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Evans MO, Smith DM, Kress AT, Nadeau RJ, Selig DJ, Caridha D, Racharaks R, Langowski T, Madejczyk MS, Carbaugh C, Saunders D, Widder M, De Meese J, Lee PJ, DeLuca JP. Plerixafor for pathogen-agnostic treatment in murine thigh infection and zebrafish sepsis. Clin Transl Sci 2024; 17:e13876. [PMID: 38963161 PMCID: PMC11223064 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Plerixafor is a CXCR4 antagonist approved in 2008 by the FDA for hematopoietic stem cell collection. Subsequently, plerixafor has shown promise as a potential pathogen-agnostic immunomodulator in a variety of preclinical animal models. Additionally, investigator-led studies demonstrated plerixafor prevents viral and bacterial infections in patients with WHIM syndrome, a rare immunodeficiency with aberrant CXCR4 signaling. Here, we investigated whether plerixafor could be repurposed to treat sepsis or severe wound infections, either alone or as an adjunct therapy. In a Pseudomonas aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced zebrafish sepsis model, plerixafor reduced sepsis mortality and morbidity assessed by tail edema. There was a U-shaped response curve with the greatest effect seen at 0.1 μM concentration. We used Acinetobacter baumannii infection in a neutropenic murine thigh infection model. Plerixafor did not show reduced bacterial growth at 24 h in the mouse thigh model, nor did it amplify the effects of a rifampin antibiotic therapy, in varying regimens. While plerixafor did not mitigate or treat bacterial wound infections in mice, it did reduce sepsis mortality in zebra fish. The observed mortality reduction in our LPS model of zebrafish was consistent with prior research demonstrating a mortality benefit in a murine model of sepsis. However, based on our results, plerixafor is unlikely to be successful as an adjunct therapy for wound infections. Further research is needed to better define the scope of plerixafor as a pathogen-agnostic therapy. Future directions may include the use of longer acting CXCR4 antagonists, biased CXCR4 signaling, and optimization of animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin O. Evans
- Experimental Therapeutics BranchCIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of ResearchSilver SpringMarylandUSA
| | - Darren M. Smith
- Experimental Therapeutics BranchCIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of ResearchSilver SpringMarylandUSA
| | - Adrian T. Kress
- Experimental Therapeutics BranchCIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of ResearchSilver SpringMarylandUSA
| | - Robert J. Nadeau
- Experimental Therapeutics BranchCIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of ResearchSilver SpringMarylandUSA
| | - Daniel J. Selig
- Experimental Therapeutics BranchCIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of ResearchSilver SpringMarylandUSA
| | - Diana Caridha
- Experimental Therapeutics BranchCIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of ResearchSilver SpringMarylandUSA
| | - Ratanachat Racharaks
- Experimental Therapeutics BranchCIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of ResearchSilver SpringMarylandUSA
| | - Thomas Langowski
- Experimental Therapeutics BranchCIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of ResearchSilver SpringMarylandUSA
| | - Michael S. Madejczyk
- Experimental Therapeutics BranchCIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of ResearchSilver SpringMarylandUSA
| | - Chance Carbaugh
- Experimental Therapeutics BranchCIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of ResearchSilver SpringMarylandUSA
| | - David Saunders
- Uniformed Services University School of MedicineBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Mark Widder
- Experimental Therapeutics BranchCIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of ResearchSilver SpringMarylandUSA
| | - Jason De Meese
- Experimental Therapeutics BranchCIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of ResearchSilver SpringMarylandUSA
| | - Patricia J. Lee
- Experimental Therapeutics BranchCIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of ResearchSilver SpringMarylandUSA
| | - Jesse P. DeLuca
- Experimental Therapeutics BranchCIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of ResearchSilver SpringMarylandUSA
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2
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Motlak M, Mathews M, Al-Odat OS, Pandey MK. Is it possible to treat melanoma by intercepting the CXCR4/CXCL12 pathway? Cytokine 2024; 179:156629. [PMID: 38704961 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2024.156629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma is a particularly aggressive type of skin cancer that can spread to distant organs, resulting in poor patient outcomes. C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) interacts to the C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4). This connection between CXCR4 and its companion ligand CXCL12 is important in melanoma metastasis and progression, encouraging cell proliferation, invasion, and survival via downstream signaling pathways. Furthermore, CXCR4 is implicated in the interaction between melanoma cells and the tumor microenvironment, which promotes malignant cell migration and immune evasion. Given the importance of the CXCR4/CXCL12 axis in melanoma, addressing this axis has the potential to prevent metastasis and improve patient outcomes. We present an overview of the CXCR4/CXCL12 axis in cancer progression and explain its role in the melanoma microenvironment in this paper. Furthermore, we investigate CXCR4's predictive usefulness as a possible biomarker for monitoring melanoma progression. Finally, we discuss the most recent research and clinical trials on CXCR4 inhibitors, emphasizing their efficacy and limits. We hope to improve the quality of life for melanoma patients by better understanding the role of CXCR4 and investigating novel therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Motlak
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
| | - Meghna Mathews
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
| | - Omar S Al-Odat
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
| | - Manoj K Pandey
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA.
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3
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Sanchis-Pascual D, Del Olmo-García MI, Prado-Wohlwend S, Zac-Romero C, Segura Huerta Á, Hernández-Gil J, Martí-Bonmatí L, Merino-Torres JF. CXCR4: From Signaling to Clinical Applications in Neuroendocrine Neoplasms. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1799. [PMID: 38791878 PMCID: PMC11120359 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101799] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
There are several well-described molecular mechanisms that influence cell growth and are related to the development of cancer. Chemokines constitute a fundamental element that is not only involved in local growth but also affects angiogenesis, tumor spread, and metastatic disease. Among them, the C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) and its specific receptor the chemokine C-X-C motif receptor 4 (CXCR4) have been widely studied. The overexpression in cell membranes of CXCR4 has been shown to be associated with the development of different kinds of histological malignancies, such as adenocarcinomas, epidermoid carcinomas, mesenchymal tumors, or neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). The molecular synapsis between CXCL12 and CXCR4 leads to the interaction of G proteins and the activation of different intracellular signaling pathways in both gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) and bronchopulmonary (BP) NENs, conferring greater capacity for locoregional aggressiveness, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and the appearance of metastases. Therefore, it has been hypothesized as to how to design tools that target this receptor. The aim of this review is to focus on current knowledge of the relationship between CXCR4 and NENs, with a special emphasis on diagnostic and therapeutic molecular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Sanchis-Pascual
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, University and Politecnic Hospital La Fe (Valencia), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.I.D.O.-G.); (J.F.M.-T.)
| | - María Isabel Del Olmo-García
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, University and Politecnic Hospital La Fe (Valencia), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.I.D.O.-G.); (J.F.M.-T.)
- Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Stefan Prado-Wohlwend
- Nuclear Medicine Department, University and Politecnic Hospital La Fe (Valencia), 46026 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Carlos Zac-Romero
- Patholoy Department, University and Politecnic Hospital La Fe (Valencia), 46026 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Ángel Segura Huerta
- Medical Oncology Department, University and Politecnic Hospital La Fe (Valencia), 46026 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Javier Hernández-Gil
- Instituto de Tecnología Química, Universitat Politècnica de València, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 46022 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Luis Martí-Bonmatí
- Medical Imaging Department, Biomedical Imaging Research Group, Health Research Institute, University and Politecnic Hospital La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Juan Francisco Merino-Torres
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, University and Politecnic Hospital La Fe (Valencia), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.I.D.O.-G.); (J.F.M.-T.)
- Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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MacLean MR, Walker OL, Arun RP, Fernando W, Marcato P. Informed by Cancer Stem Cells of Solid Tumors: Advances in Treatments Targeting Tumor-Promoting Factors and Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4102. [PMID: 38612911 PMCID: PMC11012648 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation within tumors that promote cancer progression, metastasis, and recurrence due to their self-renewal capacity and resistance to conventional therapies. CSC-specific markers and signaling pathways highly active in CSCs have emerged as a promising strategy for improving patient outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic targets associated with CSCs of solid tumors across various cancer types, including key molecular markers aldehyde dehydrogenases, CD44, epithelial cellular adhesion molecule, and CD133 and signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and Sonic Hedgehog. We discuss a wide array of therapeutic modalities ranging from targeted antibodies, small molecule inhibitors, and near-infrared photoimmunotherapy to advanced genetic approaches like RNA interference, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, aptamers, antisense oligonucleotides, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, CAR natural killer cells, bispecific T cell engagers, immunotoxins, drug-antibody conjugates, therapeutic peptides, and dendritic cell vaccines. This review spans developments from preclinical investigations to ongoing clinical trials, highlighting the innovative targeting strategies that have been informed by CSC-associated pathways and molecules to overcome therapeutic resistance. We aim to provide insights into the potential of these therapies to revolutionize cancer treatment, underscoring the critical need for a multi-faceted approach in the battle against cancer. This comprehensive analysis demonstrates how advances made in the CSC field have informed significant developments in novel targeted therapeutic approaches, with the ultimate goal of achieving more effective and durable responses in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya R. MacLean
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Olivia L. Walker
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Raj Pranap Arun
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Wasundara Fernando
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Paola Marcato
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
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5
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Fath MA, Liu D, Ewald JT, Robles-Planells C, Tomanek-Chalkley AM, Graves SA, Howe JR, O'Dorisio TM, Rastogi P, Bellizzi AM, O'Dorisio MS, Menda Y, Spitz DR. Chemokine Receptor CXCR4 Radioligand Targeted Therapy Using 177Lutetium-pentixather for Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Cancers. Radiat Res 2024; 201:35-47. [PMID: 37989124 PMCID: PMC10896455 DOI: 10.1667/rade-23-00064.1] [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: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Intermediate to high-grade lung neuroendocrine tumors (NETs; i.e., atypical carcinoid tumors) and neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) are currently difficult to cure. These tumors were found to express the CXCR4 G-protein coupled receptor that can be targeted with radioligands. PCR and flow cytometric analysis of lung NET and NEC cell lines using an anti-CXCR4 antibody demonstrated that all cell lines tested expressed CXCR4. PET/CT imaging with 68Galium-pentixafor in mouse xenografts of NETs and NECs verified tumor targeting that was blocked by a CXCR4 agonist. Clonogenic survival analysis demonstrated a more than additive enhancement of killing when 1 μM auranofin (a thioredoxin reductase inhibitor) was used as a radiosensitizer in combination with 177Lu-pentixather (10 μCi). DMS273 small cell lung cancer xenografts in female nude mice treated with 25 μCi/g 177Lu-pentixather induced inhibition of tumor growth and resulted in an increase in overall survival without causing unacceptable normal tissue toxicities. Immunohistochemical staining of 95 retrospective human samples (containing 90 small cell lung carcinomas) demonstrated 84% CXCR4 positivity. In a multivariable analysis of this cohort that included age, gender, stage, primary site, SSTR2 status, and CXCR4 status, Cox regression models determined that only distant metastasis at presentation (P < 0.01) and a CXCR4 H-score >30 (P = 0.04) were significantly associated with reduced survival. Prospective clinical testing of patient tumors identified CXCR4-positivity in 76% of 21 NECs, 67% of 15 lung NETs (including 8 of 10 atypical carcinoids), and 0% of 25 non-lung NETs (including 5 NETS G3s). These data support the hypothesis that CXCR4-targeted theranostics can be utilized effectively for select NETs and NECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Fath
- Free Radical and Radiation Biology Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52240
| | - Dijie Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52240
| | - Jordan T Ewald
- Free Radical and Radiation Biology Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52240
| | - Claudia Robles-Planells
- Department of Pediatrics, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52240
| | - Ann M Tomanek-Chalkley
- Free Radical and Radiation Biology Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52240
| | - Stephen A Graves
- Department of Radiology, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52240
| | - James R Howe
- Department of Surgery, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52240
| | - Thomas M O'Dorisio
- Department of Internal Medicine, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52240
| | - Prerna Rastogi
- Department of Pathology, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52240
| | - Andrew M Bellizzi
- Department of Pathology, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52240
| | - M Sue O'Dorisio
- Department of Pediatrics, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52240
| | - Yusuf Menda
- Department of Radiology, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52240
| | - Douglas R Spitz
- Free Radical and Radiation Biology Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52240
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6
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Jiang Y, Gao Y, Li X, He F, Liu Y, Wang R. Caulis Spatholobi extracts inhibit osteosarcoma growth and metastasis through suppression of CXCR4/PI3K/AKT signaling. J Orthop Surg Res 2023; 18:985. [PMID: 38129870 PMCID: PMC10740265 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-023-04437-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The therapeutic potential of Caulis Spatholobi (CS) extracts against various cancers has been well documented, yet its impact and mechanism in osteosarcoma (OS) remain unexplored. This study aims to elucidate the effects of CS extracts on the growth and metastasis of OS, along with its underlying molecular mechanism. METHODS The impact of CS extracts on the proliferative potential of two OS cell lines (Saos-2 and U2OS) was assessed using MTT and colony-formation assays. Additionally, the migratory and invasive capacities of OS cells were investigated through Transwell assays. The modulation of CXCR4 expression by CS extracts was evaluated using qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Furthermore, the influence of CS extracts on the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling was determined through Western blotting. RESULTS CS extracts exhibited a dose- and time-dependent inhibition of proliferation and colony formation in OS cells. Notably, CXCR4 expression was prominently observed in Saos-2 and U2OS, and treatment with CS extracts led to a dose-dependently reduction in CXCR4 levels. Silencing CXCR4 or inhibiting its function diminished the migratory and invasive capacities of OS cells. Conversely, the CS extracts induced suppression of OS cell migration and invasion was counteracted by CXCR4 overexpression. Mechanistically, CS extracts repressed PI3K/AKT signaling in OS cells by downregulating CXCR4 expression. CONCLUSIONS CS extracts mitigate the CXCR4/PI3K/AKT signaling-mediated growth and metastasis capacities of OS cells, thus might play an anti-tumor role in OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Jiang
- Traditional Medicine Department, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yemei Gao
- Traditional Medicine Department, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Li
- Traditional Medicine Department, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fangming He
- Traditional Medicine Department, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Traditional Medicine Department, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Renxian Wang
- Laboratory of Bone Tissue Engineering, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, 31 Xinjiekou East Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100035, China.
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7
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Zeng Q, Mousa M, Nadukkandy AS, Franssens L, Alnaqbi H, Alshamsi FY, Safar HA, Carmeliet P. Understanding tumour endothelial cell heterogeneity and function from single-cell omics. Nat Rev Cancer 2023:10.1038/s41568-023-00591-5. [PMID: 37349410 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00591-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Anti-angiogenic therapies (AATs) are used to treat different types of cancers. However, their success is limited owing to insufficient efficacy and resistance. Recently, single-cell omics studies of tumour endothelial cells (TECs) have provided new mechanistic insight. Here, we overview the heterogeneity of human TECs of all tumour types studied to date, at the single-cell level. Notably, most human tumour types contain varying numbers but only a small population of angiogenic TECs, the presumed targets of AATs, possibly contributing to the limited efficacy of and resistance to AATs. In general, TECs are heterogeneous within and across all tumour types, but comparing TEC phenotypes across tumours is currently challenging, owing to the lack of a uniform nomenclature for endothelial cells and consistent single-cell analysis protocols, urgently raising the need for a more consistent approach. Nonetheless, across most tumour types, universal TEC markers (ACKR1, PLVAP and IGFBP3) can be identified. Besides angiogenesis, biological processes such as immunomodulation and extracellular matrix organization are among the most commonly predicted enriched signatures of TECs across different tumour types. Although angiogenesis and extracellular matrix targets have been considered for AAT (without the hoped success), the immunomodulatory properties of TECs have not been fully considered as a novel anticancer therapeutic approach. Therefore, we also discuss progress, limitations, solutions and novel targets for AAT development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun Zeng
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mira Mousa
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Aisha Shigna Nadukkandy
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Heterogeneity, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lies Franssens
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Halima Alnaqbi
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Fatima Yousif Alshamsi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Habiba Al Safar
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
| | - Peter Carmeliet
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Heterogeneity, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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