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Nozaki Y, Akiba H, Akazawa H, Yamazawa H, Ishimura K, Kinoshita K, Matsumura I. Inhibition of the TIM-1 and -3 signaling pathway ameliorates disease in a murine model of rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Exp Immunol 2024; 218:55-64. [PMID: 38975703 PMCID: PMC11404125 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxae056] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Members of the T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin (TIM) family, which is crucial for T-cell function, are implicated in autoimmunity. TIM-1 and -3 play distinct roles in autoimmunity, with TIM-1 acting as a costimulatory molecule and TIM-3 regulating Th1 responses. We investigated the therapeutic potential of anti-TIM-1 (RMT1-10) and anti-TIM-3 (RMT3-23) antibodies in an autoimmune arthritis model. Zymosan A was used to induce arthritis in female SKG mice. The arthritis scores, histology, mRNA expression, cytokine levels, micro-computed tomography, and flow cytometry results were obtained. The application of RMT1-10 reduced the arthritis scores, histological damage, and CD4+ T-cell infiltrations, and it suppressed interleukin (IL)-6 and -17A and reduced TIM-3 mRNA expressions. RMT3-23 also lowered arthritis severity, improved histology, and reduced serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-17A. RMT3-23 inhibited intracellular TNF-α and IL-6 and early apoptosis. An amelioration of autoimmune arthritis was achieved by blocking the TIM-1 and -3 signaling pathways via RMT1-10 and RMT3-23 administration, leading to a widespread decrease in inflammatory cytokines. Both antibodies exhibited therapeutic effects, suggesting TIM-1 and -3 as potential targets for rheumatoid arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Nozaki
- Department of Hematology and Rheumatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hisaya Akiba
- Department of Immunology, Juntendo University, School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Akazawa
- Department of Hematology and Rheumatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Yamazawa
- Department of Hematology and Rheumatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kaori Ishimura
- Department of Hematology and Rheumatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Koji Kinoshita
- Department of Hematology and Rheumatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Itaru Matsumura
- Department of Hematology and Rheumatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, Japan
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Chen C, Zhao F, Peng J, Zhao D, Xu L, Li H, Ma S, Peng X, Sheng X, Sun Y, Wang T, Dong H, Ding Y, Wu Z, Liang X, Gao L, Wang H, Ma C, Li C. Soluble Tim-3 serves as a tumor prognostic marker and therapeutic target for CD8 + T cell exhaustion and anti-PD-1 resistance. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101686. [PMID: 39168104 PMCID: PMC11384939 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Resistance to PD-1 blockade in onco-immunotherapy greatly limits its clinical application. T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain containing-3 (Tim-3), a promising immune checkpoint target, is cleaved by ADAM10/17 to produce its soluble form (sTim-3) in humans, potentially becoming involved in anti-PD-1 resistance. Herein, serum sTim-3 upregulation was observed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and various digestive tumors. Notably, serum sTim-3 is further upregulated in non-responding patients undergoing anti-PD-1 therapy for NSCLC and anti-PD-1-resistant cholangiocarcinoma patients. Furthermore, sTim-3 overexpression facilitates tumor progression and confers anti-PD-1 resistance in multiple tumor mouse models. Mechanistically, sTim-3 induces terminal T cell exhaustion and attenuates CD8+ T cell response to PD-1 blockade through carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM-1). Moreover, the ADAM10 inhibitor GI254023X, which blocks sTim-3 production, reduces tumor progression in Tim-3 humanized mice and reverses anti-PD-1 resistance in human tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Overall, human sTim-3 holds great predictive and therapeutic potential in onco-immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaojia Chen
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China; The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA
| | - Fangcheng Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Jiali Peng
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Di Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Liyun Xu
- Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Zhoushan Hospital, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316004, China
| | - Huayu Li
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Shuaiya Ma
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Xueqi Peng
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Xue Sheng
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Yang Sun
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Tixiao Wang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Haoqing Dong
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Yuming Ding
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Zhuanchang Wu
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohong Liang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Lifen Gao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Hongyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, P.R. China
| | - Chunhong Ma
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China.
| | - Chunyang Li
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China.
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Yin Y, Feng W, Chen J, Chen X, Wang G, Wang S, Xu X, Nie Y, Fan D, Wu K, Xia L. Immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in the progression, metastasis, and therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma: from bench to bedside. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:72. [PMID: 39085965 PMCID: PMC11292955 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00539-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly heterogeneous malignancy with high incidence, recurrence, and metastasis rates. The emergence of immunotherapy has improved the treatment of advanced HCC, but problems such as drug resistance and immune-related adverse events still exist in clinical practice. The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) of HCC restricts the efficacy of immunotherapy and is essential for HCC progression and metastasis. Therefore, it is necessary to elucidate the mechanisms behind immunosuppressive TME to develop and apply immunotherapy. This review systematically summarizes the pathogenesis of HCC, the formation of the highly heterogeneous TME, and the mechanisms by which the immunosuppressive TME accelerates HCC progression and metastasis. We also review the status of HCC immunotherapy and further discuss the existing challenges and potential therapeutic strategies targeting immunosuppressive TME. We hope to inspire optimizing and innovating immunotherapeutic strategies by comprehensively understanding the structure and function of immunosuppressive TME in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Weibo Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xilang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Guodong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Yongzhan Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China.
| | - Daiming Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China.
| | - Kaichun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China.
| | - Limin Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China.
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China.
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Sun Y, Zhou W, Zhu M. Serum Metabolomics Uncovers the Mechanisms of Inulin in Preventing Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:895. [PMID: 39065745 PMCID: PMC11279973 DOI: 10.3390/ph17070895] [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: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Inulin may be a promising therapeutic molecule for treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the underlying mechanisms of its therapeutic activity remain unclear. To address this issue, a high-fat-diet-induced NAFLD mouse model was developed and treated with inulin. The NAFLD phenotype was evaluated via histopathological analysis and biochemical parameters, including serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, liver triglycerides, etc. A serum metabolomics study was conducted using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The results revealed that inulin mitigated NAFLD symptoms such as histopathological changes and liver cholesterol levels. Through the serum metabolomics study, 347 differential metabolites were identified between the model and control groups, and 139 differential metabolites were identified between the inulin and model groups. Additionally, 48 differential metabolites (such as phosphatidylserine, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, L-carnitine, and 13-HODE) were identified as candidate targets of inulin and subjected to pathway enrichment analysis. The results revealed that these 48 differential metabolites were enriched in several metabolic pathways such as fatty acid biosynthesis and cardiolipin biosynthesis. Taken together, our results suggest that inulin might attenuate NAFLD partially by modulating 48 differential metabolites and their correlated metabolic pathways, constituting information that might help us find novel therapies for NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhong Sun
- School of Public Health, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China;
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wenjun Zhou
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Mingzhe Zhu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China;
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Chen Y, Chen CY, Huang H, Luo Z, Mu Y, Li S, Huang Y, Li S. Knocking down of Xkr8 enhances chemotherapy efficacy through modulating tumor immune microenvironment. J Control Release 2024; 370:479-489. [PMID: 38685385 PMCID: PMC11186464 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.04.041] [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: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Scramblase Xk-related protein 8 (Xkr8) regulates the externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) during apoptosis and holds a pivotal role in fostering tumor immunosuppression. Targeting Xkr8 in conjunction with chemotherapy demonstrated a novel avenue for amplifying antitumor immune response and overcoming chemo-immune resistance. Here we further evaluated this strategy by using a clinically relevant orthotopic model and elucidated the mechanism through in-depth single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). We found that Xkr8 knockdown exhibited the potential to lead to immunogenic cell death (ICD) by impeding the normal clearance of apoptotic cells. Co-delivery of Xkr8 small interference RNA (siRNA) and a prodrug conjugate of 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) and oxoplatin (FuOXP) showed remarkable therapeutic efficacy in an orthotopic pancreatic tumor model with increased infiltration of proliferative NK cells and activated macrophages in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Single-cell trajectory analysis further unveiled that tumor infiltrating CD8+ T cells are differentiated favorably to cytotoxic over exhausted phenotype after combination treatment. Our study sheds new light on the impact of Xkr8 knockdown on TME and solidifies the rationale of combining Xkr8 knockdown with chemotherapy to treat various types of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuang Chen
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Chien-Yu Chen
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Haozhe Huang
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Zhangyi Luo
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yiqing Mu
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Shichen Li
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yixian Huang
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Song Li
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Huang M, Liu Y, Yan Q, Peng M, Ge J, Mo Y, Wang Y, Wang F, Zeng Z, Li Y, Fan C, Xiong W. NK cells as powerful therapeutic tool in cancer immunotherapy. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024; 47:733-757. [PMID: 38170381 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00909-3] [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] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells have gained considerable attention and hold great potential for their application in tumor immunotherapy. This is mainly due to their MHC-unrestricted and pan-specific recognition capabilities, as well as their ability to rapidly respond to and eliminate target cells. To artificially generate therapeutic NK cells, various materials can be utilized, such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), umbilical cord blood (UCB), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and NK cell lines. Exploiting the therapeutic potential of NK cells to treat tumors through in vivo and in vitro therapeutic modalities has yielded positive therapeutic results. CONCLUSION This review provides a comprehensive description of NK cell therapeutic approaches for tumors and discusses the current problems associated with these therapeutic approaches and the prospects of NK cell therapy for tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao Huang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yixuan Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qijia Yan
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Miao Peng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Junshang Ge
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yongzhen Mo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yumin Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Fuyan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Medicine, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Alkek Building, RM N720, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Chunmei Fan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410013, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Kristenson L, Badami C, Ljungberg A, Islamagic E, Tian Y, Xie G, Hussein BA, Pesce S, Tang KW, Thorén FB. Deletion of the TMEM30A gene enables leukemic cell evasion of NK cell cytotoxicity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2316447121. [PMID: 38557174 PMCID: PMC11009675 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2316447121] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell immunotherapy has gained attention as a promising strategy for treatment of various malignancies. In this study, we used a genome-wide CRISPR screen to identify genes that provide protection or susceptibility to NK cell cytotoxicity. The screen confirmed the role of several genes in NK cell regulation, such as genes involved in interferon-γ signaling and antigen presentation, as well as genes encoding the NK cell receptor ligands B7-H6 and CD58. Notably, the gene TMEM30A, encoding CDC50A-beta-subunit of the flippase shuttling phospholipids in the plasma membrane, emerged as crucial for NK cell killing. Accordingly, a broad range of TMEM30A knock-out (KO) leukemia and lymphoma cells displayed increased surface levels of phosphatidylserine (PtdSer). TMEM30A KO cells triggered less NK cell degranulation, cytokine production and displayed lower susceptibility to NK cell cytotoxicity. Blockade of PtdSer or the inhibitory receptor TIM-3, restored the NK cell ability to eliminate TMEM30A-mutated cells. The key role of the TIM-3 - PtdSer interaction for NK cell regulation was further substantiated by disruption of the receptor gene in primary NK cells, which significantly reduced the impact of elevated PtdSer in TMEM30A KO leukemic cells. Our study underscores the potential significance of agents targeting the interaction between PtdSer and TIM-3 in the realm of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linnea Kristenson
- Tumor Immunology (TIMM) Laboratory at Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg413 90, Sweden
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg413 90, Sweden
| | - Chiara Badami
- Tumor Immunology (TIMM) Laboratory at Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg413 90, Sweden
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg413 90, Sweden
| | - Angelica Ljungberg
- Tumor Immunology (TIMM) Laboratory at Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg413 90, Sweden
| | - Erna Islamagic
- Tumor Immunology (TIMM) Laboratory at Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg413 90, Sweden
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg413 90, Sweden
| | - Yarong Tian
- Tumor Immunology (TIMM) Laboratory at Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg413 90, Sweden
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg413 46, Sweden
| | - Guojiang Xie
- Tumor Immunology (TIMM) Laboratory at Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg413 90, Sweden
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg413 46, Sweden
| | - Brwa Ali Hussein
- Tumor Immunology (TIMM) Laboratory at Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg413 90, Sweden
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg413 90, Sweden
| | - Silvia Pesce
- Tumor Immunology (TIMM) Laboratory at Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg413 90, Sweden
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Genova, Genoa16132, Italy
| | - Ka-Wei Tang
- Tumor Immunology (TIMM) Laboratory at Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg413 90, Sweden
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg413 46, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg413 46, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg413 90, Sweden
| | - Fredrik B. Thorén
- Tumor Immunology (TIMM) Laboratory at Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg413 90, Sweden
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg413 90, Sweden
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Cui Z, Li H, Liu C, Wang J, Chen C, Hu S, Zhao X, Li G. Single-cell data revealed exhaustion of characteristic NK cell subpopulations and T cell subpopulations in hepatocellular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:6550-6565. [PMID: 38604154 PMCID: PMC11042964 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment and prognosis of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been a major medical challenge. Unraveling the landscape of tumor immune infiltrating cells (TIICs) in the immune microenvironment of HCC is of great significance to probe the molecular mechanisms. METHODS Based on single-cell data of HCC, the cell landscape was revealed from the perspective of TIICs. Special cell subpopulations were determined by the expression levels of marker genes. Differential expression analysis was conducted. The activity of each subpopulation was determined based on the highly expressed genes. CTLA4+ T-cell subpopulations affecting the prognosis of HCC were determined based on survival analysis. A single-cell regulatory network inference and clustering analysis was also performed to determine the transcription factor regulatory networks in the CTLA4+ T cell subpopulations. RESULTS 10 cell types were identified and NK cells and T cells showed high abundance in tumor tissues. Two NK cells subpopulations were present, FGFBP2+ NK cells, B3GNT7+ NK cells. Four T cells subpopulations were present, LAG3+ T cells, CTLA4+ T cells, RCAN3+ T cells, and HPGDS+ Th2 cells. FGFBP2+ NK cells, and CTLA4+ T cells were the exhaustive subpopulation. High CTLA4+ T cells contributed to poor prognostic outcomes and promoted tumor progression. Finally, a network of transcription factors regulated by NR3C1, STAT1, and STAT3, which were activated, was present in CTLA4+ T cells. CONCLUSION CTLA4+ T cell subsets in HCC exhibited functional exhaustion characteristics that probably inhibited T cell function through a transcription factor network dominated by NR3C1, STAT1, and STAT3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongfeng Cui
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Henan Provincial Infectious Disease Hospital, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Hongzhi Li
- Department of Tuberculosis, Henan Provincial Infectious Disease Hospital, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Chunli Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Henan Provincial Infectious Disease Hospital, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Henan Provincial Infectious Disease Hospital, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Chunguang Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Henan Provincial Infectious Disease Hospital, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Shanlei Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Henan Provincial Infectious Disease Hospital, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Henan Provincial Infectious Disease Hospital, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Guangming Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Henan Provincial Infectious Disease Hospital, Zhengzhou 450000, China
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9
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Holzmayer SJ, Kauer J, Mauermann J, Roider T, Märklin M. Asciminib Maintains Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity against Leukemic Blasts. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1288. [PMID: 38610966 PMCID: PMC11010908 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is characterized by an accumulation of malignant precursor cells. Treatment consists of multiagent chemotherapy followed by allogeneic stem cell transplantation in high-risk patients. In addition, patients bearing the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene receive concomitant tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy. On the other hand, monoclonal antibody therapy is increasingly used in both clinical trials and real-world settings. The introduction of rituximab has improved the outcomes in CD20 positive cases. Other monoclonal antibodies, such as tafasitamab (anti-CD19), obinutuzumab (anti-CD20) and epratuzumab (anti-CD22) have been tested in trials (NCT05366218, NCT04920968, NCT00098839). The efficacy of monoclonal antibodies is based, at least in part, on their ability to induce antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Combination treatments, e.g., chemotherapy and TKI, should therefore be screened for potential interference with ADCC. Here, we report on in vitro data using BCR-ABL1 positive and negative B-ALL cell lines treated with rituximab and TKI. NK cell activation, proliferation, degranulation, cytokine release and tumor cell lysis were analyzed. In contrast to ATP site inhibitors such as dasatinib and ponatinib, the novel first-in-class selective allosteric ABL myristoyl pocket (STAMP) inhibitor asciminib did not significantly impact ADCC in our settings. Our results suggest that asciminib should be considered in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J. Holzmayer
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (S.J.H.)
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180), Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies, Eberhard Karls University, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Joseph Kauer
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (S.J.H.)
- Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, Department of Immunology, University of Tübingen, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner Site Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany;
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), 69116 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jonas Mauermann
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (S.J.H.)
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180), Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies, Eberhard Karls University, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Roider
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany;
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), 69116 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Melanie Märklin
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (S.J.H.)
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180), Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies, Eberhard Karls University, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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10
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Pang N, Tudahong S, Zhu Y, He J, Han C, Chen G, Wang W, Wang J, Ding J. Galectin-9 alleviates acute graft-versus-host disease after haplo-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation by regulating regulatory T cell/effector T cell imbalance. Immun Inflamm Dis 2024; 12:e1177. [PMID: 38353382 PMCID: PMC10865418 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1177] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) arises from the imbalance of host T cells. Galectin-9 negatively regulates CD4 effector T cell (Th1 and Th17) function by binding to Tim-3. However, the relationship between Galectin-9/Tim-3 and CD4+ T subsets in patients with aGVHD after Haplo-HSCT (haploidentical peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation) has not been fully elucidated. Here, we investigated the role of Galectin-9 and CD4+ T subsets in aGVHD after haplo-HSCT. METHODS Forty-two patients underwent Haplo-HSCT (26 without aGVHD and 16 with aGVHD), and 20 healthy controls were included. The concentrations of Galectin-9, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-4, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, and IL-17 in the serum and culture supernatant were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or cytometric bead array. The expression levels of Galectin-9, PI3K, p-PI3K, and p-mTOR protein were detected by western blot analysis. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the proportions of CD4+ T cell subsets. Bioinformatics analysis was performed. RESULTS In patients with aGVHD, regulatory T (Treg) cells and Galectin-9 decreased, and the Th1, Th17, and Treg cells were significantly imbalanced. Moreover, Treg and Galectin-9 were rapidly reconstituted in the early stage of patients without aGVHD after Haplo-HSCT, but Th17 cells were reconstituted slowly. Furthermore, Tim-3 upregulation on Th17 and Th1 cells was associated with excessive activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway in patients with aGVHD. Specifically, in vitro treatment with Galectin-9 reduced IFN-γ and IL-17 production while augmenting TGF-β secretion. Bioinformatics analysis suggested the potential involvement of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in aGVHD. Mechanistically, exogenous Galectin-9 was found to mitigate aGVHD by restoring the Treg/Teffs (effector T cells) balance and suppressing PI3K. CONCLUSION Galectin-9 may ameliorate aGVHD after haplo-HSCT by modulating Treg/Teffs balance and regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Targeting Galectin-9 may hold potential value for the treatment of aGVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nannan Pang
- Department of PathologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi UniversityShiheziChina
| | - Shabaaiti Tudahong
- Center of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical UniversityXinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Research Institute of HematologyUrumqiChina
| | - Yuejie Zhu
- Reproductive Fertility Assistance CenterThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical UniversityUrumqiChina
| | - Jiang He
- Department of Laboratory MedicineGeneral Hospital of Xinjiang Military Region, PLAUrumqiChina
| | - Chunxia Han
- Center of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical UniversityXinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Research Institute of HematologyUrumqiChina
| | - Gang Chen
- Center of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical UniversityXinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Research Institute of HematologyUrumqiChina
| | - Weiguo Wang
- Department of Urology, Suzhou Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Jing Wang
- Xinjiang Laboratory of Respiratory Disease ResearchTraditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical UniversityUrumqiChina
| | - Jianbing Ding
- Reproductive Fertility Assistance CenterThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical UniversityUrumqiChina
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11
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Chen Y, Huang Y, Huang R, Chen Z, Wang X, Chen F, Huang Y. Interleukin-10 gene intervention ameliorates liver fibrosis by enhancing the immune function of natural killer cells in liver tissue. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 127:111341. [PMID: 38081103 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Interleukin 10 (IL-10) and natural killer (NK) cells have the potential to combat liver fibrosis. However, whether NK cells play an important role in the anti-fibrotic effects of IL-10 is not sufficiently elucidated. In this study, we investigated the regulatory effects of IL-10 on NK cells during liver fibrosis. METHODS Fibrotic mice induced with carbon tetrachloride were treated with or without IL-10 in the presence or absence of NK cells. Liver damage and fibrosis were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin and Sirius Red staining and serum transaminase and liver hydroxyproline assays, respectively. NK cell distribution, quantity, activation, cytotoxicity, development, and origin were analyzed using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine chemokine levels. RESULTS In the presence of NK cells, IL-10 gene intervention improved liver fibrosis and enhanced NK cell accumulation and function in the liver, as evidenced by increased NKG2D, interferon-γ, and CD107a expression. Furthermore, IL-10 promoted the migration of circulating NK cells to the fibrotic liver and elevated C-C motif ligand 5 levels. However, depletion of NK cells exacerbated liver fibrosis and impaired the anti-fibrotic effect of IL-10. CONCLUSIONS The anti-fibrotic effect of IL-10 relies on the enhancement of NK cell immune function, including activation, cytotoxicity, development, and migration. These results provide valuable insights into the mechanisms through which IL-10 regulates NK cells to limit the progression of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhen Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Fujian Institute of Digestive Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
| | - Yixuan Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Fujian Institute of Digestive Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
| | - Rongfeng Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Fujian Institute of Digestive Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
| | - Zhixin Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Fujian Institute of Digestive Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
| | - Xiaozhong Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Fujian Institute of Digestive Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
| | - Fenglin Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Fujian Institute of Digestive Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
| | - Yuehong Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Fujian Institute of Digestive Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
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12
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Zhang J, Ren Z, Hu Y, Shang S, Wang R, Ma J, Zhang Z, Wu M, Wang F, Yu J, Chen D. High HPK1 +PD-1 +TIM-3 +CD8 + T cells infiltration predicts poor prognosis to immunotherapy in NSCLC patients. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 127:111363. [PMID: 38101218 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111363] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
At present the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) remains limited. The lack of responsiveness in certain patients may be attributed to CD8+ T cell exhaustion within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 (HPK1) has been identified as a mediator of T cell dysfunction, leading to our hypothesis that HPK1 positive exhausted CD8+ T cells could serve as a predictor for ICIs' efficacy in NSCLC patients, and potentially indicate key cellular subset causing ICIs resistance. Here, we retrospectively collected tumor tissue samples from 36 NSCLC patients who underwent first-line immunotherapy. Using multiplex immunohistochemistry, we visualized various PD-1+CD8+ T cell subsets and explore biomarkers for response. The analysis endpoints included overall response rate (ORR), progression free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS), correlating them with levels of cell infiltration or effective density. We found that the proportion of PD-1+CD8+ T cell subsets did not align with predictions for ORR, PFS, and OS. Conversely, a high infiltration of HPK1+PD-1+TIM-3+CD8+ T cells was identified as an independent risk factor for both PFS (P = 0.019) and OS (P = 0.03). These cells were found to express the highest levels of Granzyme B, and the secretion of Granzyme B in CD8+ T cell subsets was related to TCF-1. In conclusion, these data suggest that a high infiltration of HPK1+PD-1+TIM-3+CD8+ T cells correlates with poor clinical outcomes in NSCLC patients receiving immunotherapy. These cells may represent terminally exhausted T cells that fail to respond to ICIs, thereby laying the groundwork for the potential integration of HPK1 inhibitors with immunotherapy to enhance treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxin Zhang
- Shandong University Cancer Center, Jinan, Shandong, China; Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ziyuan Ren
- Shandong University Cancer Center, Jinan, Shandong, China; Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yun Hu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shijie Shang
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China; Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ruiyang Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jiachun Ma
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China; Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zengfu Zhang
- Shandong University Cancer Center, Jinan, Shandong, China; Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Meng Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jinming Yu
- Shandong University Cancer Center, Jinan, Shandong, China; Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China; Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Dawei Chen
- Shandong University Cancer Center, Jinan, Shandong, China; Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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13
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Nguyen T, Chen PC, Pham J, Kaur K, Raman SS, Jewett A, Chiang J. Current and Future States of Natural Killer Cell-Based Immunotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Crit Rev Immunol 2024; 44:71-85. [PMID: 38618730 DOI: 10.1615/critrevimmunol.2024052486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells that exhibit high levels of cytotoxicity against NK-specific targets. NK cells also produce various cytokines, and interact with T cells, B cells, and dendritic cells to effectively serve as frontliners of the innate immune system. Produce various cytokines, and interact with T cells, B cells, and dendritic cells to effectively serve as frontliners of the innate immune system. Moreover, NK cells constitute the second most common immune cell in the liver. These properties have drawn significant attention towards leveraging NK cells in treating liver cancer, especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which accounts for 75% of all primary liver cancer and is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Notable anti-cancer functions of NK cells against HCC include activating antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC), facilitating Gasdermin E-mediated pyroptosis of HCC cells, and initiating an antitumor response via the cGAS-STING signaling pathway. In this review, we describe how these mechanisms work in the context of HCC. We will then discuss the existing preclinical and clinical studies that leverage NK cell activity to create single and combined immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tu Nguyen
- UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine
| | - Po-Chun Chen
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, University of California School of Dentistry, 10833 Le Conte Ave, 90095 Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Janet Pham
- Department of Radiology, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kawaljit Kaur
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center of Reconstructive Biotechnology University of California School of Dentistry Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Steven S Raman
- Department of Radiology, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA; The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA School of Dentistry and Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Anahid Jewett
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, University of California School of Dentistry, 10833 Le Conte Ave, 90095 Los Angeles, CA, USA; The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA School of Dentistry and Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jason Chiang
- Department of Radiology, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA; The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA School of Dentistry and Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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14
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Yan JJ, Liu BB, Yang Y, Liu MR, Wang H, Deng ZQ, Zhang ZW. Prognostic value of T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 expression in upper gastrointestinal tract tumors: A meta-analysis. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 15:2212-2224. [PMID: 38173439 PMCID: PMC10758650 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v15.i12.2212] [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: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a lack of robust prognostic markers for upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract cancers, including esophageal, gastric, and esophagogastric junction cancers. T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM3) plays a key immunomodulatory role and is linked to the prognosis of various cancers. However, the significance of TIM3 in upper GI tract tumors is still uncertain. AIM To investigate the prognostic value of TIM3 expression in upper GI tract tumors. METHODS A literature search was conducted on the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases for relevant studies published until June 2023. After screening and quality assessment, studies that met the criteria were included in the meta-analysis. Statistical methods were used for the pooled analysis to assess the association of TIM3 expression in upper GI tract tumors with the prognosis and clinicopathological parameters. The results were reported with the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS Nine studies involving 2556 patients with upper GI tract cancer were included. High TIM3 expression was associated with a worse prognosis in upper GI tract cancer (HR: 1.17, 95%CI: 1.01-1.36). Positive expression of TIM3 in gastric cancer was correlated with the T and N stage, but the difference was not statistically significant. However, TIM3 overexpression was significantly correlated with the TNM stage (odds ratio: 1.21, 95%CI: 0.63-2.33; P < 0.05). TIM3 expression showed no association with the other clinicopathological parameters. CONCLUSION High expression of TIM3 in the upper GI tract cancer is associated with a worse prognosis and advanced T or N stages, indicating its potential value as a prognostic biomarker. These findings may provide a basis for the personalized treatment of upper GI tract cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Jing Yan
- College of Clinical Medicine, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Bing-Bing Liu
- College of Clinical Medicine, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yan Yang
- College of Clinical Medicine, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Meng-Ru Liu
- College of Clinical Medicine, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Han Wang
- College of Clinical Medicine, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Zhen-Quan Deng
- Department of Oncology, Handan First Hospital, Handan 056002, Hebei Province, China
| | - Zhi-Wei Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056000, Hebei Province, China
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15
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Ma S, Tian Y, Peng J, Chen C, Peng X, Zhao F, Li Z, Li M, Zhao F, Sheng X, Zong R, Li Y, Zhang J, Yu M, Zhu Q, Tian X, Li Y, Neckenig MR, Liu H, Zhan P, Yue X, Wu Z, Gao L, Liang X, Liu X, Li C, Ma C. Identification of a small-molecule Tim-3 inhibitor to potentiate T cell-mediated antitumor immunotherapy in preclinical mouse models. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eadg6752. [PMID: 37967204 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adg6752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-containing molecule 3 (Tim-3), expressed in dysfunctional and exhausted T cells, has been widely acknowledged as a promising immune checkpoint target for tumor immunotherapy. Here, using a strategy combining virtual and functional screening, we identified a compound named ML-T7 that targets the FG-CC' cleft of Tim-3, a highly conserved binding site of phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) and carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1). ML-T7 enhanced the survival and antitumor activity of primary CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and human chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells and reduced their exhaustion in vitro and in vivo. In addition, ML-T7 promoted NK cells' killing activity and DC antigen-presenting capacity, consistent with the reported activity of Tim-3. ML-T7 strengthened DCs' functions through both Tim-3 and Tim-4, which is consistent with the fact that Tim-4 contains a similar FG-CC' loop. Intraperitoneal dosing of ML-T7 showed comparable tumor inhibitory effects to the Tim-3 blocking antibody. ML-T7 reduced syngeneic tumor progression in both wild-type and Tim-3 humanized mice and alleviated the immunosuppressive microenvironment. Furthermore, combined ML-T7 and anti-PD-1 therapy had greater therapeutic efficacy than monotherapy in mice, supporting further development of ML-T7 for tumor immunotherapy. Our study demonstrates a potential small molecule for selectively blocking Tim-3 and warrants further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaiya Ma
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Ye Tian
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Jiali Peng
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Chaojia Chen
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Xueqi Peng
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Fabao Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Zhenyu Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Mengzhen Li
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Fangcheng Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Xue Sheng
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Runzhe Zong
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Yiquan Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Jiwei Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Mingyan Yu
- Shandong Institute for Food and Drug Control, Jinan, Shandong 250101, P. R. China
| | - Qingfen Zhu
- Shandong Institute for Food and Drug Control, Jinan, Shandong 250101, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyu Tian
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P. R. China
| | - Yuyang Li
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P. R. China
| | - Markus R Neckenig
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Huiqing Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Xuetian Yue
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Zhuanchang Wu
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Lifen Gao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Xiaohong Liang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Chunyang Li
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Chunhong Ma
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
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Ning Q, Jian T, Cui S, Shi L, Jian X, He X, Zhang X, Li X. Tim-3 facilitates immune escape in benzene-induced acute myeloid leukemia mouse model by promoting macrophage M2 polarization. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 266:115532. [PMID: 37806131 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Benzene poisoning can cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML) through a variety of passways. Tim-3 has gained prominence as a potential candidate in mediating immunosuppression in tumor microenvironments. The macrophage polarization is also related to immune escape. Herein, we reported that Tim-3 and macrophage M2 polarization play a vital role in benzene-induced AML. First, the benzene-induced AML C3H/He mouse model was constructed by subcutaneously injecting 250 mg/kg of benzene. After six months, macrophage phenotype, cytokines, and Tim-3 expression levels were investigated. Flow cytometry assay revealed that the T-cell inhibitory receptor Tim-3 was significantly upregulated in both bone marrow and spleen of the benzene-induced AML mouse model. Elisa's results displayed a decreased serum level of IL-12 while increased TGF-β1. Mechanistically, changes in cytokine secretion promote the growth of M2-type macrophages in the bone marrow and spleen, as determined by immunofluorescence assay. The increased levels of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR in the benzene-exposure group further proved the crucial role of Tim-3 in regulating the functional status of macrophages in the AML microenvironment. These results demonstrate that Tim-3 and macrophage polarization may play a vital role during the immune escape of the benzene-induced AML. This study provides a new potential intervention site for immune checkpoint-based AML therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Ning
- Department of Occupational Diseases, Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250002, China
| | - Tianzi Jian
- Department of Poisoning and Occupational Diseases, Emergency Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Siqi Cui
- Department of Poisoning and Occupational Diseases, Emergency Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Longke Shi
- Department of Poisoning and Occupational Diseases, Emergency Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Xiangdong Jian
- Department of Poisoning and Occupational Diseases, Emergency Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Xiaopeng He
- Department of Thoracic surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China
| | - Xiangxing Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Xiangxin Li
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
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17
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Hao L, Li S, Hu X. New insights into T-cell exhaustion in liver cancer: from mechanism to therapy. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:12543-12560. [PMID: 37423958 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05083-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most common malignancies. T-cell exhaustion is associated with immunosuppression of tumor and chronic infection. Although immunotherapies that enhance the immune response by targeting programmed cell death-1(PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) have been applied to malignancies, these treatments have shown limited response rates. This suggested that additional inhibitory receptors (IRs) also contributed to T-cell exhaustion and tumor prognosis. Exhausted T-cells (Tex) in the tumor immune microenvironment (TME) are usually in a dysfunctional state of exhaustion, such as impaired activity and proliferative ability, increased apoptosis rate, and reduced production of effector cytokines. Tex cells participate in the negative regulation of tumor immunity mainly through IRs on the cell surface, changes in cytokines and immunomodulatory cell types, causing tumor immune escape. However, T-cell exhaustion is not irreversible and targeted immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can effectively reverse the exhaustion of T-cells and restore the anti-tumor immune response. Therefore, the research on the mechanism of T-cell exhaustion in liver cancer, aimed at maintaining or restoring the effector function of Tex cells, might provide a new method for the treatment of liver cancer. In this review, we summarized the basic characteristics of Tex cells (such as IRs and cytokines), discussed the mechanisms associated with T-cell exhaustion, and specifically discussed how these exhaustion characteristics were acquired and shaped by key factors within TME. Then new insights into the molecular mechanism of T-cell exhaustion suggested a potential way to improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy, namely to restore the effector function of Tex cells. In addition, we also reviewed the research progress of T-cell exhaustion in recent years and provided suggestions for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Hao
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 37 Shi-Er-Qiao Road, Chengdu, 610075, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Shi-Er-Qiao Road, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shenghao Li
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 37 Shi-Er-Qiao Road, Chengdu, 610075, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Shi-Er-Qiao Road, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Hu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Shi-Er-Qiao Road, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China.
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18
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Zhao X, Lin M, Huang X. Current status and future perspective of natural killer cell therapy for cancer. MEDICAL REVIEW (2021) 2023; 3:305-320. [PMID: 38235405 PMCID: PMC10790210 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2023-0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells possess innate abilities to effectively eliminate cancer cells. However, because of difficulties of proliferation and easy to be induced dysfunction in the setting of cancer post NK cell therapy, the curative effect of NK cell infusion has been constrained and not been widely applicable in clinical practice. The rapid development of biotechnology has promoted the development of NK cell therapy for cancer treatment. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive analysis of the current status and future prospects of NK cell therapy for cancer, focusing on the biological characteristics of NK cells, as well as strategies to enhance their targeting capabilities and overcome tumor immune suppression within the microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Zhao
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Minghao Lin
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojun Huang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, China
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19
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Lin YR, Zheng FT, Xiong BJ, Chen ZH, Chen ST, Fang CN, Yu CX, Yang J. Koumine alleviates rheumatoid arthritis by regulating macrophage polarization. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 311:116474. [PMID: 37031823 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The imbalance between M1-and M2-polarized macrophages is one of the major pathophysiological changes in RA. Therefore, targeted macrophage polarization may be an effective therapy for RA. Koumine, an alkaloid monomer with the highest content and low toxicity in Gelsemium elegans Benth., has the effect of treating RA by playing an immunomodulatory role by influencing various immune cells. However, whether koumine affects macrophage polarization in RA and the associated molecular mechanisms remain unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the mechanism of the anti-RA effect of koumine on macrophage polarization. MATERIALS AND METHODS The effect of koumine on macrophage polarization was investigated in vivo and in vitro. We first explored the effects of koumine on AIA rats and detected the levels of M1/M2 macrophage polarization markers in the spleen by western blotting. Then, we explored the regulatory effect of koumine on M1/M2 macrophage polarization and the effect on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in vitro. Finally, we verified the effects of koumine on macrophage polarization in CIA mice. RESULTS We found that koumine alleviated symptoms, including relieving pain, reducing joint redness and swelling in AIA rats and restoring the M1/M2 macrophage balance in vivo. Interestingly, koumine had an inhibitory effect on both M1 and M2 macrophage polarization in vitro, but it had a stronger inhibitory effect on M1 macrophage. In a mixed polarization experiment, koumine mainly inhibited M1 macrophage polarization and had an inhibitory effect on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Finally, we found that koumine had therapeutic effects on CIA mice, regulated macrophage polarization and inhibited the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS Our results reveal that koumine regulates macrophage polarization through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This may be one of the important mechanisms of its anti-RA effect, which provides a theoretical and scientific basis for the possible clinical application of koumine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Rong Lin
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Feng-Ting Zheng
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Bo-Jun Xiong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Ze-Hong Chen
- Laboratory of Medical Function, Basic Medical Experimental Teaching Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Shi-Ting Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Chao-Nan Fang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Chang-Xi Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Jian Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
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20
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Wang YW, Zuo JC, Chen C, Li XH. Post-translational modifications and immune responses in liver cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1230465. [PMID: 37609076 PMCID: PMC10441662 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1230465] [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: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modification (PTM) refers to the covalent attachment of functional groups to protein substrates, resulting in structural and functional changes. PTMs not only regulate the development and progression of liver cancer, but also play a crucial role in the immune response against cancer. Cancer immunity encompasses the combined efforts of innate and adaptive immune surveillance against tumor antigens, tumor cells, and tumorigenic microenvironments. Increasing evidence suggests that immunotherapies, which harness the immune system's potential to combat cancer, can effectively improve cancer patient prognosis and prolong the survival. This review presents a comprehensive summary of the current understanding of key PTMs such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, and glycosylation in the context of immune cancer surveillance against liver cancer. Additionally, it highlights potential targets associated with these modifications to enhance the response to immunotherapies in the treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chong Chen
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Medical College of Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Li
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Medical College of Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
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21
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Anari M, Montgomery MK. Phospholipid metabolism in the liver - Implications for phosphatidylserine in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 213:115621. [PMID: 37217141 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115621] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian cells contain more than a thousand different glycerophospholipid species that are essential membrane components and signalling molecules, with phosphatidylserine (PS) giving membranes their negative surface charge. Depending on the tissue, PS is important in apoptosis, blood clotting, cancer pathogenesis, as well as muscle and brain function, processes that are dependent on the asymmetrical distribution of PS on the plasma membrane and/or the capacity of PS to act as anchorage for various signalling proteins. Recent studies have implicated hepatic PS in the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), either as beneficial in the context of suppressing hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, or on the other hand as a potential contributor to the progression of liver cancer. This review provides an extensive overview of hepatic phospholipid metabolism, including its biosynthetic pathways, intracellular trafficking and roles in health and disease, further taking a deeper dive into PS metabolism, including associate and causative evidence of the role of PS in advanced liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marziyeh Anari
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Magdalene K Montgomery
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.
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22
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Martínez-Domínguez SJ, García-Mateo S, Laredo V, Gargallo-Puyuelo CJ, Gallego Llera B, López de la Cruz J, Gomollón F. Liver Fibrosis in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Progression to Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3367. [PMID: 37444477 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133367] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the systematic review is to assess the prevalence and risk factors of liver fibrosis in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and to discuss the role of liver fibrosis in the progression to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We performed a structured search in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus up to 3 March 2023 to identify observational studies reporting liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD and IBD. Quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) score. A total of 23 studies met our inclusion criteria, including 629,781 patients. A total of 10 cross-sectional, 3 case-control, and 10 cohort studies were included. Fourteen studies had a NOS score ≥ 7 points. NAFLD was diagnosed in 2162/6332 (34.1%) IBD participants. However, NAFLD diagnosis was established in 924/2962 (31.2%) healthy individuals without IBD. Advanced liver fibrosis was found in 116 (11.6%) of 992 IBD patients with NAFLD. Most studies found an association between NAFLD and classic cardiovascular risk factors such as older age, male sex, higher BMI, diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia. In addition, metabolic syndrome features were also associated with an increased risk of significant and advanced liver fibrosis. Although no strong association between NAFLD and IBD therapy was reported, some studies associated NAFLD with IBD diagnosis, Crohn's Disease, a complicated course of IBD, disease activity, and IBD duration. Advanced liver fibrosis was also associated with Crohn's disease in several studies. In conclusion, NAFLD and advanced liver fibrosis are prevalent and clinically relevant extraintestinal manifestations, so its diagnosis and potential progression to HCC should be carefully considered in daily clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J Martínez-Domínguez
- Department of Gastroenterology, Lozano Blesa University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- School of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sandra García-Mateo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Lozano Blesa University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- School of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Viviana Laredo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Lozano Blesa University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- School of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Carla J Gargallo-Puyuelo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Lozano Blesa University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- School of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - Julia López de la Cruz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Lozano Blesa University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- School of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Fernando Gomollón
- Department of Gastroenterology, Lozano Blesa University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- School of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER for Liver and Digestive Diseases (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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23
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Li S, Hao L, Zhang J, Deng J, Hu X. Focus on T cell exhaustion: new advances in traditional Chinese medicine in infection and cancer. Chin Med 2023; 18:76. [PMID: 37355637 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-023-00785-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In chronic infections and cancers, T lymphocytes (T cells) are exposed to persistent antigen or inflammatory signals. The condition is often associated with a decline in T-cell function: a state called "exhaustion". T cell exhaustion is a state of T cell dysfunction characterized by increased expression of a series of inhibitory receptors (IRs), decreased effector function, and decreased cytokine secretion, accompanied by transcriptional and epigenetic changes and metabolic defects. The rise of immunotherapy, particularly the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has dramatically changed the clinical treatment paradigm for patients. However, its low response rate, single target and high immunotoxicity limit its clinical application. The multiple immunomodulatory potential of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) provides a new direction for improving the treatment of T cell exhaustion. Here, we review recent advances that have provided a clearer molecular understanding of T cell exhaustion, revealing the characteristics and causes of T cell exhaustion in persistent infections and cancers. In addition, this paper summarizes recent advances in improving T cell exhaustion in infectious diseases and cancer with the aim of providing a comprehensive and valuable source of information on TCM as an experimental study and their role in collaboration with ICIs therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenghao Li
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Shi-Er-Qiao Road, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 37 Shi-Er-Qiao Road, Chengdu, 610075, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Liyuan Hao
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Shi-Er-Qiao Road, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 37 Shi-Er-Qiao Road, Chengdu, 610075, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Junli Zhang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Shi-Er-Qiao Road, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 37 Shi-Er-Qiao Road, Chengdu, 610075, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiali Deng
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Shi-Er-Qiao Road, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 37 Shi-Er-Qiao Road, Chengdu, 610075, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Hu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Shi-Er-Qiao Road, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China.
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24
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Ruff SM, Manne A, Cloyd JM, Dillhoff M, Ejaz A, Pawlik TM. Current Landscape of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:5863-5875. [PMID: 37366922 PMCID: PMC10297531 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30060439] [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: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver maintains a balance between immune tolerance and activation in its role as a filtration system. Chronic inflammation disrupts this immune microenvironment, thereby allowing for the rise and progression of cancer. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a liver tumor generally diagnosed in the setting of chronic liver disease. When diagnosed early, the primary treatment is surgical resection, liver transplantation, or liver directed therapies. Unfortunately, patients with HCC often present at an advanced stage or with poor liver function, thereby limiting options. To further complicate matters, most systemic therapies are relatively limited and ineffective among patients with advanced disease. Recently, the IMbrave150 trial demonstrated that the combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab was associated with better survival compared to sorafenib among patients with advanced HCC. As such, atezolizumab and bevacizumab is now recommended first-line therapy for these patients. Tumor cells work to create an immunotolerant environment by preventing the activation of stimulatory immunoreceptors and upregulating expression of proteins that bind inhibitory immunoreceptors. ICIs work to block these interactions and bolster the anti-tumor function of the immune system. We herein provide an overview of the use of ICIs in the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M. Ruff
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Ashish Manne
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jordan M. Cloyd
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Mary Dillhoff
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Aslam Ejaz
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Timothy M. Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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25
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Chen H, Zha J, Tang R, Chen G. T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM-3): Solving a key puzzle in autoimmune diseases. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 121:110418. [PMID: 37290326 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunctional immune cells participate in the pathogenesis of a variety of autoimmune diseases, although the specific mechanisms remain elusive and effective clinical interventions are lacking. Recent research on immune checkpoint molecules has revealed significant expression of T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM-3) on the surfaces of various immune cells. These include different subsets of T cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and mast cells. Further investigation into its protein structure, ligands, and intracellular signaling pathway activation mechanisms has found that TIM-3, by binding with different ligands, is involved in the regulation of crucial biological processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, phenotypic transformation, effector protein synthesis, and cellular interactions of various immune cells. The TIM-3-ligand axis plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of numerous conditions, including autoimmune diseases, infections, cancers, transplant rejection, and chronic inflammation. This article primarily focuses on the research findings of TIM-3 in the field of autoimmune diseases, with a special emphasis on the structure and signaling pathways of TIM-3, its types of ligands, and the potential mechanisms implicated in systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, as well as other autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation. The latest research results in the field of immunology suggest that TIM-3 dysfunction affects various immune cells and participates in the pathogenesis of diseases. Monitoring the activity of its receptor-ligand axis can serve as a novel biological marker for disease clinical diagnosis and prognosis evaluation. More importantly, the TIM-3-ligand axis and the downstream signaling pathway molecules may become key targets for targeted intervention treatment of autoimmune-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihui Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China; Clinical Immunology Research Center of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jie Zha
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Runyan Tang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guochun Chen
- Clinical Immunology Research Center of Central South University, Changsha, China; Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.
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26
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Shen C, Li M, Duan Y, Jiang X, Hou X, Xue F, Zhang Y, Luo Y. HDAC inhibitors enhance the anti-tumor effect of immunotherapies in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1170207. [PMID: 37304265 PMCID: PMC10250615 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1170207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common liver malignancy with a poor prognosis and increasing incidence, remains a serious health problem worldwide. Immunotherapy has been described as one of the ideal ways to treat HCC and is transforming patient management. However, the occurrence of immunotherapy resistance still prevents some patients from benefiting from current immunotherapies. Recent studies have shown that histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) can enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy in a variety of tumors, including HCC. In this review, we present current knowledge and recent advances in immunotherapy-based and HDACi-based therapies for HCC. We highlight the fundamental dynamics of synergies between immunotherapies and HDACis, further detailing current efforts to translate this knowledge into clinical benefits. In addition, we explored the possibility of nano-based drug delivery system (NDDS) as a novel strategy to enhance HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Shen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Equipment Innovation Research Center/Medical Device Regulatory Research and Evaluation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mei Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Equipment Innovation Research Center/Medical Device Regulatory Research and Evaluation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yujuan Duan
- School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Equipment Innovation Research Center/Medical Device Regulatory Research and Evaluation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoming Hou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Equipment Innovation Research Center/Medical Device Regulatory Research and Evaluation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fulai Xue
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Equipment Innovation Research Center/Medical Device Regulatory Research and Evaluation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yinan Zhang
- School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Luo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Equipment Innovation Research Center/Medical Device Regulatory Research and Evaluation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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27
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Wu M, Wu A, Zhang X, Li Y, Li B, Jin S, Dong Q, Niu X, Zhang L, Zhou X, Du J, Wu Y, Zhai W, Zhou X, Qiu L, Gao Y, Zhao W. Identification of a novel small-molecule inhibitor targeting TIM-3 for cancer immunotherapy. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 212:115583. [PMID: 37148978 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
PD-1/PD-L1 blockade has achieved substantial clinical results in cancer treatment. However, the expression of other immune checkpoints leads to resistance and hinders the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (TIM-3), a non-redundant immune checkpoint, synergizes with PD-1 to mediate T cell dysfunction in tumor microenvironment. Development of small molecules targeting TIM-3 is a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy. Here, to identify small molecule inhibitors targeting TIM-3, the docking pocket in TIM-3 was analyzed by Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) and the Chemdiv compound database was screened. The small molecule SMI402 could bind to TIM-3 with high affinity and prevent the ligation of PtdSer, HMGB1, and CEACAM1. SMI402 reinvigorated T cell function in vitro. In the MC38-bearing mouse model, SMI402 inhibited tumor growth by increasing CD8+ T and natural killing (NK) cells infiltration at the tumor site, as well as restoring the function of CD8+ T and NK cells. In conclusions, the small molecule SMI402 shows promise as a leading compound which targets TIM-3 for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menghan Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Aijun Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiangrui Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yang Li
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Beibei Li
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Shengzhe Jin
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Qingyu Dong
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiaoshuang Niu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Lihan Zhang
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou 450008, China
| | - Xiaowen Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Jiangfeng Du
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yahong Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Bioactive Macromolecules, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Wenjie Zhai
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; International Joint Laboratory for Protein and Peptide Drugs of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiuman Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Lu Qiu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Yanfeng Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China.
| | - Wenshan Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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28
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Goenka A, Khan F, Verma B, Sinha P, Dmello CC, Jogalekar MP, Gangadaran P, Ahn B. Tumor microenvironment signaling and therapeutics in cancer progression. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2023; 43:525-561. [PMID: 37005490 PMCID: PMC10174093 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor development and metastasis are facilitated by the complex interactions between cancer cells and their microenvironment, which comprises stromal cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) components, among other factors. Stromal cells can adopt new phenotypes to promote tumor cell invasion. A deep understanding of the signaling pathways involved in cell-to-cell and cell-to-ECM interactions is needed to design effective intervention strategies that might interrupt these interactions. In this review, we describe the tumor microenvironment (TME) components and associated therapeutics. We discuss the clinical advances in the prevalent and newly discovered signaling pathways in the TME, the immune checkpoints and immunosuppressive chemokines, and currently used inhibitors targeting these pathways. These include both intrinsic and non-autonomous tumor cell signaling pathways in the TME: protein kinase C (PKC) signaling, Notch, and transforming growth factor (TGF-β) signaling, Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress response, lactate signaling, Metabolic reprogramming, cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) and Siglec signaling pathways. We also discuss the recent advances in Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 (PD-1), Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Associated Protein 4 (CTLA4), T-cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 (TIM-3) and Lymphocyte Activating Gene 3 (LAG3) immune checkpoint inhibitors along with the C-C chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4)- C-C class chemokines 22 (CCL22)/ and 17 (CCL17), C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2)- chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5)- chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 3 (CCL3) chemokine signaling axis in the TME. In addition, this review provides a holistic understanding of the TME as we discuss the three-dimensional and microfluidic models of the TME, which are believed to recapitulate the original characteristics of the patient tumor and hence may be used as a platform to study new mechanisms and screen for various anti-cancer therapies. We further discuss the systemic influences of gut microbiota in TME reprogramming and treatment response. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the diverse and most critical signaling pathways in the TME, highlighting the associated newest and critical preclinical and clinical studies along with their underlying biology. We highlight the importance of the most recent technologies of microfluidics and lab-on-chip models for TME research and also present an overview of extrinsic factors, such as the inhabitant human microbiome, which have the potential to modulate TME biology and drug responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anshika Goenka
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of NeurologyThe Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer CenterNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicago, 60611ILUSA
| | - Fatima Khan
- Department of Neurological SurgeryFeinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicago, 60611ILUSA
| | - Bhupender Verma
- Department of OphthalmologySchepens Eye Research InstituteMassachusetts Eye and Ear InfirmaryHarvard Medical SchoolBoston, 02114MAUSA
| | - Priyanka Sinha
- Department of NeurologyMassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative DiseaseMassachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolCharlestown, 02129MAUSA
| | - Crismita C. Dmello
- Department of Neurological SurgeryFeinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicago, 60611ILUSA
| | - Manasi P. Jogalekar
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of California San FranciscoSan Francisco, 94143CAUSA
| | - Prakash Gangadaran
- BK21 FOUR KNU Convergence Educational Program of Biomedical Sciences for Creative Future TalentsDepartment of Biomedical Science, School of MedicineKyungpook National UniversityDaegu, 41944South Korea
- Department of Nuclear MedicineSchool of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University HospitalDaegu, 41944South Korea
| | - Byeong‐Cheol Ahn
- BK21 FOUR KNU Convergence Educational Program of Biomedical Sciences for Creative Future TalentsDepartment of Biomedical Science, School of MedicineKyungpook National UniversityDaegu, 41944South Korea
- Department of Nuclear MedicineSchool of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University HospitalDaegu, 41944South Korea
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29
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Ma K, Zheng ZR, Meng Y. Natural Killer Cells, as the Rising Point in Tissues, Are Forgotten in the Kidney. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050748. [PMID: 37238618 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are members of a rapidly expanding family of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). NK cells play roles in the spleen, periphery, and in many tissues, such as the liver, uterine, lung, adipose, and so on. While the immunological functions of NK cells are well established in these organs, comparatively little is known about NK cells in the kidney. Our understanding of NK cells is rapidly rising, with more and more studies highlighting the functional significance of NK cells in different types of kidney diseases. Recent progress has been made in translating these findings to clinical diseases that occur in the kidney, with indications of subset-specific roles of NK cells in the kidney. For the development of targeted therapeutics to delay kidney disease progression, a better understanding of the NK cell with respect to the mechanisms of kidney diseases is necessary. In order to promote the targeted treatment ability of NK cells in clinical diseases, in this paper we demonstrate the roles that NK cells play in different organs, especially the functions of NK cells in the kidney.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Ma
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Zi-Run Zheng
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Yu Meng
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510000, China
- Department of Nephrology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Heyuan 570000, China
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30
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Foglia B, Beltrà M, Sutti S, Cannito S. Metabolic Reprogramming of HCC: A New Microenvironment for Immune Responses. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087463. [PMID: 37108625 PMCID: PMC10138633 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary liver cancer, ranking third among the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide and whose incidence varies according to geographical area and ethnicity. Metabolic rewiring was recently introduced as an emerging hallmark able to affect tumor progression by modulating cancer cell behavior and immune responses. This review focuses on the recent studies examining HCC's metabolic traits, with particular reference to the alterations of glucose, fatty acid and amino acid metabolism, the three major metabolic changes that have gained attention in the field of HCC. After delivering a panoramic picture of the peculiar immune landscape of HCC, this review will also discuss how the metabolic reprogramming of liver cancer cells can affect, directly or indirectly, the microenvironment and the function of the different immune cell populations, eventually favoring the tumor escape from immunosurveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Foglia
- Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | - Marc Beltrà
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biomedicina Molecular, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Salvatore Sutti
- Department of Health Sciences, Interdisciplinary Research Center for Autoimmune Diseases, University of East Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Stefania Cannito
- Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy
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31
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Dumolard L, Aspord C, Marche PN, Macek Jilkova Z. Immune checkpoints on T and NK cells in the context of HBV infection: Landscape, pathophysiology and therapeutic exploitation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1148111. [PMID: 37056774 PMCID: PMC10086248 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1148111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the interplay between the virus and the host immune system is crucial in determining the pathogenesis of the disease. Patients who fail to mount a sufficient and sustained anti-viral immune response develop chronic hepatitis B (CHB). T cells and natural killer (NK) cells play decisive role in viral clearance, but they are defective in chronic HBV infection. The activation of immune cells is tightly controlled by a combination of activating and inhibitory receptors, called immune checkpoints (ICs), allowing the maintenance of immune homeostasis. Chronic exposure to viral antigens and the subsequent dysregulation of ICs actively contribute to the exhaustion of effector cells and viral persistence. The present review aims to summarize the function of various ICs and their expression in T lymphocytes and NK cells in the course of HBV infection as well as the use of immunotherapeutic strategies targeting ICs in chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucile Dumolard
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team Epigenetics, Immunity, Metabolism, Cell Signaling & Cancer, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Caroline Aspord
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team Epigenetics, Immunity, Metabolism, Cell Signaling & Cancer, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
- R&D Laboratory, Etablissement Français du Sang Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Patrice N. Marche
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team Epigenetics, Immunity, Metabolism, Cell Signaling & Cancer, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Zuzana Macek Jilkova
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team Epigenetics, Immunity, Metabolism, Cell Signaling & Cancer, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
- Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Department, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- *Correspondence: Zuzana Macek Jilkova,
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32
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Emerging RNA-Based Therapeutic and Diagnostic Options: Recent Advances and Future Challenges in Genitourinary Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054601. [PMID: 36902032 PMCID: PMC10003365 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054601] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma, bladder cancer, and prostate cancer are the most widespread genitourinary tumors. Their treatment and diagnosis have significantly evolved over recent years, due to an increasing understanding of oncogenic factors and the molecular mechanisms involved. Using sophisticated genome sequencing technologies, the non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs, have all been implicated in the occurrence and progression of genitourinary cancers. Interestingly, DNA, protein, and RNA interactions with lncRNAs and other biological macromolecules drive some of these cancer phenotypes. Studies on the molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs have identified new functional markers that could be potentially useful as biomarkers for effective diagnosis and/or as targets for therapeutic intervention. This review focuses on the mechanisms underlying abnormal lncRNA expression in genitourinary tumors and discusses their role in diagnostics, prognosis, and treatment.
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33
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Phosphatidylserine in the Nervous System: Cytoplasmic Regulator of the AKT and PKC Signaling Pathways and Extracellular "Eat-Me" Signal in Microglial Phagocytosis. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:1050-1066. [PMID: 36401705 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03133-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) is an important anionic phospholipid found in eukaryotic cells and has been proven to serve as a beneficial factor in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. PtdSer resides in the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane, where it is involved in regulating the AKT and PKC signaling pathways; however, it becomes exposed to the extracellular leaflet during neurodevelopmental processes and neurodegenerative diseases, participating in microglia-mediated synaptic and neuronal phagocytosis. In this paper, we review several characteristics of PtdSer, including the synthesis and translocation of PtdSer, the functions of cytoplasmic and exposed PtdSer, and different PtdSer-detection materials used to further understand the role of PtdSer in the nervous system.
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34
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Cannito S, Dianzani U, Parola M, Albano E, Sutti S. Inflammatory processes involved in NASH-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Biosci Rep 2023; 43:BSR20221271. [PMID: 36691794 PMCID: PMC9874450 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20221271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. In the recent years nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming a growing cause of HCCs and the incidence of NAFLD-related HCCs is expected to further dramatically increase by the next decade. Chronic inflammation is regarded as the driving force of NAFLD progression and a key factor in hepatic carcinogenesis. Hepatic inflammation in NAFLD results from the persistent stimulation of innate immunity in response to hepatocellular injury and gut dysbiosis as well as by the activation of adaptive immunity. However, the relative roles of innate and adaptive immunity in the processes leading to HCC are still incompletely characterized. This is due to the complex interplay between different liver cell populations, which is also strongly influenced by gut-derived bacterial products, metabolic/nutritional signals. Furthermore, carcinogenic mechanisms in NAFLD/NASH appear to involve the activation of signals mediated by hypoxia inducible factors. This review discusses recent data regarding the contribution of different inflammatory cells to NAFLD-related HCC and their possible impact on patient response to current treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Cannito
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Umberto Dianzani
- Department of Health Sciences and Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Autoimmune Diseases, University of East Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Maurizio Parola
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Emanuele Albano
- Department of Health Sciences and Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Autoimmune Diseases, University of East Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Salvatore Sutti
- Department of Health Sciences and Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Autoimmune Diseases, University of East Piedmont, Novara, Italy
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35
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Niu ZS, Wang WH, Niu XJ. Recent progress in molecular mechanisms of postoperative recurrence and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:6433-6477. [PMID: 36569275 PMCID: PMC9782839 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i46.6433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatectomy is currently considered the most effective option for treating patients with early and intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Unfortunately, the postoperative prognosis of patients with HCC remains unsatisfactory, predominantly because of high postoperative metastasis and recurrence rates. Therefore, research on the molecular mechanisms of postoperative HCC metastasis and recurrence will help develop effective intervention measures to prevent or delay HCC metastasis and recurrence and to improve the long-term survival of HCC patients. Herein, we review the latest research progress on the molecular mechanisms underlying postoperative HCC metastasis and recurrence to lay a foundation for improving the understanding of HCC metastasis and recurrence and for developing more precise prevention and intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Shan Niu
- Laboratory of Micromorphology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, Shandong Province, China
| | - Wen-Hong Wang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Niu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Qingdao Shibei District People's Hospital, Qingdao 266033, Shandong Province, China
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36
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Fornari F, Giovannini C, Piscaglia F, Gramantieri L. Animal Models of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Applications in Clinical Research. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2022; 9:1263-1278. [DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s347946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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37
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Chen X, Chen Y, Xin Z, Lin M, Hao Z, Chen D, He T, Zhao L, Wu D, Wu P, Chai Y. Tissue-resident CD69 + CXCR6 + Natural Killer cells with exhausted phenotype accumulate in human non-small cell lung cancer. Eur J Immunol 2022; 52:1993-2005. [PMID: 36205624 PMCID: PMC10098621 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202149608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells with tissue-residency features (trNK cells) are a new subpopulation of NK cells, which plays an important role in tissue homeostasis. However, the characteristics of trNK cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of human cancers remain unclear. Using multicolor flow cytometry, we investigated the quantity, phenotype, and function of trNK cells in biospecimens freshly resected from 60 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. We successfully identified a new CD69+ CXCR6+ trNK subset with an immunomodulatory-like and exhausted phenotype, specifically accumulated in the TME of NSCLC. In vitro experiments showed that CD69+ CXCR6+ trNK cells more readily secreted IFN-γ and TNF-α spontaneously. Furthermore, the production of IFN-γ and TNF-α by tumor-infiltrating CD69+ CXCR6+ trNK cells was not induced by their reactivation in vitro, which is analogous to T-cell exhaustion. Finally, we demonstrated that the dysfunction of CD69+ CXCR6+ trNK cells could be partly ameliorated by PD-1 and CTLA-4 blockade. In summary, we identified a new dysfunctional CD69+ CXCR6+ trNK cell subset that specifically accumulates in the TME of NSCLC. Our findings suggest that CD69+ CXCR6+ trNK cells are a promising target for immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoke Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongyuan Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhongwei Xin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mingjie Lin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhixing Hao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Di Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Oncology Radiotherapy, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Teng He
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lufeng Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Oncology Radiotherapy, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pin Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Chai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Zha Z, Hong Y, Tang Z, Du Q, Wang Y, Yang S, Wu Y, Tan H, Jiang F, Zhong W. FCGR3A: A new biomarker with potential prognostic value for prostate cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1014888. [PMID: 36505767 PMCID: PMC9730230 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1014888] [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: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
To screen target gene cluster by bioinformatics analysis and verify them by in vitro experiment and clinicopathological correlation analysis. We try to find a new biomarker with prognostic value for prostate cancer (PCa). 42 candidate marker genes were constructed by protein protein interaction (PPI) network and enriched by KEGG pathway to find out the gene cluster we are interested in. Prognostic model was established to preliminarily analyze the prognostic value of this gene cluster in PCa, and Cox risk regression was used for comparative analysis. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of each gene in clinical tissue microarray. Finally, we analyzed the correlation between each gene and their clinicopathological features of PCa combined with TCGA clinical data. Based on the analysis of PPI and KEGG, we found the target gene cluster (FCGR3A, HAVCR2, CCR7 and CD28). Prognostic model analysis showed that this gene cluster had the ability to predict biochemical recurrence, and the survival rate and ROC analysis showed favorable prediction effect. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that the risk scores of Gleason score (GS), T stage, N stage and PSA were significantly different (P<0.05), and the risk ratio of high expression was 2.30 times that of low expression (P=0.004). However, it was not statistically significant in multivariate Cox regression analysis (P>0.05). The results of tissue microarray showed that FCGR3A and HAVCR2 were highly expressed in PCa (P<0.01), while the expression of CCR7 and CD28 had no significant difference (P>0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that there was significant difference in BCR free survival of FCGR3A and HAVCR2 (FCGR3A, P=0.010; HAVCR2, P=0.018), while the expression of CCR7 and CD28 had no significant difference on the survival and prognosis of PCa patients (P>0.05). TCGA clinical data analysis found that the expression of FCGR3A had a unique correlation with the clinicopathological features of PCa, which was closely related to the tumor stage. The expression of FCGR3A is related to BCR free survival of PCa patients. Therefore, FCGR3A is a new biomarker with potential prognostic value of PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyu Zha
- School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China,The Second Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China,Department of Urology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Hong
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China,College of The First Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - ZhenFeng Tang
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiuling Du
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shengbang Yang
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China,School of Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yongding Wu
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huijing Tan
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Funneng Jiang
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weide Zhong
- School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China,Department of Urology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Weide Zhong,
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Sharma A, Kumar A, Pandey S, Kumar D. Importance of photophosphatidylserine and Tim-3 in photoimmunotherapy. RSC Med Chem 2022; 13:1274-1275. [PMID: 36439978 PMCID: PMC9667782 DOI: 10.1039/d2md00189f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells help regulate autoimmune reactions, but overactivation causes harm. A Tim-3 receptor is an immune checkpoint that prevents overactivation. Its malfunction is related to autoimmune diseases and is mediated by phosphorylation of Tim-3 and other ligands. Photophosphatidylserine (phoPS) is a photoswitchable instrument that regulates NK cells through Tim-3. PS is bound to multiple receptors; therefore it can be utilised against cancer, infectious disorders, and autoimmune diseases, though more in vitro and in vivo research studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshansh Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shoolini University Solan Himachal Pradesh-173229 India
| | - Arun Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shoolini University Solan Himachal Pradesh-173229 India
| | - Sadanand Pandey
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Yeungnam University Gyeongsan Gyeongbuk 38541 Republic of Korea
| | - Deepak Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shoolini University Solan Himachal Pradesh-173229 India
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40
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Ruff SM, Shannon AH, Pawlik TM. Advances in Targeted Immunotherapy for Hepatobiliary Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13961. [PMID: 36430440 PMCID: PMC9698563 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer of the hepatobiliary system can be divided into primary liver cancer and biliary tract cancer (BTC), which includes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), and gallbladder cancer (GBC). These aggressive cancers often present at an advanced stage or among patients with poorly preserved liver function. The primary treatment for HCC and BTC when diagnosed early is surgical resection, but given the high rate of recurrence and often advanced stage at diagnosis, many patients will require systemic therapy. Unfortunately, even with systemic therapy, long-term survival is poor. The immune system plays an important role in preventing cancer progression. The unique immune environment of the liver and subsequent alterations to the immune microenvironment by tumor cells to create a favorable microenvironment plays a key role in the progression of HCC and BTC. Due to the paucity of effective systemic therapies and distinctive immune environment of the liver, research and clinical trials are investigating the use of immunotherapy in HCC and BTC. This review will focus on current immunotherapies and emerging data for the treatment of HCC and BTC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Timothy M. Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Wexner Medical Center, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, 395 W. 12th Ave., Suite 670, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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41
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Immunotherapy targeting inhibitory checkpoints: The role of NK and other innate lymphoid cells. Semin Immunol 2022; 61-64:101660. [PMID: 36370672 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2022.101660] [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: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies that target specific ligand-receptor signaling pathways and act as immune checkpoint inhibitors have been designed to remove the brakes in T cells and restore strong and long-term antitumor-immunity. Of note, many of these inhibitory receptors are also expressed by Innate Lymphoid Cells (ILCs), suggesting that also blockade of inhibitory pathways in innate lymphocytes has a role in the response to the treatment with checkpoint inhibitors. ILCs comprise cytotoxic NK cells and "helper" subsets and are important cellular components in the tumor microenvironment. In addition to killing tumor cells, ILCs release inflammatory cytokines, thus contributing to shape adaptive cell activation in the context of immunotherapy. Therefore, ILCs play both a direct and indirect role in the response to checkpoint blockade. Understanding the impact of ILC-mediated response on the treatment outcome would contribute to enhance immunotherapy efficacy, as still numerous patients resist or relapse.
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42
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Ruff SM, Shannon AH, Beane JD, Pawlik TM. Highlighting novel targets in immunotherapy for liver cancer. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 16:1029-1041. [PMID: 36404729 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2022.2150841] [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] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alterations to the hepatic immune microenvironment can play a key role in the development and progression of cancer. This is especially true in the liver due to its evolutionarily conserved immunotolerant state. The presence of chronic inflammation can facilitate the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by disrupting the hepatic immune microenvironment. Recently, the addition of the immunotherapy atezolizumab (PD-L1 inhibitor) with bevacizumab (VEGF inhibitor) became the recommended first-line systemic treatment for advanced HCC. AREAS COVERED Given recent updates to the guidelines and emerging data on immunotherapy, we herein provide an overview of currently available and novel immunotherapy approaches for the treatment of HCC, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell therapy, and vaccine development. This review performed an extensive literature search to investigate benchwork, clinical research, and clinical trials that evaluate current immunotherapy and establish new targets. Literature was focused on the most up-to-date research and included ongoing clinical trials to better evaluate the obstacles and future direction of the field. EXPERT OPINION Given the heterogeneity of HCC tumors, improvement in outcomes will likely come from targeting multiple immune mechanisms. Continued research and clinical trials of combination immunotherapies are necessary to move the field forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M Ruff
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Alexander H Shannon
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Joal D Beane
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Xiong J, Wang QQ. Mechanisms and strategies to overcome immunotherapy resistance in hepatobiliary malignancies. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2022; 21:430-439. [PMID: 35907687 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2022.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Unprecedented advances have been achieved in hepatobiliary cancer treatment with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). However, the efficacy of ICB in patients with hepatobiliary malignancies is still limited. Resistance to immunotherapies is often orchestrated by complicated tumor-host-microenvironment interactions but could also occur after initial efficacy, mostly when only partial responses are obtained. Clarification of cancer-resistance mechanisms will be beneficial to provide the rationale for the administration of personalized drugs. Here, we review the factors related to resistance to immune-targeted therapies in hepatobiliary malignancies and discuss the potential strategies for overcoming resistance and future directions of immunotherapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Xiong
- Institute of Immunology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; The Key Laboratory for Immunity and Inflammatory Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qing-Qing Wang
- Institute of Immunology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; The Key Laboratory for Immunity and Inflammatory Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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44
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Wang J, Liu X, Jin T, Cao Y, Tian Y, Xu F. NK cell immunometabolism as target for liver cancer therapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 112:109193. [PMID: 36087507 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are being used effectively as a potential candidate in tumor immunotherapy. However, the migration and transport of NK cells to solid tumors is inadequate. NK cell dysfunction, tumor invasiveness, and metastasis are associated with altered metabolism of NK cells in the liver cancer microenvironment. However, in liver cancers, metabolic impairment of NK cells is still not understood fully. Evidence from various sources has shown that the interaction of NK cell's immune checkpoints with its metabolic checkpoints is responsible for the regulation of the development and function of these cells. How immune checkpoints contribute to metabolic programming is still not fully understood, and how this can be beneficial needs a better understanding, but they are emerging to be incredibly compelling to rebuilding the function of NK cells in the tumor. It is expected to represent a potential aim that focuses on improving the efficacy of therapies based on NK cells for treating liver cancer. Here, the recent advancements made to understand the NK cell's metabolic reprogramming in liver cancer have been summarized, along with the possible interplay between the immune and the metabolic checkpoints in NK cell function. Finally, an overview of some potential metabolic-related targets that can be used for liver cancer therapy treatment has been presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junqi Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Xiaolin Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tianqiang Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Yuqing Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Yu Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Feng Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China.
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Sharafi F, Hasani SA, Alesaeidi S, Kahrizi MS, Adili A, Ghoreishizadeh S, Shomali N, Tamjidifar R, Aslaminabad R, Akbari M. A comprehensive review about the utilization of immune checkpoint inhibitors and combination therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma: an updated review. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:269. [PMID: 35999569 PMCID: PMC9400240 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02682-z] [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: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
A pharmacological class known as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has been developed as a potential treatment option for various malignancies, including HCC. In HCC, ICIs have demonstrated clinically significant advantages as monotherapy or combination therapy. ICIs that target programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1), as well as cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4), have made significant advances in cancer treatment. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), several ICIs are being tested in clinical trials, and the area is quickly developing. As immunotherapy-related adverse events (irAEs) linked with ICI therapy expands and gain worldwide access, up-to-date management guidelines become crucial to the safety profile of ICIs. This review aims to describe the evidence for ICIs in treating HCC, emphasizing the use of combination ICIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faezeh Sharafi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sadegh Abaei Hasani
- Cancer Research Center, Department of General Surgery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Alesaeidi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ali Adili
- Senior Adult Oncology Department, Moffitt Cancer Center, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Department of Oncology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Navid Shomali
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Rozita Tamjidifar
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, 35100, Turkey
- Department of Stem Cell, Institute of Health Sciences, Ege University, Izmir, 35100, Turkey
| | - Ramin Aslaminabad
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, 35100, Turkey
| | - Morteza Akbari
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Seliger B, Koehl U. Underlying mechanisms of evasion from NK cells as rational for improvement of NK cell-based immunotherapies. Front Immunol 2022; 13:910595. [PMID: 36045670 PMCID: PMC9422402 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.910595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells belong to the family of innate immune cells with the capacity to recognize and kill tumor cells. Different phenotypes and functional properties of NK cells have been described in tumor patients, which could be shaped by the tumor microenvironment. The discovery of HLA class I-specific inhibitory receptors controlling NK cell activity paved the way to the fundamental concept of modulating immune responses that are regulated by an array of inhibitory receptors, and emphasized the importance to explore the potential of NK cells in cancer therapy. Although a whole range of NK cell-based approaches are currently being developed, there are still major challenges that need to be overcome for improved efficacy of these therapies. These include escape of tumor cells from NK cell recognition due to their expression of inhibitory molecules, immune suppressive signals of NK cells, reduced NK cell infiltration of tumors, an immune suppressive micromilieu and limited in vivo persistence of NK cells. Therefore, this review provides an overview about the NK cell biology, alterations of NK cell activities, changes in tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment contributing to immune escape or immune surveillance by NK cells and their underlying molecular mechanisms as well as the current status and novel aspects of NK cell-based therapeutic strategies including their genetic engineering and their combination with conventional treatment options to overcome tumor-mediated evasion strategies and improve therapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
- *Correspondence: Barbara Seliger,
| | - Ulrike Koehl
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Liu C, Li X, Xiong F, Wang L, Chen K, Wu P, Hua L, Zhang Z. Down-regulation of MLLT1 super elongation complex subunit impairs the anti-tumor activity of natural killer cells in esophageal cancer. Immunobiology 2022; 227:152238. [PMID: 35763909 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2022.152238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells actively participate in anti-tumor immunity and are thus regarded as a promising tool in immunotherapy against esophageal cancer (EC). However, the mechanisms regulating NK cell activation and exhaustion have not been completely elucidated. In this study, we characterized the expression and function of MLLT1 super elongation complex subunit (MLLT1) in esophageal NK cells in a mouse EC model. MLLT1 was down-regulated in esophageal NK cells, especially NK cells expressing both T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM-3) and lymphocyte activation gene3(LAG-3). In vitro knockdown of MLLT1 in NK cells resulted in significant decreases in the expression of IFN-γ and perforin, as well as impaired NK cell cytotoxicity on tumor cells. Adoptive transfer of MLLT-deficient NK cells into EC-bearing mice showed consistent impairment of NK cell anti-tumor activity, as evidenced by decreases in IFN-γ and perforin but not granzyme B. Furthermore, EC tissue cells, which were enriched from the esophagus of EC-bearing mice, induced down-regulation of MLLT1 in splenic NK cells. This down-regulation was partially restored by a TIM-3 blocking antibody. Therefore, this study indicated that TIM-3 signaling down-regulated MLLT1 in esophageal NK cells, and MLLT1 down-regulation undermined the tumoricidal function of NK cells in EC. Our study unveils a novel mechanism underlying NK cell exhaustion/dysfunction in the EC microenvironment. MLLT1 could be a potential target in future NK cell-mediated immunotherapy against EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Liu
- The Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, 241 Pengliuyang Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430060, China
| | - Xueman Li
- The Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, 241 Pengliuyang Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430060, China
| | - Fei Xiong
- The Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, 241 Pengliuyang Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430060, China
| | - Lingying Wang
- The Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, 241 Pengliuyang Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430060, China
| | - Kang Chen
- The Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, 241 Pengliuyang Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430060, China
| | - Pingshang Wu
- The Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, 241 Pengliuyang Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430060, China
| | - Li Hua
- The Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, 241 Pengliuyang Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430060, China
| | - Zhuo Zhang
- The Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, 241 Pengliuyang Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430060, China.
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Niu ZS, Wang WH. Circular RNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma: Recent advances. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2022; 14:1067-1085. [PMID: 35949213 PMCID: PMC9244981 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v14.i6.1067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have covalently closed loop structures at both ends, exhibiting characteristics dissimilar to those of linear RNAs. Emerging evidence suggests that aberrantly expressed circRNAs play crucial roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by affecting the proliferation, apoptosis and invasive capacity of HCC cells. Certain circRNAs may be used as biomarkers to diagnose and predict the prognosis of HCC. Therefore, circRNAs are expected to become novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HCC. Herein, we briefly review the characteristics and biological functions of circRNAs, focusing on their roles in HCC to provide new insights for the early diagnosis and targeted therapy of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Shan Niu
- Laboratory of Micromorphology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, Shandong Province, China
| | - Wen-Hong Wang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, Shandong Province, China
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Guo J, Wang S, Jiang Z, Tang L, Liu Z, Cao J, Hu Z, Chen X, Luo Y, Bo H. Long Non-Coding RNA RFPL3S Functions as a Biomarker of Prognostic and Immunotherapeutic Prediction in Testicular Germ Cell Tumor. Front Immunol 2022; 13:859730. [PMID: 35669771 PMCID: PMC9165694 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.859730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) is currently on the rise worldwide, of which 15%-30% of patients have occur recurrence and metastasis. However, clinical methods for diagnosing TGCT and judging its prognosis remained inadequate. In this study, we aimed to explore the possibility of testis-specific long-chain non-coding RNA (lncRNA) Ret finger protein-like 3S (RFPL3S) as a biomarker for TGCT diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response by reviewing the TGCT gene expression data in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. The cohort data and DNA methylation data of TGCT in TCGA were downloaded from TGCA, UCSC XENA, and GEO. The bioinformatic tools were used, including GEPIA2, Kaplan-Meier Plotter, LinkedOmics, UCSC XENA, Sangerbox Tools, GSCA, and Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion. Compared with normal testicular tissues, the RFPL3S expression was significantly reduced in TGCT, and was significantly negatively correlated with the patient’s Tumor, Node, Metastasis stage. Hypermethylation and low copy number of RFPL3S were present in TGCT, and low RFPL3S was associated with short disease-free and progression-free intervals. Silencing RFPL3S significantly enhanced the invasion ability and proliferation ability of TGCT cells as evaluated by Transwell and CCK-8 experiments. Additionally, RFPL3S expression was positively correlated with the infiltration of immune-activating cells such as B cells, CD8+ T cells, cytotoxic T cells, and natural killer cells, and negatively correlated with the infiltration of immunosuppressive cells such as Th17 and Th2. Higher RFPL3S expression was present in patients with immunotherapy benefits. In conclusion, we determined that the testis-specific lncRNA RFPL3S functioned as a tumor suppressor in TGCT and could be used as a prognostic predictor of TGCT, as well as a marker to predict the effect of TGCT immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Guo
- National Institution of Drug Clinical Trial, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- Medical Research Center and Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhenzhen Jiang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Le Tang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Zhizhong Liu
- Department of Urology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jian Cao
- Department of Urology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhaolan Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Department of Cosmedic, The First People’s Hospital of Changde City, Changde, China
| | - Yanwei Luo
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hao Bo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Hao Bo,
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Carroll HK, Duffy AG, O'Farrelly C. Liver Immunology, Immunotherapy, and Liver Cancers: Time for a Rethink? Semin Liver Dis 2022; 42:212-224. [PMID: 35263795 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1744143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The complex immune system of the liver has a major role in tumor surveillance, but also partly explains why current immune therapies are poorly effective against liver cancers. Known primarily for its tolerogenic capacity, the hepatic immune repertoire also comprises diverse populations of armored immune cells with tumor surveillant roles. In healthy people, these work together to successfully identify malignant cells and prevent their proliferation, thus halting tumor formation. When frontline hepatic immune surveillance systems fail, compromised hepatic immunity, driven by obesity, infection, or other pathological factors, allows primary or secondary liver cancers to develop. Tumor growth promotes the normal tolerogenic immunological milieu of the liver, perhaps explaining why current immunotherapies fail to work. This review explores the complex local liver immune system with the hope of identifying potential therapeutic targets needed to best overcome immunological barriers in the liver to create an environment no longer hostile to immunotherapy for the treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailey K Carroll
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Mater Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Austin G Duffy
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Mater Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cliona O'Farrelly
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
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