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Luo S, Lin H, Wu C, Zhu L, Hua Q, Weng Y, Wang L, Fan X, Zhao KB, Liu G, Wang Y, Chen HT, Xu L, Zheng L. Cholinergic macrophages promote the resolution of peritoneal inflammation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2402143121. [PMID: 38923993 PMCID: PMC11228479 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2402143121] [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: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The non-neural cholinergic system plays a critical role in regulating immune equilibrium and tissue homeostasis. While the expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), the enzyme catalyzing acetylcholine biosynthesis, has been well documented in lymphocytes, its role in the myeloid compartment is less understood. Here, we identify a significant population of macrophages (Mϕs) expressing ChAT and synthesizing acetylcholine in the resolution phase of acute peritonitis. Using Chat-GFP reporter mice, we observed marked upregulation of ChAT in monocyte-derived small peritoneal Mϕs (SmPMs) in response to Toll-like receptor agonists and bacterial infections. These SmPMs, phenotypically and transcriptionally distinct from tissue-resident large peritoneal macrophages, up-regulated ChAT expression through a MyD88-dependent pathway involving MAPK signaling. Notably, this process was attenuated by the TRIF-dependent TLR signaling pathway, and our tests with a range of neurotransmitters and cytokines failed to induce a similar response. Functionally, Chat deficiency in Mϕs led to significantly decreased peritoneal acetylcholine levels, reduced efferocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils, and a delayed resolution of peritonitis, which were reversible with exogenous ACh supplementation. Intriguingly, despite B lymphocytes being a notable ChAT-expressing population within the peritoneal cavity, Chat deletion in B cells did not significantly alter the resolution process. Collectively, these findings underscore the crucial role of Mϕ-derived acetylcholine in the resolution of inflammation and highlight the importance of the non-neuronal cholinergic system in immune regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shufeng Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiling Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Chong Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Lan Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiaomin Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Yulan Weng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoli Fan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai-Bo Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Gaoteng Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuting Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Tian Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Limin Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China
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Wang Y, Chen W, Qiao S, Zou H, Yu XJ, Yang Y, Li Z, Wang J, Chen MS, Xu J, Zheng L. Lipid droplet accumulation mediates macrophage survival and Treg recruitment via the CCL20/CCR6 axis in human hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Mol Immunol 2024:10.1038/s41423-024-01199-x. [PMID: 38942796 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-024-01199-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic changes play a crucial role in determining the status and function of macrophages, but how lipid reprogramming in macrophages contributes to tumor progression is not yet fully understood. Here, we investigated the phenotype, contribution, and regulatory mechanisms of lipid droplet (LD)-laden macrophages (LLMs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Enriched LLMs were found in tumor tissues and were associated with disease progression in HCC patients. The LLMs displayed immunosuppressive phenotypes (with extensive expression of TREM2, PD-L1, CD206, and CD163) and attenuated the antitumor activities of CD8+ T cells. Mechanistically, tumor-induced reshuffling of cellular lipids and TNFα-mediated uptake of tumoral fatty acids contribute to the generation of triglycerides and LDs in macrophages. LDs prolong LLM survival and promote CCL20 secretion, which further recruits CCR6+ Tregs to HCC tissue. Inhibiting LLM formation by targeting DGAT1 and DGAT2, which catalyze the synthesis of triglycerides, significantly reduced Treg recruitment, and delayed tumor growth in a mouse hepatic tumor model. Our results reveal the suppressive phenotypes and mechanisms of LLM enrichment in HCC and suggest the therapeutic potential of targeting LLMs for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongchun Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, PR China
| | - Weibai Chen
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, PR China
| | - Shuang Qiao
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
| | - Hao Zou
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
| | - Xing-Juan Yu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
| | - Yanyan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, PR China
| | - Zhixiong Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
| | - Junfeng Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
| | - Min-Shan Chen
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Jing Xu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China.
| | - Limin Zheng
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China.
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, PR China.
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Ren Y, Wang M, Yuan H, Wang Z, Yu L. A novel insight into cancer therapy: Lipid metabolism in tumor-associated macrophages. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 135:112319. [PMID: 38801810 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) can limit the effectiveness and often leads to significant side effects of conventional cancer therapies. Consequently, there is a growing interest in identifying novel targets to enhance the efficacy of targeted cancer therapy. More research indicates that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), originating from peripheral blood monocytes generated from bone marrow myeloid progenitor cells, play a crucial role in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and are closely associated with resistance to traditional cancer therapies. Lipid metabolism alterations have been widely recognized as having a significant impact on tumors and their immune microenvironment. Lipids, lipid derivatives, and key substances in their metabolic pathways can influence the carcinogenesis and progression of cancer cells by modulating the phenotype, function, and activity of TAMs. Therefore, this review focuses on the reprogramming of lipid metabolism in cancer cells and their immune microenvironment, in which the TAMs are especially concentrated. Such changes impact TAMs activation and polarization, thereby affecting the tumor cell response to treatment. Furthermore, the article explores the potential of targeting the lipid metabolism of TAMs as a supplementary approach to conventional cancer therapies. It reviews and evaluates current strategies for enhancing efficacy through TAMs' lipid metabolism and proposes new lipid metabolism targets as potential synergistic options for chemo-radiotherapy and immunotherapy. These efforts aim to stimulate further research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvxiao Ren
- Department of Radiotherapy, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingjie Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China; NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanghang Yuan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhicheng Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Yu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China.
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Liu Y, Wu J, Hao H. Antitumor immunostimulatory activity of the traditional Chinese medicine polysaccharide on hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1369110. [PMID: 38455058 PMCID: PMC10917928 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1369110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent malignancy, often associated with compromised immune function in affected patients. This can be attributed to the secretion of specific factors by liver cancer cells, which hinder the immune response and lead to a state of immune suppression. Polysaccharides derived from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are valuable constituents known for their immunomodulatory properties. This review aims to look into the immunomodulatory effects of TCM polysaccharides on HCC. The immunomodulatory effects of TCM polysaccharides are primarily manifested through the activation of effector T lymphocytes, dendritic cells, NK cells, and macrophages against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) both in vivo and in vitro settings. Furthermore, TCM polysaccharides have demonstrated remarkable adjuvant antitumor immunomodulatory effects on HCC in clinical settings. Therefore, the utilization of TCM polysaccharides holds promising potential for the development of novel therapeutic agents or adjuvants with advantageous immunomodulatory properties for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
- Basic Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Jiawen Wu
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
- Basic Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Huiqin Hao
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
- Basic Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
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Wu K, Lin F. Lipid Metabolism as a Potential Target of Liver Cancer. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2024; 11:327-346. [PMID: 38375401 PMCID: PMC10875169 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s450423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stands as a severe malignant tumor with a profound impact on overall health, often accompanied by an unfavorable prognosis. Despite some advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease, improving the prognosis of HCC remains a formidable challenge. It is noteworthy that lipid metabolism plays a pivotal role in the onset, development, and progression of tumor cells. Existing research indicates the potential application of targeting lipid metabolism in the treatment of HCC. This review aims to thoroughly explore the alterations in lipid metabolism in HCC, offering a detailed account of the potential advantages associated with innovative therapeutic strategies targeting lipid metabolism. Targeting lipid metabolism holds promise for potentially enhancing the prognosis of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangze Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shaoxing People’s Hospital, Shaoxing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Feizhuan Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shaoxing People’s Hospital, Shaoxing, People’s Republic of China
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Cao D, Liu H. Dysregulated cholesterol regulatory genes in hepatocellular carcinoma. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:580. [PMID: 38071335 PMCID: PMC10710719 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01547-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol is an indispensable component in mammalian cells, and cholesterol metabolism performs important roles in various biological activities. In addition to the Warburg effect, dysregulated cholesterol metabolism is one of the metabolic hallmarks of several cancers. It has reported that reprogrammed cholesterol metabolism facilitates carcinogenesis, metastasis, and drug-resistant in various tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Some literatures have reported that increased cholesterol level leads to lipotoxicity, inflammation, and fibrosis, ultimately promoting the development and progression of HCC. Contrarily, other clinical investigations have demonstrated a link between higher cholesterol level and lower risk of HCC. These incongruent findings suggest that the connection between cholesterol and HCC is much complicated. In this report, we summarize the roles of key cholesterol regulatory genes including cholesterol biosynthesis, uptake, efflux, trafficking and esterification in HCC. In addition, we discuss promising related therapeutic targets for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Cao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No. 1 the South of Maoyuan Road, Nanchong, 637000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Liu
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Bai W. The combined characteristics of cholesterol metabolism and the immune microenvironment may serve as valuable biomarkers for both the prognosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22885. [PMID: 38125426 PMCID: PMC10730758 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being a complex disease, commonly exhibits multifaceted presentations, rendering its treatment challenging and necessitating specific approaches. The tumor immune microenvironment is crucial in cancer treatment, and cholesterol metabolism is a key component that helps cells grow and produce vital metabolites. However, the reprogramming of cholesterol metabolism in the tumor microenvironment (TME) can promote HCC development, and cancer classifiers relating to cholesterol metabolism are currently limited. Despite significant progress, further research is needed to improve early detection, liver function, and treatment options to improve patient outcomes. Methods To evaluate the expression abundance of tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and cholesterol metabolism in 8 types of liver cancer cells, we comprehensively evaluated the immune cell composition, extracellular matrix alterations, and activity of relevant signaling pathways in the TIME through nine liver cancer patients, stromal scoring, immune scoring, tumor purity scoring, immune infiltration analysis, and pathway enrichment. Subsequently, we utilized machine learning techniques to construct prognostic models for both cholesterol metabolism and the tumor immune microenvironment, further exploring the tumor mutation burden, immune infiltration levels, and drug sensitivity in different subtypes of HCC patients. Results Our study constructed three cancer screening models to identify HCC patients with high cholesterol metabolism and low TIME, who have a poorer prognosis. On the contrary, patients with low cholesterol metabolism and high TIME often have better prognosis. Furthermore, we identified chemical compounds, such as BPD-00008900, ML323, Doramapimod, and AZD2014, which display better chemotherapy results for high-risk patients in specific sub-groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyu Bai
- Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
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