1
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Mottini C, Auciello FR, Manni I, Pilarsky C, Caputo D, Caracciolo G, Rossetta A, Di Gennaro E, Budillon A, Blandino G, Roca MS, Piaggio G. The cross-talk between the macro and micro-environment in precursor lesions of pancreatic cancer leads to new and promising circulating biomarkers. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:198. [PMID: 39020414 PMCID: PMC11256648 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03117-5] [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: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a clinically challenging tumor to combat due to its advanced stage at diagnosis as well as its resistance to currently available therapies. The absence of early symptoms and known detectable biomarkers renders this disease incredibly difficult to detect/manage. Recent advances in the understanding of PC biology have highlighted the importance of cancer-immune cell interactions, not only in the tumor micro-environment but also in distant systemic sites, like the bone marrow, spleen and circulating immune cells, the so-called macro-environment. The response of the macro-environment is emerging as a determining factor in tumor development by contributing to the formation of an increasingly immunogenic micro-environment promoting tumor homeostasis and progression. We will summarize the key events associated with the feedback loop between the tumor immune micro-environment (TIME) and the tumor immune macroenvironment (TIMaE) in pancreatic precancerous lesions along with how it regulates disease development and progression. In addition, liquid biopsy biomarkers capable of diagnosing PC at an early stage of onset will also be discussed. A clearer understanding of the early crosstalk between micro-environment and macro-environment could contribute to identifying new molecular therapeutic targets and biomarkers, consequently improving early PC diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Mottini
- Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, UOSD SAFU, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Auciello
- UOC Translational Oncology Research, IRCSS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Manni
- Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, UOSD SAFU, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Giulio Caracciolo
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Molecolare Sapienza, Università Di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Elena Di Gennaro
- Experimental Pharmacology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, Via M. Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Alfredo Budillon
- Scientific Directorate, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Blandino
- UOC Translational Oncology Research, IRCSS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Serena Roca
- Experimental Pharmacology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, Via M. Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| | - Giulia Piaggio
- Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, UOSD SAFU, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
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2
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Rauth S, Malafa M, Ponnusamy MP, Batra SK. Emerging Trends in Gastrointestinal Cancer Targeted Therapies: Harnessing Tumor Microenvironment, Immune Factors, and Metabolomics Insights. Gastroenterology 2024:S0016-5085(24)04917-5. [PMID: 38759843 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2024.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are the leading cause of new cancer cases and cancer-related deaths worldwide. The treatment strategies for patients with GI tumors have focused on oncogenic molecular profiles associated with tumor cells. Recent evidence has demonstrated that the tumor cell functions are modulated by its microenvironment, compromising fibroblasts, extracellular matrices, microbiome, immune cells, and the enteric nervous system. Along with the tumor microenvironment components, alterations in key metabolic pathways have emerged as a hallmark of tumor cells. From these perspectives, this review will highlight the functions of different cellular components of the GI tumor microenvironment and their implications for treatment. Furthermore, we discuss the major metabolic reprogramming in GI tumor cells and how understanding metabolic rewiring could lead to new therapeutic strategies. Finally, we briefly summarize the targeted agents currently being studied in GI cancers. Understanding the complex interplay between tumor cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic factors during tumor progression is critical for developing new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanchita Rauth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Mokenge Malafa
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Moorthy P Ponnusamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska.
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska.
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3
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Raymant M, Astuti Y, Alvaro-Espinosa L, Green D, Quaranta V, Bellomo G, Glenn M, Chandran-Gorner V, Palmer DH, Halloran C, Ghaneh P, Henderson NC, Morton JP, Valiente M, Mielgo A, Schmid MC. Macrophage-fibroblast JAK/STAT dependent crosstalk promotes liver metastatic outgrowth in pancreatic cancer. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3593. [PMID: 38678021 PMCID: PMC11055860 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47949-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly metastatic disease for which better therapies are urgently needed. Fibroblasts and macrophages are heterogeneous cell populations able to enhance metastasis, but the role of a macrophage-fibroblast crosstalk in regulating their pro-metastatic functions remains poorly understood. Here we deconvolve how macrophages regulate metastasis-associated fibroblast (MAF) heterogeneity in the liver. We identify three functionally distinct MAF populations, among which the generation of pro-metastatic and immunoregulatory myofibroblastic-MAFs (myMAFs) critically depends on macrophages. Mechanistically, myMAFs are induced through a STAT3-dependent mechanism driven by macrophage-derived progranulin and cancer cell-secreted leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF). In a reciprocal manner, myMAF secreted osteopontin promotes an immunosuppressive macrophage phenotype resulting in the inhibition of cytotoxic T cell functions. Pharmacological blockade of STAT3 or myMAF-specific genetic depletion of STAT3 restores an anti-tumour immune response and reduces metastases. Our findings provide molecular insights into the complex macrophage-fibroblast interactions in tumours and reveal potential targets to inhibit PDAC liver metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meirion Raymant
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Yuliana Astuti
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Laura Alvaro-Espinosa
- Brain Metastasis Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Green
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Valeria Quaranta
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Gaia Bellomo
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Mark Glenn
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Vatshala Chandran-Gorner
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Daniel H Palmer
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Christopher Halloran
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Paula Ghaneh
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Neil C Henderson
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jennifer P Morton
- Cancer Research-UK Scotland Institute and School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - Manuel Valiente
- Brain Metastasis Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ainhoa Mielgo
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Michael C Schmid
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK.
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4
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Liou GY, Byrd CJ, Storz P, Messex JK. Cytokine CCL9 Mediates Oncogenic KRAS-Induced Pancreatic Acinar-to-Ductal Metaplasia by Promoting Reactive Oxygen Species and Metalloproteinases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4726. [PMID: 38731942 PMCID: PMC11083758 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094726] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) can originate from acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM). Pancreatic acini harboring oncogenic Kras mutations are transdifferentiated to a duct-like phenotype that further progresses to become pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) lesions, giving rise to PDAC. Although ADM formation is frequently observed in KrasG12D transgenic mouse models of PDAC, the exact mechanisms of how oncogenic KrasG12D regulates this process remain an enigma. Herein, we revealed a new downstream target of oncogenic Kras, cytokine CCL9, during ADM formation. Higher levels of CCL9 and its receptors, CCR1 and CCR3, were detected in ADM regions of the pancreas in p48cre:KrasG12D mice and human PDAC patients. Knockdown of CCL9 in KrasG12D-expressed pancreatic acini reduced KrasG12D-induced ADM in a 3D organoid culture system. Moreover, exogenously added recombinant CCL9 and overexpression of CCL9 in primary pancreatic acini induced pancreatic ADM. We also showed that, functioning as a downstream target of KrasG12D, CCL9 promoted pancreatic ADM through upregulation of the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and metalloproteinases (MMPs), including MMP14, MMP3 and MMP2. Blockade of MMPs via its generic inhibitor GM6001 or knockdown of specific MMP such as MMP14 and MMP3 decreased CCL9-induced pancreatic ADM. In p48cre:KrasG12D transgenic mice, blockade of CCL9 through its specific neutralizing antibody attenuated pancreatic ADM structures and PanIN lesion formation. Furthermore, it also diminished infiltrating macrophages and expression of MMP14, MMP3 and MMP2 in the ADM areas. Altogether, our results provide novel mechanistic insight into how oncogenic Kras enhances pancreatic ADM through its new downstream target molecule, CCL9, to initiate PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geou-Yarh Liou
- Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA 30314, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA 30314, USA
| | - Crystal J. Byrd
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA 30314, USA
| | - Peter Storz
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Justin K. Messex
- Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA 30314, USA
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5
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Wu Y, Li Y, Hu Z, Li Y, Zhang S, Bao X, Zhou Y, Gao Y, Li Y, Zhang Z. Extracellular Matrix-Trapped Bioinspired Lipoprotein Prolongs Tumor Retention to Potentiate Antitumor Immunity. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2310982. [PMID: 38216153 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202310982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
The immunomodulatory effects of many therapeutic agents are significantly challenged by their insufficient delivery efficiency and short retention time in tumors. Regarding the distinctively upregulated fibronectin (FN1) and tenascin C (TNC) in tumor stroma, herein a protease-activated FN1 and/or TNC binding peptide (FTF) is designed and an extracellular matrix (ECM)-trapped bioinspired lipoprotein (BL) (FTF-BL-CP) is proposed that can be preferentially captured by the TNC and/or FN1 for tumor retention, and then be responsively dissociated from the matrix to potentiate the antitumor immunity. The FTF-BL-CP treatment produces a 6.96-, 9.24-, 6.72-, 7.32-, and 6.73-fold increase of CD3+CD8+ T cells and their interferon-γ-, granzyme B-, perforin-, and Ki67-expressing subtypes versus the negative control, thereby profoundly eliciting the antitumor immunity. In orthotopic and lung metastatic breast cancer models, FTF-BL-CP produces notable therapeutic benefits of retarding tumor growth, extending survivals, and inhibiting lung metastasis. Therefore, this ECM-trapping strategy provides an encouraging possibility of prolonging tumor retention to potentiate the antitumor immunity for anticancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yongping Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, 201399, China
| | - Zixin Hu
- Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Incubation Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Shixuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences & Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Xinyue Bao
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yaping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong, 264005, China
| | - Zhiwen Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
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6
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Döppler HR, Storz P. Macrophage-induced reactive oxygen species in the initiation of pancreatic cancer: a mini-review. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1278807. [PMID: 38576613 PMCID: PMC10991718 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1278807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic inflammation is a risk factor for the development of pancreatic cancer. Increased presence of inflammatory macrophages can be found in response to a KRAS mutation in acinar cells or in response to experimentally-induced pancreatitis. Inflammatory macrophages induce pancreatic acinar cells to undergo dedifferentiation to a duct-like progenitor stage, a process called acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM). Occurrence of ADM lesions are believed to be the initiating event in tumorigenesis. Here we will discuss how macrophage-induced oxidative stress contributes to ADM and how ADM cells shape the fibrotic stroma needed for further progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Storz
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
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7
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Fleming Martinez AK, Storz P. Protein kinase D1 - A targetable mediator of pancreatic cancer development. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119646. [PMID: 38061566 PMCID: PMC10872883 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Members of the Protein kinase D (PKD) kinase family each play important cell-specific roles in the regulation of normal pancreas functions. In pancreatic diseases PKD1 is the most widely characterized isoform with roles in pancreatitis and in induction of pancreatic cancer and its progression. PKD1 expression and activation increases in pancreatic acinar cells through macrophage secreted factors, Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) signaling, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), driving the formation of precancerous lesions. In precancerous lesions PKD1 regulates cell survival, growth, senescence, and generation of doublecortin like kinase 1 (DCLK1)-positive cancer stem cells (CSCs). Within tumors, regulation by PKD1 includes chemoresistance, apoptosis, proliferation, CSC features, and the Warburg effect. Thus, PKD1 plays a critical role throughout pancreatic disease initiation and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Storz
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
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8
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Storz P. Roles of differently polarized macrophages in the initiation and progressionof pancreatic cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1237711. [PMID: 37638028 PMCID: PMC10450961 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1237711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
During development of pancreatic cancer macrophage-mediated inflammatory processes and the formation of cancerous lesions are tightly connected. Based on insight from mouse models we provide an overview on the functions of classically-activated pro-inflammatory and alternatively-activated anti-inflammatory macrophages in the initiation and progression of pancreatic cancer. We highlight their roles in earliest events of tumor initiation such as acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM), organization of the fibrotic lesion microenvironment, and growth of low-grade (LG) lesions. We then discuss their roles as tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) in progression to high-grade (HG) lesions with a cancerous invasive phenotype and an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Another focus is on how targeting these macrophage populations can affect immunosuppression, fibrosis and responses to chemotherapy, and eventually how this knowledge could be used for novel therapy approaches for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Storz
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
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9
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Lin HJ, Liu Y, Caroland K, Lin J. Polarization of Cancer-Associated Macrophages Maneuver Neoplastic Attributes of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3507. [PMID: 37444617 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence links the phenomenon of enhanced recruitment of tumor-associated macrophages towards cancer bulks to neoplastic growth, invasion, metastasis, immune escape, matrix remodeling, and therapeutic resistance. In the context of cancer progression, naïve macrophages are polarized into M1 or M2 subtypes according to their differentiation status, gene signatures, and functional roles. While the former render proinflammatory and anticancer effects, the latter subpopulation elicits an opposite impact on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. M2 macrophages have gained increasing attention as they are largely responsible for molding an immune-suppressive landscape. Through positive feedback circuits involving a paracrine manner, M2 macrophages can be amplified by and synergized with neighboring neoplastic cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and non-cell autonomous constituents in the microenvironmental niche to promote an advanced disease state. This review delineates the molecular cues expanding M2 populations that subsequently convey notorious clinical outcomes. Future therapeutic regimens shall comprise protocols attempting to abolish environmental niches favoring M2 polarization; weaken cancer growth typically assisted by M2; promote the recruitment of tumoricidal CD8+ T lymphocytes and dendritic cells; and boost susceptibility towards gemcitabine as well as other chemotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huey-Jen Lin
- Department of Medical & Molecular Sciences, University of Delaware, Willard Hall Education Building, 16 West Main Street, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Yingguang Liu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Liberty University, 306 Liberty View Lane, Lynchburg, VA 24502, USA
| | - Kailey Caroland
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, 108 N. Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Jiayuh Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, 108 N. Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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10
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Liou GY, Fleming Martinez AK, Döppler HR, Bastea LI, Storz P. Inflammatory and alternatively activated macrophages independently induce metaplasia but cooperatively drive pancreatic precancerous lesion growth. iScience 2023; 26:106820. [PMID: 37250781 PMCID: PMC10212997 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The innate immune system has a key role in pancreatic cancer initiation, but the specific contribution of different macrophage populations is still ill-defined. While inflammatory (M1) macrophages have been shown to drive acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM), a cancer initiating event, alternatively activated (M2) macrophages have been attributed to lesion growth and fibrosis. Here, we determined cytokines and chemokines secreted by both macrophage subtypes. Then, we analyzed their role in ADM initiation and lesion growth, finding that while M1 secrete TNF, CCL5, and IL-6 to drive ADM, M2 induce this dedifferentiation process via CCL2, but the effects are not additive. This is because CCL2 induces ADM by generating ROS and upregulating EGFR signaling, thus using the same mechanism as cytokines from inflammatory macrophages. Therefore, while effects on ADM are not additive between macrophage polarization types, both act synergistically on the growth of low-grade lesions by activating different MAPK pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geou-Yarh Liou
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Cancer Research & Therapeutic Development, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA 30314, USA
| | | | - Heike R. Döppler
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Ligia I. Bastea
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Peter Storz
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
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11
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Ruze R, Song J, Yin X, Chen Y, Xu R, Wang C, Zhao Y. Mechanisms of obesity- and diabetes mellitus-related pancreatic carcinogenesis: a comprehensive and systematic review. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:139. [PMID: 36964133 PMCID: PMC10039087 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01376-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Research on obesity- and diabetes mellitus (DM)-related carcinogenesis has expanded exponentially since these two diseases were recognized as important risk factors for cancers. The growing interest in this area is prominently actuated by the increasing obesity and DM prevalence, which is partially responsible for the slight but constant increase in pancreatic cancer (PC) occurrence. PC is a highly lethal malignancy characterized by its insidious symptoms, delayed diagnosis, and devastating prognosis. The intricate process of obesity and DM promoting pancreatic carcinogenesis involves their local impact on the pancreas and concurrent whole-body systemic changes that are suitable for cancer initiation. The main mechanisms involved in this process include the excessive accumulation of various nutrients and metabolites promoting carcinogenesis directly while also aggravating mutagenic and carcinogenic metabolic disorders by affecting multiple pathways. Detrimental alterations in gastrointestinal and sex hormone levels and microbiome dysfunction further compromise immunometabolic regulation and contribute to the establishment of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) for carcinogenesis, which can be exacerbated by several crucial pathophysiological processes and TME components, such as autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and exosome secretion. This review provides a comprehensive and critical analysis of the immunometabolic mechanisms of obesity- and DM-related pancreatic carcinogenesis and dissects how metabolic disorders impair anticancer immunity and influence pathophysiological processes to favor cancer initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rexiati Ruze
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100730, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumors, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 100023, Beijing, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 9 Dongdan Santiao, Beijing, China
| | - Jianlu Song
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100730, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumors, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 100023, Beijing, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 9 Dongdan Santiao, Beijing, China
| | - Xinpeng Yin
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100730, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumors, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 100023, Beijing, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 9 Dongdan Santiao, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100730, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumors, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 100023, Beijing, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 9 Dongdan Santiao, Beijing, China
| | - Ruiyuan Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100730, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumors, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 100023, Beijing, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 9 Dongdan Santiao, Beijing, China
| | - Chengcheng Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100730, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumors, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 100023, Beijing, China.
| | - Yupei Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100730, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumors, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 100023, Beijing, China.
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12
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Zhao YX, Xu BW, Wang FQ, Jiang FY, Xu JW, Yu DX. nc-RNA-mediated high expression of CDK6 correlates with poor prognosis and immune infiltration in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Med 2023; 12:5110-5123. [PMID: 36457244 PMCID: PMC9972169 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5260] [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: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging evidence manifests that cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) plays an essential part in the initiation and progression of several types of human cancer, and its descending expression is correlated with an adverse prognosis. However, the precise role of CDK6 in Pancreatic cancer (PC) remains obscure. AIMS To identify the potential ceRNA regulatory axis of CDK6 in PC and explore its relationship with immune cells and immune checkpoints. MATERIALS & METHODS Using The Cancer Genome Atlas TCGA and GTEx data analyze the expression and survival of CDK6 in patients in pan-cancer, and cellular experiments were performed to verify the effect of CDK6 on cell function. Using GEPIA and STARBASE databases to analyze prognosis, expression and survival, and identify non coding RNA (ncRNA) that mediates CDK6 overexpression. The TIMER 2.0 database was used for immune correlation analysis. RESULTS We revealed CDK6 might be an oncogene in PC, and the HOXA11-AS /NR2F1-AS1- miR-454-3p axis was identified as the possible upstream ncRNA-associated pathway of CDK6 in PC. In addition, CDK6 show significant association with three immune checkpoints (PD-L1, PD-L2, and HAVCR2), the infiltration level of immune cells, and immunity biomarkers. DISCUSSION We discussed some applications of CDK6 in breast cancer, melanoma, and hemorrhagic malignancies. The role of miR-15a-5p, HOXA11-AS and NR2F1-AS1 in tumor development was also discussed based on existing studies. The potential mechanism of CDK6 affecting immune cells in pancreatic cancer was discussed. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these results established that nc-RNA-mediated high expression of CDK6 is associated with patient outcomes and immune invasion in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Xuan Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bo-Wen Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fang-Qing Wang
- Department of Radiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Feng-Yang Jiang
- Department of Radiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jian-Wei Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - De-Xin Yu
- Department of Radiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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13
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Guo H, Yang J, Wang H, Liu X, Liu Y, Zhou K. Reshaping the tumor microenvironment: The versatility of immunomodulatory drugs in B-cell neoplasms. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1017990. [PMID: 36311747 PMCID: PMC9596992 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1017990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) such as thalidomide, lenalidomide and pomalidomide are antitumor compounds that have direct tumoricidal activity and indirect effects mediated by multiple types of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). IMiDs have shown remarkable therapeutic efficacy in a set of B-cell neoplasms including multiple myeloma, B-cell lymphomas and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. More recently, the advent of immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of these B-cell neoplasms. However, the success of immunotherapy is restrained by immunosuppressive signals and dysfunctional immune cells in the TME. Due to the pleiotropic immunobiological properties, IMiDs have shown to generate synergetic effects in preclinical models when combined with monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint inhibitors or CAR-T cell therapy, some of which were successfully translated to the clinic and lead to improved responses for both first-line and relapsed/refractory settings. Mechanistically, despite cereblon (CRBN), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, is considered as considered as the major molecular target responsible for the antineoplastic activities of IMiDs, the exact mechanisms of action for IMiDs-based TME re-education remain largely unknown. This review presents an overview of IMiDs in regulation of immune cell function and their utilization in potentiating efficacy of immunotherapies across multiple types of B-cell neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Keshu Zhou
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
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14
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Fleming Martinez AK, Döppler HR, Bastea LI, Edenfield BH, Liou GY, Storz P. Ym1 + macrophages orchestrate fibrosis, lesion growth, and progression during development of murine pancreatic cancer. iScience 2022; 25:104327. [PMID: 35602933 PMCID: PMC9118688 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Desmoplasia around pancreatic lesions is a barrier for immune cells and a hallmark of developing and established pancreatic cancer. However, the contribution of the innate immune system to this process is ill-defined. Using the KC mouse model and primary cells in vitro, we show that alternatively activated macrophages (AAM) crosstalk with pancreatic lesion cells and pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) to mediate fibrosis and progression of lesions. TGFβ1 secreted by AAM not only drives activation of quiescent PSCs but also in activated PSCs upregulates expression of TIMP1, a factor previously shown as crucial in fibrosis. Once activated, PSCs auto-stimulate proliferation via CXCL12. Furthermore, we found that TIMP1/CD63 signaling mediates PanIN lesion growth and TGFβ1 contributes to a cadherin switch and drives structural collapse of lesions, indicating a potential progression step. Taken together, our data indicate TGFβ1 produced by Ym1+ AAM as a major driver of processes that initiate the development of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heike R. Döppler
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Ligia I. Bastea
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Brandy H. Edenfield
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Geou-Yarh Liou
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA,Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Cancer Research & Therapeutic Development, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA 30314, USA
| | - Peter Storz
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA,Corresponding author
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15
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Macrophage and Neutrophil Interactions in the Pancreatic Tumor Microenvironment Drive the Pathogenesis of Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010194. [PMID: 35008355 PMCID: PMC8750413 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The survival rates for patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma are very low. This dismal prognosis is due in part to late detection and early development of metastases, and successful treatments for pancreatic adenocarcinoma are also lacking. One potential method of treatment is immunotherapy, which has been successfully implemented in several cancers. Despite success in other cancer types, there has been little progress in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. To understand these shortcomings, we explore the roles of macrophages and neutrophils, two prominent immune cell types in the pancreatic tumor environment. In this review, we discuss how macrophages and neutrophils lead to the harsh environment that is unique to pancreatic adenocarcinoma. We further explore how these immune cells can impact standard of care therapies and decrease their effectiveness. Macrophages and neutrophils could ultimately be targeted to improve outcomes for patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Abstract Despite modest improvements in survival in recent years, pancreatic adenocarcinoma remains a deadly disease with a 5-year survival rate of only 9%. These poor outcomes are driven by failure of early detection, treatment resistance, and propensity for early metastatic spread. Uncovering innovative therapeutic modalities to target the resistance mechanisms that make pancreatic cancer largely incurable are urgently needed. In this review, we discuss the immune composition of pancreatic tumors, including the counterintuitive fact that there is a significant inflammatory immune infiltrate in pancreatic cancer yet anti-tumor mechanisms are subverted and immune behaviors are suppressed. Here, we emphasize how immune cell interactions generate tumor progression and treatment resistance. We narrow in on tumor macrophage (TAM) spatial arrangement, polarity/function, recruitment, and origin to introduce a concept where interactions with tumor neutrophils (TAN) perpetuate the microenvironment. The sequelae of macrophage and neutrophil activities contributes to tumor remodeling, fibrosis, hypoxia, and progression. We also discuss immune mechanisms driving resistance to standard of care modalities. Finally, we describe a cadre of treatment targets, including those intended to overcome TAM and TAN recruitment and function, to circumvent barriers presented by immune infiltration in pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
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16
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Opitz FV, Haeberle L, Daum A, Esposito I. Tumor Microenvironment in Pancreatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246188. [PMID: 34944807 PMCID: PMC8699458 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a very aggressive neoplasm with a poor survival rate. This is mainly due to late detection, which substantially limits therapy options. A better understanding of the early phases of pancreatic carcinogenesis is fundamental for improving patient prognosis in the future. In this article, we focused on the tumor microenvironment (TME), which provides the biological niche for the development of PDAC from its most common precursor lesions, PanIN (pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias). Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive tumors with a poor prognosis. A characteristic of PDAC is the formation of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) that facilitates bypassing of the immune surveillance. The TME consists of a desmoplastic stroma, largely composed of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), immunosuppressive immune cells, immunoregulatory soluble factors, neural network cells, and endothelial cells with complex interactions. PDAC develops from various precursor lesions such as pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN), intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN), mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCN), and possibly, atypical flat lesions (AFL). In this review, we focus on the composition of the TME in PanINs to reveal detailed insights into the complex restructuring of the TME at early time points in PDAC progression and to explore ways of modifying the TME to slow or even halt tumor progression.
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Pandey V, Fleming-Martinez A, Bastea L, Doeppler HR, Eisenhauer J, Le T, Edenfield B, Storz P. CXCL10/CXCR3 signaling contributes to an inflammatory microenvironment and its blockade enhances progression of murine pancreatic precancerous lesions. eLife 2021; 10:60646. [PMID: 34328416 PMCID: PMC8360647 DOI: 10.7554/elife.60646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of pancreatic cancer requires recruitment and activation of different macrophage populations. However, little is known about how macrophages are attracted to the pancreas after injury or an oncogenic event, and how they crosstalk with lesion cells or other cells of the lesion microenvironment. Here, we delineate the importance of CXCL10/CXCR3 signaling during the early phase of murine pancreatic cancer. We show that CXCL10 is produced by pancreatic precancerous lesion cells in response to IFNγ signaling and that inflammatory macrophages are recipients for this chemokine. CXCL10/CXCR3 signaling in macrophages mediates their chemoattraction to the pancreas, enhances their proliferation, and maintains their inflammatory identity. Blocking of CXCL10/CXCR3 signaling in vivo shifts macrophage populations to a tumor-promoting (Ym1+, Fizz+, Arg1+) phenotype, increases fibrosis, and mediates progression of lesions, highlighting the importance of this pathway in PDA development. This is reversed when CXCL10 is overexpressed in PanIN cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veethika Pandey
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, United States
| | - Alicia Fleming-Martinez
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, United States
| | - Ligia Bastea
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, United States
| | - Heike R Doeppler
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, United States
| | - Jillian Eisenhauer
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, United States
| | - Tam Le
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, United States
| | - Brandy Edenfield
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, United States
| | - Peter Storz
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, United States
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18
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Poh AR, Ernst M. Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Therapeutic Opportunities and Clinical Challenges. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13122860. [PMID: 34201127 PMCID: PMC8226457 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13122860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Macrophages are a major component of the pancreatic tumor microenvironment, and their increased abundance is associated with poor patient survival. Given the multi-faceted role of macrophages in promoting pancreatic tumor development and progression, these cells represent promising targets for anti-cancer therapy. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignant disease with a 5-year survival rate of less than 10%. Macrophages are one of the earliest infiltrating cells in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment, and are associated with an increased risk of disease progression, recurrence, metastasis, and shorter overall survival. Pre-clinical studies have demonstrated an unequivocal role of macrophages in PDAC by contributing to chronic inflammation, cancer cell stemness, desmoplasia, immune suppression, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Several macrophage-targeting therapies have also been investigated in pre-clinical models, and include macrophage depletion, inhibiting macrophage recruitment, and macrophage reprogramming. However, the effectiveness of these drugs in pre-clinical models has not always translated into clinical trials. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms that underpin macrophage heterogeneity within the pancreatic tumor microenvironment, and examine the contribution of macrophages at various stages of PDAC progression. We also provide a comprehensive update of macrophage-targeting therapies that are currently undergoing clinical evaluation, and discuss clinical challenges associated with these treatment modalities in human PDAC patients.
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Zhou X, Liu Y, Hu M, Wang M, Liu X, Huang L. Relaxin gene delivery modulates macrophages to resolve cancer fibrosis and synergizes with immune checkpoint blockade therapy. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/8/eabb6596. [PMID: 33597232 PMCID: PMC7888957 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abb6596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Cancer fibrosis serves as a major therapeutic barrier in desmoplastic tumors. Relaxin (RLN; a systemic hormone) is efficacious to decrease fibrosis, but the in vivo mechanism of action is not clear. Considering the localization of relaxin family peptide receptor type 1 (RXFP1), the receptor for RLN, on macrophages, we hypothesize that macrophages can be modulated by RLN to ameliorate cancer fibrosis. Using KPC mouse model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), here, we report locally expressed RLN with targeted gene delivery induces increased F4/80+CD206+ macrophages originating from Ly6C+ monocytes, promoting fibrosis depletion and cytotoxic T cell infiltration. Moreover, RLN gene delivery synergizes with PD-L1 blockade for tumor inhibition by enhancing T cell-mediated tumor cell killing and macrophage phagocytosis. Collectively, our results reveal previously unidentified insights into the modulation of macrophages to regulate tumor-associated fibrosis, providing a feasible strategy to reverse the immunosuppressive environment and improve the therapeutic outcome of checkpoint immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefei Zhou
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Gastroenterology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, 322000, China
| | - Yun Liu
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Mengying Hu
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Menglin Wang
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Xiangrui Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Gastroenterology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Leaf Huang
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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20
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Chen M, Fang Y, Yang Y, He PJ, Cheng L, Wu HT. Circulating immune parameters-based nomogram for predicting malignancy in laryngeal neoplasm. World J Clin Cases 2021; 9:540-551. [PMID: 33553392 PMCID: PMC7829720 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i3.540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malignancy prediction remains important to preoperative diagnosis and postoperative follow-up in laryngeal neoplasm.
AIM To evaluate the circulating immune population and develop a nomogram for prediction of malignancy in patients with laryngeal neoplasm.
METHODS A primary cohort of 156 patients was divided into laryngeal benign lesion, premalignant lesion and malignant lesion groups. Peripheral blood from patients was measured by blood routine test and flow cytometry. A nomogram was developed and applied to a validation cohort containing 55 consecutive patients.
RESULTS Age, gender and seven circulating immune parameters exhibited significant differences between laryngeal benign lesion and premalignant lesion. The nomogram incorporated predictors, including gender, age, smoke index, proportions of monocytes, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, B cells and CD4/CD8+ T cell ratio. It showed good discrimination between laryngeal premalignant lesion and malignant lesion, with a C-index of 0.844 for the primary cohort. Application of this nomogram in the validation cohort (C-index, 0.804) still had good discrimination and good calibration. Decision curve analysis revealed that the nomogram was clinically useful.
CONCLUSION This novel nomogram, incorporating both clinical risk factors and circulating immune parameters, could be appropriately applied in preoperative individualized prediction of malignancy in patients with laryngeal neoplasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yi Fang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yue Yang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Pei-Jie He
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Lei Cheng
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Hai-Tao Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China
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21
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Yang S, Liu Q, Liao Q. Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Origin, Polarization, Function, and Reprogramming. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:607209. [PMID: 33505964 PMCID: PMC7829544 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.607209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal malignancy. PDAC is only cured by surgical resection in its early stage, but there remains a relatively high possibility of recurrence. The development of PDAC is closely associated with the tumor microenvironment. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are one of the most abundant immune cell populations in the pancreatic tumor stroma. TAMs are inclined to M2 deviation in the tumor microenvironment, which promotes and supports tumor behaviors, including tumorigenesis, immune escape, metastasis, and chemotherapeutic resistance. Herein, we comprehensively reviewed the latest researches on the origin, polarization, functions, and reprogramming of TAMs in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiaofei Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Quan Liao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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22
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Stoica AF, Chang CH, Pauklin S. Molecular Therapeutics of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Targeted Pathways and the Role of Cancer Stem Cells. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2020; 41:977-993. [PMID: 33092892 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2020.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal cancers in humans due to late detection and highly metastatic characteristics. PDAC cells vary in their tumorigenic capabilities with the presence of a subset of PDAC cells known as pancreatic cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are more resistant to currently used therapeutics. Here, we describe the role of CSCs and tumour stroma in developing therapeutic strategies for PDAC and suggest that developmental plasticity could be considered a hallmark of cancers. We provide an overview of the molecular targets in PDAC treatments, including targeted therapies of cellular processes such as proliferation, evasion of growth suppressors, activating metastasis, and metabolic effects. Since PDAC is an inflammation-driven cancer, we also revisit therapeutic strategies targeting inflammation and immunotherapy. Lastly, we suggest that targeting epigenetic mechanisms opens therapeutic routes for heterogeneous cancer cell populations, including CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei-Florian Stoica
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Old Road, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LD, UK
| | - Chao-Hui Chang
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Old Road, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LD, UK
| | - Siim Pauklin
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Old Road, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LD, UK.
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23
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Storz P, Crawford HC. Carcinogenesis of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Gastroenterology 2020; 158:2072-2081. [PMID: 32199881 PMCID: PMC7282937 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2020.02.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Although the estimated time for development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is more than 20 years, PDAs are usually detected at late, metastatic stages. PDAs develop from duct-like cells through a multistep carcinogenesis process, from low-grade dysplastic lesions to carcinoma in situ and eventually to metastatic disease. This process involves gradual acquisition of mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, as well as changes in the pancreatic environment from a pro-inflammatory microenvironment that favors the development of early lesions, to a desmoplastic tumor microenvironment that is highly fibrotic and immune suppressive. This review discusses our current understanding of how PDA originates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Storz
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida.
| | - Howard C. Crawford
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, To whom correspondence should be addressed: Peter Storz, Mayo Clinic, Griffin Room 306, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224. Phone: (904) 953-6909, ; or Howard Crawford, University of Michigan, 4304 Rogel Cancer Center, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive Ann Arbor, MI 48109. Phone: (734) 764-3815,
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24
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Bastea LI, Hollant LMA, Döppler HR, Reid EM, Storz P. Sangivamycin and its derivatives inhibit Haspin-Histone H3-survivin signaling and induce pancreatic cancer cell death. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16588. [PMID: 31719634 PMCID: PMC6851150 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53223-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Current treatment options for patients with pancreatic cancer are suboptimal, resulting in a five year survival rate of about 9%. Difficulties with treatment are due to an immunosuppressive, fibrotic tumor microenvironment that prevents drugs from reaching tumor cells, but also to the limited efficacy of existing FDA-approved chemotherapeutic compounds. We here show that the nucleoside analog Sangivamycin and its closely-related compound Toyocamycin target PDA cell lines, and are significantly more efficient than Gemcitabine. Using KINOMEscan screening, we identified the kinase Haspin, which is overexpressed in PDA cell lines and human PDA samples, as a main target for both compounds. Inhibition of Haspin leads to a decrease in Histone H3 phosphorylation and prevents Histone H3 binding to survivin, thus providing mechanistic insight of how Sangivamycin targets cell proliferation, mitosis and induces apoptotic cell death. In orthotopically implanted tumors in mice, Sangivamycin was efficient in decreasing the growth of established tumors. In summary, we show that Sangivamycin and derivatives can be an efficient new option for treatment of PDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ligia I Bastea
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Laeticia M A Hollant
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Heike R Döppler
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Reid
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Peter Storz
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
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Pandey V, Storz P. Targeting the tumor microenvironment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2019; 19:473-482. [PMID: 31148495 PMCID: PMC6548630 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2019.1622417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The dismally slow improvement in patient survival over the years for pancreatic cancer patients is mainly due to two factors: the late diagnosis, at which point the disease is spread to distant organs; and the fact that tumor cells are surrounded by a dense, highly immunosuppressive microenvironment. The tumor microenvironment not only shields pancreatic cancer cells from chemotherapy but also leaves it unsusceptible to various immunotherapeutic strategies that have been proven successful in other types of cancer. Areas covered: This review highlights the main components of the pancreatic tumor microenvironment, how they cross-talk with each other to generate stroma and promote tumor growth. Additionally, we discuss the most promising treatment targets in the microenvironment whose modulation can be robustly tested in combination with standard of care chemotherapy. Currently, active clinical trials for pancreatic cancer involving components of the microenvironment are also listed. Expert opinion: Although immunotherapeutic approaches involving checkpoint inhibition are being pursued enthusiastically, there is still more work to be done with several other emerging immune targets that could provide therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veethika Pandey
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Peter Storz
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
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