1
|
Arshi A, Mahmoudi E, Raeisi F, Dehghan Tezerjani M, Bahramian E, Ahmed Y, Peng C. Exploring potential roles of long non-coding RNAs in cancer immunotherapy: a comprehensive review. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1446937. [PMID: 39257589 PMCID: PMC11384988 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1446937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer treatment has long been fraught with challenges, including drug resistance, metastasis, and recurrence, making it one of the most difficult diseases to treat effectively. Traditional therapeutic approaches often fall short due to their inability to target cancer stem cells and the complex genetic and epigenetic landscape of tumors. In recent years, cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized the field, offering new hope and viable alternatives to conventional treatments. A particularly promising area of research focuses on non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), especially long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and their role in cancer resistance and the modulation of signaling pathways. To address these challenges, we performed a comprehensive review of recent studies on lncRNAs and their impact on cancer immunotherapy. Our review highlights the crucial roles that lncRNAs play in affecting both innate and adaptive immunity, thereby influencing the outcomes of cancer treatments. Key observations from our review indicate that lncRNAs can modify the tumor immune microenvironment, enhance immune cell infiltration, and regulate cytokine production, all of which contribute to tumor growth and resistance to therapies. These insights suggest that lncRNAs could serve as potential targets for precision medicine, opening up new avenues for developing more effective cancer immunotherapies. By compiling recent research on lncRNAs across various cancers, this review aims to shed light on their mechanisms within the tumor immune microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asghar Arshi
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Esmaeil Mahmoudi
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | | | - Masoud Dehghan Tezerjani
- Department of bioinformatics, School of Advanced Medical Technologies, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Elham Bahramian
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States
| | - Yeasin Ahmed
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States
| | - Chun Peng
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sharma N, Panigrahi R, Pradhan P, Parida S, Sahoo SR. Expression of CD68+ Tumor associated macrophages in relation to β-catenin in carcinoma stomach. INDIAN J PATHOL MICR 2024; 67:15-20. [PMID: 38358183 DOI: 10.4103/ijpm.ijpm_535_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background With no unified system for tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) density assessment, limited information is available on their relationship with β-catenin expression. Aim To evaluate the density of CD68+ TAMs in gastric adenocarcinoma samples by immunohistochemistry and correlate it with grade, stage, invasion, and beta-catenin. Designs and Settings Formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) blocks from gastrectomy specimens of proven gastric adenocarcinoma were prospectively and retrospectively were studied over a period of two years. Materials and Methods Immunohistochemistry with CD68 and β-catenin was performed. TAM density was qualitatively compared in "tumor" versus "stroma" and "tumor" versus "non-tumor" regions. Quantitative CD68+ TAM density was assessed using different methods and compared. Cases were classified as high and low TAM based on the median value and correlated with histologic type, location, grade, stage and β-catenin expression pattern. Statistical Analysis Spearman's rank correlation test was used to compare the different methods of TAM density evaluation. The categorical variables were studied using Pearson's Chi-square or Fisher's exact test. CD68+ TAM density and β-catenin expression were correlated by analysis of variance. A P value ≤ 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results The CD68+ TAMs in the "tumor" versus "non-tumor" area (p = 0.34) and "tumor" versus "stroma distribution" (p = 0.81) did not show any statistical significance. All methods of TAM density were found to be comparable. High TAM group is significantly associated with lymphovascular invasion, tumor depth, lymph node metastasis, and abnormal β-catenin expression. Conclusion TAMs density plays an important role in the tumor stage. Macrophages may possibly induce gastric cancer invasiveness by activating β-catenin pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Sharma
- Department of Pathology, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Ranjita Panigrahi
- Department of Pathology, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Prita Pradhan
- Department of Pathology, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Sabyasachi Parida
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Saroj R Sahoo
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Islas JF, Quiroz-Reyes AG, Delgado-Gonzalez P, Franco-Villarreal H, Delgado-Gallegos JL, Garza-Treviño EN, Gonzalez-Villarreal CA. Cancer Stem Cells in Tumor Microenvironment of Adenocarcinoma of the Stomach, Colon, and Rectum. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3948. [PMID: 36010940 PMCID: PMC9405851 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14163948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas are one of the world's deadliest cancers. Cancer stem cells and the tissue microenvironment are highly regulated by cell and molecular mechanisms. Cancer stem cells are essential for maintenance and progression and are associated with resistance to conventional treatments. This article reviews the current knowledge of the role of the microenvironment during the primary establishment of gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas in the stomach, colon, and rectum and its relationship with cancer stem cells. We also describe novel developments in cancer therapeutics, such as targeted therapy, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different treatments for improving gastrointestinal cancer prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jose Francisco Islas
- Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine Department, School of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey 64460, Mexico
| | - Adriana G. Quiroz-Reyes
- Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine Department, School of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey 64460, Mexico
| | - Paulina Delgado-Gonzalez
- Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine Department, School of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey 64460, Mexico
| | | | - Juan Luis Delgado-Gallegos
- Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine Department, School of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey 64460, Mexico
| | - Elsa N. Garza-Treviño
- Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine Department, School of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey 64460, Mexico
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang J, Li R, Huang S. The immunoregulation effect of tumor microenvironment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:951019. [PMID: 35965504 PMCID: PMC9365986 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.951019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer has the seventh highest death rate of all cancers. The absence of any serious symptoms, coupled with a lack of early prognostic and diagnostic markers, makes the disease untreatable in most cases. This leads to a delay in diagnosis and the disease progresses so there is no cure. Only about 20% of cases are diagnosed early. Surgical removal is the preferred treatment for cancer, but chemotherapy is standard for advanced cancer, although patients can eventually develop drug resistance and serious side effects. Chemoresistance is multifactorial because of the interaction among pancreatic cancer cells, cancer stem cells, and the tumor microenvironment (TME). Nevertheless, more pancreatic cancer patients will benefit from precision treatment and targeted drugs. This review focuses on the immune-related components of TME and the interactions between tumor cells and TME during the development and progression of pancreatic cancer, including immunosuppression, tumor dormancy and escape. Finally, we discussed a variety of immune components-oriented immunotargeting drugs in TME from a clinical perspective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Renfeng Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shuai Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gastrointestinal cancer-associated fibroblasts expressing Junctional Adhesion Molecule-A are amenable to infection by oncolytic reovirus. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 29:1918-1929. [PMID: 35869278 PMCID: PMC9750869 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-022-00507-9] [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: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are characterized by extensive tumor stroma that both promotes tumor progression and acts as a physical barrier for adjacent tumor cells, limiting the effect of current treatment modalities. Oncolytic virotherapy is currently investigated in clinical trials as a novel therapeutic agent for different malignancies of the GI tract, but it is largely unknown whether these viruses can also target the tumor stroma. Here, we investigated the tropism of two commonly studied OVs, adenovirus and reovirus, towards primary GI fibroblasts from human oesophageal, gastric, duodenal and pancreatic carcinomas (N = 36). GI fibroblasts were susceptible to type 3 Dearing (T3D) strain R124 and bioselected mutant reovirus (jin-3) infection but not oncolytic adenovirus (Ad5-Δ24). Efficient infection and apoptosis of human and mouse GI cancer-derived fibroblasts by these reoviruses was partially dependent on the expression of the reovirus entry receptor, Junctional Adhesion Molecule-A (JAM-A). Moreover, human GI cancer organoid-fibroblast co-cultures showed higher overall infectivity when containing JAM-A expressing fibroblasts as compared to JAM-A negative fibroblasts, indicating a potential role of JAM-A expressing fibroblasts for viral dissemination. We further show that JAM-A is not only necessary for efficient reovirus infection of fibroblasts but also partially mediates reovirus-induced apoptosis, dependent on signaling through the C-terminal PDZ-domain of JAM-A. Altogether, our data show the presence of JAM-A expressing fibroblasts in both human and murine GI cancers that are amenable to infection and induction of apoptosis by reovirus, extending the potential anti-cancer actions of reovirus with stromal targeting.
Collapse
|
6
|
Zarin B, Rafiee L, Daneshpajouhnejad P, Haghjooy Javanmard S. A review on the role of CAFs and CAF-derived exosomes in progression and metastasis of digestive system cancers. Tumour Biol 2021; 43:141-157. [PMID: 34420992 DOI: 10.3233/tub-200075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancers evolve as a result of the accelerated proliferation of cancer cells in a complicated, enriched, and active microenvironment. Tumor microenvironment (TME) components are the master regulators of any step of cancer development. The tumor microenvironment is composed of many cellular and noncellular components that contribute to the evolution of cancer cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are activated fibroblasts in the TME that implicate in tumor progression and metastasis dissemination through secretion of oncogenic factors which are carried to the secondary metastatic sites through exosomes. In this review, we aimed to assess the role of CAF-derived exosomes in TME construction and pre-metastatic niche formation in different cancers of the digestive system in order to better understand some important mechanisms of metastasis and provide possible targets for clinical intervention. This review article is divided into two thematic parts explaining the general mechanisms of pre-metastatic niche formation and metastasis and the role of CAF-derived exosomes in different digestive system cancers including colorectal, gastric, esophageal, pancreatic, and liver cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bahare Zarin
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.,Department of physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Laleh Rafiee
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | - Shaghayegh Haghjooy Javanmard
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.,Department of physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Strelez C, Chilakala S, Ghaffarian K, Lau R, Spiller E, Ung N, Hixon D, Yoon AY, Sun RX, Lenz HJ, Katz JE, Mumenthaler SM. Human colorectal cancer-on-chip model to study the microenvironmental influence on early metastatic spread. iScience 2021; 24:102509. [PMID: 34113836 PMCID: PMC8169959 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) progression is a complex process that is not well understood. We describe an in vitro organ-on-chip model that emulates in vivo tissue structure and the tumor microenvironment (TME) to better understand intravasation, an early step in metastasis. The CRC-on-chip incorporates fluid flow and peristalsis-like cyclic stretching and consists of endothelial and epithelial compartments, separated by a porous membrane. On-chip imaging and effluent analyses are used to interrogate CRC progression and the resulting cellular heterogeneity. Mass spectrometry-based metabolite profiles are indicative of a CRC disease state. Tumor cells intravasate from the epithelial channel to the endothelial channel, revealing differences in invasion between aggressive and non-aggressive tumor cells. Tuning the TME by peristalsis-like mechanical forces, the epithelial:endothelial interface, and the addition of fibroblasts influences the invasive capabilities of tumor cells. The CRC-on-chip is a tunable human-relevant model system and a valuable tool to study early invasive events in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carly Strelez
- Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Sujatha Chilakala
- Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Kimya Ghaffarian
- Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Roy Lau
- Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Erin Spiller
- Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Nolan Ung
- Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Danielle Hixon
- Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Ah Young Yoon
- Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Ren X. Sun
- Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Heinz-Josef Lenz
- Division of Medical Oncology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Jonathan E. Katz
- Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Shannon M. Mumenthaler
- Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
- Division of Medical Oncology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Turkes F, Mencel J, Starling N. Targeting the immune milieu in gastrointestinal cancers. J Gastroenterol 2020; 55:909-926. [PMID: 32748171 PMCID: PMC7519898 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-020-01710-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are among the most common and lethal solid tumors worldwide. Unlike in malignancies such as lung, renal and skin cancers, the activity of immunotherapeutic agents in GI cancers has, on the whole, been much less remarkable and do not apply to the majority. Furthermore, while incremental progress has been made and approvals for use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in specific subsets of patients with GI cancers are coming through, in a population of 'all-comers', it is frequently unclear as to who may benefit most due to the relative lack of reliable predictive biomarkers. For most patients with newly diagnosed advanced or metastatic GI cancer, the mainstay of treatment still involves chemotherapy and/or a targeted agent however, beyond the second-line this paradigm confers minimal patient benefit. Thus, current research efforts are concentrating on broadening the applicability of ICIs in GI cancers by combining them with agents designed to beneficially remodel the tumor microenvironment (TME) for more effective anti-cancer immunity with intention of improving patient outcomes. This review will discuss the currently approved ICIs available for the treatment of GI cancers, the strategies underway focusing on combining ICIs with agents that target the TME and touch on recent progress toward identification of predictors of sensitivity to immune checkpoint blockade in GI cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Turkes
- Department of Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Justin Mencel
- Department of Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Naureen Starling
- Department of Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wang Y, Lu J, Jiang B, Guo J. The roles of curcumin in regulating the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment. Oncol Lett 2020; 19:3059-3070. [PMID: 32256807 PMCID: PMC7074405 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a harmful threat to human health. In addition to surgery, a variety of anticancer drugs are increasingly used in cancer therapy; however, despite the developments in multimodality treatment, the morbidity and mortality of patients with cancer patients are on the increase. The tumor-specific immunosuppressive microenvironment serves an important function in tumor tolerance and escape from immune surveillance leading to tumor progression. Therefore, identifying new drugs or foods that can enhance the tumor immune response is critical to develop improved cancer prevention methods and treatment. Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound extracted from ginger, has been shown to effectively inhibit tumor growth, proliferation, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis in a variety of tumors. Recent studies have also indicated that curcumin can modulate the tumor immune response and remodel the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment, indicating its potential in the immunotherapy of cancer. In this review, a brief introduction to the effects of curcumin on the tumor immune response and tumor immune microenvironment is provided and recent clinical trials investigating the potential of curcumin in cancer therapy are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yizhi Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Bolun Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Junchao Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|