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Guo J, Yan W, Duan H, Wang D, Zhou Y, Feng D, Zheng Y, Zhou S, Liu G, Qin X. Therapeutic Effects of Natural Products on Liver Cancer and Their Potential Mechanisms. Nutrients 2024; 16:1642. [PMID: 38892575 PMCID: PMC11174683 DOI: 10.3390/nu16111642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer ranks third globally among causes of cancer-related deaths, posing a significant public health challenge. However, current treatments are inadequate, prompting a growing demand for novel, safe, and effective therapies. Natural products (NPs) have emerged as promising candidates in drug development due to their diverse biological activities, low toxicity, and minimal side effects. This paper begins by reviewing existing treatment methods and drugs for liver cancer. It then summarizes the therapeutic effects of NPs sourced from various origins on liver cancer. Finally, we analyze the potential mechanisms of NPs in treating liver cancer, including inhibition of angiogenesis, migration, and invasion; regulation of the cell cycle; induction of apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis; influence on tumor metabolism; immune regulation; regulation of intestinal function; and regulation of key signaling pathways. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of NPs research in liver cancer treatment, offering a foundation for further development and application in pharmaceuticals and functional foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhong Guo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functional Food, Beijing Union University, Beijing 100023, China; (J.G.); (W.Y.); (H.D.); (D.W.); (Y.Z.); (S.Z.); (G.L.)
| | - Wenjie Yan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functional Food, Beijing Union University, Beijing 100023, China; (J.G.); (W.Y.); (H.D.); (D.W.); (Y.Z.); (S.Z.); (G.L.)
| | - Hao Duan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functional Food, Beijing Union University, Beijing 100023, China; (J.G.); (W.Y.); (H.D.); (D.W.); (Y.Z.); (S.Z.); (G.L.)
| | - Diandian Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functional Food, Beijing Union University, Beijing 100023, China; (J.G.); (W.Y.); (H.D.); (D.W.); (Y.Z.); (S.Z.); (G.L.)
| | - Yaxi Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functional Food, Beijing Union University, Beijing 100023, China; (J.G.); (W.Y.); (H.D.); (D.W.); (Y.Z.); (S.Z.); (G.L.)
| | - Duo Feng
- Institute of Food and Nutrition Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100081, China;
| | - Yue Zheng
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China;
| | - Shiqi Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functional Food, Beijing Union University, Beijing 100023, China; (J.G.); (W.Y.); (H.D.); (D.W.); (Y.Z.); (S.Z.); (G.L.)
| | - Gaigai Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functional Food, Beijing Union University, Beijing 100023, China; (J.G.); (W.Y.); (H.D.); (D.W.); (Y.Z.); (S.Z.); (G.L.)
| | - Xia Qin
- Graduate Department, Beijing Union University, Beijing 100101, China
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Kotsari M, Dimopoulou V, Koskinas J, Armakolas A. Immune System and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): New Insights into HCC Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11471. [PMID: 37511228 PMCID: PMC10380581 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the WHO's recently released worldwide cancer data for 2020, liver cancer ranks sixth in morbidity and third in mortality among all malignancies. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common kind of liver cancer, accounts approximately for 80% of all primary liver malignancies and is one of the leading causes of death globally. The intractable tumor microenvironment plays an important role in the development and progression of HCC and is one of three major unresolved issues in clinical practice (cancer recurrence, fatal metastasis, and the refractory tumor microenvironment). Despite significant advances, improved molecular and cellular characterization of the tumor microenvironment is still required since it plays an important role in the genesis and progression of HCC. The purpose of this review is to present an overview of the HCC immune microenvironment, distinct cellular constituents, current therapies, and potential immunotherapy methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kotsari
- Physiology Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Vassiliki Dimopoulou
- Physiology Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - John Koskinas
- B' Department of Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Armakolas
- Physiology Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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Yokota S, Kaji K, Yonezawa T, Momoi Y, Maeda S. CD204⁺ tumor-associated macrophages are associated with clinical outcome in canine pulmonary adenocarcinoma and transitional cell carcinoma. Vet J 2023; 296-297:105992. [PMID: 37164121 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2023.105992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages are abundant infiltrating cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Macrophages can be classified into several types of subsets based on their immune responses. Among those subsets, M2 macrophages contribute to anti-inflammatory responses and create an immunosuppressive environment that promotes tumor cell proliferation. In a previous study, human cancer patients with high M2 macrophages showed a worse prognosis for many types of tumors. However, studies examining the relationship between M2 macrophages and clinical outcomes in canine tumors are limited. In the previous human and canine studies, CD204 has been used as the marker for detecting M2 macrophages. Then we evaluated CD204+ and total macrophages infiltration and its association with clinical outcomes in canine solid tumors. In this study, we examined dogs with oral malignant melanoma (OMM), pulmonary adenocarcinoma (PA), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Compared to healthy tissues, CD204+ and total macrophages were increased in OMM, PA, and TCC, but not in HCC. High CD204+ macrophage levels were significantly associated with lung metastasis in TCC (P = 0.030). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that high CD204+ macrophage levels were associated with shorter overall survival (OS) in canine patients with PA (P = 0.012) and TCC (P = 0.0053). These results suggest that CD204+ macrophages contribute to tumor progression and could be a prognostic factor in dogs with PA and TCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Yokota
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Pathobiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - K Kaji
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Pathobiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - T Yonezawa
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Pathobiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Y Momoi
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Pathobiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - S Maeda
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Pathobiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan.
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Lin D, Chen Z, Zeng Y, Ding Y, Zhao L, Xu Q, Yu F, Song X, Zhu X. A pyroptosis-related gene signature provides an alternative for predicting the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Med Genomics 2023; 16:2. [PMID: 36611208 PMCID: PMC9826587 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-023-01431-z] [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: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant neoplasm with limited treatment options and poor outcomes. Thus, there is an urgent need to find sensitive biomarkers for HCC. METHODS Gene expression and clinicopathological information were obtained from public databases, based on which a pyroptosis-related gene signature was constructed by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression. The applicability of the signature was evaluated via Kaplan-Meier curve and time-dependent ROC curve. TIMER, QUANTISEQ, MCPCOUNTER, EPIC, CIBERSORT, ssGSEA, and ESTIMATE were employed to assess the immune status. Comparisons between groups were analyzed with Wilcoxon test. Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses were adopted for linear correlation analysis. Genetic knockdown was conducted using siRNA transfection and the mRNA expression levels of interest genes were measured using quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Finally, protein levels in 10 paired tumor tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues from HCC patients were measured using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS A pyroptosis-related gene signature was established successfully to calculate independent prognostic risk scores. It was found that survival outcomes varied significantly between different risk groups. In addition, an attenuated antitumor immune response was found in the high-risk group. Meanwhile, multiple immune checkpoints were up-regulated in high-risk score patients. Cell cycle-related genes, angiogenesis-related genes and tumor drug resistance genes were also markedly elevated. Knockdown of prognostic genes in the signature significantly inhibited the expression of immune checkpoint genes and angiogenesis-related genes. Besides, each prognostic gene was expressed at a higher level in HCC tissues than in adjacent normal tissues. CONCLUSIONS We successfully established a novel pyroptosis-related gene signature which could help predict the overall survival and assess the immune status of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dezhao Lin
- grid.478150.f0000 0004 1771 6371Department of Surgical Oncology, Wenzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhuoyan Chen
- grid.414906.e0000 0004 1808 0918Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Nanbaixiang, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuan Zeng
- grid.414906.e0000 0004 1808 0918Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Nanbaixiang, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang People’s Republic of China
| | - Yinrong Ding
- grid.414906.e0000 0004 1808 0918Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Nanbaixiang, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang People’s Republic of China
| | - Luying Zhao
- grid.414906.e0000 0004 1808 0918Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Nanbaixiang, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang People’s Republic of China
| | - Qian Xu
- grid.414906.e0000 0004 1808 0918Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Nanbaixiang, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang People’s Republic of China
| | - Fujun Yu
- grid.414906.e0000 0004 1808 0918Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Nanbaixiang, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang People’s Republic of China
| | - Xian Song
- grid.414906.e0000 0004 1808 0918Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Nanbaixiang, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaohong Zhu
- grid.414906.e0000 0004 1808 0918Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Nanbaixiang, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang People’s Republic of China
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5
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Wang PW, Lin TY, Yang PM, Yeh CT, Pan TL. Hepatic Stellate Cell Modulates the Immune Microenvironment in the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810777. [PMID: 36142683 PMCID: PMC9503407 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of increases in the mortality rate due to cancer that usually develops in patients with liver fibrosis and impaired hepatic immunity. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) may directly or indirectly crosstalk with various hepatic cells and subsequently modulate extracellular remodeling, cell invasion, macrophage conversion, and cancer deterioration. In this regard, the tumor microenvironment created by activated HSC plays a critical role in mediating pathogenesis and immune escape during HCC progression. Herein, intermediately differentiated human liver cancer cell line (J5) cells were co-cultured with HSC-conditioned medium (HSC-CM); changes in cell phenotype and cytokine profiles were analyzed to assess the impact of HSCs on the development of hepatoma. The stage of liver fibrosis correlated significantly with tumor grade, and the administration of conditioned medium secreted by activated HSC (aHSC-CM) could induce the expression of N-cadherin, cell migration, and invasive potential, as well as the activity of matrix metalloproteinases in J5 cells, implying that aHSC-CM could trigger the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Next, the HSC-CM was further investigated and network analysis indicated that specific cytokines and soluble proteins, such as activin A, released from activated HSCs could remarkably affect the tumor-associated immune microenvironment involved in macrophage polarization, which would, in turn, diminish a host’s immune surveillance and drive hepatoma cells into a more malignant phenotype. Together, our findings provide a novel insight into the integral roles of HSCs to enhance hepatocarcinogenesis through their immune-modulatory properties and suggest that HSC may serve as a potent target for the treatment of advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Wen Wang
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Yi Lin
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Keelung, Keelung 20401, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Ming Yang
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei 11042, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11042, Taiwan
| | - Chau-Ting Yeh
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33375, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Long Pan
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33375, Taiwan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Department of Cosmetic Science, Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, and Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 33303, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-3-211-8800 (ext. 5105); Fax: +886-3-211-8700
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6
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Fan Y, Xue H, Zheng H. Systemic Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Updates and Outlook. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2022; 9:233-263. [PMID: 35388357 PMCID: PMC8977221 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s358082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has emerged the culprit of cancer-related mortality worldwide with its dismal prognosis climbing. In recent years, ground-breaking progress has been made in systemic therapy for HCC. Targeted therapy based on specific signaling molecules, including sorafenib, lenvatinib, regorafenib, cabozantinib, and ramucirumab, has been widely used for advanced HCC (aHCC). Immunotherapies such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab greatly improve the survival of aHCC patients. More recently, synergistic combination therapy has boosted first-line (atezolizumab in combination with bevacizumab) and second-line (ipilimumab in combination with nivolumab) therapeutic modalities for aHCC. This review aims to summarize recent updates of systemic therapy relying on the biological mechanisms of HCC, particularly highlighting the approved agents for aHCC. Adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapy, as well as a combination with locoregional therapies (LRTs), are also discussed. Additionally, we describe the promising effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as systemic therapy on HCC. In this setting, the challenges and future directions of systemic therapy for HCC are also explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinjie Fan
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110847, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Oncology and Experimental Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, 067000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hang Xue
- Department of Oncology and Experimental Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, 067000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huachuan Zheng
- Department of Oncology and Experimental Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, 067000, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Huachuan Zheng, Department of Oncology and Experimental Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, 067000, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-0314-2279458, Fax +86-0314-2279458, Email
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7
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Song J, Zhou H, Gu D, Xu Y. Hepatocellular Carcinoma Differentiation: Research Progress in Mechanism and Treatment. Front Oncol 2022; 11:790358. [PMID: 35096588 PMCID: PMC8790246 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.790358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignant tumor of the liver. Although progress has been made in diagnosis and treatment, morbidity and mortality continue to rise. Chronic liver disease and liver cirrhosis are still the most important risk factors for liver cancer. Although there are many treatments, it can only be cured by orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) or surgical resection. And the worse the degree of differentiation, the worse the prognosis of patients with liver cancer. Then it can be considered that restoring a better state of differentiation may improve the prognosis. The differentiation treatment of liver cancer is to reverse the dedifferentiation process of hepatocytes to liver cancer cells by means of drugs, improve the differentiation state of the tumor, and restore the normal liver characteristics, so as to improve the prognosis. Understanding the mechanism of dedifferentiation of liver cancer can provide ideas for drug design. Liver enrichment of transcription factors, imbalance of signal pathway and changes of tumor microenvironment can promote the occurrence and development of liver cancer, and restoring its normal level can inhibit the malignant behavior of tumor. At present, some drugs have been proved to be effective, but more clinical data are needed to support the effectiveness and reliability of drugs. The differentiation treatment of liver cancer is expected to become an important part of the treatment of liver cancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianning Song
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.,Guangzhou Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hongzhong Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Dayong Gu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.,Guangzhou Medical University, Shenzhen, China
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Hu J, Zhang M, Gui L, Wan Q, Zhong J, Bai L, He M. PCSK9 Suppresses M2-Like Tumor-Associated Macrophage Polarization by Regulating the Secretion of OX40L from Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Immunol Invest 2022; 51:1678-1693. [PMID: 35078374 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2022.2027439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) participates in the development of various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we attempted to reveal the underlying mechanism of PCSK9 in HCC. METHODS Tumor tissues and adjacent tissues were separated from HCC patients to detect PCSK9 expression. Then, PCSK9 was overexpressed or silenced in HCC cells (MHCC97H or Huh7), and then the cell supernatant was incubated with THP-1 macrophages. OX40L neutralizing antibody (nAb) was used to inhibit OX40L activity. The expression of macrophage markers was examined by immunohistochemical staining and flow cytometry. Finally, tumor-bearing mouse model was constructed by inoculation of LV-PCSK9 infected MHCC97H cells to verify the role of PCSK in HCC. RESULTS PCSK9 expression was decreased in tumor tissues of HCC patient specimens. HCC patients displayed M2 macrophage infiltration in tumor tissues. Moreover, PCSK9-silenced Huh7 cell supernatant promoted cell migration, and enhanced the proportion of CD206-positive cells and the expression of M2 macrophage markers IL-10 and ARG-1 in THP-1 macrophages. PCSK9-overexpressing MHCC97H cell supernatant inhibited THP-1 macrophage migration and M2-like tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) polarization, which was abolished by OX40L nAb treatment. PCSK9 overexpression enhanced the expression of OX40L in MHCC97H cells. In tumor-bearing mouse models, PCSK9 overexpression inhibited tumor growth and M2 polarization of TAMs in HCC by promoting OX40L expression. Conclusion: This work demonstrated that PCSK9 suppressed M2-like TAM polarization by regulating the secretion of OX40L from hepatocellular carcinoma cells. This study suggests that PCSK9 may be a potential target for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Meixia Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ling Gui
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qinsi Wan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jiawei Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Liangliang Bai
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Mingyan He
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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9
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Wei YG, Yang CK, Wei ZL, Liao XW, He YF, Zhou X, Huang HS, Lan CL, Han CY, Peng T. High-Mobility Group AT-Hook 1 Served as a Prognosis Biomarker and Associated with Immune Infiltrate in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Gen Med 2022; 15:609-621. [PMID: 35058711 PMCID: PMC8765458 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s344858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The protein high-mobility group AT-hook 1 (HMGA1) has been demonstrated that modulated cellular proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis with a poor prognosis in miscellaneous carcinomas. However, the mechanism of circumstantial carcinogenesis and association with the immune microenvironment of HMGA1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) had not been extensively explored. METHODS The gene expression, clinicopathological correlation, and prognosis analysis were performed in the data obtained from TCGA. The results were further validated by ICGC and GEO database and external validation cohort from Guangxi. The HMGA1 protein expression was further examined in the HPA database. Biological function analyses were conducted by GSEA, STRING database, and Coexpedia online tool. Using TIMER and CIBERSORT method, the relationship between immune infiltrate and HMGA1 was investigated. RESULTS In HCC, HMGA1 had much higher transcriptional and proteomic expression than in corresponding paraneoplastic tissue. Patients with high HMGA1 expression had a poor prognosis and unpromising clinicopathological features. High HMGA1 expression was closely related to the cell cycle, tumorigenesis, substance metabolism, and immune processes by regulating complex signaling pathways. Notably, HMGA1 may be associated with TP53 mutational carcinogenesis. Moreover, increased HMGA1 expression may lead to an increase in immune infiltration and a decrease in tumor purity in HCC. CIBERSORT analysis elucidated that the amount of B cell naive, B cell memory, T cells gamma delta, macrophages M2, and mast cell resting decreased when HMGA1 expression was high, whereas T cells follicular helper, macrophages M0, and Dendritic cells resting increased. CONCLUSION In conclusions, HMGA1 is a potent prognostic biomarker and a sign of immune infiltration in HCC, which may be a potential immunotherapy target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Guang Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cheng-Kun Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhong-Liu Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xi-Wen Liao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong-Fei He
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hua-Sheng Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chen-Lu Lan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chuang-Ye Han
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tao Peng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
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Exosomal hsa_circ_0004658 derived from RBPJ overexpressed-macrophages inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma progression via miR-499b-5p/JAM3. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:32. [PMID: 35013102 PMCID: PMC8748962 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04345-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Macrophage-derived exosomes (Mφ-Exo) have multidimensional involvement in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis, but their regulation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not fully understood. RBPJ has been implicated in macrophage activation and plasticity. In this study we assess the role of exosomes derived from RBPJ-overexpressed macrophages (RBPJ+/+ Mφ-Exo) in HCC. The circular RNA (circRNA) profiles in RBPJ+/+ Mφ-Exo and THP-1-like macrophages (WT Mφ)-Exo was evaluated using circRNA microarray. CCK-8, Transwell, and flow cytometry analyses were used to evaluate the function of Mφ-Exo-circRNA on HCC cells. Luciferase reporter assays, RNA immunoprecipitation, and Pearson’s correlation analysis were used to confirm interactions. A nude mouse xenograft model was used to further analyze the functional significance of Mφ-Exo-cirRNA in vivo. Our results shown that hsa_circ_0004658 is upregulated in RBPJ+/+ Mφ-Exo compared to WT Mφ-Exo. RBPJ+/+ Mφ-Exo and hsa_circ_0004658 inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis in HCC cells, whereas hsa_circ_0004658 knockdown stimulated cell proliferation and migration but restrained apoptosis in vitro and promotes tumor growth in vivo. The effects of RBPJ+/+ Mφ-Exo on HCC cells can be reversed by the hsa_circ_0004658 knockdown. Mechanistic investigations revealed that hsa_circ_0004658 acts as a ceRNA of miR-499b-5p, resulting in the de-repression of JAM3. These results indicate that exosome circRNAs secreted from RBPJ+/+ Mφ inhibits tumor progression through the hsa_circ_0004658/miR-499b-5p/JAM3 pathway and hsa_circ_0004658 may be a diagnostic biomarker and potential target for HCC therapy.
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11
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Li C, Pan XY, Ma M, Zhao J, Zhao F, Lv YP. Astragalus polysacharin inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma-like phenotypes in a murine HCC model through repression of M2 polarization of tumour-associated macrophages. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2021; 59:1533-1539. [PMID: 34726570 PMCID: PMC8567900 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2021.1991384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Astragalus polysaccharin (APS), an extract of Astragalus propinquus Schischk, exerts antitumor effects in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). OBJECTIVE This study investigated the mechanism of action of APS in HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) were treated with APS (0, 8, 16 mg/mL) for 24 h. APS (16 mg/mL)-treated TAMs were co-cultured with MHCC97H/Huh7 cells for 24 h. Finally, BALB/c nude mice were divided into PBS, APS (50 mg/kg), APS (100 mg/kg), APS (200 mg/kg) groups: mice were inoculated with Huh7 cells to construct tumour xenograft model, followed by administration of APS (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) or PBS daily for 30 days. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, tumour growth, macrophage markers and proportions were measured. RESULTS APS 16 mg/mL treatment enhanced the expression of M1 macrophage markers (iNOS, IL-1β and TNF-α) and M1 macrophage proportions, while reducing the expression of M2 macrophage markers (IL-10, Arg-1) and M2 macrophage proportions in TAMs. Moreover, the APS-mediated M1 phenotype of TAMs significantly repressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion of MHCC97H and Huh7 cells. Moreover, APS (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) enhanced M1 macrophage proportions and reduced M2 macrophage proportions in the tumour tissues, and thus inhibited tumour growth of HCC. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS APS inhibits HCC-like phenotypes in a murine HCC model through repression of M2 polarization of TAMs. This work provides a novel theoretical basis for the application of APS in the clinical treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Li
- Department of Doppler Ultrasonic Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xin-You Pan
- Combined Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine and West Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Mingyun Ma
- Combined Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine and West Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- Department of Rheumatism Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Fengda Zhao
- Combined Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine and West Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ya-Ping Lv
- Combined Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine and West Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- CONTACT Ya-Ping Lv Combined Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine and West Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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12
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Kumar AR, Devan AR, Nair B, Vinod BS, Nath LR. Harnessing the immune system against cancer: current immunotherapy approaches and therapeutic targets. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:8075-8095. [PMID: 34671902 PMCID: PMC8605995 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06752-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is a rapidly evolving concept that has been given the tag "fifth pillar" of cancer therapy while radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery and targeted therapy remain the other four pillars. This involves the stimulation of the immune system to control tumor growth and it specifically targets the neoplastic cells rather than the normal cells. Conventional chemotherapy has many limitations which include drug resistance, recurrence of cancer and severe adverse effects. Immunology has made major treatment breakthroughs for several cancers such as colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, stomach cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia etc. Currently, therapeutic strategies harnessing the immune system involve Checkpoint inhibitors, Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR T cells), Monoclonal antibodies, Cancer vaccines, Cytokines, Radio-immunotherapy and Oncolytic virus therapy. The molecular characterization of several tumor antigens (TA) indicates that these TA can be utilized as promising candidates in cancer immunotherapy strategies. Here in this review, we highlight and summarize the different categories of emerging cancer immunotherapies along with the immunologically recognized tumor antigens involved in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayana R Kumar
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara P. O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
| | - Aswathy R Devan
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara P. O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
| | - Bhagyalakshmi Nair
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara P. O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
| | - Balachandran S Vinod
- Department of Biochemistry, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, 691001, India.
| | - Lekshmi R Nath
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara P. O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India.
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13
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De Muynck K, Vanderborght B, Van Vlierberghe H, Devisscher L. The Gut-Liver Axis in Chronic Liver Disease: A Macrophage Perspective. Cells 2021; 10:2959. [PMID: 34831182 PMCID: PMC8616442 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a growing health concern which accounts for two million deaths per year. Obesity, alcohol overconsumption, and progressive cholestasis are commonly characterized by persistent low-grade inflammation and advancing fibrosis, which form the basis for development of end-stage liver disease complications, including hepatocellular carcinoma. CLD pathophysiology extends to the intestinal tract and is characterized by intestinal dysbiosis, bile acid dysregulation, and gut barrier disruption. In addition, macrophages are key players in CLD progression and intestinal barrier breakdown. Emerging studies are unveiling macrophage heterogeneity and driving factors of their plasticity in health and disease. To date, in-depth investigation of how gut-liver axis disruption impacts the hepatic and intestinal macrophage pool in CLD pathogenesis is scarce. In this review, we give an overview of the role of intestinal and hepatic macrophages in homeostasis and gut-liver axis disruption in progressive stages of CLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin De Muynck
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (K.D.M.); (B.V.)
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Bart Vanderborght
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (K.D.M.); (B.V.)
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Hans Van Vlierberghe
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (K.D.M.); (B.V.)
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Kim MY, Lee H, Ji SY, Kim SY, Hwangbo H, Park SH, Kim GY, Park C, Leem SH, Hong SH, Choi YH. Induction of Apoptosis by Isoalantolactone in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Hep3B Cells through Activation of the ROS-Dependent JNK Signaling Pathway. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13101627. [PMID: 34683920 PMCID: PMC8540929 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13101627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Isoalantolactone (IALT) is one of the isomeric sesquiterpene lactones isolated from the roots of Inula helenium L. IALT is known to possess various biological and pharmacological activities, but its anti-cancer mechanisms are not well understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-proliferative effects of IALT in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and to evaluate the potential anti-cancer mechanisms. Our results demonstrated that IALT treatment concentration-dependently suppressed the cell survival of HCC Hep3B cells, which was associated with the induction of apoptosis. IALT increased the expression of death-receptor-related proteins, activated caspases, and induced Bid truncation, subsequently leading to cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. In addition, IALT contributed to the cytosolic release of cytochrome c by destroying mitochondrial integrity, following an increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 expression ratio. However, IALT-mediated growth inhibition and apoptosis were significantly attenuated in the presence of a pan-caspase inhibitor, suggesting that IALT induced caspase-dependent apoptosis in Hep3B cells. Moreover, IALT activated the mitogen-activated protein kinases signaling pathway, and the anti-cancer effect of IALT was significantly diminished in the presence of a potent c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor. IALT also improved the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), whereas the ROS inhibitor significantly abrogated IALT-induced growth reduction, apoptosis, and JNK activation. Furthermore, ROS-dependent apoptosis was revealed as a mechanism involved in the anti-cancer activity of IALT in a 3D multicellular tumor spheroid model of Hep3B cells. Taken together, our findings indicate that IALT exhibited anti-cancer activity in HCC Hep3B cells by inducing ROS-dependent activation of the JNK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yeong Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, Dong-eui University College of Korean Medicine, Busan 47227, Korea; (M.Y.K.); (H.L.); (S.Y.J.); (S.Y.K.); (H.H.)
- Anti-Aging Research Center, Dong-eui University, Busan 47340, Korea
| | - Hyesook Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Dong-eui University College of Korean Medicine, Busan 47227, Korea; (M.Y.K.); (H.L.); (S.Y.J.); (S.Y.K.); (H.H.)
- Anti-Aging Research Center, Dong-eui University, Busan 47340, Korea
| | - Seon Yeong Ji
- Department of Biochemistry, Dong-eui University College of Korean Medicine, Busan 47227, Korea; (M.Y.K.); (H.L.); (S.Y.J.); (S.Y.K.); (H.H.)
- Anti-Aging Research Center, Dong-eui University, Busan 47340, Korea
| | - So Young Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, Dong-eui University College of Korean Medicine, Busan 47227, Korea; (M.Y.K.); (H.L.); (S.Y.J.); (S.Y.K.); (H.H.)
- Anti-Aging Research Center, Dong-eui University, Busan 47340, Korea
| | - Hyun Hwangbo
- Department of Biochemistry, Dong-eui University College of Korean Medicine, Busan 47227, Korea; (M.Y.K.); (H.L.); (S.Y.J.); (S.Y.K.); (H.H.)
- Anti-Aging Research Center, Dong-eui University, Busan 47340, Korea
| | - Shin-Hyung Park
- Department of Pathology, Dong-eui University College of Korean Medicine, Busan 47227, Korea;
| | - Gi-Young Kim
- Department of Marine Life Science, College of Ocean Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Korea;
| | - Cheol Park
- Division of Basic Sciences, College of Liberal Studies, Dong-Eui University, Busan 47340, Korea;
| | - Sun-Hee Leem
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Korea;
- Department of Health Sciences, The Graduated of Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Korea
| | - Su Hyun Hong
- Department of Biochemistry, Dong-eui University College of Korean Medicine, Busan 47227, Korea; (M.Y.K.); (H.L.); (S.Y.J.); (S.Y.K.); (H.H.)
- Anti-Aging Research Center, Dong-eui University, Busan 47340, Korea
- Correspondence: (S.H.H.); (Y.H.C.); Tel.: +82-051-890-3334 (S.H.H.); +82-051-890-3319 (Y.H.C.)
| | - Yung Hyun Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, Dong-eui University College of Korean Medicine, Busan 47227, Korea; (M.Y.K.); (H.L.); (S.Y.J.); (S.Y.K.); (H.H.)
- Anti-Aging Research Center, Dong-eui University, Busan 47340, Korea
- Correspondence: (S.H.H.); (Y.H.C.); Tel.: +82-051-890-3334 (S.H.H.); +82-051-890-3319 (Y.H.C.)
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Huo J, Wu L, Zang Y. Identification and validation of a novel immune-related signature associated with macrophages and CD8 T cell infiltration predicting overall survival for hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Med Genomics 2021; 14:232. [PMID: 34544391 PMCID: PMC8454156 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-021-01081-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although the effects of macrophages and CD8 T cell infiltration on clinical outcome have been widely reported, the association between immunity-associated gene with them for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. Materials and methods The ssGSEA served for quantifying the macrophages as well as CD8 T cell infiltration in the HCC samples obtained from TCGA database. Kaplan–Meier (KM) survival assay was used to determine the associations between macrophages and CD8 T cell infiltration with OS. LASSO Cox regressive method assisted in developing an immune gene signature as well as building a risk score. The performance was evaluated by the time-dependent ROC together with the KM survival analysis. The ICGC database were adopted for external verification. CIBERSORT was applied to the correlation analysis on the immune-related signature and the immunocyte infiltration. GSEA were employed exploring the underlying molecular mechanisms. Results Increased CD8+ T cell infiltration was associated with longer OS, whereas a greater infiltration of macrophages was related to shorter OS. There were 398 differential expression genes (DEGs) between the high- and low infiltration groups with the “edgeR” package. An prognostic signature consisted of 10 immune genes was built in TCGA and examined in ICGC. The uniform cutoff (0.927) was adopted for separating sufferers into the high-risk (HR) and low-risk (LR) groups. The ROC curves revealed that the AUC data for this signature predicting 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 year were all above 0.7 in both TCGA and ICGC cohort and patients in the HR group exhibited an evidently weaker prognostic results compared with the LR group. The HR group presented evidently greater Tregs and Macrophage M0 relative to the LR group, whereas the LR group saw the enrichment of CD8 T cells. Conclusion The immune signature associated with macrophages as well as CD8 T cell infiltration has reliable prognostic and predictive value for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyu Huo
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 59 Haier Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Liqun Wu
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 59 Haier Road, Qingdao, 266003, China.
| | - Yunjin Zang
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 59 Haier Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
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16
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Park DJ, Sung PS, Lee GW, Cho SW, Kim SM, Kang BY, Hur WH, Yang H, Lee SK, Lee SH, Jung ES, Seo CH, Ahn J, Choi HJ, You YK, Jang JW, Bae SH, Choi JY, Yoon SK. Preferential Expression of Programmed Death Ligand 1 Protein in Tumor-Associated Macrophages and Its Potential Role in Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4710. [PMID: 33946835 PMCID: PMC8124544 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A predictive biomarker of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based treatments in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been clearly demonstrated. In this study, we focused on the infiltration and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the tumor microenvironment of HCC. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that PD-L1 was preferentially expressed on CD68+ macrophages in the tumor microenvironment of HCC, suggestive of its expression in TAMs rather than in T cells or tumor cells (P < 0.05). A co-culture experiment using activated T cells and M2 macrophages confirmed a significant increase in T cell functionality after the pretreatment of M2 macrophages with anti-PD-L1. Syngeneic mouse model experiments demonstrated that TAMs expressed PD-L1 and tumors treated with anti-PD-L1 showed smaller diameters than those treated with IgG. In these mice, anti-PD-L1 treatment increased activation markers in intratumoral CD8+ T cells and reduced the size of the TAM population. Regarding nivolumab-treated patients, three of eight patients responded to the anti-PD-1 treatment. The percentage of Ki-67-positive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was higher in responders than non-responders after nivolumab. Overall, PD-L1 expression on TAMs may be targeted by immune-based HCC treatment, and ICI treatment results in the reinvigoration of exhausted CD8+ T cells in HCC.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/therapeutic use
- B7-H1 Antigen/antagonists & inhibitors
- B7-H1 Antigen/biosynthesis
- B7-H1 Antigen/genetics
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/immunology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy
- Coculture Techniques
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects
- Humans
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Immunotherapy/methods
- Ki-67 Antigen/biosynthesis
- Ki-67 Antigen/genetics
- Liver Neoplasms/immunology
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/therapy
- Liver Neoplasms, Experimental/immunology
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Molecular Targeted Therapy/methods
- Neoplasm Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Neoplasm Proteins/biosynthesis
- Neoplasm Proteins/genetics
- Nivolumab/pharmacology
- Nivolumab/therapeutic use
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/metabolism
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
- Tumor-Associated Macrophages/drug effects
- Tumor-Associated Macrophages/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Jun Park
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (D.-J.P.); (P.-S.S.); (G.-W.L.); (S.-W.C.); (S.-M.K.); (B.-Y.K.); (W.-H.H.); (H.Y.); (S.-K.L.); (J.-W.J.); (S.-H.B.); (J.-Y.C.)
| | - Pil-Soo Sung
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (D.-J.P.); (P.-S.S.); (G.-W.L.); (S.-W.C.); (S.-M.K.); (B.-Y.K.); (W.-H.H.); (H.Y.); (S.-K.L.); (J.-W.J.); (S.-H.B.); (J.-Y.C.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Gil-Won Lee
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (D.-J.P.); (P.-S.S.); (G.-W.L.); (S.-W.C.); (S.-M.K.); (B.-Y.K.); (W.-H.H.); (H.Y.); (S.-K.L.); (J.-W.J.); (S.-H.B.); (J.-Y.C.)
| | - Sung-Woo Cho
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (D.-J.P.); (P.-S.S.); (G.-W.L.); (S.-W.C.); (S.-M.K.); (B.-Y.K.); (W.-H.H.); (H.Y.); (S.-K.L.); (J.-W.J.); (S.-H.B.); (J.-Y.C.)
| | - Sung-Min Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (D.-J.P.); (P.-S.S.); (G.-W.L.); (S.-W.C.); (S.-M.K.); (B.-Y.K.); (W.-H.H.); (H.Y.); (S.-K.L.); (J.-W.J.); (S.-H.B.); (J.-Y.C.)
| | - Byung-Yoon Kang
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (D.-J.P.); (P.-S.S.); (G.-W.L.); (S.-W.C.); (S.-M.K.); (B.-Y.K.); (W.-H.H.); (H.Y.); (S.-K.L.); (J.-W.J.); (S.-H.B.); (J.-Y.C.)
| | - Won-Hee Hur
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (D.-J.P.); (P.-S.S.); (G.-W.L.); (S.-W.C.); (S.-M.K.); (B.-Y.K.); (W.-H.H.); (H.Y.); (S.-K.L.); (J.-W.J.); (S.-H.B.); (J.-Y.C.)
| | - Hyun Yang
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (D.-J.P.); (P.-S.S.); (G.-W.L.); (S.-W.C.); (S.-M.K.); (B.-Y.K.); (W.-H.H.); (H.Y.); (S.-K.L.); (J.-W.J.); (S.-H.B.); (J.-Y.C.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 03383, Korea
| | - Soon-Kyu Lee
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (D.-J.P.); (P.-S.S.); (G.-W.L.); (S.-W.C.); (S.-M.K.); (B.-Y.K.); (W.-H.H.); (H.Y.); (S.-K.L.); (J.-W.J.); (S.-H.B.); (J.-Y.C.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Sung-Hak Lee
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea;
| | - Eun-Sun Jung
- Department of Hospital Pathology, College of Medicine, Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 03383, Korea;
| | - Chang-Ho Seo
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (C.-H.S.); (J.A.); (H.-J.C.); (Y.-K.Y.)
| | - Joseph Ahn
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (C.-H.S.); (J.A.); (H.-J.C.); (Y.-K.Y.)
| | - Ho-Joong Choi
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (C.-H.S.); (J.A.); (H.-J.C.); (Y.-K.Y.)
| | - Young-Kyoung You
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (C.-H.S.); (J.A.); (H.-J.C.); (Y.-K.Y.)
| | - Jeong-Won Jang
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (D.-J.P.); (P.-S.S.); (G.-W.L.); (S.-W.C.); (S.-M.K.); (B.-Y.K.); (W.-H.H.); (H.Y.); (S.-K.L.); (J.-W.J.); (S.-H.B.); (J.-Y.C.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Si-Hyun Bae
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (D.-J.P.); (P.-S.S.); (G.-W.L.); (S.-W.C.); (S.-M.K.); (B.-Y.K.); (W.-H.H.); (H.Y.); (S.-K.L.); (J.-W.J.); (S.-H.B.); (J.-Y.C.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 03383, Korea
| | - Jong-Young Choi
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (D.-J.P.); (P.-S.S.); (G.-W.L.); (S.-W.C.); (S.-M.K.); (B.-Y.K.); (W.-H.H.); (H.Y.); (S.-K.L.); (J.-W.J.); (S.-H.B.); (J.-Y.C.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Seung-Kew Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (D.-J.P.); (P.-S.S.); (G.-W.L.); (S.-W.C.); (S.-M.K.); (B.-Y.K.); (W.-H.H.); (H.Y.); (S.-K.L.); (J.-W.J.); (S.-H.B.); (J.-Y.C.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
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Huo J, Wu L, Zang Y. Development and Validation of a Metabolic-related Prognostic Model for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2021; 9:169-179. [PMID: 34007798 PMCID: PMC8111106 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2020.00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Growing evidence suggests that metabolic-related genes have a significant impact on the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the prognostic value of metabolic-related genes for HCC has not been fully revealed. METHODS mRNA sequencing and clinical data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the GTEx Genotype-Tissue Expression comprehensive database. Differentially expressed metabolic-related genes in tumor tissues (n=374) and normal tissues (n=160) were identified by the Wilcoxon test. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, univariate multivariate Cox regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used to evaluate the predictive effectiveness and independence of the prognostic model. Two independent cohorts (International Cancer Genome Consortiums and GSE14520) were applied to verify the prognostic model. RESULTS Our study included a total of 793 patients with HCC. We constructed a risk score consisting of five metabolic-genes (BDH1, RRM2, CYP2C9, PLA2G7, and TXNRD1). For the overall survival rate, the low-risk group had a considerably higher rate than the high-risk group. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses indicated that the risk score was an independent predictor for the prognosis of HCC. CONCLUSIONS We constructed and validated a novel prognostic model, which may provide support for the precise treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Liqun Wu
- Correspondence to: Liqun Wu, Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 59 Haier Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China. Tel: +86-18661809789, Fax: +86-532-82913225, E-mail:
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18
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Ganoderma lucidum Spore Polysaccharide Inhibits the Growth of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Altering Macrophage Polarity and Induction of Apoptosis. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:6696606. [PMID: 33748291 PMCID: PMC7954632 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6696606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ganoderma lucidum has certain components with known pharmacological effects, including strengthening immunity and anti-inflammatory activity. G. lucidum seeds inherit all its biological characteristics. G. lucidum spore polysaccharide (GLSP) is the main active ingredient to enhance these effects. However, its specific biological mechanisms are not exact. Our research is aimed at revealing the specific biological mechanism of GLSP to enhance immunity and inhibit the growth of H22 hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Methods We extracted primary macrophages (Mø) from BALB/c mice and treated them with GLSP (800 μg/mL, 400 μg/mL, and 200 μg/mL) to observe its effects on macrophage polarization and cytokine secretion. We used GLSP and GLSP-intervened macrophage supernatant to treat H22 tumor cells and observed their effects using MTT and flow cytometry. Moreover, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and western blotting were used to observe the effect of GLSP-intervened macrophage supernatant on the PI3K/AKT and mitochondrial apoptosis pathways. Results In this study, GLSP promoted the polarization of primary macrophages to M1 type and the upregulation of some cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and TGF-β1. The MTT assay revealed that GLSP+Mø at 400 μg/mL and 800 μg/mL significantly inhibited H22 cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that GLSP+Mø induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, associated with the expression of critical genes and proteins (PI3K, p-AKT, BCL-2, BAX, and caspase-9) that regulate the PI3K/AKT pathway and apoptosis. GLSP reshapes the tumor microenvironment by activating macrophages, promotes the polarization of primary macrophages to M1 type, and promotes the secretion of various inflammatory factors and cytokines. Conclusion Therefore, as a natural nutrient, GLSP is a potential agent in hepatocellular carcinoma cell treatment and induction of apoptosis.
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Zheng N, Zhang S, Wu W, Zhang N, Wang J. Regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic targeting of vasculogenic mimicry in hepatocellular carcinoma. Pharmacol Res 2021; 166:105507. [PMID: 33610718 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a typical hyper-vascular solid tumor; aberrantly rich in tumor vascular network contributes to its malignancy. Conventional anti-angiogenic therapies seem promising but transitory and incomplete efficacy on HCC. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is one of functional microcirculation patterns independent of endothelial vessels which describes the plasticity of highly aggressive tumor cells to form vasculogenic-like networks providing sufficient blood supply for tumor growth and metastasis. As a pivotal alternative mechanism for tumor vascularization when tumor cells undergo lack of oxygen and nutrients, VM has an association with the malignant phenotype and poor clinical outcome for HCC, and may challenge the classic anti-angiogenic treatment of HCC. Current studies have contributed numerous findings illustrating the underlying molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways supporting VM in HCC. In this review, we summarize the correlation between epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer stem cells (CSCs) and VM, the role of hypoxia and extracellular matrix remodeling in VM, the involvement of adjacent non-cancerous cells, cytokines and growth factors in VM, as well as the regulatory influence of non-coding RNAs on VM in HCC. Moreover, we discuss the clinical significance of VM in practice and the potential therapeutic strategies targeting VM for HCC. A better understanding of the mechanism underlying VM formation in HCC may optimize anti-angiogenic treatment modalities for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, The School of Pharmacy, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Shaoqin Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory for Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute for Translational Medicine, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Wenda Wu
- Fujian Key Laboratory for Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute for Translational Medicine, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory for Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute for Translational Medicine, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Jichuang Wang
- Fujian Key Laboratory for Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute for Translational Medicine, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China.
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Huang Y, Ge W, Zhou J, Gao B, Qian X, Wang W. The Role of Tumor Associated Macrophages in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Cancer 2021; 12:1284-1294. [PMID: 33531974 PMCID: PMC7847664 DOI: 10.7150/jca.51346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide and represents a classic paradigm of inflammation-related cancer. Various inflammation-related risk factors jointly contribute to the development of chronic inflammation in the liver. Chronic inflammation, in turn, leads to continuous cycles of destruction-regeneration in the liver, contributing to HCC development and progression. Tumor associated macrophages are abundant in the tumor microenvironment of HCC, promoting chronic inflammation and HCC progression. Hence, better understanding of the mechanism by which tumor associated macrophages contribute to the pathogenesis of HCC would allow for the development of novel macrophage-targeting immunotherapies. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the mechanisms by which macrophages promote HCC development and progression, as well as information from ongoing therapies and clinical trials assessing the efficacy of macrophage-modulating therapies in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009.,Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009.,Clinical Medicine Innovation Center of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009.,Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009
| | - Wenhao Ge
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009.,Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009.,Clinical Medicine Innovation Center of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009.,Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009
| | - Jiarong Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009.,Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009.,Clinical Medicine Innovation Center of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009.,Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009
| | - Bingqiang Gao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009.,Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009.,Clinical Medicine Innovation Center of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009.,Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009
| | - Xiaohui Qian
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009.,Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009.,Clinical Medicine Innovation Center of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009.,Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009
| | - Weilin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009.,Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009.,Clinical Medicine Innovation Center of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009.,Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009
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Huo J, Wu L, Zang Y. Development and validation of a CTNNB1-associated metabolic prognostic model for hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 25:1151-1165. [PMID: 33300278 PMCID: PMC7812275 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a heterogeneous malignancy closely related to metabolic reprogramming. We investigated how CTNNB1 mutation regulates the HCC metabolic phenotype and thus affects the prognosis of HCC. We obtained the mRNA expression profiles and clinicopathological data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the International Cancer Genomics Consortium (ICGC) and the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GSE14520 and GSE116174). We conducted gene set enrichment analysis on HCC patients with and without mutant CTNNB1 through TCGA dataset. The Kaplan‐Meier analysis and univariate Cox regression analysis assisted in screening metabolic genes related to prognosis, and the prognosis model was constructed using the Lasso and multivariate Cox regression analysis. The prognostic model showed good prediction performance in both the training cohort (TCGA) and the validation cohorts (ICGC, GSE14520, GSE116174), and the high‐risk group presented obviously poorer overall survival compared with low‐risk group. Cox regression analysis indicated that the risk score can be used as an independent predictor for the overall survival of HCC. The immune infiltration in different risk groups was also evaluated in this study to explore underlying mechanisms. This study is also the first to describe an metabolic prognostic model associated with CTNNB1 mutations and could be implemented for determining the prognoses of individual patients in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyu Huo
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Liqun Wu
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yunjin Zang
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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22
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Vanderborght B, De Muynck K, Lefere S, Geerts A, Degroote H, Verhelst X, Van Vlierberghe H, Devisscher L. Effect of isoform-specific HIF-1α and HIF-2α antisense oligonucleotides on tumorigenesis, inflammation and fibrosis in a hepatocellular carcinoma mouse model. Oncotarget 2020; 11:4504-4520. [PMID: 33400730 PMCID: PMC7721613 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. For advanced HCC, there is still an unmet need for more effective therapeutic strategies. HCC is typically associated with hypoxia and the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) regulatory pathway plays an important role in HCC development and progression. Therefore, we investigated the therapeutic potential of isoform-specific HIF-1α and HIF-2α antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), along with their effect on the inflammatory and fibrotic component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), in an experimental HCC mouse model. Based on its efficacy and safety, a dosage regimen of 20 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection of HIFα ASO twice per week was selected for further investigation in a preventive and therapeutic setting in a N,N-diethylnitrous amide (DEN)-induced HCC mouse model. DEN administration resulted in 100% tumor formation and HIFα ASO administration led to effective and selective hepatic downregulation of its target genes. HIFα ASO treatment had no effect on tumor numbers, but even enhanced the increased hepatic expression of HCC tumor markers, α-fetoprotein and glypican-3, compared to scrambled control ASO treatment in HCC mice. Especially HIF-1α ASO treatment resulted in an enhanced increase of monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages in the liver and an enhanced hepatic upregulation of inflammatory markers. Both HIFα ASOs aggravated liver fibrosis in HCC mice compared to scrambled ASO treatment. The observed effects of our dosing regimen for HIF-1α and HIF-2α ASO treatment in the DEN-induced HCC mouse model discourage the use of HIFα isoforms as targets for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Vanderborght
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kevin De Muynck
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sander Lefere
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anja Geerts
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Helena Degroote
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Xavier Verhelst
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hans Van Vlierberghe
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Ji Y, Jones C, Baek Y, Park GK, Kashiwagi S, Choi HS. Near-infrared fluorescence imaging in immunotherapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2020; 167:121-134. [PMID: 32579891 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Near-infrared (NIR) light possesses many suitable optophysical properties for medical imaging including low autofluorescence, deep tissue penetration, and minimal light scattering, which together allow for high-resolution imaging of biological tissue. NIR imaging has proven to be a noninvasive and effective real-time imaging methodology that provides a high signal-to-background ratio compared to other potential optical imaging modalities. In response to this, the use of NIR imaging has been extensively explored in the field of immunotherapy. To date, NIR fluorescence imaging has successfully offered reliable monitoring of the localization, dynamics, and function of immune responses, which are vital in assessing not only the efficacy but also the safety of treatments to design immunotherapies optimally. This review aims to provide an overview of the current research on NIR imaging of the immune response. We expect that the use of NIR imaging will expand further in response to the recent success in cancer immunotherapy. We will also offer our insights on how this technology will meet rapidly growing expectations in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Ji
- Scientific Research Centre, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi, China; Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Catherine Jones
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Yoonji Baek
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - G Kate Park
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Satoshi Kashiwagi
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Hak Soo Choi
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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Wang X, Li FY, Zhao W, Gao ZK, Shen B, Xu H, Cui YF. Long non-coding RNA GAS5 overexpression inhibits M2-like polarization of tumour-associated macrophages in SMCC-7721 cells by promoting PTEN expression. Int J Exp Pathol 2020; 101:215-222. [PMID: 33146930 DOI: 10.1111/iep.12374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumour-associated macrophage (TAM) polarization is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma but the molecular mechanism of this polarization is still unknown. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were induced to differentiate into M0, M1 and M2 macrophages and TAMs. TAMs were transfected with pcDNA3.1-GAS5, pcDNA3.1-NC, si-GAS5, si-PTEN or si-Ctrl. A human liver cancer cell line (SMCC-7721) was incubated with the modified TAM supernatant. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot were performed to detect gene and protein expression. The cell proliferation and invasion properties of the SMCC-7721 cells were detected by MTT and Transwell assays. GAS5 is up-regulated in M1 macrophages and down-regulated in M2 macrophages and TAMs. GAS5 overexpression promoted M1-like polarization of TAMs and inhibited M2-like polarization of TAMs. Moreover, GAS5 promoted the expression of PTEN in TAMs. PTEN-silenced TAM supernatant treatment promoted cell proliferative and invasive properties of the SMCC-7721 cells and diminished the effect of GAS5-overexpressed TAM supernatant on the cell proliferation and invasion by SMCC-7721 cells. Our results demostrared that GAS5 overexpression inhibited M2-like polarization of TAMs by enhancing PTEN expression, thereby inhibiting cell proliferation and invasion by SMCC-7721 cells. Thus, our results suggest that GAS5 may be a new therapeutic target for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Wang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Fang-Yuan Li
- Department of Oncology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Kang Gao
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Bin Shen
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yan-Feng Cui
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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The novel glycyrrhetinic acid–tetramethylpyrazine conjugate TOGA induces anti-hepatocarcinogenesis by inhibiting the effects of tumor-associated macrophages on tumor cells. Pharmacol Res 2020; 161:105233. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Sansone V, Le Grazie M, Roselli J, Polvani S, Galli A, Tovoli F, Tarocchi M. Telomerase reactivation is associated with hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2020; 19:420-428. [PMID: 32386990 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2020.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and its components play a significant role in cancer progression, but recent data demonstrated that telomeres and telomerase alterations could be found in other diseases; increasing evidence suggests a key role of this enzyme in the fields of hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases. DATA SOURCES We performed a PubMed search with the following keywords: telomerase, hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma by December 2019. We reviewed the relevant publications that analyzed the correlation between telomerase activity and hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases. RESULTS Telomerase reactivation plays a significant role in the development and progression of hepatobiliary and pancreatic tumors and could be used as a diagnostic biomarker for hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers, as a predictor for prognosis and a promising therapeutic target. CONCLUSIONS Our review summarized the evidence about the critical role of hTERT in cancerous and precancerous lesions of the alteration and its activity in hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Sansone
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Marco Le Grazie
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Jenny Roselli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Simone Polvani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Andrea Galli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Francesco Tovoli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mirko Tarocchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50139 Firenze, Italy
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27
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Jiang S, Zhang J, Bian J, Zhang L, Xu Y, Zhao H, Sang X, Lu X. Novel nomograms based on immune and stromal scores for predicting the disease-free and overall survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing radical surgery. J Surg Oncol 2020; 122:1569-1579. [PMID: 32885449 DOI: 10.1002/jso.26197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stromal and immune cells play important roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development and progression. However, tools for predicting the prognosis of patients with HCC based on stromal and immune scores are not well established. We aimed to develop nomograms that predicted the disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients after radical surgery. METHODS Basic information of 251 patients were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Multivariate Cox analyses identified variables predicting the prognosis of patients. DFS and OS nomograms were constructed based on the stromal and immune scores of the training group and verified in the well-matched test group. RESULTS An intermediate stromal score (hazards ratio [HR] = 3.177; P < .001] was an independent risk factor for DFS. An intermediate immune score independently predicted a longer DFS (HR = 0.323; P = .002) and OS (HR = 0.305; P = .021); a high immune score predicted a longer DFS (HR = 0.289; P = .002). The concordance index (C-index) of nomograms was 0.729 for DFS and 0.696 for OS in the test group. CONCLUSION Nomograms based on the stromal and immune scores favorably predicted the DFS and OS of patients with HCC after radical surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shitao Jiang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Junwei Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Bian
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yiyao Xu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Haitao Zhao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xinting Sang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Lu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Heinrich S, Castven D, Galle PR, Marquardt JU. Translational Considerations to Improve Response and Overcome Therapy Resistance in Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2495. [PMID: 32899197 PMCID: PMC7563159 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, progress in systemic therapies significantly improved the outcome of primary liver cancer. More recently, precision oncological and immunotherapeutic approaches became the focus of intense scientific and clinical research. Herein, preclinical studies showed promising results with high response rates and improvement of overall survival. However, results of phase III clinical trials revealed that only a subfraction of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients respond to therapy and display only moderate objective response rates. Further, predictive molecular characteristics are largely missing. In consequence, suitable trial design has emerged as a crucial factor for the success of a novel compound. In addition, increasing knowledge from translational studies indicate the importance of targeting the tumor immune environment to overcome resistance to immunotherapy. Thus, combination of different immunotherapies with other treatment modalities including antibodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, or local therapies is highly promising. However, the mechanisms of failure to respond to immunotherapy in liver cancer are still not fully understood and the modulation of the immune system and cellular tumor composition is particularly relevant in this context. Altogether, it is increasingly clear that tailoring of immunotherapy and individualized approaches are required to improve efficacy and patient outcome in liver cancer. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge as well as translational considerations to overcome therapy resistance in immunotherapy of primary liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Heinrich
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Liver Carcinogenesis Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
- Department of Medicine I, Lichtenberg Research Group for Molecular Hepatocarcinogenesis, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Darko Castven
- Department of Medicine I, Lichtenberg Research Group for Molecular Hepatocarcinogenesis, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
- Lichtenberg Research Group for Molecular Hepatocarcinogenesis, Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center Schleswig Holstein, 23538 Luebeck, Germany
| | - Peter R. Galle
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Jens U. Marquardt
- Department of Medicine I, Lichtenberg Research Group for Molecular Hepatocarcinogenesis, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
- Lichtenberg Research Group for Molecular Hepatocarcinogenesis, Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center Schleswig Holstein, 23538 Luebeck, Germany
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Sung PS, Cho SW, Lee J, Yang H, Jang JW, Bae SH, Choi JY, Yoon SK. Infiltration of T Cells and Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1-expressing Macrophages as a Potential Predictor of Lenvatinib Response in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. JOURNAL OF LIVER CANCER 2020; 20:128-134. [PMID: 37384325 PMCID: PMC10035673 DOI: 10.17998/jlc.20.2.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Background/Aims Lenvatinib was recently proven to be non-inferior to sorafenib in treating unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a phase-3 randomized controlled trial. In this study, we investigated whether the response to lenvatinib was affected by tumor immunogenicity. Methods Between May 2019 and April 2020, nine patients with intermediate-to-advanced HCC, who were treated with lenvatinib after liver biopsy, were enrolled. Immunohistochemical staining and multi-color flow cytometry were performed on specimens obtained from liver biopsy. Results Among the nine patients enrolled, four showed objective responses (complete responses+partial responses). Immunohistochemical staining for CD3, CD68, and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) demonstrated that patients with objective responses showed marked infiltration of T cells and PD-L1-expressing macrophages in intra-tumoral and peri-tumoral tissues compared to those without objective responses. A significant difference in the numbers of infiltrated T cells, both in the intra-tumoral (P<0.01) and peri-tumoral regions (P<0.05), were identified between responders and non-responders. Regarding the number of infiltrated macrophages, no significant difference was found between the responders and non-responders, although the number of PD-L1-expressing tumor-associated macrophages was significantly higher in responders than that in non-responders (P<0.05). Conclusions Tumor immunogenicity, as indicated by T cell and PD-L1-positive macrophage infiltration, affects lenvatinib response in unresectable HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pil Soo Sung
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Woo Cho
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jaejun Lee
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun Yang
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeong Won Jang
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Si Hyun Bae
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Young Choi
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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Cacicedo ML, Medina-Montano C, Kaps L, Kappel C, Gehring S, Bros M. Role of Liver-Mediated Tolerance in Nanoparticle-Based Tumor Therapy. Cells 2020; 9:E1985. [PMID: 32872352 PMCID: PMC7563539 DOI: 10.3390/cells9091985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last decades, the use of nanocarriers for immunotherapeutic purposes has gained a lot of attention, especially in the field of tumor therapy. However, most types of nanocarriers accumulate strongly in the liver after systemic application. Due to the default tolerance-promoting role of liver non-parenchymal cells (NPCs), Kupffer cells (KCs), liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), their potential role on the immunological outcome of systemic nano-vaccination approaches for therapy of tumors in the liver and in other organs needs to be considered. Concerning immunological functions, KCs have been the focus until now, but recent studies have elucidated an important role of LSECs and HSCs as well. Therefore, this review aims to summarize current knowledge on the employment of nanocarriers for immunotherapeutic therapy of liver diseases and the overall role of liver NPCs in the context of nano-vaccination approaches. With regard to the latter, we discuss strategies on how to address liver NPCs, aiming to exploit and modulate their immunological properties, and alternatively how to avoid unwanted engagement of nano-vaccines by liver NPCs for tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximiliano L. Cacicedo
- Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (M.L.C.); (S.G.)
| | - Carolina Medina-Montano
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (C.M.-M.); (C.K.)
| | - Leonard Kaps
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Mainz, I. Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Cinja Kappel
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (C.M.-M.); (C.K.)
| | - Stephan Gehring
- Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (M.L.C.); (S.G.)
| | - Matthias Bros
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (C.M.-M.); (C.K.)
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Recent advances of sorafenib nanoformulations for cancer therapy: Smart nanosystem and combination therapy. Asian J Pharm Sci 2020; 16:318-336. [PMID: 34276821 PMCID: PMC8261086 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2020.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib, a molecular targeted multi-kinase inhibitor, has received considerable interests in recent years due to its significant profiles of efficacy in cancer therapy. However, poor pharmacokinetic properties such as limited water solubility, rapid elimination and metabolism lead to low bioavailability, restricting its further clinical application. Over the past decade, with substantial progress achieved in the development of nanotechnology, various types of smart sorafenib nanoformulations have been developed to improve the targetability as well as the bioavailability of sorafenib. In this review, we summarize various aspects from the preparation and characterization to the evaluation of antitumor efficacy of numerous stimuli-responsive sorafenib nanodelivery systems, particularly with emphasis on their mechanism of drug release and tumor microenvironment response. In addition, this review makes great effort to summarize the nanosystem-based combination therapy of sorafenib with other antitumor agents, which can provide detailed information for further synergistic cancer therapy. In the final section of this review, we also provide a detailed discussion of future challenges and prospects of designing and developing ideal sorafenib nanoformulations for clinical cancer therapy.
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Galectins in the Tumor Microenvironment: Focus on Galectin-1. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1259:17-38. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-43093-1_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Maehara J, Masugi Y, Abe T, Tsujikawa H, Kurebayashi Y, Ueno A, Ojima H, Okuda S, Jinzaki M, Shinoda M, Kitagawa Y, Oda Y, Honda H, Sakamoto M. Quantification of intratumoral collagen and elastin fibers within hepatocellular carcinoma tissues finds correlations with clinico-patho-radiological features. Hepatol Res 2020; 50:607-619. [PMID: 31886596 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM Emerging evidence suggests a promising role for tumor stromal factors in characterizing patients with various types of malignancies, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We quantified the amount of collagen and elastin fibers in HCC samples with the aim of clarifying the clinico-patho-radiological significance of fiber deposition in HCC. METHODS We computed the amount of collagen and elastin fibers using digital image analysis of whole-slide images of Elastica van Gieson-stained tissues from 156 surgically resected HCCs. Furthermore, we assessed the correlations between the fiber content of HCC samples and clinical, pathological, and radiological features, including immunohistochemistry-based molecular subtypes and immunosubtypes. RESULTS The intratumoral area ratio of collagen in HCC tissues (median 3.4%, range 0.1-22.2%) was more than threefold that of elastin (median 0.9%, range 0.1-9.0%); there was a strong positive correlation between the amounts of collagen and elastin. Higher levels of combined collagen and elastin were significantly associated with the confluent multinodular macroscopic tumor type, the absence of a fibrous capsule, intratumoral steatosis, scirrhous tumor stroma, dense inflammatory-cell infiltrates, and the biliary/stem cell markers-positive HCC subtype. The associations of higher collagen levels with radiological findings, including heterogeneous enhancement and persistent enhancement on dynamic computed tomography, were significant. In contrast, the associations of radiological findings with elastin fibers were not significant. Intratumoral fibrous stroma in HCC comprised septum-like and perisinusoidal fibrosis; these two forms represented distinct distribution patterns of fibers and fibroblasts. CONCLUSION Quantitative analysis suggested that stromal fiber-rich HCCs likely represent a distinct clinico-patho-radiological entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junki Maehara
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Anatomic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.,Department of Clinical Radiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yohei Masugi
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tokiya Abe
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hanako Tsujikawa
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Kurebayashi
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihisa Ueno
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidenori Ojima
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeo Okuda
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Jinzaki
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Shinoda
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Kitagawa
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshinao Oda
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Honda
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Michiie Sakamoto
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Inflammation in Primary and Metastatic Liver Tumorigenesis-Under the Influence of Alcohol and High-Fat Diets. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12040933. [PMID: 32230953 PMCID: PMC7230665 DOI: 10.3390/nu12040933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver plays an outsized role in oncology. Liver tumors are one of the most frequently found tumors in cancer patients and these arise from either primary or metastatic disease. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent form of primary liver cancer and the 6th most common cancer type overall, is expected to become the 3rd leading cause of cancer mortality in the US by the year 2030. The liver is also the most common site of distant metastasis from solid tumors. For instance, colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasizes to the liver in two-thirds of cases, and CRC liver metastasis is the leading cause of mortality in these patients. The interplay between inflammation and cancer is unmistakably evident in the liver. In nearly every case, HCC is diagnosed in chronic liver disease (CLD) and cirrhosis background. The consumption of a Western-style high-fat diet is a major risk factor for the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), both of which are becoming more prevalent in parallel with the obesity epidemic. Excessive alcohol intake also contributes significantly to the CLD burden in the form of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Inflammation is a key component in the development of all CLDs. Additionally, during the development of liver metastasis, pro-inflammatory signaling is crucial in eliminating invading cancer cells but ironically also helps foster a pro-metastatic environment that supports metastatic seeding and colonization. Here we review how Westernized high-fat diets and excessive alcohol intake can influence inflammation within the liver microenvironment, stimulating both primary and metastatic liver tumorigenesis.
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Recent Advances in Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12040775. [PMID: 32218257 PMCID: PMC7226090 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death since most patients are diagnosed at advanced stage and the current systemic treatment options using molecular-targeted drugs remain unsatisfactory. However, the recent success of cancer immunotherapies has revolutionized the landscape of cancer therapy. Since HCC is characterized by metachronous multicentric occurrence, immunotherapies that induce systemic and durable responses could be an appealing treatment option. Despite the suppressive milieu of the liver and tumor immunosurveillance escape mechanisms, clinical studies of checkpoint inhibitors in patients with advanced HCC have yielded promising results. Here, we provide an update on recent advances in HCC immunotherapies. First, we describe the unique tolerogenic properties of hepatic immunity and its interaction with HCC and then review the status of already or nearly available immune checkpoint blockade-based therapies as well as other immunotherapy strategies at the preclinical or clinical trial stage.
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Yu SJ, Greten TF. Deciphering and Reversing Immunosuppressive Cells in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. JOURNAL OF LIVER CANCER 2020; 20:1-16. [PMID: 37383056 PMCID: PMC10035699 DOI: 10.17998/jlc.20.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been partially successful. However, most HCC patients do not respond to immunotherapy. HCC has been shown to induce several immune suppressor mechanisms in patients. These suppressor mechanisms include involvement of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, regulatory T-cells, functionally impaired dendritic cells (DCs), neutrophils, monocytes, and tumor associated macrophages. The accumulation of immunosuppressive cells may lead to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment as well as the dense fibrotic stroma which may contribute to immune tolerance. Our laboratory has been investigating different cellular mechanisms of immune suppression in HCC patients. In vitro as well as in vivo studies have demonstrated that abrogation of the suppressor cells enhances or unmasks tumor-specific antitumor immune responses. Two or three effective systemic therapies including ICIs and/or molecular targeted therapies and the addition of innovative combination therapies targeting immune suppressor cells may lead to increased immune recognition with a greater tumor response. We reviewed the literature for the latest research on immune suppressor cells in HCC, and here we provide a comprehensive summary of the recent studies in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Jong Yu
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tim F. Greten
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
- NCI CCR Liver Cancer Program, Bethesda, USA
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Li G, Zhao L. Sorafenib-loaded hydroxyethyl starch-TG100-115 micelles for the treatment of liver cancer based on synergistic treatment. Drug Deliv 2020; 26:756-764. [PMID: 31357893 PMCID: PMC6711177 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2019.1642418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment is closely related to the occurrence and development of liver cancer. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are an important part of tumor microenvironment promoting tumor deterioration and metastasis by inhibiting immune cells. Previous studies showed that PI3Kγ inhibitor could reverse the phenotype of TAMs, relieve immunosuppression and sensitize chemotherapy drugs, suggesting that the combination of PI3Kγ inhibitor and chemotherapeutics is likely to bring new breakthroughs in the treatment of liver cancer. Based on it, this paper builds HES-TG100-115-CDM-PEG micelles with tumor microenvironment responsiveness that simultaneously loaded sorafenib and TG100-115 to synergistically treat liver cancer. Pharmacokinetic study showed that the prepared micelles had longer half-life than that of the free drug solutions, which was favorable for high propensity of extravasation through tumor vascular fenestrations. Under low pH and high α-amylasereductive conditions, micelles could depolymerize quickly due to the sensitivity of bonds and enhance significantly cytotoxic activity against Hep-3B liver cancer cell. Additionally, micelles demonstrated higher levels of antitumor efficiency and better tolerance against nude mouse with Hep-3B cell than the free drug solutions. These findings reveal that HES-TG100-115-CDM-PEG micelles are a promising drug delivery system in clinical comprehensive therapy of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guofei Li
- a Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University , Shenyang , China
| | - Limei Zhao
- a Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University , Shenyang , China
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Wang Z, Zhu J, Liu Y, Liu C, Wang W, Chen F, Ma L. Development and validation of a novel immune-related prognostic model in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Transl Med 2020; 18:67. [PMID: 32046766 PMCID: PMC7011553 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-020-02255-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Growing evidence has suggested that immune-related genes play crucial roles in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nevertheless, the utility of immune-related genes for evaluating the prognosis of HCC patients are still lacking. The study aimed to explore gene signatures and prognostic values of immune-related genes in HCC. Methods We comprehensively integrated gene expression data acquired from 374 HCC and 50 normal tissues in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis and univariate Cox regression analysis were performed to identify DEGs that related to overall survival. An immune prognostic model was constructed using the Lasso and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Furthermore, Cox regression analysis was applied to identify independent prognostic factors in HCC. The correlation analysis between immune-related signature and immune cells infiltration were also investigated. Finally, the signature was validated in an external independent dataset. Results A total of 329 differentially expressed immune‐related genes were detected. 64 immune‐related genes were identified to be markedly related to overall survival in HCC patients using univariate Cox regression analysis. Then we established a TF-mediated network for exploring the regulatory mechanisms of these genes. Lasso and multivariate Cox regression analyses were applied to construct the immune-based prognostic model, which consisted of nine immune‐related genes. Further analysis indicated that this immune-related prognostic model could be an independent prognostic indicator after adjusting to other clinical factors. The relationships between the risk score model and immune cell infiltration suggested that the nine-gene signature could reflect the status of tumor immune microenvironment. The prognostic value of this nine-gene prognostic model was further successfully validated in an independent database. Conclusions Together, our study screened potential prognostic immune-related genes and established a novel immune-based prognostic model of HCC, which not only provides new potential prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets, but also deepens our understanding of tumor immune microenvironment status and lays a theoretical foundation for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Wenhua Xi Road 107, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Jie Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Wenhua Xi Road 107, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Yongjuan Liu
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Health Education Institute, Jinan, 250000, Shandong, China
| | - Changhong Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, The First Hospital Affiliated With Shandong First Medical University, Jingshi Road 16766, Jinan, 250014, Shandong, China
| | - Wenqi Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, The First Hospital Affiliated With Shandong First Medical University, Jingshi Road 16766, Jinan, 250014, Shandong, China
| | - Fengzhe Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Wenhua Xi Road 107, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
| | - Lixian Ma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Wenhua Xi Road 107, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
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Ding W, Tan Y, Qian Y, Xue W, Wang Y, Jiang P, Xu X. Clinicopathologic and prognostic significance of tumor-associated macrophages in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta-analysis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223971. [PMID: 31618252 PMCID: PMC6795444 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) deserve more focus because of its clinicopathologic and prognostic roles in solid tumors. However, the prognostic value of TAMs in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still controversial. We performed a meta-analysis to resolve the issue. METHODS We selected relevant studies from the Cochrane Library, Embase and PubMed databases. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated employing fixed-effect or random-effect models depending on the heterogeneity of the included trials. Moreover, we also performed subgroup analysis, cumulative meta-analysis, sensitivity analysis, and bias analysis (Egger's test). RESULTS A total of 20 observational studies with 4297 patients were enrolled. For TAMs subsets, high density of CD68+ TAMs in either intratumor (IT) (pooled HR = 1.417; 95% CI = 1.092-1.839; P = 0.009) or peritumor (PT) (pooled HR = 1.393; 95% CI = 1.022-1.899; P = 0.036) was associated with a poor OS. High density of CD68+ TAMs in IT was also associated with high AFP value, large tumor size, absent encapsulation, present vascular invasion, and later tumor-nodes-metastasis (TNM) stage. High density of CD163+ macrophages in serum was associated with a poor OS (pooled HR = 5.698; 95% CI = 3.062-10.603; P < 0.001). High density of CD204+ TAMs in IT was associated with a poor OS (pooled HR = 1.947; 95% CI = 1.387-2.733; P < 0.001. High density of CD206+ TAMs in IT was associated with a poor OS (pooled HR = 1.723; 95% CI = 1.308-2.270; P < 0.001) and DFS (pooled HR = 1.711; 95% CI = 1.214-2.412; P = 0.002). However, high density of CD169+ TAMs in IT was associated with a good OS (pooled HR = 0.471; 95% CI = 0.343-0.647; P = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS TAMs could serve as independent predictive indicators and therapeutic targets for HCC. Further trials are needed to elucidate the exact relationship and the underlying mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ding
- Department of General Surgery, Wujin Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Changzhou, China
| | - Yulin Tan
- Department of General Surgery, Wujin Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Changzhou, China
| | - Yan Qian
- Department of Respiration, Changzhou Second People’s Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Wenbo Xue
- Department of General Surgery, Wujin Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Changzhou, China
| | - Yibo Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Wujin Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Changzhou, China
| | - Peng Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Wujin Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Changzhou, China
| | - Xuezhong Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Wujin Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Changzhou, China
- * E-mail:
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Tian Z, Hou X, Liu W, Han Z, Wei L. Macrophages and hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Biosci 2019; 9:79. [PMID: 31572568 PMCID: PMC6761725 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-019-0342-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most prevalent and lethal cancers in the human population. HCC is an inflammation-associated cancer caused by different etiological factors. The chronic inflammation leads to continuous cycles of hepatocytes destructive-regenerative process and contributes to HCC initiation and progression. Macrophages play a crucial role in chronic liver inflammation. The tumor microenvironment plays a key role in the progression of HCC. Tumor-associated macrophages are a well-known component of the tumor microenvironment and abundantly infiltrate HCC microenvironment. The roles of macrophages in the development and progression of HCC have been recognized. The deep understanding of macrophages in HCC will be critical for developing effective HCC therapy. Targeting of macrophages might provide novel therapeutic approaches for HCC patients and is an emerging field of interest. This review summarizes the knowledge on the contribution of macrophages in the development and progression of HCC, as well as potential immunotherapy being explored in targeting macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Tian
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200438 China
- Department of General Surgery, Wuxi People’s Hospital Affiliated Nanjing Medical University, 299 Qingyang Road, Wuxi, 214000 China
| | - Xiaojuan Hou
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200438 China
| | - Wenting Liu
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200438 China
| | - Zhipeng Han
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200438 China
| | - Lixin Wei
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200438 China
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Magalhaes I, Carvalho-Queiroz C, Hartana CA, Kaiser A, Lukic A, Mints M, Nilsson O, Grönlund H, Mattsson J, Berglund S. Facing the future: challenges and opportunities in adoptive T cell therapy in cancer. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2019; 19:811-827. [PMID: 30986360 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2019.1608179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In recent years, immunotherapy for the treatment of solid cancer has emerged as a promising therapeutic alternative. Adoptive cell therapy (ACT), especially T cell-based, has been found to cause tumor regression and even cure in a percentage of treated patients. Checkpoint inhibitors further underscore the potential of the T cell compartment in the treatment of cancer. Not all patients respond to these treatments; however, many challenges remain. AREAS COVERED This review covers the challenges and progress in tumor antigen target identification and selection, and cell product manufacturing for T cell ACT. Tumor immune escape mechanisms and strategies to overcome those in the context of T cell ACT are also discussed. EXPERT OPINION The immunotherapy toolbox is rapidly expanding and improving, and the future promises further breakthroughs in the T cell ACT field. The heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment and the multiplicity of tumor immune escape mechanisms pose formidable challenges to successful T cell immunotherapy in solid tumors, however. Individualized approaches and strategies combining treatments targeting different immunotherapeutic aspects will be needed in order to expand the applicability and improve the response rates in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Magalhaes
- a Department of Oncology-Pathology , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Claudia Carvalho-Queiroz
- b Therapeutic Immune Design, Department of Clinical Neuroscience , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Ciputra Adijaya Hartana
- c Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Massachusetts General Hospital , Cambridge , MA , USA
| | - Andreas Kaiser
- b Therapeutic Immune Design, Department of Clinical Neuroscience , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Ana Lukic
- b Therapeutic Immune Design, Department of Clinical Neuroscience , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Michael Mints
- a Department of Oncology-Pathology , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden.,d Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences , Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,e Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, Medical Oncology and Hematology , Princess Margaret Cancer Center , Toronto , Canada.,f Department of Medicine , University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada
| | - Ola Nilsson
- b Therapeutic Immune Design, Department of Clinical Neuroscience , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Hans Grönlund
- b Therapeutic Immune Design, Department of Clinical Neuroscience , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Jonas Mattsson
- a Department of Oncology-Pathology , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden.,f Department of Medicine , University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada
| | - Sofia Berglund
- a Department of Oncology-Pathology , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden.,b Therapeutic Immune Design, Department of Clinical Neuroscience , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
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The Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Microenvironment as a Potential Target for Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11040440. [PMID: 30925774 PMCID: PMC6520833 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11040440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Similarly to other types of malignant tumours, the incidence of head and neck cancer is increasing globally. It is frequently associated with smoking and alcohol abuse, and in a broader sense also with prolonged exposure to these factors during ageing. A higher incidence of tumours observed in younger populations without a history of alcohol and tobacco abuse may be due to HPV infection. Malignant tumours form an intricate ecosystem of cancer cells, fibroblasts, blood/lymphatic capillaries and infiltrating immune cells. This dynamic system, the tumour microenvironment, has a significant impact on the biological properties of cancer cells. The microenvironment participates in the control of local aggressiveness of cancer cells, their growth, and their consequent migration to lymph nodes and distant organs during metastatic spread. In cancers originating from squamous epithelium, a similarity was demonstrated between the cancer microenvironment and healing wounds. In this review, we focus on the specificity of the microenvironment of head and neck cancer with emphasis on the mechanism of intercellular crosstalk manipulation for potential therapeutic application.
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