1
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Zhao J, Wang Q, Tan AF, Loh CJL, Toh HC. Sex differences in cancer and immunotherapy outcomes: the role of androgen receptor. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1416941. [PMID: 38863718 PMCID: PMC11165033 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1416941] [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: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Across the wide range of clinical conditions, there exists a sex imbalance where biological females are more prone to autoimmune diseases and males to some cancers. These discrepancies are the combinatory consequence of lifestyle and environmental factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, and oncogenic viruses, as well as other intrinsic biological traits including sex chromosomes and sex hormones. While the emergence of immuno-oncology (I/O) has revolutionised cancer care, the efficacy across multiple cancers may be limited because of a complex, dynamic interplay between the tumour and its microenvironment (TME). Indeed, sex and gender can also influence the varying effectiveness of I/O. Androgen receptor (AR) plays an important role in tumorigenesis and in shaping the TME. Here, we lay out the epidemiological context of sex disparity in cancer and then review the current literature on how AR signalling contributes to such observation via altered tumour development and immunology. We offer insights into AR-mediated immunosuppressive mechanisms, with the hope of translating preclinical and clinical evidence in gender oncology into improved outcomes in personalised, I/O-based cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junzhe Zhao
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Qian Wang
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medical Oncology Cancer Hospital of China Medical University/Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | | | - Celestine Jia Ling Loh
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Sengkang General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Han Chong Toh
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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2
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Fang B, Lu Y, Li X, Wei Y, Ye D, Wei G, Zhu Y. Targeting the tumor microenvironment, a new therapeutic approach for prostate cancer. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 2024:10.1038/s41391-024-00825-z. [PMID: 38565910 DOI: 10.1038/s41391-024-00825-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing number of studies have shown that in addition to adaptive immune cells such as CD8 + T cells and CD4 + T cells, various other cellular components within prostate cancer (PCa) tumor microenvironment (TME), mainly tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), have been increasingly recognized as important modulators of tumor progression and promising therapeutic targets. OBJECTIVE In this review, we aim to delineate the mechanisms by which TAMs, CAFs and MDSCs interact with PCa cells in the TME, summarize the therapeutic advancements targeting these cells and discuss potential new therapeutic avenues. METHODS We searched PubMed for relevant studies published through December 10 2023 on TAMs, CAFs and MDSCs in PCa. RESULTS TAMs, CAFs and MDSCs play a critical role in the tumorigenesis, progression, and metastasis of PCa. Moreover, they substantially mediate therapeutic resistance against conventional treatments including anti-androgen therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Therapeutic interventions targeting these cellular components have demonstrated promising effects in preclinical models and several clinical trials for PCa, when administrated alone, or combined with other anti-cancer therapies. However, the lack of reliable biomarkers for patient selection and incomplete understanding of the mechanisms underlying the interactions between these cellular components and PCa cells hinder their clinical translation and utility. CONCLUSION New therapeutic strategies targeting TAMs, CAFs, and MDSCs in PCa hold promising prospects. Future research endeavors should focus on a more comprehensive exploration of the specific mechanisms by which these cells contribute to PCa, aiming to identify additional drug targets and conduct more clinical trials to validate the safety and efficacy of these treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bangwei Fang
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Genitourinary Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ying Lu
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaomeng Li
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Genitourinary Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yu Wei
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Genitourinary Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Dingwei Ye
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Genitourinary Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Gonghong Wei
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Zhu
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Genitourinary Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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3
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Fischetti I, Botti L, Sulsenti R, Cancila V, Enriquez C, Ferri R, Bregni M, Crivelli F, Tripodo C, Colombo MP, Jachetti E. Combined therapy targeting AR and EZH2 curbs castration-resistant prostate cancer enhancing anti-tumor T-cell response. Epigenomics 2024; 16:653-670. [PMID: 38530086 PMCID: PMC11160446 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2023-0374] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) eventually becomes resistant to androgen receptor pathway inhibitors like enzalutamide. Immunotherapy also fails in CRPC. We propose a new approach to simultaneously revert enzalutamide resistance and rewire anti-tumor immunity. Methods: We investigated in vitro and in subcutaneous and spontaneous mouse models the effects of combining enzalutamide and GSK-126, a drug inhibiting the epigenetic modulator EZH2. Results: Enzalutamide and GSK-126 synergized to reduce CRPC growth, also restraining tumor neuroendocrine differentiation. The anti-tumor activity was lost in immunodeficient mice. Indeed, the combination treatment awoke cytotoxic activity and IFN-γ production of tumor-specific CD8+ T lymphocytes. Conclusion: These results promote the combination of enzalutamide and GSK-126 in CRPC, also offering new avenues for immunotherapy in prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Fischetti
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Botti
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Sulsenti
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Cancila
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Claudia Enriquez
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Renata Ferri
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Claudio Tripodo
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Mario P. Colombo
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Jachetti
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy
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4
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Garnham R, Geh D, Nelson R, Ramon-Gil E, Wilson L, Schmidt EN, Walker L, Adamson B, Buskin A, Hepburn AC, Hodgson K, Kendall H, Frame FM, Maitland N, Coffey K, Strand DW, Robson CN, Elliott DJ, Heer R, Macauley M, Munkley J, Gaughan L, Leslie J, Scott E. ST3 beta-galactoside alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase 1 (ST3Gal1) synthesis of Siglec ligands mediates anti-tumour immunity in prostate cancer. Commun Biol 2024; 7:276. [PMID: 38448753 PMCID: PMC10918101 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05924-0] [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: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade has yet to produce robust anti-cancer responses for prostate cancer. Sialyltransferases have been shown across several solid tumours, including breast, melanoma, colorectal and prostate to promote immune suppression by synthesising sialoglycans, which act as ligands for Siglec receptors. We report that ST3 beta-galactoside alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase 1 (ST3Gal1) levels negatively correlate with androgen signalling in prostate tumours. We demonstrate that ST3Gal1 plays an important role in modulating tumour immune evasion through the synthesises of sialoglycans with the capacity to engage the Siglec-7 and Siglec-9 immunoreceptors preventing immune clearance of cancer cells. Here, we provide evidence of the expression of Siglec-7/9 ligands and their respective immunoreceptors in prostate tumours. These interactions can be modulated by enzalutamide and may maintain immune suppression in enzalutamide treated tumours. We conclude that the activity of ST3Gal1 is critical to prostate cancer anti-tumour immunity and provide rationale for the use of glyco-immune checkpoint targeting therapies in advanced prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Garnham
- Newcastle University, Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Daniel Geh
- Newcastle University, Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Ryan Nelson
- Newcastle University, Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Erik Ramon-Gil
- Newcastle University, Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Laura Wilson
- Newcastle University, Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Edward N Schmidt
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G2, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Laura Walker
- Newcastle University, Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Beth Adamson
- Newcastle University, Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Adriana Buskin
- Newcastle University, Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Anastasia C Hepburn
- Newcastle University, Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Kirsty Hodgson
- Newcastle University, Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Hannah Kendall
- Newcastle University, Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Fiona M Frame
- Cancer Research Unit, Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, North Yorkshire, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Norman Maitland
- Cancer Research Unit, Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, North Yorkshire, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Kelly Coffey
- Newcastle University, Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Douglas W Strand
- Department of Urology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Craig N Robson
- Newcastle University, Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - David J Elliott
- Newcastle University, Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Rakesh Heer
- Newcastle University, Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Matthew Macauley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G2, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Jennifer Munkley
- Newcastle University, Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Luke Gaughan
- Newcastle University, Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Jack Leslie
- Newcastle University, Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Emma Scott
- Newcastle University, Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ, UK.
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5
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Manickasamy MK, Jayaprakash S, Girisa S, Kumar A, Lam HY, Okina E, Eng H, Alqahtani MS, Abbas M, Sethi G, Kumar AP, Kunnumakkara AB. Delineating the role of nuclear receptors in colorectal cancer, a focused review. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:41. [PMID: 38372868 PMCID: PMC10876515 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00808-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) stands as one of the most prevalent form of cancer globally, causing a significant number of deaths, surpassing 0.9 million in the year 2020. According to GLOBOCAN 2020, CRC ranks third in incidence and second in mortality in both males and females. Despite extensive studies over the years, there is still a need to establish novel therapeutic targets to enhance the patients' survival rate in CRC. Nuclear receptors (NRs) are ligand-activated transcription factors (TFs) that regulate numerous essential biological processes such as differentiation, development, physiology, reproduction, and cellular metabolism. Dysregulation and anomalous expression of different NRs has led to multiple alterations, such as impaired signaling cascades, mutations, and epigenetic changes, leading to various diseases, including cancer. It has been observed that differential expression of various NRs might lead to the initiation and progression of CRC, and are correlated with poor survival outcomes in CRC patients. Despite numerous studies on the mechanism and role of NRs in this cancer, it remains of significant scientific interest primarily due to the diverse functions that various NRs exhibit in regulating key hallmarks of this cancer. Thus, modulating the expression of NRs with their agonists and antagonists, based on their expression levels, holds an immense prospect in the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutical modalities of CRC. In this review, we primarily focus on the role and mechanism of NRs in the pathogenesis of CRC and emphasized the significance of targeting these NRs using a variety of agents, which may represent a novel and effective strategy for the prevention and treatment of this cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukesh Kumar Manickasamy
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Sujitha Jayaprakash
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Sosmitha Girisa
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Aviral Kumar
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Hiu Yan Lam
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, 117600, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, 117699, Singapore
| | - Elena Okina
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, 117600, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, 117699, Singapore
| | - Huiyan Eng
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, 117600, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, 117699, Singapore
| | - Mohammed S Alqahtani
- Radiological Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, 61421, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- BioImaging Unit, Space Research Centre, Michael Atiyah Building, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Mohamed Abbas
- Electrical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, 61421, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, 117600, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, 117699, Singapore
| | - Alan Prem Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, 117600, Singapore.
- NUS Center for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, 117699, Singapore.
| | - Ajaikumar B Kunnumakkara
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India.
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6
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Lasser SA, Ozbay Kurt FG, Arkhypov I, Utikal J, Umansky V. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells in cancer and cancer therapy. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:147-164. [PMID: 38191922 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00846-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Anticancer agents continue to dominate the list of newly approved drugs, approximately half of which are immunotherapies. This trend illustrates the considerable promise of cancer treatments that modulate the immune system. However, the immune system is complex and dynamic, and can have both tumour-suppressive and tumour-promoting effects. Understanding the full range of immune modulation in cancer is crucial to identifying more effective treatment strategies. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of myeloid cells that develop in association with chronic inflammation, which is a hallmark of cancer. Indeed, MDSCs accumulate in the tumour microenvironment, where they strongly inhibit anticancer functions of T cells and natural killer cells and exert a variety of other tumour-promoting effects. Emerging evidence indicates that MDSCs also contribute to resistance to cancer treatments, particularly immunotherapies. Conversely, treatment approaches designed to eliminate cancer cells can have important additional effects on MDSC function, which can be either positive or negative. In this Review, we discuss the interplay between MDSCs and various other cell types found in tumours as well as the mechanisms by which MDSCs promote tumour progression. We also discuss the relevance and implications of MDSCs for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha A Lasser
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ)), Heidelberg, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Feyza G Ozbay Kurt
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ)), Heidelberg, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ihor Arkhypov
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ)), Heidelberg, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jochen Utikal
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ)), Heidelberg, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Viktor Umansky
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ)), Heidelberg, Germany.
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.
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7
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Ambrosini G, Cordani M, Zarrabi A, Alcon-Rodriguez S, Sainz RM, Velasco G, Gonzalez-Menendez P, Dando I. Transcending frontiers in prostate cancer: the role of oncometabolites on epigenetic regulation, CSCs, and tumor microenvironment to identify new therapeutic strategies. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:36. [PMID: 38216942 PMCID: PMC10790277 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01462-0] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer, as one of the most prevalent malignancies in males, exhibits an approximate 5-year survival rate of 95% in advanced stages. A myriad of molecular events and mutations, including the accumulation of oncometabolites, underpin the genesis and progression of this cancer type. Despite growing research demonstrating the pivotal role of oncometabolites in supporting various cancers, including prostate cancer, the root causes of their accumulation, especially in the absence of enzymatic mutations, remain elusive. Consequently, identifying a tangible therapeutic target poses a formidable challenge. In this review, we aim to delve deeper into the implications of oncometabolite accumulation in prostate cancer. We center our focus on the consequential epigenetic alterations and impacts on cancer stem cells, with the ultimate goal of outlining novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Ambrosini
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Marco Cordani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul, 34396, Turkey
- Department of Research Analytics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, 600 077, India
| | - Sergio Alcon-Rodriguez
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, School of Medicine, Julián Claveria 6, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Rosa M Sainz
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, School of Medicine, Julián Claveria 6, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Guillermo Velasco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Gonzalez-Menendez
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, School of Medicine, Julián Claveria 6, 33006, Oviedo, Spain.
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Ilaria Dando
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy.
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8
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Hunt KS, Alspach E. Battle Within the Sexes: Differences in Male and Female Immunity and the Impact on Antitumor Responses. Cancer Immunol Res 2024; 12:17-25. [PMID: 37939008 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0005] [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: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
The immune system plays critical roles in regulating tumor progression. However, despite established differences in male and female immune cell function, our appreciation of sex as a variable in antitumor immune responses is only beginning to develop. Recent findings in mice have demonstrated for the first time that disparities in cancer incidence between the sexes are driven in part by differences in male and female T-cell responses. This review will discuss the growing body of literature demonstrating that male and female innate and adaptive immune responses against tumors are not equivalent and highlight the impact this may have on tumor responses to immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katey S Hunt
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Elise Alspach
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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9
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Kostlan RJ, Phoenix JT, Budreika A, Ferrari MG, Khurana N, Cho JE, Juckette K, McCollum BL, Moskal R, Mannan R, Qiao Y, Griend DJV, Chinnaiyan AM, Kregel S. Clinically relevant humanized mouse models of metastatic prostate cancer to evaluate cancer therapies. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.13.562280. [PMID: 37904960 PMCID: PMC10614761 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.13.562280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
There is tremendous need for improved prostate cancer (PCa) models. The mouse prostate does not spontaneously form tumors and is anatomically and developmentally different from the human prostate. Engineered mouse models lack the heterogeneity of human cancer and rarely establish metastatic growth. Human xenografts represent an alternative but rely on an immunocompromised host. Accordingly, we generated PCa murine xenograft models with an intact human immune system (huNOG and huNOG-EXL mice) to test whether humanizing tumor-immune interactions would improve modeling of metastatic PCa and the impact of hormonal and immunotherapies. These mice maintain multiple human cell lineages, including functional human T-cells and myeloid cells. In 22Rv1 xenografts, subcutaneous tumor size was not significantly altered across conditions; however, metastasis to secondary sites differed in castrate huNOG vs background-matched immunocompromised mice treated with enzalutamide (enza). VCaP xenograft tumors showed decreases in growth with enza and anti-Programed-Death-1 treatments in huNOG mice, and no effect was seen with treatment in NOG mice. Enza responses in huNOG and NOG mice were distinct and associated with increased T-cells within tumors of enza treated huNOG mice, and increased T-cell activation. In huNOG-EXL mice, which support human myeloid development, there was a strong population of immunosuppressive regulatory T-cells and Myeloid-Derived-Suppressor-Cells (MDSCs), and enza treatment showed no difference in metastasis. Results illustrate, to our knowledge, the first model of human PCa that metastasizes to clinically relevant locations, has an intact human immune system, responds appropriately to standard-of-care hormonal therapies, and can model both an immunosuppressive and checkpoint-inhibition responsive immune microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond J. Kostlan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153
- Integrated Program in Biomedical Science, Biochemistry, Molecular and Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - John T. Phoenix
- Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153
- Integrated Program in Biomedical Science, Biochemistry, Molecular and Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Audris Budreika
- Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153
- Integrated Program in Biomedical Science, Biochemistry, Molecular and Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Marina G. Ferrari
- Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153
| | - Neetika Khurana
- Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153
| | - Jae Eun Cho
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kristin Juckette
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Brooke L. McCollum
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Russell Moskal
- Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153
| | - Rahul Mannan
- Integrated Program in Biomedical Science, Biochemistry, Molecular and Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yuanyuan Qiao
- Integrated Program in Biomedical Science, Biochemistry, Molecular and Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Arul M. Chinnaiyan
- Integrated Program in Biomedical Science, Biochemistry, Molecular and Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Steven Kregel
- Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153
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10
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Taghizadeh-Hesary F, Houshyari M, Farhadi M. Mitochondrial metabolism: a predictive biomarker of radiotherapy efficacy and toxicity. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:6719-6741. [PMID: 36719474 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04592-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Radiotherapy is a mainstay of cancer treatment. Clinical studies revealed a heterogenous response to radiotherapy, from a complete response to even disease progression. To that end, finding the relative prognostic factors of disease outcomes and predictive factors of treatment efficacy and toxicity is essential. It has been demonstrated that radiation response depends on DNA damage response, cell cycle phase, oxygen concentration, and growth rate. Emerging evidence suggests that altered mitochondrial metabolism is associated with radioresistance. METHODS This article provides a comprehensive evaluation of the role of mitochondria in radiotherapy efficacy and toxicity. In addition, it demonstrates how mitochondria might be involved in the famous 6Rs of radiobiology. RESULTS In terms of this idea, decreasing the mitochondrial metabolism of cancer cells may increase radiation response, and enhancing the mitochondrial metabolism of normal cells may reduce radiation toxicity. Enhancing the normal cells (including immune cells) mitochondrial metabolism can potentially improve the tumor response by enhancing immune reactivation. Future studies are invited to examine the impacts of mitochondrial metabolism on radiation efficacy and toxicity. Improving radiotherapy response with diminishing cancer cells' mitochondrial metabolism, and reducing radiotherapy toxicity with enhancing normal cells' mitochondrial metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzad Taghizadeh-Hesary
- ENT and Head and Neck Research Center and Department, The Five Senses Health Institute, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Clinical Oncology Department, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Houshyari
- Clinical Oncology Department, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Farhadi
- ENT and Head and Neck Research Center and Department, The Five Senses Health Institute, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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11
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Xu P, Yang JC, Chen B, Nip C, Van Dyke JE, Zhang X, Chen HW, Evans CP, Murphy WJ, Liu C. Androgen receptor blockade resistance with enzalutamide in prostate cancer results in immunosuppressive alterations in the tumor immune microenvironment. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e006581. [PMID: 37147019 PMCID: PMC10163595 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-006581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging data suggest that patients with enzalutamide-treated prostate cancer with increased programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression may benefit from anti-PD-L1 treatment. Unfortunately, the Phase III IMbassador250 clinical trial revealed that the combination of atezolizumab (a PD-L1 inhibitor) and enzalutamide failed to extend overall survival in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). However, the mechanisms underlying treatment failure remain unknown. METHODS Human CRPC C4-2B cells and murine Myc-CaP cells were chronically exposed to increasing concentrations of enzalutamide and the cells resistant to enzalutamide were referred to as C4-2B MDVR and Myc-CaP MDVR, respectively. The mechanisms of action in drug-resistant prostate cancer cells were determined using RNA sequencing analyses, RNA interference, real-time PCR, western blotting, and co-culturing technologies. Myc-CaP and Myc-CaP MDVR tumors were established in syngeneic FVB mice, and tumor-infiltrating leukocytes were isolated after enzalutamide treatment. The stained immune cells were determined by flow cytometry, and the data were analyzed using FlowJo. RESULTS Immune-related signaling pathways (interferon alpha/gamma response, inflammatory response, and cell chemotaxis) were suppressed in human enzalutamide-resistant prostate cancer cells. PD-L1 was overexpressed and negatively regulated by androgen receptor signaling in resistant cells and patient with CRPC cohorts. Enzalutamide treatment decreased CD8+ T-cell numbers but increased monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cell (M-MDSC) populations and PD-L1 expression within murine Myc-CaP tumors. Similarly, chemotaxis and immune response-regulating signaling pathways were suppressed, and PD-L1 expression was also increased using enzalutamide-resistant Myc-CaP MDVR cells. Notably, MDSC populations were significantly increased in Myc-CaP MDVR orthotopic tumors compared with those in Myc-CaP parental tumors. Co-culturing bone marrow cells with Myc-CaP MDVR cells significantly promoted MDSC differentiation and shifted towards M2 macrophage skewing. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that immunosuppressive signaling can be promoted directly by enzalutamide-resistant prostate cancer cells and may be a potential means by which the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in enzalutamide-resistant prostate cancer is diminished.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Xu
- Department of Urologic Surgery, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Joy C Yang
- Department of Urologic Surgery, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Bo Chen
- Department of Urologic Surgery, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Christopher Nip
- Department of Urologic Surgery, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Jonathan E Van Dyke
- Flow Cytometry Core, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Xiong Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Hong-Wu Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
- University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Christopher P Evans
- Department of Urologic Surgery, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
- University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - William J Murphy
- University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, California, USA
- Department of Dermatology and Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Chengfei Liu
- Department of Urologic Surgery, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
- University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, California, USA
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12
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Hahn AW, Siddiqui BA, Leo J, Dondossola E, Basham KJ, Miranti CK, Frigo DE. Cancer Cell-Extrinsic Roles for the Androgen Receptor in Prostate Cancer. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad078. [PMID: 37192413 PMCID: PMC10413433 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Given the central role of the androgen receptor (AR) in prostate cancer cell biology, AR-targeted therapies have been the backbone of prostate cancer treatment for over 50 years. New data indicate that AR is expressed in additional cell types within the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, targeting AR for the treatment of prostate cancer has established side effects such as bone complications and an increased risk of developing cardiometabolic disease, indicating broader roles for AR. With the advent of novel technologies, such as single-cell approaches and advances in preclinical modeling, AR has been identified to have clinically significant functions in other cell types. In this mini-review, we describe new cancer cell-extrinsic roles for AR within the tumor microenvironment as well as systemic effects that collectively impact prostate cancer progression and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew W Hahn
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology and the David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Bilal A Siddiqui
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology and the David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Javier Leo
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Eleonora Dondossola
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology and the David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kaitlin J Basham
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Cindy K Miranti
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Daniel E Frigo
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology and the David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
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13
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Bronte G, Conteduca V, Landriscina M, Procopio AD. Circulating myeloid-derived suppressor cells and survival in prostate cancer patients: systematic review and meta-analysis. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 2023; 26:41-46. [PMID: 36411316 DOI: 10.1038/s41391-022-00615-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunotherapy has not achieved improvement of survival in prostate cancer patients. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in tumor microenvironment can hamper its efficacy. Some preclinical studies explored the role of MDSCs in prostate cancer development. We aimed to verify the availability of studies exploring the prognostic effect of circulating MDSCs in prostate cancer patients. METHODS We systematically selected studies for a meta-analysis, which compares survival between prostate cancer patients with high vs low circulating MDSC levels. We extracted or calculated hazard ratios (HRs) and relative 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in terms of overall survival (OS) from selected studies. We calculated the pooled HR and relative 95% CIs and estimated publication bias. RESULTS Among 133 studies retrieved from search on Pubmed, 5 eligible studies (236 prostate cancer patients) met inclusion criteria. High circulating MDSC levels are associated with a worse OS (HR = 2.19; 95%CI = 1.51-3.17). Heterogeneity was not significant (I2 = 0%; p = 0.64). Publication bias was also not significant (Egger's test, p = 0.09). CONCLUSIONS High levels of circulating MDSCs induce a worse OS in prostate cancer patients than in those with low levels. This finding supports the importance of MDSC detection and targeting also in prostate cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Bronte
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO), Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.
- Clinic of Laboratory and Precision Medicine, National Institute of Health and Sciences on Ageing (IRCCS INRCA), Ancona, Italy.
| | - Vincenza Conteduca
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Medical Oncology and Biomolecular Therapy, University of Foggia, Policlinico Riuniti, Foggia, Italy
| | - Matteo Landriscina
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Medical Oncology and Biomolecular Therapy, University of Foggia, Policlinico Riuniti, Foggia, Italy
| | - Antonio Domenico Procopio
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO), Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
- Clinic of Laboratory and Precision Medicine, National Institute of Health and Sciences on Ageing (IRCCS INRCA), Ancona, Italy
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14
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He F, Furones AR, Landegren N, Fuxe J, Sarhan D. Sex dimorphism in the tumor microenvironment - From bench to bedside and back. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:166-179. [PMID: 35278635 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Cancer represents a significant cause of death and suffering in both the developed and developing countries. Key underlying issues in the mortality of cancer are delayed diagnosis and resistance to treatments. However, improvements in biomarkers represent one important step that can be taken for alleviating the suffering caused by malignancy. Precision-based medicine is promising for revolutionizing diagnostic and treatment strategies for cancer patients worldwide. Contemporary methods, including various omics and systems biology approaches, as well as advanced digital imaging and artificial intelligence, allow more accurate assessment of tumor characteristics at the patient level. As a result, treatment strategies can be specifically tailored and adapted for individual and/or groups of patients that carry certain tumor characteristics. This includes immunotherapy, which is based on characterization of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and, more specifically, the presence and activity of immune cell subsets. Unfortunately, while it is increasingly clear that gender strongly affects immune regulation and response, there is a knowledge gap concerning differences in sex-specific immune responses and how these contribute to the immunosuppressive TME and the response to immunotherapy. In fact, sex dimorphism is poorly understood in cancer progression and is typically ignored in current clinical practice. In this review, we aim to survey the available literature and highlight the existing knowledge gap in order to encourage further studies that would contribute to understanding both gender-biased immunosuppression in the TME and the driver of tumor progression towards invasive and metastatic disease. The review highlights the need to include sex optimized/genderized medicine as a new concept in future medicine cancer diagnostics and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei He
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institute, SE-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Urology, First affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Andrea Rodgers Furones
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institute, SE-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden; Tumor Immunology Department, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Nils Landegren
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala 751 23, Sweden; Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine (Solna), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 76, Sweden
| | - Jonas Fuxe
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institute, SE-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dhifaf Sarhan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institute, SE-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden.
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15
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Liu JP, Fang YT, Jiang YF, Lin H. HYAL3 as a potential novel marker of BLCA patient prognosis. BMC Genom Data 2022; 23:63. [PMID: 35945500 PMCID: PMC9361633 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-022-01070-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been previously demonstrated that hyaluronan (HA) potentially regulates the initiation and propagation of bladder cancer (BLCA). HYAL3 encodes hyaluronidase and is a potential therapeutic target for BLCA. We aimed to explore the role that HYAL3 plays in BLCA pathogenesis. METHODS HYAL3 expression in BLCA specimens was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) cohort as well as confirmed in cell lines and The Human Protein Atlas. Then, associations between HYAL3 expression and clinicopathological data were analyzed using survival curves and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The functions of HYAL3 were further dissected using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis and the protein-protein interaction network. Finally, we harnessed the Tumor IMmune Estimation Resource and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis to obtain correlations between HYAL3 expression, infiltrating immunocytes, and the corresponding immune marker sets. RESULTS HYAL3 expression varied greatly between many types of cancers. In addition, a higher HYAL3 expression level predicted a poor overall survival (OS) in both TCGA-BLCA and GEO gene chips (P < 0.05). HYAL3 also exhibited an acceptable diagnostic ability for the pathological stage of BLCA (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve = 0.769). Furthermore, HYAL3 acted as an independent prognostic factor in BLCA patients and correlated with the infiltration of various types of immunocytes, including B cells, CD8+ T cells, cytotoxic cells, T follicular helper cells, and T helper (Th) 2 cells. CONCLUSION HYAL3 might serve as a potential biomarker for predicting poor OS in BLCA patients and correlated with immunocyte infiltration in BLCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Peng Liu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yu-Tong Fang
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yi-Fan Jiang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hao Lin
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong Province, China
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16
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Ma Z, Zhang W, Dong B, Xin Z, Ji Y, Su R, Shen K, Pan J, Wang Q, Xue W. Docetaxel remodels prostate cancer immune microenvironment and enhances checkpoint inhibitor-based immunotherapy. Theranostics 2022; 12:4965-4979. [PMID: 35836810 PMCID: PMC9274752 DOI: 10.7150/thno.73152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Prostate cancer is usually considered as immune "cold" tumor with poor immunogenic response and low density of tumor-infiltrating immune cells, highlighting the need to explore clinically actionable strategies to sensitize prostate cancer to immunotherapy. In this study, we investigated whether docetaxel-based chemohormonal therapy induces immunologic changes and potentiates checkpoint blockade immunotherapy in prostate cancer. Methods: We performed transcriptome and histopathology analysis to characterize the changes of prostate cancer immune microenvironment before and after docetaxel-based chemohormonal therapy. Furthermore, we investigated the therapeutic benefits and underlying mechanisms of chemohormonal therapy combined with anti-PD1 blockade using cellular experiments and xenograft prostate cancer models. Finally, we performed a retrospective cohort analysis to evaluate the antitumor efficacy of anti-PD1 blockade alone or in combination with docetaxel-based chemotherapy. Results: Histopathology assessments on patient samples confirmed the enrichment of tumor-infiltrating T cells after chemohormonal therapy. Moreover, we found that docetaxel activated the cGAS/STING pathway in prostate cancer, subsequently induced IFN signaling, resulting in lymphocytes infiltration. In a xenograft mouse model, docetaxel-based chemohormonal therapy prompted the intratumoral infiltration of T cells and upregulated the abundance of PD1 and PD-L1, thereby sensitizing mouse tumors to the anti-PD1 blockade. To determine the clinical significance of these results, we retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 30 metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients and found that docetaxel combined with anti-PD1 blockade resulted in better prostate-specific antigen progression-free survival when compared with anti-PD1 blockade alone. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that docetaxel activates the antitumoral immune response and facilitates T cell infiltration in a cGAS/STING-dependent manner, providing a combination immunotherapy strategy that would improve the clinical benefits of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehua Ma
- Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Weiwei Zhang
- Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Baijun Dong
- Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Zhixiang Xin
- Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Yiyi Ji
- Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Ruopeng Su
- Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Kai Shen
- Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Jiahua Pan
- Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China.,✉ Corresponding authors: Qi Wang, Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China; Phone: 86-21-63846590; Fax: 86-21-58394262; E-mail: . Jiahua Pan, Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China; Phone: 86-21-63846590; Fax: 86-21-58394262; E-mail: . Wei Xue, Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China; Phone: 86-21-63846590; Fax: 86-21-58394262; E-mail:
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China.,✉ Corresponding authors: Qi Wang, Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China; Phone: 86-21-63846590; Fax: 86-21-58394262; E-mail: . Jiahua Pan, Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China; Phone: 86-21-63846590; Fax: 86-21-58394262; E-mail: . Wei Xue, Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China; Phone: 86-21-63846590; Fax: 86-21-58394262; E-mail:
| | - Wei Xue
- Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China.,✉ Corresponding authors: Qi Wang, Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China; Phone: 86-21-63846590; Fax: 86-21-58394262; E-mail: . Jiahua Pan, Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China; Phone: 86-21-63846590; Fax: 86-21-58394262; E-mail: . Wei Xue, Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China; Phone: 86-21-63846590; Fax: 86-21-58394262; E-mail:
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17
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Chen M, Cheng T, Xu C, Pan M, Wu J, Wang T, Wu D, Yan G, Wang C, Shao J. Sodium houttuyfonate enhances the mono-therapy of fluconazole on oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) through HIF-1α/IL-17 axis by inhibiting cAMP mediated filamentation in Candida albicans-Candida glabrata dual biofilms. Virulence 2022; 13:428-443. [PMID: 35195502 PMCID: PMC8890385 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2035066] [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] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans and Candida glabrata are two common opportunistic fungi that can be co-isolated in oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC). Hypha is a hallmark of the biofilm formation of C. albicans, indispensable for the attachment of C. glabrata, which is seldom in mycelial morphology. Increasing evidence reveals a hypoxic microenvironment in interior fungal biofilms, reminding of a fact that inflammation is usually accompanied by oxygen deprivation. As a result, it is assumed that the disaggregation of hypha-mediated hypoxia of biofilms might be a solution to alleviate OPC. Based on this hypothesis, sodium houttuyfonate (SH), a well-identified traditional herbal compound with antifungal activity, is used in combination with fluconazole (FLU), a well-informed synthesized antimycotics, to investigate their impact on filamentation in C. albicans and C. glabrata dual biofilms and the underlying mechanism of their combined treatment on OPC. The results show that compared with the single therapy, SH plus FLU can inhibit the hyphal growth in the mixed biofilms in vitro, decrease the fungal burden of oral tissues and internal organs, restore mucosal epithelial integrity and function, and reduce hypoxic microenvironment and inflammation in a mice OPC model. The possible mechanism of the combined therapy of SH plus FLU can be attributed to the regulation of HIF-1α/IL-17A axis through direct abrogation of the dual Candida biofilm formation. This study highlights the role of HIF-1α/IL-17A axis and the promising application of SH as a sensitizer of conventional antifungals in the treatment of OPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengli Chen
- Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui P. R, China
| | - Ting Cheng
- Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui P. R, China
| | - Chen Xu
- Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui P. R, China
| | - Min Pan
- Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui P. R, China
| | - Jiadi Wu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R, China
| | - Tianming Wang
- Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui P. R, China.,Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P. R, China
| | - Daqiang Wu
- Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui P. R, China.,Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui P. R, China.,Cas Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Sciences, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membrane-less Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P.r, China
| | - Guiming Yan
- Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui P. R, China.,Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui P. R, China
| | - Changzhong Wang
- Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui P. R, China.,Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui P. R, China
| | - Jing Shao
- Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui P. R, China.,Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui P. R, China
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18
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Treatment with abiraterone or enzalutamide does not impair immunological response to COVID-19 vaccination in prostate cancer patients. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 2022; 25:117-118. [PMID: 34628475 PMCID: PMC8501917 DOI: 10.1038/s41391-021-00455-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Data regarding the safety and efficacy of COVID-10 vaccines among cancer patients are lacking. Factors such as age, underlying disease and antineoplastic treatment confer negatively to the immune response due to vaccination. The degree of immunosuppression though may be lessen by targeted treatments like the androgen receptor-targeted agents (ARTA) that are commonly used in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Herein, we report our data on 25 patients with prostate cancer under treatment with ARTA who were vaccinated for COVID-19. Our data suggest that these patients develop neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 similarly to healthy volunteers. No safety issues were noted.
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19
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Leach DA, Fernandes RC, Bevan CL. Cellular specificity of androgen receptor, coregulators, and pioneer factors in prostate cancer. ENDOCRINE ONCOLOGY (BRISTOL, ENGLAND) 2022; 2:R112-R131. [PMID: 37435460 PMCID: PMC10259329 DOI: 10.1530/eo-22-0065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Androgen signalling, through the transcription factor androgen receptor (AR), is vital to all stages of prostate development and most prostate cancer progression. AR signalling controls differentiation, morphogenesis, and function of the prostate. It also drives proliferation and survival in prostate cancer cells as the tumour progresses; given this importance, it is the main therapeutic target for disseminated disease. AR is also essential in the surrounding stroma, for the embryonic development of the prostate and controlling epithelial glandular development. Stromal AR is also important in cancer initiation, regulating paracrine factors that excite cancer cell proliferation, but lower stromal AR expression correlates with shorter time to progression/worse outcomes. The profile of AR target genes is different between benign and cancerous epithelial cells, between castrate-resistant prostate cancer cells and treatment-naïve cancer cells, between metastatic and primary cancer cells, and between epithelial cells and fibroblasts. This is also true of AR DNA-binding profiles. Potentially regulating the cellular specificity of AR binding and action are pioneer factors and coregulators, which control and influence the ability of AR to bind to chromatin and regulate gene expression. The expression of these factors differs between benign and cancerous cells, as well as throughout disease progression. The expression profile is also different between fibroblast and mesenchymal cell types. The functional importance of coregulators and pioneer factors in androgen signalling makes them attractive therapeutic targets, but given the contextual expression of these factors, it is essential to understand their roles in different cancerous and cell-lineage states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien A Leach
- Division of Cancer, Imperial Centre for Translational & Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - Rayzel C Fernandes
- Division of Cancer, Imperial Centre for Translational & Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - Charlotte L Bevan
- Division of Cancer, Imperial Centre for Translational & Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK
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20
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Koinis F, Xagara A, Chantzara E, Leontopoulou V, Aidarinis C, Kotsakis A. Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Prostate Cancer: Present Knowledge and Future Perspectives. Cells 2021; 11:20. [PMID: 35011582 PMCID: PMC8750906 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Several lines of research are being investigated to better understand mechanisms implicated in response or resistance to immune checkpoint blockade in prostate cancer (PCa). Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have emerged as a major mediator of immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment that promotes progression of various tumor types. The main mechanisms underlying MDSC-induced immunosuppression are currently being explored and strategies to enhance anti-tumor immune response via MDSC targeting are being tested. However, the role of MDSCs in PCa remains elusive. In this review, we aim to summarize and present the state-of-the-art knowledge on current methodologies to phenotypically and metabolically characterize MDSCs in PCa. We describe how these characteristics may be linked with MDSC function and may influence the clinical outcomes of patients with PCa. Finally, we briefly discuss emerging strategies being employed to therapeutically target MDSCs and potentiate the long-overdue improvement in the efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippos Koinis
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Larissa, 41221 Larissa, Thessaly, Greece; (F.K.); (E.C.); (V.L.); (C.A.)
- Laboratory of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Thessaly, Greece;
| | - Anastasia Xagara
- Laboratory of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Thessaly, Greece;
| | - Evangelia Chantzara
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Larissa, 41221 Larissa, Thessaly, Greece; (F.K.); (E.C.); (V.L.); (C.A.)
| | - Vassiliki Leontopoulou
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Larissa, 41221 Larissa, Thessaly, Greece; (F.K.); (E.C.); (V.L.); (C.A.)
| | - Chrissovalantis Aidarinis
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Larissa, 41221 Larissa, Thessaly, Greece; (F.K.); (E.C.); (V.L.); (C.A.)
| | - Athanasios Kotsakis
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Larissa, 41221 Larissa, Thessaly, Greece; (F.K.); (E.C.); (V.L.); (C.A.)
- Laboratory of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Thessaly, Greece;
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21
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Kohada Y, Kaiho Y, Takeda K, Kuromoto A, Ito J, Teishima J, Nakamura Y, Kaifu T, Nakamura A, Sato M. Analysis of the circulating myeloid-derived suppressor cells during androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer. IJU Case Rep 2021; 4:367-370. [PMID: 34755058 PMCID: PMC8560438 DOI: 10.1002/iju5.12351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The present study showed the involvement of immunosuppressive myeloid-derived suppressor cells during the disease progression in a 69-year-old man with a prostate cancer. CASE PRESENTATION The patient with metastatic PC (cT4N1M1ab) was initially treated with primary androgen deprivation therapy for 5 months and then chemotherapy with docetaxel, but he expired at the 8th month. In order to investigate whether myeloid-derived suppressor cells are implicated in the cancer exacerbation during androgen deprivation therapy, we assessed the long-term changes in peripheral blood myeloid-derived suppressor cell fractions by using flow cytometry. While prostate-specific antigen levels decreased after androgen deprivation therapy, the population of each myeloid-derived suppressor cell subsets increased during disease deterioration. CONCLUSION Increase in myeloid-derived suppressor cells populations was correlated with prostate cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Kohada
- Division of UrologyFaculty of MedicineTohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical UniversitySendaiJapan
- Department of UrologyHiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesHiroshimaJapan
| | - Yasuhiro Kaiho
- Division of UrologyFaculty of MedicineTohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical UniversitySendaiJapan
| | - Kazuya Takeda
- Divisions ofImmunologyFaculty of MedicineTohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical UniversitySendaiJapan
| | - Akito Kuromoto
- Division of UrologyFaculty of MedicineTohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical UniversitySendaiJapan
| | - Jun Ito
- Division of UrologyFaculty of MedicineTohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical UniversitySendaiJapan
| | - Jun Teishima
- Department of UrologyHiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesHiroshimaJapan
| | - Yasuhiro Nakamura
- Division ofPathologyFaculty of MedicineTohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical UniversitySendaiJapan
| | - Tomonori Kaifu
- Divisions ofImmunologyFaculty of MedicineTohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical UniversitySendaiJapan
| | - Akira Nakamura
- Divisions ofImmunologyFaculty of MedicineTohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical UniversitySendaiJapan
| | - Makoto Sato
- Division of UrologyFaculty of MedicineTohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical UniversitySendaiJapan
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22
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Sharpe MA, Baskin DS, Jenson AV, Baskin AM. Hijacking Sexual Immuno-Privilege in GBM-An Immuno-Evasion Strategy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10983. [PMID: 34681642 PMCID: PMC8536168 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222010983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T-cells (Tregs) are immunosuppressive T-cells, which arrest immune responses to 'Self' tissues. Some immunosuppressive Tregs that recognize seminal epitopes suppress immune responses to the proteins in semen, in both men and women. We postulated that GBMs express reproductive-associated proteins to manipulate reproductive Tregs and to gain immune privilege. We analyzed four GBM transcriptome databases representing ≈900 tumors for hypoxia-responsive Tregs, steroidogenic pathways, and sperm/testicular and placenta-specific genes, stratifying tumors by expression. In silico analysis suggested that the presence of reproductive-associated Tregs in GBM tumors was associated with worse patient outcomes. These tumors have an androgenic signature, express male-specific antigens, and attract reproductive-associated Related Orphan Receptor C (RORC)-Treg immunosuppressive cells. GBM patient sera were interrogated for the presence of anti-sperm/testicular antibodies, along with age-matched controls, utilizing monkey testicle sections. GBM patient serum contained anti-sperm/testicular antibodies at levels > six-fold that of controls. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are associated with estrogenic tumors which appear to mimic placental tissue. We demonstrate that RORC-Tregs drive poor patient outcome, and Treg infiltration correlates strongly with androgen levels. Androgens support GBM expression of sperm/testicular proteins allowing Tregs from the patient's reproductive system to infiltrate the tumor. In contrast, estrogen appears responsible for MDSC/TAM immunosuppression.
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MESH Headings
- Androgens/metabolism
- Brain Neoplasms/immunology
- Brain Neoplasms/mortality
- Brain Neoplasms/pathology
- Carrier Proteins/genetics
- Carrier Proteins/metabolism
- Databases, Factual
- Estrogens/metabolism
- Female
- Glioblastoma/immunology
- Glioblastoma/mortality
- Glioblastoma/pathology
- Humans
- Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/genetics
- Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism
- Kaplan-Meier Estimate
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/metabolism
- Male
- Microglia/immunology
- Microglia/metabolism
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3/genetics
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism
- Tumor Microenvironment
- Tumor-Associated Macrophages/immunology
- Tumor-Associated Macrophages/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyn A. Sharpe
- Kenneth R. Peak Brain and Pituitary Tumor Treatment Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital and Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (D.S.B.); (A.V.J.); (A.M.B.)
| | - David S. Baskin
- Kenneth R. Peak Brain and Pituitary Tumor Treatment Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital and Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (D.S.B.); (A.V.J.); (A.M.B.)
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Amanda V. Jenson
- Kenneth R. Peak Brain and Pituitary Tumor Treatment Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital and Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (D.S.B.); (A.V.J.); (A.M.B.)
| | - Alexandra M. Baskin
- Kenneth R. Peak Brain and Pituitary Tumor Treatment Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital and Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (D.S.B.); (A.V.J.); (A.M.B.)
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23
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Jachetti E, Sangaletti S, Chiodoni C, Ferrara R, Colombo MP. Modulation of PD-1/PD-L1 axis in myeloid-derived suppressor cells by anti-cancer treatments. Cell Immunol 2021; 362:104301. [PMID: 33588246 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2021.104301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Immuno checkpoint blockade (ICB) targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis is the main breakthrough for the treatment of several cancers. Nevertheless, not all patients benefit from this treatment and clinical response not always correlates with PD-L1 expression by tumor cells. The tumor microenvironment, including myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), can influence therapeutic resistance to ICB. MDSCs also express PD-L1, which contributes to their suppressive activity. Moreover, anticancer therapies including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone- and targeted- therapies can modulate MDSCs recruitment, activity and PD-L1 expression. Such effects can be induced also by innovative anticancer treatments targeting metabolism and lifestyle. The outcome on cancer progression can be either positive or negative, depending on tumor type, treatment schedule and possible combination with ICB. Further studies are needed to better understand the effects of cancer therapies on the PD-1/PD-L1 axis, to identify patients that could benefit from combinatorial regimens including ICB or that rather should avoid it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Jachetti
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Sabina Sangaletti
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Chiodoni
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Ferrara
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy; Thoracic Oncology Unit, Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Mario P Colombo
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy.
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24
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Fraga-Silva TFDC, Maruyama SR, Sorgi CA, Russo EMDS, Fernandes APM, de Barros Cardoso CR, Faccioli LH, Dias-Baruffi M, Bonato VLD. COVID-19: Integrating the Complexity of Systemic and Pulmonary Immunopathology to Identify Biomarkers for Different Outcomes. Front Immunol 2021; 11:599736. [PMID: 33584667 PMCID: PMC7878380 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.599736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last few months, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected millions of people worldwide and has provoked an exceptional effort from the scientific community to understand the disease. Clinical evidence suggests that severe COVID-19 is associated with both dysregulation of damage tolerance caused by pulmonary immunopathology and high viral load. In this review article, we describe and discuss clinical studies that show advances in the understanding of mild and severe illness and we highlight major points that are critical for improving the comprehension of different clinical outcomes. The understanding of pulmonary immunopathology will contribute to the identification of biomarkers in an attempt to classify mild, moderate, severe and critical COVID-19 illness. The interface of pulmonary immunopathology and the identification of biomarkers are critical for the development of new therapeutic strategies aimed to reduce the systemic and pulmonary hyperinflammation in severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais Fernanda de Campos Fraga-Silva
- Basic and Applied Immunology Program, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sandra Regina Maruyama
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Federal University of Sao Carlos, Sao Carlos, Brazil
| | - Carlos Arterio Sorgi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Elisa Maria de Sousa Russo
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicological and Food Science Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Morais Fernandes
- Department of General and Specialized Nursing, School of Nursing of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Cristina Ribeiro de Barros Cardoso
- Basic and Applied Immunology Program, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicological and Food Science Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Lucia Helena Faccioli
- Basic and Applied Immunology Program, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicological and Food Science Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Dias-Baruffi
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicological and Food Science Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Vânia Luiza Deperon Bonato
- Basic and Applied Immunology Program, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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25
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Consiglio CR, Gollnick SO. Androgen Receptor Signaling Positively Regulates Monocytic Development. Front Immunol 2020; 11:519383. [PMID: 33193298 PMCID: PMC7604537 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.519383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloid cells are critical cells involved in the orchestration of innate and adaptive immune responses. Most myeloid cells derive from the adult bone marrow in a process called myelopoiesis, a tightly controlled process that ensures constant production of myeloid cells. Sex differences in myeloid cell development have been observed; males exhibit greater monocytic differentiation in the bone marrow, and men have increased blood monocyte numbers when compared to women. Here we use a genetic mouse model of myeloid androgen receptor (AR) knockout (MARKO) and pharmacological inhibition of AR to investigate the role of androgen signaling in monocytic differentiation. We observe that although myeloid AR signaling does not influence total bone marrow cell numbers, it does affect the composition of the bone marrow myeloid population in both homeostatic and emergency settings. Genetic deletion of AR in myeloid cells led to reduced monocytic development in vivo. Similarly, pharmacologic inhibition of AR signaling in vitro reduced monocytic development. However, alteration in monocytic differentiation in the absence of AR signaling did not lead to reduced numbers of circulating myeloid cells, although MARKO male mice display reduced ratio of classical to non-classical monocytes in the blood, implying that blood monocyte subsets are skewed upon myeloid AR deletion. Our results suggest that the sex differences observed in monocytic differentiation are partly attributed to the positive role of the androgen-AR axis in regulating monocytic development directly at the myeloid cell level. Furthermore, we have identified a novel role for AR in regulating blood mature monocyte subset turnover. Investigating how androgen signaling affects monocytic development and monocyte subset heterogeneity will advance our understanding of sex differences in monocytic function at homeostasis and disease and can ultimately impact future therapeutic design targeting monocytes in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Rosat Consiglio
- Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Immunology, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Sandra O Gollnick
- Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Immunology, Buffalo, NY, United States.,Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Cell Stress, Buffalo, NY, United States
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26
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Connections between Metabolism and Epigenetic Modification in MDSCs. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197356. [PMID: 33027968 PMCID: PMC7582655 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are major immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). During the differentiation and development of MDSCs from myeloid progenitor cells, their functions are also affected by a series of regulatory factors in the TME, such as metabolic reprogramming, epigenetic modification, and cell signaling pathways. Additionally, there is a crosstalk between these regulatory factors. This review mainly introduces the metabolism (especially glucose metabolism) and significant epigenetic modification of MDSCs in the TME, and briefly introduces the connections between metabolism and epigenetic modification in MDSCs, in order to determine the further impact on the immunosuppressive effect of MDSCs, so as to serve as a more effective target for tumor therapy.
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