METHODS SUMOylation inhibitors (TAK-981 and ML-792) were evaluated for the treatment of preclinical mouse HCC models (including subcutaneous and orthotopic HCC models). We profile immune cell subsets from tumor samples after SUMOylation inhibitors treatment using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), mass cytometry (CyTOF), flow cytometry, and multiple immunofluorescences (mIF). RESULTS We discover that SUMOylation is higher in HCC patient samples compared to normal liver tissue. TAK-981 and ML-792 decrease SUMOylation at nanomolar levels in HCC cells and also successfully reduced the tumor burden. Analysis combining scRNA-seq and CyTOF demonstrate that treatment with SUMOylation inhibitors reduces the exhausted CD8+T (Tex) cells while enhancing the cytotoxic NK cells, M1 macrophages and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in preclinical mouse HCC model. Furthermore, SUMOylation inhibitors have the potential to activate innate immune signals from CD8+T, NK and macrophages while promoting TNFα and IL-17 secretion. Most notably, SUMOylation inhibitors can directly alter the TME by adjusting the abundance of intestinal microbiota, thereby restoring anti-tumor immunity in HCC models. CONCLUSIONS This preclinical study suggests that SUMO signaling inhibitors may be beneficial for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengbin Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Banglun Pan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Lili Su
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Huahui Yu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Yuxin Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Jiacheng Qiu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Nanhong Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
- Cancer Center of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China.
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Meng YW, Liu JY. Pathological and pharmacological functions of the metabolites of polyunsaturated fatty acids mediated by cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenases, and cytochrome P450s in cancers. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 256:108612. [PMID: 38369063 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Oxylipins have garnered increasing attention because they were consistently shown to play pathological and/or pharmacological roles in the development of multiple cancers. Oxylipins are the metabolites of polyunsaturated fatty acids via both enzymatic and nonenzymatic pathways. The enzymes mediating the metabolism of PUFAs include but not limited to lipoxygenases (LOXs), cyclooxygenases (COXs), and cytochrome P450s (CYPs) pathways, as well as the down-stream enzymes. Here, we systematically summarized the pleiotropic effects of oxylipins in different cancers through pathological and pharmacological aspects, with specific reference to the enzyme-mediated oxylipins. We discussed the specific roles of oxylipins on cancer onset, growth, invasion, and metastasis, as well as the expression changes in the associated metabolic enzymes and the associated underlying mechanisms. In addition, we also discussed the clinical application and potential of oxylipins and related metabolic enzymes as the targets for cancer prevention and treatment. We found the specific function of most oxylipins in cancers, especially the underlying mechanisms and clinic applications, deserves and needs further investigation. We believe that research on oxylipins will provide not only more therapeutic targets for various cancers but also dietary guidance for both cancer patients and healthy humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Wen Meng
- CNTTI of the Institute of Life Sciences & Department of Anesthesia of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Basic Medicine Research and Innovation Center for Novel Target and Therapeutic Intervention, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jun-Yan Liu
- CNTTI of the Institute of Life Sciences & Department of Anesthesia of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Basic Medicine Research and Innovation Center for Novel Target and Therapeutic Intervention, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400016, China; College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
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Wu H, Qu L, Bai X, Zhu C, Liu Y, Duan Z, Liu H, Fu R, Fan D. Ginsenoside Rk1 induces autophagy-dependent apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma by AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. Food Chem Toxicol 2024:114587. [PMID: 38461953 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114587] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most lethal cancer in the world. Recent studies have shown that suppression of autophagy plays an important role in the development of HCC. Ginsenoside Rk1 is a protopanaxadiol saponin isolated from ginseng and has a significant anti-tumor effect, but its role and mechanism in HCC are still unclear. In this study, a mouse liver cancer model induced by diethylnitrosamine and carbon tetrachloride (DEN + CCl4) was employed to investigate the inhibitory effect of Rk1 on HCC. The results demonstrate that ginsenoside Rk1 effectively inhibits liver injury, liver fibrosis, and cirrhosis during HCC progression. Transcriptome data analysis of mouse liver tissue reveals that ginsenoside Rk1 significantly regulates the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway, autophagy pathway, and apoptosis pathway. Subsequent studies show that ginsenoside Rk1 induces AMPK protein activation, upregulates the expression of autophagy marker LC3-II protein to promote autophagy, and then downregulates the expression of Bcl2 protein to trigger a caspase cascade reaction, activating AMPK/mTOR-induced toxic autophagy to promote cells death. Importantly, co-treatment of ginsenoside Rk1 with autophagy inhibitors can inhibit apoptosis of HCC cells, once again demonstrating the ability of ginsenoside Rk1 to promote autophagy-dependent apoptosis. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that ginsenoside Rk1 inhibits the development of primary HCC by activating toxic autophagy to promote apoptosis through the AMPK/mTOR pathway. These findings confirm that ginsenoside Rk1 is a promising new strategy for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanyan Wu
- Engineering Research Center of Western Resource Innovation Medicine Green Manufacturing, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China; Biotech. & Biomed. Research Institute, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Linlin Qu
- Engineering Research Center of Western Resource Innovation Medicine Green Manufacturing, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China; Biotech. & Biomed. Research Institute, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China; Xi'an Giant Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Xi'an, 710076, China
| | - Xue Bai
- Engineering Research Center of Western Resource Innovation Medicine Green Manufacturing, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China; Biotech. & Biomed. Research Institute, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Chenhui Zhu
- Engineering Research Center of Western Resource Innovation Medicine Green Manufacturing, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China; Biotech. & Biomed. Research Institute, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Western Resource Innovation Medicine Green Manufacturing, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China; Biotech. & Biomed. Research Institute, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Zhiguang Duan
- Engineering Research Center of Western Resource Innovation Medicine Green Manufacturing, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China; Biotech. & Biomed. Research Institute, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Hongyan Liu
- Shaanxi Gaint Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Xi'an, 710076, China
| | - Rongzhan Fu
- Engineering Research Center of Western Resource Innovation Medicine Green Manufacturing, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China; Biotech. & Biomed. Research Institute, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China.
| | - Daidi Fan
- Engineering Research Center of Western Resource Innovation Medicine Green Manufacturing, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China; Biotech. & Biomed. Research Institute, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China.
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Pan B, Ke X, Qiu J, Ye D, Zhang Z, Zhang X, Luo Y, Yao Y, Wu X, Wang X, Tang N. LAIR1-mediated resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma cells to T cells through a GSK-3β/β-catenin/MYC/PD-L1 pathway. Cell Signal 2024; 115:111039. [PMID: 38199599 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111039] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing number of studies have reported the involvement of oncogenes in the regulation of the immune system. LAIR1 is an immunosuppressive molecule and its role in immune-related diseases has been mainly reported. To date, it is unclear whether LAIR1 in tumor cells is involved in immune regulation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of LAIR1 in the immune microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to seek the novel therapeutic discoveries. METHODS Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion database was used to predict the response of LAIR1 expression to immune checkpoint blockade. CD8+ T cells were co-cultured with HCC cells, and the killing efficiency of leukocytes on HCC cells was detected by flow cytometry. Flow cytometry was also used to detect the expression of inhibitory receptors. In addition, Western blot, immunofluorescence, and nucleus/cytoplasm fractionation experiments were performed to explore the molecular mechanisms by which LAIR1 created a suppressive tumor microenvironment. RESULTS LAIR1 expression in HCC was associated with worse immune prognosis and T-cell dysfunction. HCC cells overexpressing LAIR1 co-cultured with CD8+ T cells induced exhaustion of latter. Mechanism studies indicated that LAIR1 in HCC cells up-regulated the phosphorylation of β-catenin by inducing the phosphorylation of GSK-3β, leading to the impairment of the expression and the nuclear localization signal of β-catenin. Low β-catenin expression and nuclear localization signal inhibited MYC-mediated PD-L1 expression. Therefore, PD-L1 up-regulated by LAIR1 caused the exhaustion of infiltrating CD8+ T cells in HCC, which aggravated the malignant progression of HCC. CONCLUSION LAIR1 increased PD-L1 expression through the GSK-3β/β-catenin/MYC/PD-L1 pathway and promoted immune evasion of HCC cells. Targeted inhibition of LAIR1 helped to enhance the immune killing effect of CD8+ T cells in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banglun Pan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoling Ke
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiacheng Qiu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Dongjie Ye
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhu Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yue Luo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yuxin Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqian Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China; Cancer Center of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Nanhong Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China; Cancer Center of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Technology for Precision Medicine (Fujian Medical University), Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China; Lead contact.
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Lin J, Rao D, Zhang M, Gao Q. Metabolic reprogramming in the tumor microenvironment of liver cancer. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:6. [PMID: 38297372 PMCID: PMC10832230 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01527-8] [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: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The liver is essential for metabolic homeostasis. The onset of liver cancer is often accompanied by dysregulated liver function, leading to metabolic rearrangements. Overwhelming evidence has illustrated that dysregulated cellular metabolism can, in turn, promote anabolic growth and tumor propagation in a hostile microenvironment. In addition to supporting continuous tumor growth and survival, disrupted metabolic process also creates obstacles for the anticancer immune response and restrains durable clinical remission following immunotherapy. In this review, we elucidate the metabolic communication between liver cancer cells and their surrounding immune cells and discuss how metabolic reprogramming of liver cancer impacts the immune microenvironment and the efficacy of anticancer immunotherapy. We also describe the crucial role of the gut-liver axis in remodeling the metabolic crosstalk of immune surveillance and escape, highlighting novel therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Lin
- Center for Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dongning Rao
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Mao Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qiang Gao
- Center for Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Pan B, Luo Y, Ye D, Qiu J, Zhang X, Wu X, Yao Y, Wang X, Tang N. A modified immune cell infiltration score achieves ideal stratification for CD8 + T cell efficacy and immunotherapy benefit in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:4103-4119. [PMID: 37755466 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03546-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy, which aims to enhance the function of T cells, has emerged as a novel therapeutic approach for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nevertheless, the clinical utility of using flow cytometry to assess immune cell infiltration (ICI) is hindered by its cumbersome procedures, prompting the need for more accessible methods. Here, we acquired gene expression profiles and survival data of HCC from TCGA and GSE10186 datasets. The patients were categorized into two clusters of ICI, and a set of 11 characteristic genes responsible for the differentiation performance of these ICI clusters were identified. Subsequently, we successfully developed a modified ICI score (mICIS) by utilizing the expression levels of these genes. The efficacy of our mICIS was confirmed via mass cytometry, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry. Our research indicated that the favorable overall survival (OS) rate could be attributed to the improved function of anti-tumor leukocytes rather than their infiltration. Furthermore, we observed that the low score group exhibited lower expression levels of T-cell exhaustion-associated genes, which was confirmed in both HCC tissues from patients and mice, which demonstrated that the benefits of the low scores were due to enhanced active/cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and reduced exhausted CD8+ T cells. Additionally, our mICIS stratified the benefits derived from immunotherapies. Lastly, we observed a misalignment between CD8+ T-cell infiltration and function in HCC. In summary, our mICIS demonstrated proficiency in assessing the OS rate of HCC and offering significant stratified data pertaining to distinct responses to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banglun Pan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Yue Luo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Dongjie Ye
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Jiacheng Qiu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Yuxin Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Xiaoqian Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Nanhong Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
- Cancer Center of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
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Wu J, Xia C, Liu C, Zhang Q, Xia C. The role of gut microbiota and drug interactions in the development of colorectal cancer. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1265136. [PMID: 37680706 PMCID: PMC10481531 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1265136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The human gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem regulating the host's environmental interaction. The same functional food or drug may have varying bioavailability and distinct effects on different individuals. Drugs such as antibiotics can alter the intestinal flora, thus affecting health. However, the relationship between intestinal flora and non-antibiotic drugs is bidirectional: it is not only affected by drugs; nevertheless, it can alter the drug structure through enzymes and change the bioavailability, biological activity, or toxicity of drugs to improve their efficacy and safety. This review summarizes the roles and mechanisms of antibiotics, antihypertensive drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, lipid-lowering drugs, hypoglycemic drugs, virus-associated therapies, metabolites, and dietary in modulating the colorectal cancer gut microbiota. It provides a reference for future antitumor therapy targeting intestinal microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinna Wu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pharmacy, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cong Xia
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Can Liu
- Affiliated Foshan Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qianshi Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Chenglai Xia
- Affiliated Foshan Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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