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Trujillo E, Monreal-Escalante E, Angulo C. Microalgae-made human vaccines and therapeutics: A decade of advances. Biotechnol J 2024; 19:e2400091. [PMID: 38719615 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202400091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Microalgal emergence is a promising platform with two-decade historical background for producing vaccines and biopharmaceuticals. During that period, microalgal-based vaccines have reported successful production for various diseases. Thus, species selection is important for genetic transformation and delivery methods that have been developed. Although many vaccine prototypes have been produced for infectious and non-infectious diseases, fewer studies have reached immunological and immunoprotective evaluations. Microalgae-made vaccines for Staphylococcus aureus, malaria, influenza, human papilloma, and Zika viruses have been explored in their capacity to induce humoral or cellular immune responses and protective efficacies against experimental challenges. Therefore, specific pathogen antigens and immune system role are important and addressed in controlling these infections. Regarding non-communicable diseases, these vaccines have been investigated for breast cancer; microalgal-produced therapeutic molecules and microalgal-made interferon-α have been explored for hypertension and potential applications in treating viral infections and cancer, respectively. Thus, conducting immunological trials is emphasized, discussing the promising results observed in terms of immunogenicity, desired immune response for controlling affections, and challenges for achieving the desired protection levels. The potential advantages and hurdles associated with this innovative approach are highlighted, underlining the relevance of assessing immune responses in preclinical and clinical trials to validate the efficacy of these biopharmaceuticals. The promising future of this healthcare technology is also envisaged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Trujillo
- Immunology & Vaccinology Group, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, S.C. (CIBNOR), Instituto Politécnico Nacional 195, Playa Palo de Santa Rita Sur, La Paz, B.C.S., México
| | - Elizabeth Monreal-Escalante
- Immunology & Vaccinology Group, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, S.C. (CIBNOR), Instituto Politécnico Nacional 195, Playa Palo de Santa Rita Sur, La Paz, B.C.S., México
- CONAHCYT-Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, S.C. (CIBNOR), Instituto Politécnico Nacional 195, Playa Palo de Santa Rita Sur, La Paz, B.C.S., México
| | - Carlos Angulo
- Immunology & Vaccinology Group, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, S.C. (CIBNOR), Instituto Politécnico Nacional 195, Playa Palo de Santa Rita Sur, La Paz, B.C.S., México
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Zhang KJ, Tan XL, Guo L. LncRNA TYMSOS facilitates breast cancer metastasis and immune escape through downregulating ULBP3. iScience 2023; 26:107556. [PMID: 37664624 PMCID: PMC10470366 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The focus of the study is to examine the function of TYMSOS in immune escape of breast cancer, which is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy among women globally. Our study demonstrated that upregulated TYMSOS was associated with unfavorable prognosis and immune escape in breast cancer. TYMSOS promoted the malignant phenotypes of breast cancer cells, and reduced the cytotoxicity of NK92 cells on these cells. CBX3 was a downstream effector in TYMSOS-induced malignant phenotypes in breast cancer cells. Mechanistic studies showed that TYMSOS facilitated CBX3-mediated transcriptional repression of ULBP3, and it also promoted SYVN1-mediated ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation of ULBP3. TYMSOS promoted cell growth, metastasis, and immune escape via CBX3/ULBP3 or SYVN1/ULBP3 axis. The in vivo studies further showed that silencing of TYMSOS repressed tumor growth and boosted NK cell cytotoxicity. In sum, TYMSOS boosted breast cancer metastasis and immune escape via CBX3/ULBP3 or SYVN1/ULBP3 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Jing Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410008, P.R. China
- Clinical Research Center for Breast Cancer in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan Province 410008, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Lang Tan
- Department of Oncology, Changsha Central Hospital, Changsha, Hunan Province 410004, P.R. China
| | - Lei Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410008, P.R. China
- Clinical Research Center for Breast Cancer in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan Province 410008, P.R. China
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Chen L, Huang S, Liu Q, Kong X, Su Z, Zhu M, Fang Y, Zhang L, Li X, Wang J. PD-L1 Protein Expression Is Associated With Good Clinical Outcomes and Nomogram for Prediction of Disease Free Survival and Overall Survival in Breast Cancer Patients Received Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:849468. [PMID: 35669769 PMCID: PMC9163312 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.849468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the potential prognostic significance of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) protein expression in tumor cells of breast cancer patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT).MethodsUsing semiquantitative immunohistochemistry, the PD-L1 protein expression in breast cancer tissues was analyzed. The correlations between PD-L1 protein expression and clinicopathologic characteristics were analyzed using Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. The survival curve was stemmed from Kaplan-Meier assay, and the log-rank test was used to compare survival distributions against individual index levels. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were accessed to analyze the associations between PD-L1 protein expression and survival outcomes. A predictive nomogram model was constructed in accordance with the results of multivariate Cox model. Calibration analyses and decision curve analyses (DCA) were performed for the calibration of the nomogram model, and subsequently adopted to assess the accuracy and benefits of the nomogram model.ResultsA total of 104 breast cancer patients received NACT were enrolled into this study. According to semiquantitative scoring for IHC, patients were divided into: low PD-L1 group (61 cases) and high PD-L1 group (43 cases). Patients with high PD-L1 protein expression were associated with longer disease free survival (DFS) (mean: 48.21 months vs. 31.16 months; P=0.011) and overall survival (OS) (mean: 83.18 months vs. 63.31 months; P=0.019) than those with low PD-L1 protein expression. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that PD-L1, duration of neoadjuvant therapy, E-Cadherin, targeted therapy were the independent prognostic factors for patients’ DFS and OS. Nomogram based on these independent prognostic factors was used to evaluate the DFS and OS time. The calibration plots shown PD-L1 based nomogram predictions were basically consistent with actual observations for assessments of 1-, 3-, and 5-year DFS and OS time. The DCA curves indicated the PD-L1 based nomogram had better predictive clinical applications regarding prognostic assessments of 3- and 5-year DFS and OS, respectively.ConclusionHigh PD-L1 protein expression was associated with significantly better prognoses and longer DFS and OS in breast cancer patients. Furthermore, PD-L1 protein expression was found to be a significant prognostic factor for patients who received NACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shaolong Huang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast, Burn and Plastic Surgery, Tongren City People’s Hospital, Tongren, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangyi Kong
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaohui Su
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengliu Zhu
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Fang
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre of Cancer Research, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Lin Zhang, ; Xingrui Li, ; Jing Wang,
| | - Xingrui Li
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Lin Zhang, ; Xingrui Li, ; Jing Wang,
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Lin Zhang, ; Xingrui Li, ; Jing Wang,
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Assessing the Future of Solid Tumor Immunotherapy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030655. [PMID: 35327456 PMCID: PMC8945484 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
With the advent of cancer immunotherapy, there has been a major improvement in patient’s quality of life and survival. The growth of cancer immunotherapy has dramatically changed our understanding of the basics of cancer biology and has altered the standards of care (surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy) for patients. Cancer immunotherapy has generated significant excitement with the success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy in particular. Clinical results using CAR-T for hematological malignancies have led to the approval of four CD19-targeted and one B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-targeted cell therapy products by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Also, immune checkpoint inhibitors such as antibodies against Programmed Cell Death-1 (PD-1), Programmed Cell Death Ligand-1 (PD-L1), and Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte-Associated Antigen 4 (CTLA-4) have shown promising therapeutic outcomes and long-lasting clinical effect in several tumor types and patients who are refractory to other treatments. Despite these promising results, the success of cancer immunotherapy in solid tumors has been limited due to several barriers, which include immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), inefficient trafficking, and heterogeneity of tumor antigens. This is further compounded by the high intra-tumoral pressure of solid tumors, which presents an additional challenge to successfully delivering treatments to solid tumors. In this review, we will outline and propose specific approaches that may overcome these immunological and physical barriers to improve the outcomes in solid tumor patients receiving immunotherapies.
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Chen L, Kong X, Huang S, Su Z, Zhu M, Fang Y, Zhang L, Li X, Wang J. Preoperative Breast Immune Prognostic Index as Prognostic Factor Predicts the Clinical Outcomes of Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:831848. [PMID: 35320931 PMCID: PMC8937039 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.831848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aims at investigating the potential prognostic significance of the breast immune prognostic index (BIPI) in breast cancer patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). Methods The optimal cutoff value was calculated through the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). The correlations between BIPI and clinicopathologic characteristics were determined by the chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate the survival probability, and the log-rank test was used to analyze the differences in the survival probability among patients. The univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to screen the independent prognostic factors. A prognostic nomogram for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) was built on the basis of the multivariate analyses. Furthermore, the calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to assess the predictive performance of the nomogram. Results All enrolled patients were split into three subgroups based on the BIPI score. The mean DFS and OS of the BIPI score 0 group and BIPI score 1 group were significantly longer than those of the BIPI score 2 group (42.02 vs. 38.61 vs. 26.01 months, 77.61 vs. 71.83 vs. 53.15 months; p < 0.05). Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that BIPI was an independent prognostic factor for patients’ DFS and OS (DFS, hazard ratio (HR): 6.720, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.629–27.717; OS, HR: 8.006, 95% CI: 1.638–39.119). A nomogram with a C-index of 0.873 (95% CI: 0.779–0.966) and 0.801 (95% CI: 0.702–0.901) had a favorable performance for predicting DFS and OS survival rates for clinical use by combining immune scores with other clinical features. The calibration curves at 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival suggested a good consistency between the predicted and actual DFS and OS probability. The DCA demonstrated that the constructed nomogram had better clinical predictive usefulness than only BIPI in predictive clinical applications of 5-year DFS and OS prognostic assessments. Conclusions The patients with low BIPI score have better prognoses and longer DFS and OS. Furthermore, the BIPI-based nomogram may serve as a convenient prognostic tool for breast cancer and help in clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangyi Kong
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shaolong Huang
- Department of Thyroid & Breast, Burn and Plastic Surgery, Tongren City People’s Hospital, Tongren, China
| | - Zhaohui Su
- Center on Smart and Connected Health Technologies, Mays Cancer Center, School of Nursing, University of Texas (UT) Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Mengliu Zhu
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Fang
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre of Cancer Research, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Melbourne VIC, Australia
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Lin Zhang, ; Xingrui Li, ; Jing Wang,
| | - Xingrui Li
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Lin Zhang, ; Xingrui Li, ; Jing Wang,
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Lin Zhang, ; Xingrui Li, ; Jing Wang,
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Ma J, Yang Y, Wang L, Jia X, Lu T, Zeng Y, Liu L, Gao Y. Follistatin-like 1 deficiency impairs T cell development to promote lung metastasis of triple negative breast cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:7211-7227. [PMID: 33639614 PMCID: PMC7993667 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Our study aims to detect the underlying mechanism of the suppressive effect of Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) on lung metastasis of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). We found that FSTL1 had no effect on the proliferation and metastasis of 4T1 cells in vitro, while in the tumor-bearing Fstl1 heterozygous (Fstl1+/-) mice, the number of anti-tumor T lymphocytes in the lung was significantly reduced with the increase in lung metastasis. Impaired development of T cells can cause dysfunction of adaptive immune system, which promotes cancer metastasis. Therefore the effect of FSTL1 on T cell development was further investigated. Lower population of T cells in periphery and decreased proliferation of CD4- CD8- double negative (DN) thymocytes and impairment development of T cells were found in Fstl1+/- mice. Furthermore, high expression of FSTL1 in medullary thymus epithelial (mTEC) cells and decreased mRNA expression of inducible costimulator on activated T-cell ligand (Icosl) in mTECsh Fstl1 were detected. Combining other studies that the generation of ICOSL by mTEC cells promotes CD4+ single positive (SP) thymocytes to produce IL-2, which promotes T cell development. Our results indicate FSTL1 deficiency in mTEC cells impairs T cell development to promote the lung metastasis of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ma
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lulu Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaowei Jia
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Lu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yiyan Zeng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Experimental Center for Basic Medical Teaching, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Three-Dimensional Spheroids as In Vitro Preclinical Models for Cancer Research. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12121186. [PMID: 33291351 PMCID: PMC7762220 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12121186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Most cancer biologists still rely on conventional two-dimensional (2D) monolayer culture techniques to test in vitro anti-tumor drugs prior to in vivo testing. However, the vast majority of promising preclinical drugs have no or weak efficacy in real patients with tumors, thereby delaying the discovery of successful therapeutics. This is because 2D culture lacks cell–cell contacts and natural tumor microenvironment, important in tumor signaling and drug response, thereby resulting in a reduced malignant phenotype compared to the real tumor. In this sense, three-dimensional (3D) cultures of cancer cells that better recapitulate in vivo cell environments emerged as scientifically accurate and low cost cancer models for preclinical screening and testing of new drug candidates before moving to expensive and time-consuming animal models. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of 3D tumor systems and highlight the strategies for spheroid construction and evaluation tools of targeted therapies, focusing on their applicability in cancer research. Examples of the applicability of 3D culture for the evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of nanomedicines are discussed.
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Bhattacharya S, Calar K, Evans C, Petrasko M, de la Puente P. Bioengineering the Oxygen-Deprived Tumor Microenvironment Within a Three-Dimensional Platform for Studying Tumor-Immune Interactions. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:1040. [PMID: 33015012 PMCID: PMC7498579 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.01040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxygen deprivation within tumors is one of the most prevalent causes of resilient cancer cell survival and increased immune evasion in breast cancer (BCa). Current in vitro models do not adequately mimic physiological oxygen levels relevant to breast tissue and its tumor-immune interactions. In this study, we propose an approach to engineer a three-dimensional (3D) model (named 3D engineered oxygen, 3D-O) that supports the growth of BCa cells and generates physio- and pathophysiological oxygen levels to understand the role of oxygen availability in tumor-immune interactions. BCa cells (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) were embedded into plasma-derived 3D-O scaffolds that reflected physio- and pathophysiological oxygen levels relevant to the healthy and cancerous breast tissue. BCa cells grown within 3D-O scaffolds were analyzed by flow cytometry, confocal imaging, immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence for cell proliferation, extracellular matrix protein expression, and alterations in immune evasive outcomes. Exosome secretion from 3D-O scaffolds were evaluated using the NanoSight particle analyzer. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were incorporated on the top of 3D-O scaffolds and the difference in tumor-infiltrating capabilities as a result of different oxygen content were assessed by flow cytometry and confocal imaging. Lastly, hypoxia and Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibition were validated as targets to sensitize BCa cells in order to overcome immune evasion. Low oxygen-induced adaptations within 3D-O scaffolds validated known tumor hypoxia characteristics such as reduced BCa cell proliferation, increased extracellular matrix protein expression, increased extracellular vesicle secretion and enhanced immune surface marker expression on BCa cells. We further demonstrated that low oxygen in 3D-O scaffolds significantly influence immune infiltration. CD8+ T cell infiltration was impaired under pathophysiological oxygen levels and we were also able to establish that hypoxia and PD-L1 inhibition re-sensitized BCa cells to cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. Bioengineering the oxygen-deprived BCa tumor microenvironment in our engineered 3D-O physiological and tumorous scaffolds supported known intra-tumoral hypoxia characteristics allowing the study of the role of oxygen availability in tumor-immune interactions. The 3D-O model could serve as a promising platform for the evaluation of immunological events and as a drug-screening platform tool to overcome hypoxia-driven immune evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somshuvra Bhattacharya
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
| | - Kristin Calar
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
| | - Claire Evans
- Histology and Imaging Core, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
| | - Mark Petrasko
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
- Sanford PROMISE, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
| | - Pilar de la Puente
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
- Department of Surgery, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
- Flow Cytometry Core, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
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Wang R, Huang K. CCL11 increases the proportion of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells and the production of IL‑2 and TGF‑β by CD4+ T cells via the STAT5 signaling pathway. Mol Med Rep 2020; 21:2522-2532. [PMID: 32323817 PMCID: PMC7185287 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
CD4+ regulatory T (Treg) cells are associated with immune tolerance and antitumor immunosuppression. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role and molecular mechanism of C-C motif chemokine ligand 11 (CCL11) in the regulation of Treg cells from patients with breast cancer (BC) and healthy individuals in vitro, and from tumor-bearing mice in vivo. CD4+ T cells isolated from patients with BC or healthy individuals were incubated with anti-CCL11 neutralizing antibodies or recombinant human CCL11 protein, in the presence or absence of a STAT5 inhibitor. The serum CCL11 level and proportion of Treg cells characterized as CD4+CD25+forkhead box P3+ (Foxp3) among the CD4+ T cells in patients with BC and healthy individuals were analyzed by ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively. CCL11, C-C motif chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3), Foxp3, phosphorylated-STAT5 and STAT5 expression levels were determined by western blotting. The serum CCL11 level and the proportion of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells were significantly increased in patients with BC compared with healthy individuals. CCL11 blockade reduced the proportion of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells, the expression of CCR3 and Foxp3, and the level of STAT5 activation in tumor-associated CD4+ T cells, in a dose-dependent manner. CCL11 blockade also reduced the proportion of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells and the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-2 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 in tumor-bearing mice. The recombinant human CCL11 protein increased the proportion of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells, the expression of CCR3 and Foxp3, and the release of IL-2 and TGF-β1 in non-tumor-associated CD4+ T cells via the STAT5 signaling pathway. The results of the present study may aid in identifying therapeutics that could further modulate the immune system during BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Huangpu Branch, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Keliang Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Huangpu Branch, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
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Gershovich PM, Karabelskii AV, Ulitin AB, Ivanov RA. The Role of Checkpoint Inhibitors and Cytokines in Adoptive Cell-Based Cancer Immunotherapy with Genetically Modified T Cells. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2019; 84:695-710. [PMID: 31509722 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297919070022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This review focuses on the structure and molecular action mechanisms of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and major aspects of the manufacturing and clinical application of products for the CAR-T (CAR-modified T lymphocyte) therapy of hematological and solid tumors with special emphasis on the strategies for combined use of CAR-T therapy with immuno-oncological monoclonal antibodies (checkpoint inhibitors) and cytokines to boost survival, persistence, and antitumor efficacy of CAR-T therapy. The review also summarizes preclinical and clinical data on the additive effects of the combined use of CAR-T therapy with interleukins and monoclonal antibodies targeting immune checkpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- P M Gershovich
- CJSC Biocad, St. Petersburg, 198515, Russia. .,St. Petersburg State Chemical Pharmaceutical Academy, St. Petersburg, 197376, Russia
| | - A V Karabelskii
- CJSC Biocad, St. Petersburg, 198515, Russia.,St. Petersburg State Chemical Pharmaceutical Academy, St. Petersburg, 197376, Russia
| | - A B Ulitin
- CJSC Biocad, St. Petersburg, 198515, Russia
| | - R A Ivanov
- CJSC Biocad, St. Petersburg, 198515, Russia
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11
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Peng GL, Li L, Guo YW, Yu P, Yin XJ, Wang S, Liu CP. CD8 + cytotoxic and FoxP3 + regulatory T lymphocytes serve as prognostic factors in breast cancer. Am J Transl Res 2019; 11:5039-5053. [PMID: 31497220 PMCID: PMC6731430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is conflicting evidence regarding the prognostic value of cytotoxic T cell infiltration in breast cancer. The aims of this study were to detect the expression levels and localization of FoxP3 and CD8 in invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast and to investigate the correlations among FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), clinicopathological features, and prognosis in patients with breast cancer. METHODS Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression levels and localization of FoxP3 and CD8. One-sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and Kaplan-Meier log-rank tests were used to analyze correlations between the expression levels of CD8 and FoxP3; Kaplan-Meier Log-rank test was used to analyze clinicopathological features to explore the prognostic significance of CD8 and FoxP3 in patients with breast cancer. RESULTS FoxP3 expression in the tumor bed was higher than that in the stroma, while CD8 was primarily expressed in the stroma. CD8 expression was associated with favorable prognostic factors. However, FoxP3 expression and an increased ratio of total FoxP3+ Tregs to CD8+ CTLs were significantly correlated with unfavorable prognostic factors. Additionally, an increased ratio was associated with molecular subtypes (ER+Her2+, ER+Her2-, ER-Her2+, and ER-Her2-) of breast cancer. Overexpression of FoxP3 and a high FoxP3+/CD8+ ratio were correlated with poor overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). However, CD8 expression only affected OS in patients with breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes are localized variously depending on the subtype. CD8+ CTLs were associated with a good prognosis, while FoxP3+ Tregs were associated with adverse outcomes in patients with breast cancer. CD8+ CTLs and FoxP3+ Tregs are potential predictive prognostic factors for patients with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gong-Ling Peng
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan 430014, China
| | - Liang Li
- Department of Radiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhan 430060, China
| | - Ya-Wen Guo
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan 430000, China
| | - Pan Yu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan 430000, China
| | - Xing-Jie Yin
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan 430000, China
| | - Shan Wang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan 430000, China
| | - Chun-Ping Liu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan 430000, China
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Erber R, Hartmann A, Beckmann MW, Mackensen A, Kremer A, Reimann H, Hübner H, Hein A, Lux MP, Jud S, Häberle L, Gaß P, Volz B, Schulz-Wendtland R, Rübner M, Fasching PA. [TILGen study-immunological targets in patients with breast cancer : Influence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes]. DER PATHOLOGE 2019; 39:236-240. [PMID: 30406831 DOI: 10.1007/s00292-018-0526-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The interaction of our immune system with breast cancer (BC) cells prompted the investigation of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and targeted, tumor antigen-specific immunotherapy. OBJECTIVES Correlation between TILs and pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NACT). Tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) in HER2+ and triple negative BC and establishment of TSA-specific therapies within the interdisciplinary TILGen study. METHODS Illustration of the TILGen study design. Assessment of TILs and correlation with pCR within this BC study. RESULTS pCR was achieved in 38.4% (56/146) and associated with estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor negative (ER-/PR-) and HER2+ tumors. Lymphocytic predominant BC (LPBC) was found in 16.4% (24/146), particularly in ER-/PR- (ER-: 27.3% vs. ER+: 9.9%, PR-: 22.3% vs. PR+: 8.2%), large, and poorly differentiated BC. TILs were significantly correlated with pCR in multivariate analysis. In LPBC, pCR was achieved in 66.7%, whereas it was 32.8% in non-LPBC. CONCLUSIONS First results confirm the influence of the human immune system on the response to NACT in HER2+ and triple negative BC. TSA-specific immunotherapy might improve the outcome in BC patients but there is an urgent need for comprehensive studies to further investigate this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Erber
- Pathologisches Institut, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Krankenhausstraße 8-10, 91054, Erlangen, Deutschland.
| | - A Hartmann
- Pathologisches Institut, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Krankenhausstraße 8-10, 91054, Erlangen, Deutschland
| | - M W Beckmann
- Frauenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Deutschland
| | - A Mackensen
- Medizinische Klinik 5, Hämatologie und Internistische Onkologie, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Deutschland
| | - A Kremer
- Medizinische Klinik 5, Hämatologie und Internistische Onkologie, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Deutschland
| | - H Reimann
- Medizinische Klinik 5, Hämatologie und Internistische Onkologie, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Deutschland
| | - H Hübner
- Frauenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Deutschland
| | - A Hein
- Frauenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Deutschland
| | - M P Lux
- Frauenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Deutschland
| | - S Jud
- Frauenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Deutschland
| | - L Häberle
- Frauenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Deutschland
| | - P Gaß
- Frauenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Deutschland
| | - B Volz
- Frauenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Deutschland
| | - R Schulz-Wendtland
- Radiologisches Institut/Gynäkologische Radiologie, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Deutschland
| | - M Rübner
- Frauenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Deutschland
| | - P A Fasching
- Frauenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Deutschland
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Phung CD, Nguyen HT, Tran TH, Choi HG, Yong CS, Kim JO. Rational combination immunotherapeutic approaches for effective cancer treatment. J Control Release 2018; 294:114-130. [PMID: 30553850 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2018.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is an important mode of cancer treatment. Over the past decades, immunotherapy has improved the clinical outcome for cancer patients. However, in many cases, mutations in cancer cells, lack of selectivity, insufficiency of tumor-reactive T cells, and host immunosuppression limit the clinical benefit of immunotherapy. Combination approaches in immunotherapy may overcome these obstacles. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that combination immunotherapy is the future of cancer treatment. However, designing safe and rational combinations of immunotherapy with other treatment modalities is critical. This review will discuss the optimal immunotherapy-based combinations mainly with respect to the mechanisms of action of individual therapeutic agents that target multiple steps in evasion and progression of tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cao Dai Phung
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, 280 Deahak-ro, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Hanh Thuy Nguyen
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, 280 Deahak-ro, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Tuan Hiep Tran
- Department for Management of Science and Technology Development, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Han-Gon Choi
- College of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, 55, Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan 426-791, Republic of Korea
| | - Chul Soon Yong
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, 280 Deahak-ro, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Oh Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, 280 Deahak-ro, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea.
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Xu J, Wang Y, Shi J, Liu J, Li Q, Chen L. Combination therapy: A feasibility strategy for CAR-T cell therapy in the treatment of solid tumors. Oncol Lett 2018; 16:2063-2070. [PMID: 30008901 PMCID: PMC6036511 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.8946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies have been demonstrated to have durable and potentially curative therapeutic efficacies in patients with hematological malignancies. Currently, multiple clinical trials in CAR-T cell therapy have been evaluated for the treatment of patients with solid malignancies, but have had less marked therapeutic effects when the agents are used as monotherapies. When summarizing relevant studies, the present study found that combination therapy strategies for solid tumors based on CAR-T cell therapies might be more effective. This review will focus on various aspects of treating solid tumors with CAR-T cell therapy: i) The therapeutic efficacy of CAR-T cell monotherapy, ii) the feasibility of the CAR-T cell therapy in conjunction with chemotherapy, iii) the feasibility of CAR-T cell therapy with radiotherapy, iv) the feasibility of CAR-T cell therapy with chemoradiotherapy, and v) the feasibility of the combination of CAR-T cell therapy with other strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinjing Xu
- Galactophore Department, Jiangsu Huai'an Maternity and Children Hospital, Huai'an, Jiangsu 223001, P.R. China
| | - Yali Wang
- Galactophore Department, Jiangsu Huai'an Maternity and Children Hospital, Huai'an, Jiangsu 223001, P.R. China
| | - Jing Shi
- Galactophore Department, Jiangsu Huai'an Maternity and Children Hospital, Huai'an, Jiangsu 223001, P.R. China
| | - Juan Liu
- Galactophore Department, Jiangsu Huai'an Maternity and Children Hospital, Huai'an, Jiangsu 223001, P.R. China
| | - Qingguo Li
- Galactophore Department, Jiangsu Huai'an Maternity and Children Hospital, Huai'an, Jiangsu 223001, P.R. China
| | - Longzhou Chen
- Galactophore Department, Jiangsu Huai'an Maternity and Children Hospital, Huai'an, Jiangsu 223001, P.R. China
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Low levels of intra-tumoural T cells in breast cancer identify clinically frail patients with shorter disease-specific survival. J Geriatr Oncol 2018; 9:606-612. [PMID: 29685380 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2018.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Revised: 11/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The global health status of older patients with cancer influences their clinical course, but little is known regarding the influence of the immune system on the global health of older patients with cancer. The goal of this study was to assess the relationships between patient fitness/frailty status and survival, and the local tumour immune environment of older patients with breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS In a cohort of 58 older patients with breast cancer (over 70 years of age), fluorescence microscopy was used to investigate whether levels of intra-tumoural T cells (CD3+) and granulocytic cells (CD15+) could predict clinical outcome, and/or whether they correlated with patient physical and mental performance as evaluated by comprehensive geriatric assessment. RESULTS We observed that patients with higher levels of intra-tumoural T cells were fitter according to a number of clinical health measures including G8 (p = 0.006), Karnofsky Index (p = 0.0372), and Leuven Oncology Frailty Score (LOFS) (p = 0.0187). In contrast, high relative levels of granulocytic cells were found in patients with poorer clinical health (LOFS, p = 0.0474). Furthermore, high levels of T cells but not granulocytic cells were associated with longer breast cancer-specific survival (p = 0.0444). CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to show that low relative levels of intra-tumoural T cells are associated with inferior patient fitness. In contrast to T cells, we observed that intra-tumoural granulocytic cells displayed an inverse relationship with patient performance. Further research is needed to determine whether boosting the level of intra-tumoural T cells in older non-fit patients can result in improved outcome.
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Würfel F, Erber R, Huebner H, Hein A, Lux MP, Jud S, Kremer A, Kranich H, Mackensen A, Häberle L, Hack CC, Rauh C, Wunderle M, Gaß P, Rabizadeh S, Brandl AL, Langemann H, Volz B, Nabieva N, Schulz-Wendtland R, Dudziak D, Beckmann MW, Hartmann A, Fasching PA, Rübner M. TILGen: A Program to Investigate Immune Targets in Breast Cancer Patients - First Results on the Influence of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes. Breast Care (Basel) 2018; 13:8-14. [PMID: 29950961 PMCID: PMC6016056 DOI: 10.1159/000486949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite advancements in the treatment of primary and metastatic breast cancer, many patients lack a durable response to these treatments. Patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2)-positive breast cancer who do not have a pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) have a very poor prognosis. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have been identified as a predictive marker for pCR after NACT in TNBC and HER2-positive breast cancer. These patient populations could also be suitable for novel treatment strategies including neoepitope-based therapies. This work analyses the effect of TILs on the pCR in neoadjuvantly treated patients in the TILGen study and presents the procedures aimed at establishing neoepitope-based therapies in this study. METHODS Neoadjuvantly treated HER2-positive and TNBC patients were eligible for the presented analysis concerning the association between TILs and pCR. A total of 146 patients could be identified within the TILGen study. TILs were evaluated as percentage of stromal tumor tissue in core biopsies at primary diagnosis. The phenotype 'lymphocyte-predominant breast cancer' (LPBC) was associated with pCR by logistic regression adjusted for estrogen receptor status, progesterone receptor status, HER2 status, age at diagnosis, and grading. RESULTS LPBC was seen in 24 (16.4%) patients. In this patient group, 66.7% achieved a pCR, while the pCR rate was 32.8% in patients with a low TIL count. The adjusted odds ratio was 6.60 (95% confidence interval 2.02-21.56; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION TILs are a strong predictor of pCR in TNBC and HER2-positive breast cancer patients. Implications for the use of this information including the effect on prognosis might help to identify patients most likely to benefit from a neoepitope-based therapy approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Würfel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ramona Erber
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hanna Huebner
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alexander Hein
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael P. Lux
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Jud
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anita Kremer
- Department of Internal Medicine 5, Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hannah Kranich
- Department of Internal Medicine 5, Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Mackensen
- Department of Internal Medicine 5, Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lothar Häberle
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Biostatistics Unit, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carolin C. Hack
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Claudia Rauh
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marius Wunderle
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Paul Gaß
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Anna-Lisa Brandl
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hanna Langemann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bernhard Volz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Naiba Nabieva
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Schulz-Wendtland
- Institute of Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Diana Dudziak
- Department of Dermatology, Laboratory of Dendritic Cell Biology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Matthias W. Beckmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arndt Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter A. Fasching
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Matthias Rübner
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
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CD14+ HLA-DR-/low MDSCs are elevated in the periphery of early-stage breast cancer patients and suppress autologous T cell proliferation. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2017; 168:401-411. [PMID: 29230664 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-017-4594-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite the recent expansion in the use of immunotherapy for many cancer types, it is still not a standard treatment for breast cancer. Identifying differences in the immune systems of breast cancer patients compared to healthy women might provide insight into potential targets for immunotherapy and thus may assist its clinical implementation. METHODS Multi-colour flow cytometry was used to investigate myeloid and lymphoid populations in the peripheral blood of breast cancer patients (n = 40) and in the blood of healthy age-matched women (n = 25). We additionally performed functional testing to identify immune suppressive mechanisms used by circulating CD14+ myeloid cells from breast cancer patients. RESULTS Our results show that breast cancer patients have significantly elevated frequencies of cells with the monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cell (mMDSC) phenotype CD14+ HLA-DR-/low compared with healthy women (p < 0.01). We also observed higher levels of earlier differentiated T cells and correspondingly lower levels of T cells in later stages of differentiation (p < 0.05). These disease-associated differences could already be detected in early-stage breast cancer patients in stages 1 and 2 (n = 33 of 40) (p < 0.05). Levels of circulating T cells correlated with certain clinical features and with patient age (p < 0.05). Functional tests showed that CD14+ myeloid cells from breast cancer patients more potently suppressed autologous T cell proliferation than CD14+ cells from healthy women (p < 0.01). Subsequent investigation determined that suppression was mediated in part by reactive oxygen species, because inhibiting this pathway partially restored T cell proliferation (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Our results highlight the potential importance of cells with mMDSC phenotypes in breast cancer, identifiable already at early stages of disease. This may provide a basis for identifying possible new therapeutic targets to enhance anti-cancer immunity.
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Zhang Y, Zhou N, Yu X, Zhang X, Li S, Lei Z, Hu R, Li H, Mao Y, Wang X, Zhang J, Li Y, Guo H, Irwin DM, Niu G, Tan H. Tumacrophage: macrophages transformed into tumor stem-like cells by virulent genetic material from tumor cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:82326-82343. [PMID: 29137267 PMCID: PMC5669893 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages are regarded as tumor-enhancers as they have key roles in the subversion of adaptive immunity and in inflammatory circuits that promote tumor progression. Here, we show that cancer cells can subvert macrophages yielding cells that have gained pro-tumor functions. When macrophages isolated from mice or humans are co-cultured with dead cancer cell line cells, induced to undergo apoptosis to mimic chemotherapy, up-regulation of pro-tumor gene expression was identified. Phagocytosis of apoptotic cancer cells by macrophages resulted in their transformation into tumor stem (initiating)-like cells, as indicated by the expression of epithelial markers (e.g., cytokeratin) and stem cell markers (e.g., Oct4) and their capability to differentiate in vitro and self-renew in serum-free media. Moreover, we identified a subset of monocytes/macrophages cells in the blood of cancer (breast, ovarian and colorectal) patients undergoing chemotherapy that harbor tumor transcripts. Our findings uncover a new role for macrophages in tumor development, where they can be transformed into tumor-like cells, potentially by horizontal gene transfer of tumor-derived genes, thus, by taking advantage of chemotherapy, these transformed macrophages promote tumor metastasis by escaping immune surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhuang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Na Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuyan Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuehui Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Shanxin Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Lei
- N & N Genetech Company, Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Ruobi Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yiqing Mao
- Department of Pharmacology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinshu Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The 305 Hospital of People’s Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyan Guo
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - David M. Irwin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Gang Niu
- N & N Genetech Company, Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Huanran Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Sikandar B, Qureshi MA, Naseem S, Khan S, Mirza T. Increased Tumour Infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ T-Lymphocytes in Patients with Triple Negative Breast Cancer Suggests Susceptibility to Immune Therapy. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2017; 18:1827-1832. [PMID: 28749113 PMCID: PMC5648386 DOI: 10.22034/apjcp.2017.18.7.1827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) have limited therapeutic options, largely because the complex tumour environment is not well-characterized. These patients are potential, but largely un-fathomed, candidates for immunotherapy. It is therefore highly relevant to characterize leukocyte complexity in TNBCs. Objective: To investigate leukocyte complexity in tumour environment of patients with TNBCs. Materials and methods: A total of 104 consecutive breast cancer patients undergoing mastectomy were recruited in the study after ethical approval. Clinico-pathological parameters were recorded and H and E staining was performed to investigate tumour morphology. Receptor status was investigated using antibodies against ER, PgR and Her-2, and patients were classified as having TNBC or non-TNBC tumours (including Luminal A, Luminal B and Her2 overexpressing tumours). Immune-cell infiltration was investigated using special stains and antibodies: α-CD3 (T-lymphocytes), α-CD20 (B-lymphocytes), α-CD4 (helper T-lymphocytes) and α-CD8 (cytotoxic T-lymphocytes). Immune cell densities were quantified as cell/mm2 using the CAP guidelines. Results: Of the 104 breast cancer patients investigated, a total of 27 (26%) had TNBC and 77(74%) non-TNBC. Patients with TNBC showed significantly increased tumour infiltration of lymphocytes (T and B-lymphocytes) compared to the patients with non-TNBC, while myelocytic infiltration was not significantly different in the two groups. Within the TNBC group, infiltration of T-lymphocytes (equal densities of CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocytes) was significantly higher compared to B-lymphocytes. Conclusion: Patients with TNBC show increased lymphocytic infiltration (more T-lymphocytes compared to B-lymphocytes). This suggests higher immunogenicity of TNBCs and may indicate a higher responsiveness of these cancers to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bushra Sikandar
- Department of Pathology, Dow International Medical College, Dow Diagnostic Research and Reference Laboratory, Dow
University of Health Sciences Karachi, Pakistan.
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Seliger B. Molecular mechanisms of HLA class I-mediated immune evasion of human tumors and their role in resistance to immunotherapies. HLA 2016; 88:213-220. [PMID: 27659281 DOI: 10.1111/tan.12898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Although the human immune system can recognize and eradicate tumor cells, tumors have also been shown to develop different strategies to escape immune surveillance, which has been described for the first time in different mouse models. The evasion of immune recognition was often associated with a poor prognosis and reduced survival of patients. During the last years the molecular mechanisms, which protect tumor cells from this immune attack, have been identified and appear to be more complex than initially expected. However, next to the composition of cellular, soluble and physical components of the tumor microenvironment, the tumor cells changes to limit immune responses. Of particular importance are classical and non-classical human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I antigens, which often showed a deregulated expression in cancers of distinct origin. Furthermore, HLA class I abnormalities were linked to defects in the interferon signaling, which have both been shown to be essential for mounting immune responses and are involved in resistances to T cell-based immunotherapies. Therefore this review summarizes the expression, regulation, function and clinical relevance of HLA class I antigens in association with the interferon signal transduction pathway and its role in adaptive resistances to immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany.
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Denkert C, Schütz F. Immunological Mechanisms in Breast Cancer - from Bench to Bedside. Breast Care (Basel) 2016; 11:93-4. [PMID: 27239169 DOI: 10.1159/000446266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Denkert
- Institute of Pathology and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Florian Schütz
- Breast Cancer Center, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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