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Rodríguez-Bejarano OH, Parra-López C, Patarroyo MA. A review concerning the breast cancer-related tumour microenvironment. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 199:104389. [PMID: 38734280 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104389] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is currently the most common malignant tumour in women and one of the leading causes of their death around the world. New and increasingly personalised diagnostic and therapeutic tools have been introduced over the last few decades, along with significant advances regarding the study and knowledge related to BC. The tumour microenvironment (TME) refers to the tumour cell-associated cellular and molecular environment which can influence conditions affecting tumour development and progression. The TME is composed of immune cells, stromal cells, extracellular matrix (ECM) and signalling molecules secreted by these different cell types. Ever deeper understanding of TME composition changes during tumour development and progression will enable new and more innovative therapeutic strategies to become developed for targeting tumours during specific stages of its evolution. This review summarises the role of BC-related TME components and their influence on tumour progression and the development of resistance to therapy. In addition, an account on the modifications in BC-related TME components associated with therapy is given, and the completed or ongoing clinical trials related to this topic are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Hernán Rodríguez-Bejarano
- Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales (U.D.C.A), Calle 222#55-37, Bogotá 111166, Colombia; Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Carrera 50#26-20, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; PhD Programme in Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Carrera 45#26-85, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - Carlos Parra-López
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Carrera 45#26-85, Bogotá 111321, Colombia.
| | - Manuel Alfonso Patarroyo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Carrera 50#26-20, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Carrera 45#26-85, Bogotá 111321, Colombia.
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Wang D, Dou L, Sui L, Xue Y, Xu S. Natural killer cells in cancer immunotherapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e626. [PMID: 38882209 PMCID: PMC11179524 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, as innate lymphocytes, possess cytotoxic capabilities and engage target cells through a repertoire of activating and inhibitory receptors. Particularly, natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) receptor on NK cells recognizes stress-induced ligands-the MHC class I chain-related molecules A and B (MICA/B) presented on tumor cells and is key to trigger the cytolytic response of NK cells. However, tumors have developed sophisticated strategies to evade NK cell surveillance, which lead to failure of tumor immunotherapy. In this paper, we summarized these immune escaping strategies, including the downregulation of ligands for activating receptors, upregulation of ligands for inhibitory receptors, secretion of immunosuppressive compounds, and the development of apoptosis resistance. Then, we focus on recent advancements in NK cell immune therapies, which include engaging activating NK cell receptors, upregulating NKG2D ligand MICA/B expression, blocking inhibitory NK cell receptors, adoptive NK cell therapy, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered NK cells (CAR-NK), and NKG2D CAR-T cells, especially several vaccines targeting MICA/B. This review will inspire the research in NK cell biology in tumor and provide significant hope for improving cancer treatment outcomes by harnessing the potent cytotoxic activity of NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- DanRu Wang
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - LingYun Dou
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - LiHao Sui
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - Yiquan Xue
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - Sheng Xu
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
- Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation Dongfang Hospital Shanghai China
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3
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Fu H, Lu X, Ji T, Wang L, Wang G, Wang L, Wang Z. Integrated analysis of colorectal cancer metastasis identifies characteristics of tumor cell during metastasis. Gastroenterol Rep (Oxf) 2024; 12:goae055. [PMID: 38818308 PMCID: PMC11139507 DOI: 10.1093/gastro/goae055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Metastasis is the main cause of death in colorectal cancer (CRC). Metastasis is a sequential and dynamic process, but the development of tumor cells during this process is unclear. In this study, we aimed to reveal characteristics of tumor cell subset during CRC metastasis. Methods Single-cell RNA sequence CRC data of normal epithelium, non-metastatic primary tumor, metastatic primary tumor, and liver metastases from gene expression omnibus (GEO) dataset were analyzed to reveal characteristics of CRC metastasis. Primary tumor tissues of three non-metastatic CRC and three metastatic CRC patients from Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College (Wuhan, China) were used to verify the characteristics of CRC metastasis. Results We identified a metastasis-related cancer cell subset EP1, which was characterized with a high expression of KRT17, LAMC2, EMP1, and PLAC8. EP1 had an enhanced cell-cell interaction, which interacted with SPP+ macrophages and drove them toward anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive phenotype. Dynamic changes in genes and TF regulons during the metastasis were also revealed. Conclusions This study advanced our understanding of the development of tumor cells during CRC metastasis and further identified metastasis-related subset and potential therapeutic targets for the treatment and prevention of CRC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyu Fu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Multi-disciplinary Translational Research, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
- Hubei Provincial Engineering Research Center of Clinical Laboratory and Active Health Smart Equipment, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Xiaohuan Lu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Multi-disciplinary Translational Research, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
- Hubei Provincial Engineering Research Center of Clinical Laboratory and Active Health Smart Equipment, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Tiantian Ji
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Multi-disciplinary Translational Research, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
- Hubei Provincial Engineering Research Center of Clinical Laboratory and Active Health Smart Equipment, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Liping Wang
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Multi-disciplinary Translational Research, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
- Hubei Provincial Engineering Research Center of Clinical Laboratory and Active Health Smart Equipment, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. Chin
| | - Guobin Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Lin Wang
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Multi-disciplinary Translational Research, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
- Hubei Provincial Engineering Research Center of Clinical Laboratory and Active Health Smart Equipment, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. Chin
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Multi-disciplinary Translational Research, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
- Hubei Provincial Engineering Research Center of Clinical Laboratory and Active Health Smart Equipment, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
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Nie SC, Jing YH, Lu L, Ren SS, Ji G, Xu HC. Mechanisms of myeloid-derived suppressor cell-mediated immunosuppression in colorectal cancer and related therapies. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:1690-1704. [PMID: 38764816 PMCID: PMC11099432 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i5.1690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe immunosuppression is a hallmark of colorectal cancer (CRC). Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), one of the most abundant components of the tumor stroma, play an important role in the invasion, metastasis, and immune escape of CRC. MDSCs create an immunosuppressive microenvironment by inhibiting the proliferation and activation of immunoreactive cells, including T and natural killer cells, as well as by inducing the proliferation of immunosuppressive cells, such as regulatory T cells and tumor-associated macrophages, which, in turn, promote the growth of cancer cells. Thus, MDSCs are key contributors to the emergence of an immunosuppressive microenvironment in CRC and play an important role in the breakdown of antitumor immunity. In this narrative review, we explore the mechanisms through which MDSCs contribute to the immunosuppressive microenvironment, the current therapeutic approaches and technologies targeting MDSCs, and the therapeutic potential of modulating MDSCs in CRC treatment. This study provides ideas and methods to enhance survival rates in patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Chang Nie
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, China-Canada Center of Research for Digestive Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yan-Hua Jing
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, China-Canada Center of Research for Digestive Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, China-Canada Center of Research for Digestive Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Disease and Syndrome Biology of Inflammatory Cancer Transformation, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Si-Si Ren
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, China-Canada Center of Research for Digestive Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Guang Ji
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, China-Canada Center of Research for Digestive Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Disease and Syndrome Biology of Inflammatory Cancer Transformation, Shanghai 200032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Integration and Innovation of Classic Formula and Modern Chinese Medicine (Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Han-Chen Xu
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, China-Canada Center of Research for Digestive Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Disease and Syndrome Biology of Inflammatory Cancer Transformation, Shanghai 200032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Integration and Innovation of Classic Formula and Modern Chinese Medicine (Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Shanghai 200032, China
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Chen Y, Li H, Zhu L, Yang Q, Zhou J. β-Glucan Subverts the Function of Myeloid Cells in Neonates. J Immunol Res 2024; 2024:2765001. [PMID: 38774603 PMCID: PMC11108693 DOI: 10.1155/2024/2765001] [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: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
β-Glucan is the main component of the cell wall of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) including various yeast, fungi, or certain bacteria. Previous reports demonstrated that β-glucan was widely investigated as a potent immunomodulators to stimulate innate and adaptive immune responses, which indicated that it could be recommended as an effective adjuvant in immunotherapy. However, the detailed effects of β-glucan on neonatal immunity are still largely unknown. Here, we found that β-glucan did not affect the frequencies and numbers of myeloid cells in the spleen and bone marrow from neonates. Functional assay revealed that β-glucan from neonates compromised the immunosuppressive function of immature myeloid cells, which were myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Flow cytometry or gene expression analysis revealed that β-glucan-derived polymorphonuclear (PMN)-MDSCs produced lower level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and arginase-1 (Arg1) in neonatal mice. Furthermore, β-glucan administration significantly decreased the frequency and ROS level of PMN-MDSCs in vitro. These observations suggest that β-glucan facilitates the maturation of myeloid cells in early life, which may contribute to its beneficial effects against immune disorders later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Chen
- Key Laboratory of Immunology, Sino-French Hoffmann Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Key Laboratory of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, China
| | - Hui Li
- Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease of the Ministry of Education, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease of the Ministry of Education, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Quan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Immunology, Sino-French Hoffmann Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease of the Ministry of Education, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
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Sukocheva OA, Neganova ME, Aleksandrova Y, Burcher JT, Chugunova E, Fan R, Tse E, Sethi G, Bishayee A, Liu J. Signaling controversy and future therapeutical perspectives of targeting sphingolipid network in cancer immune editing and resistance to tumor necrosis factor-α immunotherapy. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:251. [PMID: 38698424 PMCID: PMC11064425 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01626-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Anticancer immune surveillance and immunotherapies trigger activation of cytotoxic cytokine signaling, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) pathways. The pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α may be secreted by stromal cells, tumor-associated macrophages, and by cancer cells, indicating a prominent role in the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, tumors manage to adapt, escape immune surveillance, and ultimately develop resistance to the cytotoxic effects of TNF-α. The mechanisms by which cancer cells evade host immunity is a central topic of current cancer research. Resistance to TNF-α is mediated by diverse molecular mechanisms, such as mutation or downregulation of TNF/TRAIL receptors, as well as activation of anti-apoptotic enzymes and transcription factors. TNF-α signaling is also mediated by sphingosine kinases (SphK1 and SphK2), which are responsible for synthesis of the growth-stimulating phospholipid, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). Multiple studies have demonstrated the crucial role of S1P and its transmembrane receptors (S1PR) in both the regulation of inflammatory responses and progression of cancer. Considering that the SphK/S1P/S1PR axis mediates cancer resistance, this sphingolipid signaling pathway is of mechanistic significance when considering immunotherapy-resistant malignancies. However, the exact mechanism by which sphingolipids contribute to the evasion of immune surveillance and abrogation of TNF-α-induced apoptosis remains largely unclear. This study reviews mechanisms of TNF-α-resistance in cancer cells, with emphasis on the pro-survival and immunomodulatory effects of sphingolipids. Inhibition of SphK/S1P-linked pro-survival branch may facilitate reactivation of the pro-apoptotic TNF superfamily effects, although the role of SphK/S1P inhibitors in the regulation of the TME and lymphocyte trafficking should be thoroughly assessed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga A Sukocheva
- Department of Hepatology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
| | - Margarita E Neganova
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds at Federal Research Center of Problems of Chemical Physics and Medicinal Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, 142432, Russian Federation
- Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry, Federal Research Center, Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kazan, 420088, Russian Federation
| | - Yulia Aleksandrova
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds at Federal Research Center of Problems of Chemical Physics and Medicinal Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, 142432, Russian Federation
- Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry, Federal Research Center, Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kazan, 420088, Russian Federation
| | - Jack T Burcher
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, 34211, USA
| | - Elena Chugunova
- Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry, Federal Research Center, Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kazan, 420088, Russian Federation
| | - Ruitai Fan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Edmund Tse
- Department of Hepatology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, 34211, USA.
| | - Junqi Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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Wang ZT, Deng ZM, Dai FF, Yuan MQ, Liu SY, Li BS, Cheng YX. Tumor immunity: A brief overview of tumor‑infiltrating immune cells and research advances into tumor‑infiltrating lymphocytes in gynecological malignancies (Review). Exp Ther Med 2024; 27:166. [PMID: 38476909 PMCID: PMC10928974 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2024.12453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor immunity is a promising topic in the area of cancer therapy. The 'soil' function of the tumor microenvironment (TME) for tumor growth has attracted wide attention from scientists. Tumor-infiltrating immune cells in the TME, especially the tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), serve a key role in cancer. Firstly, relevant literature was searched in the PubMed and Web of Science databases with the following key words: 'Tumor microenvironment'; 'TME'; 'tumor-infiltrating immunity cells'; 'gynecologic malignancies'; 'the adoptive cell therapy (ACT) of TILs'; and 'TIL-ACT' (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/). According to the title and abstract of the articles, relevant items were screened out in the preliminary screening. The most relevant selected items were of two types: All kinds of tumor-infiltrating immune cells; and advanced research on TILs in gynecological malignancies. The results showed that the subsets of TILs were various and complex, while each subpopulation influenced each other and their effects on tumor prognosis were diverse. Moreover, the related research and clinical trials on TILs were mostly concentrated in melanoma and breast cancer, but relatively few focused on gynecological tumors. In conclusion, the present review summarized the biological classification of TILs and the mechanisms of their involvement in the regulation of the immune microenvironment, and subsequently analyzed the development of tumor immunotherapy for TILs. Collectively, the present review provides ideas for the current treatment dilemma of gynecological tumor immune checkpoints, such as adverse reactions, safety, personal specificity and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Tao Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Min Deng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Fang-Fang Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Meng-Qin Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Shi-Yi Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Bing-Shu Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Yan-Xiang Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
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Akama Y, Murao A, Aziz M, Wang P. Extracellular CIRP induces CD4CD8αα intraepithelial lymphocyte cytotoxicity in sepsis. Mol Med 2024; 30:17. [PMID: 38302880 PMCID: PMC10835974 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-024-00790-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In sepsis, intestinal barrier dysfunction is often caused by the uncontrolled death of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). CD4CD8αα intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs), a subtype of CD4+ T cells residing within the intestinal epithelium, exert cytotoxicity by producing granzyme B (GrB) and perforin (Prf). Extracellular cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (eCIRP) is a recently identified alarmin which stimulates TLR4 on immune cells to induce proinflammatory responses. Here, we hypothesized that eCIRP enhances CD4CD8αα IEL cytotoxicity and induces IEC death in sepsis. METHODS We subjected wild-type (WT) and CIRP-/- mice to sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and collected the small intestines to isolate IELs. The expression of GrB and Prf in CD4CD8αα IELs was assessed by flow cytometry. IELs isolated from WT and TLR4-/- mice were challenged with recombinant mouse CIRP (eCIRP) and assessed the expression of GrB and Prf in CD4CD8αα by flow cytometry. Organoid-derived IECs were co-cultured with eCIRP-treated CD4CD8αα cells in the presence/absence of GrB and Prf inhibitors and assessed IEC death by flow cytometry. RESULTS We found a significant increase in the expression of GrB and Prf in CD4CD8αα IELs of septic mice compared to sham mice. We found that GrB and Prf levels in CD4CD8αα IELs were increased in the small intestines of WT septic mice, while CD4CD8αα IELs of CIRP-/- mice did not show an increase in those cytotoxic granules after sepsis. We found that eCIRP upregulated GrB and Prf in CD4CD8αα IELs isolated from WT mice but not from TLR4-/- mice. Furthermore, we also revealed that eCIRP-treated CD4CD8αα cells induced organoid-derived IEC death, which was mitigated by GrB and Prf inhibitors. Finally, histological analysis of septic mice revealed that CIRP-/- mice were protected from tissue injury and cell death in the small intestines compared to WT mice. CONCLUSION In sepsis, the cytotoxicity initiated by the eCIRP/TLR4 axis in CD4CD8αα IELs is associated with intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) death, which could lead to gut injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Akama
- Center for Immunology and Inflammation, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Dr, 11030, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Atsushi Murao
- Center for Immunology and Inflammation, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Dr, 11030, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Monowar Aziz
- Center for Immunology and Inflammation, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Dr, 11030, Manhasset, NY, USA.
- Departments of Surgery and Molecular Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, USA.
| | - Ping Wang
- Center for Immunology and Inflammation, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Dr, 11030, Manhasset, NY, USA.
- Departments of Surgery and Molecular Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, USA.
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Kesse S, Xu Y, Shi S, Jin S, Ullah S, Dai Y, He M, Zheng A, Xu F, Du Z, Alolga RN, Peng J. MDSC-targeted liposomal all-trans retinoic acid suppresses mMdscs and improves immunotherapy in HBV infection. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2024; 21:347-363. [PMID: 38406829 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2024.2317936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are evolving as a prominent determinant in cancer occurrence and development and are functionally found to suppress T cells in cancer. Not much research is done regarding its involvement in viral infections. This research was designed to investigate the role of MDSCs in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and how targeting these cells with our novel all-trans retinoic acid encapsulated liposomal formulation could improve immunotherapy in C57BL/6 mice. METHODS Ten micrograms (10 μg) of plasmid adeno-associated virus (pAAV/HBV 1.2, genotype A) was injected hydrodynamically via the tail vein of C57BL/6 mice. An all-trans retinoic acid encapsulated liposomal formulation (L-ATRA) with sustained release properties was used in combination with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), a nucleotide analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor (nRTI) to treat the HBV infection. The L-ATRA formulation was given at a dose of 5 mg/kg intravenously (IV) twice a week. The TDF was given orally at 30 mg/kg daily. RESULTS Our results revealed that L-ATRA suppresses MDSCs in HBV infected mice and enhanced T-cell proliferation in vitro. In vivo studies showed higher and improved immunotherapeutic effect in mice that received L-ATRA and TDF concurrently in comparison with the groups that received monotherapy. Lower HBV DNA copies, lower concentrations of HBsAg and HBeAg, lower levels of ALT and AST and less liver damage were seen in the mice that received the combination therapy of L-ATRA + TDF. CONCLUSIONS In effect, targeting MDSCs with the combination of L-ATRA and TDF effectively reduced mMDSC and improved immunotherapy in the HBV infected mice. Targeting MDSCs could provide a breakthrough in the fight against hepatitis B virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Kesse
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhong Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Screening and Research on Anti-pathogen Plant Resources in Western Yunnan, Dali University, Dali, China
- HighField Biopharmaceuticals Inc, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sanyuan Shi
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shanshan Jin
- HighField Biopharmaceuticals Inc, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shafi Ullah
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive Diseases, Renji Hospital affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongchao Dai
- HighField Biopharmaceuticals Inc, Hangzhou, China
| | - Miao He
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Screening and Research on Anti-pathogen Plant Resources in Western Yunnan, Dali University, Dali, China
| | - Anjie Zheng
- HighField Biopharmaceuticals Inc, Hangzhou, China
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fengwei Xu
- HighField Biopharmaceuticals Inc, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zixiu Du
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Raphael N Alolga
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinliang Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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10
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Ma T, Su G, Wu Q, Shen M, Feng X, Zhang Z. Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles: how they mediate glioma immunosuppression. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:235. [PMID: 38282090 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-09196-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Gliomas, the most common malignant brain tumor, present a grim prognosis despite available treatments such as surgical resection, temozolomide (TMZ) therapy, and radiation therapy. This is due to their aggressive growth, high level of immunosuppression, and the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which obstruct the effective exchange of therapeutic drugs. Gliomas can significantly affect differentiation and function of immune cells by releasing extracellular vesicles (EVs), resulting in a systemic immunosuppressive state and a highly immunosuppressive microenvironment. In the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), the primary immune cells are regulatory T cells (Tregs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). In particular, glioma-associated TAMs are chiefly composed of monocyte-derived macrophages and brain-resident microglia. These cells partially exhibit characteristics of a pro-tumorigenic, anti-inflammatory M2-type. Glioma-derived EVs can hijack TAMs to differentiate into tumor-supporting phenotypes or directly affect the maturation of peripheral blood monocytes (PBMCs) and promote the activation of MDSCs. In addition, EVs impair the ability of dendritic cells (DCs) to process antigens, subsequently hindering the activation of lymphocytes. EVs also impact the proliferation, differentiation, and activation of lymphocytes. This is primarily evident in the overall reduction of CD4 + helper T cells and CD8 + T cells, coupled with a relative increase in Tregs, which possess immunosuppressive characteristics. This study investigates thoroughly how tumor-derived EVs impair the function of immune cells and enhance immunosuppression in gliomas, shedding light on their potential implications for immunotherapy strategies in glioma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianfei Ma
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Gang Su
- Institute of Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qionghui Wu
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Minghui Shen
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xinli Feng
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhenchang Zhang
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
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11
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Lekan AA, Weiner LM. The Role of Chemokines in Orchestrating the Immune Response to Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:559. [PMID: 38339310 PMCID: PMC10854906 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemokines are small molecules that function as chemotactic factors which regulate the migration, infiltration, and accumulation of immune cells. Here, we comprehensively assess the structural and functional role of chemokines, examine the effects of chemokines that are present in the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumor microenvironment (TME), specifically those produced by cancer cells and stromal components, and evaluate their impact on immune cell trafficking, both in promoting and suppressing anti-tumor responses. We further explore the impact of chemokines on patient outcomes in PDAC and their role in the context of immunotherapy treatments, and review clinical trials that have targeted chemokine receptors and ligands in the treatment of PDAC. Lastly, we highlight potential strategies that can be utilized to harness chemokines in order to increase cytotoxic immune cell infiltration and the anti-tumor effects of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Louis M. Weiner
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, 3970 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20057, USA;
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12
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Kostecki KL, Iida M, Crossman BE, Salgia R, Harari PM, Bruce JY, Wheeler DL. Immune Escape Strategies in Head and Neck Cancer: Evade, Resist, Inhibit, Recruit. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:312. [PMID: 38254801 PMCID: PMC10814769 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancers (HNCs) arise from the mucosal lining of the aerodigestive tract and are often associated with alcohol use, tobacco use, and/or human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Over 600,000 new cases of HNC are diagnosed each year, making it the sixth most common cancer worldwide. Historically, treatments have included surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, and while these treatments are still the backbone of current therapy, several immunotherapies have recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in HNC. The role of the immune system in tumorigenesis and cancer progression has been explored since the early 20th century, eventually coalescing into the current three-phase model of cancer immunoediting. During each of the three phases-elimination, equilibrium, and escape-cancer cells develop and utilize multiple strategies to either reach or remain in the final phase, escape, at which point the tumor is able to grow and metastasize with little to no detrimental interference from the immune system. In this review, we summarize the many strategies used by HNC to escape the immune system, which include ways to evade immune detection, resist immune cell attacks, inhibit immune cell functions, and recruit pro-tumor immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kourtney L. Kostecki
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA; (K.L.K.); (M.I.); (B.E.C.)
| | - Mari Iida
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA; (K.L.K.); (M.I.); (B.E.C.)
| | - Bridget E. Crossman
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA; (K.L.K.); (M.I.); (B.E.C.)
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
| | - Paul M. Harari
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA; (K.L.K.); (M.I.); (B.E.C.)
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
| | - Justine Y. Bruce
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Deric L. Wheeler
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA; (K.L.K.); (M.I.); (B.E.C.)
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
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13
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Jia X, Xi J, Tian B, Zhang Y, Wang Z, Wang F, Li Z, Long J, Wang J, Fan GH, Li Q. The Tautomerase Activity of Tumor Exosomal MIF Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Progression by Modulating MDSC Differentiation. Cancer Immunol Res 2024; 12:72-90. [PMID: 37956411 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0205] [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: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a deadly disease that is largely resistant to immunotherapy, in part because of the accumulation of immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Much evidence suggests that tumor-derived exosomes (TDE) contribute to the immunosuppressive activity mediated by myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) within the pancreatic cancer TME. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Herein, we report that macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in TDEs has a key role in inducing MDSC formation in pancreatic cancer. We identified MIF in both human and murine pancreatic cancer-derived exosomes. Upon specific shRNA-mediated knockdown of MIF, the ability of pancreatic cancer-derived exosomes to promote MDSC differentiation was abrogated. This phenotype was rescued by reexpression of the wild-type form of MIF rather than a tautomerase-null mutant or a thiol-protein oxidoreductase-null mutant, indicating that both MIF enzyme activity sites play a role in exosome-induced MDSC formation in pancreatic cancer. RNA sequencing data indicated that MIF tautomerase regulated the expression of genes required for MDSC differentiation, recruitment, and activation. We therefore developed a MIF tautomerase inhibitor, IPG1576. The inhibitor effectively inhibited exosome-induced MDSC differentiation in vitro and reduced tumor growth in an orthotopic pancreatic cancer model, which was associated with decreased numbers of MDSCs and increased infiltration of CD8+ T cells in the TME. Collectively, our findings highlight a pivotal role for MIF in exosome-induced MDSC differentiation in pancreatic cancer and underscore the potential of MIF tautomerase inhibitors to reverse the immunosuppressive pancreatic cancer microenvironment, thereby augmenting anticancer immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuebing Jia
- Cancer Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianbei Xi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Immunophage Biotech Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Binle Tian
- Cancer Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Immunophage Biotech Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Zhilong Wang
- Department of Oncology, Immunophage Biotech Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Fan Wang
- Cancer Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Autoimmune Disease, Immunophage Biotech Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Jiang Long
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - JianFei Wang
- Excecutive Office, Immunophage Biotech Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Laboratory Animal Research Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-Huang Fan
- Excecutive Office, Immunophage Biotech Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Li
- Cancer Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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14
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Zhang M, Wu Y, Qin Y, Shen J, Cui Z, Lei F, Zhang K, Li B, Liang S, Peng M. Dual regulation effect and mechanism of human myeloid-derived suppressor cells on anticolorectal cancer cells activity of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e3929. [PMID: 38269504 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are a group of immature inhibitory cells of bone marrow origin. Human γδ T cells (mainly Vγ9Vδ2 T cells) have emerged as dominant candidates for cancer immunotherapy because of their unique recognition pattern and broad killing activity against tumor cells. Intestinal mucosal intraepithelial lymphocytes are almost exclusively γδ T cells, so it plays an important role in inhibiting the development of colorectal cancer. In this study, we investigated the effects and molecular mechanism of human MDSC on anticolorectal cancer cells activity of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. Our results suggested that MDSC can reduce the NKG2D expression of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells through direct cell-cell contact, which is associated with membrane-type transforming growth factor-β. In contrast, MDSC can increase Vγ9Vδ2 T cells activation and production of IFN-γ, perforin, Granzyme B through direct cell-cell contact. This may be related to the upregulation of T-bet in Vγ9Vδ2 T cells by MDSC. However, MDSC had a dominant negative regulatory effect on the anticolorectal cancer cells activity of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. Our study provides a theoretical basis for the immune regulatory function of human MDSC on γδ T cells. This will be conducive to the clinical development of a new antitumor therapy strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Inflammatory Disease Research in Universities of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Inflammatory Disease Research in Universities of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yahan Qin
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Inflammatory Disease Research in Universities of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Jie Shen
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Inflammatory Disease Research in Universities of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Zhao Cui
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Inflammatory Disease Research in Universities of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Fan Lei
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Inflammatory Disease Research in Universities of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Inflammatory Disease Research in Universities of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Baiqing Li
- Department of Immunology, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Shujuan Liang
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Inflammatory Disease Research in Universities of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Meiyu Peng
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Inflammatory Disease Research in Universities of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
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15
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Bizymi N, Matthaiou AM, Mavroudi I, Batsali A, Papadaki HA. Immunomodulatory actions of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in the context of innate immunity. Innate Immun 2024; 30:2-10. [PMID: 38018014 PMCID: PMC10720601 DOI: 10.1177/17534259231215581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are notable innate immune cells, which are further divided into two subpopulations, i.e., monocytic and granulocytic. These cells are traditionally considered to mainly suppress the T-cell responses. However, more updated data indicate that their properties are rather immunomodulatory than solely immunosuppressive. Indeed, MDSCs display extensive crosstalk with other either innate or adaptive immune cells, and, according to the situation under which they are triggered, they may enhance or attenuate the immune response. However, their positive role in host's defense mechanisms under specific conditions is rarely discussed in the literature. In this mini-review, the authors briefly summarise the mechanisms of action of MDSCs under distinct conditions, such as infections and malignancies, with a particular emphasis on their role as components of the innate immunity system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikoleta Bizymi
- Department of Haematology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Haemopoiesis Research Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pneumonology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Andreas M. Matthaiou
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pneumonology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Respiratory Physiology Laboratory, Medical School, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Irene Mavroudi
- Department of Haematology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Haemopoiesis Research Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Aristea Batsali
- Department of Haematology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Haemopoiesis Research Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Helen A. Papadaki
- Department of Haematology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Haemopoiesis Research Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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16
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Anderson HG, Takacs GP, Harris DC, Kuang Y, Harrison JK, Stepien TL. Global stability and parameter analysis reinforce therapeutic targets of PD-L1-PD-1 and MDSCs for glioblastoma. J Math Biol 2023; 88:10. [PMID: 38099947 PMCID: PMC10724342 DOI: 10.1007/s00285-023-02027-y] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive primary brain cancer that currently has minimally effective treatments. Like other cancers, immunosuppression by the PD-L1-PD-1 immune checkpoint complex is a prominent axis by which glioma cells evade the immune system. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which are recruited to the glioma microenviroment, also contribute to the immunosuppressed GBM microenvironment by suppressing T cell functions. In this paper, we propose a GBM-specific tumor-immune ordinary differential equations model of glioma cells, T cells, and MDSCs to provide theoretical insights into the interactions between these cells. Equilibrium and stability analysis indicates that there are unique tumorous and tumor-free equilibria which are locally stable under certain conditions. Further, the tumor-free equilibrium is globally stable when T cell activation and the tumor kill rate by T cells overcome tumor growth, T cell inhibition by PD-L1-PD-1 and MDSCs, and the T cell death rate. Bifurcation analysis suggests that a treatment plan that includes surgical resection and therapeutics targeting immune suppression caused by the PD-L1-PD1 complex and MDSCs results in the system tending to the tumor-free equilibrium. Using a set of preclinical experimental data, we implement the approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) rejection method to construct probability density distributions that estimate model parameters. These distributions inform an appropriate search curve for global sensitivity analysis using the extended fourier amplitude sensitivity test. Sensitivity results combined with the ABC method suggest that parameter interaction is occurring between the drivers of tumor burden, which are the tumor growth rate and carrying capacity as well as the tumor kill rate by T cells, and the two modeled forms of immunosuppression, PD-L1-PD-1 immune checkpoint and MDSC suppression of T cells. Thus, treatment with an immune checkpoint inhibitor in combination with a therapeutic targeting the inhibitory mechanisms of MDSCs should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah G Anderson
- Department of Mathematics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Gregory P Takacs
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Duane C Harris
- School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Yang Kuang
- School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Jeffrey K Harrison
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Tracy L Stepien
- Department of Mathematics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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17
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Liu Z, Zhang Y, Wu C. Single-cell sequencing in pancreatic cancer research: A deeper understanding of heterogeneity and therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115664. [PMID: 37837881 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115664] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs), is a malignant tumor with characteristics of tumor-stroma interactions. Patients often have a poor prognosis and a poor long-term survival rate. In recent years, rapidly-developing single-cell sequencing techniques have been used to analyze cell populations at a single-cell resolution, so that it is now possible to have a more in-depth and clearer understanding of the genetic composition of pancreatic cancer. In this review, we provide an overview of the current single-cell sequencing techniques and their applications in the exploration of intratumoral heterogeneity, the tumor microenvironment, therapy resistance, and novel treatments. Our hope is to provide new insight into the potential of precision therapy, which will perhaps one day lead to significant advances in PDAC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuomiao Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yalin Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Chunli Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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18
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Bakhtiyaridovvombaygi M, Yazdanparast S, Mikanik F, Izadpanah A, Parkhideh S, Shahbaz Ghasabeh A, Roshandel E, Hajifathali A, Gharehbaghian A. Cytokine-Induced Memory-Like NK Cells: Emerging strategy for AML immunotherapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115718. [PMID: 37857247 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115718] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease developed from the malignant expansion of myeloid precursor cells in the bone marrow and peripheral blood. The implementation of intensive chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has improved outcomes associated with AML, but relapse, along with suboptimal outcomes, is still a common scenario. In the past few years, exploring new therapeutic strategies to optimize treatment outcomes has occurred rapidly. In this regard, natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy has attracted clinical interest due to its critical role in immunosurveillance and their capabilities to target AML blasts. NK cells are cytotoxic innate lymphoid cells that mediate anti-viral and anti-tumor responses by producing pro-inflammatory cytokines and directly inducing cytotoxicity. Although NK cells are well known as short-lived innate immune cells with non-specific responses that have limited their clinical applications, the discovery of cytokine-induced memory-like (CIML) NK cells could overcome these challenges. NK cells pre-activated with the cytokine combination IL-12/15/18 achieved a long-term life span with adaptive immunity characteristics, termed CIML-NK cells. Previous studies documented that using CIML-NK cells in cancer treatment is safe and results in promising outcomes. This review highlights the current application, challenges, and opportunities of CIML-NK cell-based therapy in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Bakhtiyaridovvombaygi
- Student Research Committee, Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Yazdanparast
- Student Research Committee, Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Mikanik
- Student Research Committee, Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Izadpanah
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Parkhideh
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amin Shahbaz Ghasabeh
- Department of Hematology and Blood Bank, School of Allied Medical Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Roshandel
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Abbas Hajifathali
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ahmad Gharehbaghian
- Department of Hematology and Blood Bank, School of Allied Medical Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran; Pediatric Congenital Hematologic Disorders Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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19
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Liu H, Yeung WHO, Pang L, Liu J, Liu XB, Pan Ng KT, Zhang Q, Qiu WQ, Zhu Y, Ding T, Wang Z, Zhu JY, Lo CM, Man K. Arachidonic acid activates NLRP3 inflammasome in MDSCs via FATP2 to promote post-transplant tumour recurrence in steatotic liver grafts. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100895. [PMID: 37916155 PMCID: PMC10616418 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims The steatotic grafts have been applied in liver transplantation frequently owing to the high incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, fatty livers are vulnerable to graft injury. Myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) recruitment during liver graft injury promotes tumour recurrence. Lipid metabolism exerts the immunological influence on MDSCs in tumour progression. Here, we aimed to explore the role and mechanism of inflammasome activation in MDSCs induced by lipid metabolism during fatty liver graft injury and the subsequent effects on tumour recurrence. Methods MDSC populations and nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome levels were investigated in a clinical cohort and a rat liver transplantation model. The mechanism of NLRP3 activation by specific fatty acids was explored in mouse hepatic ischaemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) with tumour recurrence model and in vitro studies. Results MDSC populations and NLRP3 levels were increased with higher tumour recurrent rate in patients using steatotic grafts. NLRP3 was upregulated in MDSCs with lipid accumulation post mouse fatty liver IRI. Mechanistically, arachidonic acid was discovered to activate NLRP3 inflammasome in MDSCs through fatty acid transport protein 2 (FATP2), which was identified by screening lipid uptake receptors. The mitochondrial dysfunction with enhanced reactive oxygen species bridged arachidonic acid uptake and NLRP3 activation in MDSCs, which subsequently stimulated CD4+ T cells producing more IL-17 in fatty liver IRI. Blockade of FATP2 inhibited NLRP3 activation in MDSCs, IL-17 production in CD4+ T cells, and the tumour recurrence post fatty liver IRI. Conclusions During fatty liver graft injury, arachidonic acid activated NLRP3 inflammasome in MDSCs through FATP2, which subsequently stimulated CD4+ T cells producing IL-17 to promote tumour recurrence post transplantation. Impact and implications The high incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease resulted in the frequent application of steatotic donors in liver transplantation. Our data showed that the patients who underwent liver transplantation using fatty grafts experienced higher tumour recurrence. We found that arachidonic acid activated NLRP3 inflammasome in MDSCs through FATP2 during fatty liver graft injury, which led to more IL-17 secretion of CD4+ T cells and promoted tumour recurrence post transplantation. The inflammasome activation by aberrant fatty acid metabolism in MDSCs bridged the acute-phase fatty liver graft injury and liver tumour recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Liu
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, HKU-SZH and LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wai Ho Oscar Yeung
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, HKU-SZH and LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Li Pang
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, HKU-SZH and LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jiang Liu
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, HKU-SZH and LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiao Bing Liu
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, HKU-SZH and LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kevin Tak Pan Ng
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, HKU-SZH and LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Qingmei Zhang
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, HKU-SZH and LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wen Qi Qiu
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, HKU-SZH and LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yueqin Zhu
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, HKU-SZH and LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tao Ding
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, HKU-SZH and LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, HKU-SZH and LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ji Ye Zhu
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, HKU-SZH and LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chung Mau Lo
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, HKU-SZH and LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kwan Man
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, HKU-SZH and LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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20
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Guo F, Zhang Y, Bai L, Cui J. Natural killer cell therapy targeting cancer stem cells: Old wine in a new bottle. Cancer Lett 2023; 570:216328. [PMID: 37499742 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
A small proportion of cancer cells that have stem cell-like properties are known as cancer stem cells (CSCs). They can be used to identify malignant tumor phenotypes and patients with poor prognosis. Targeting these cells has been shown to improve the effectiveness of cancer therapies. Owing to the nature of CSCs, they are resistant to conventional treatment methods such as radio- and chemotherapy. Therefore, more effective anti-CSC therapies are required. Immunotherapy, including natural killer (NK) and T cell therapy, has demonstrated the ability to eliminate CSCs. NK cells have demonstrated superior anti-CSC capabilities compared to T cells in recognizing low levels of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I expression. However, CSC escape also occurs during NK cell therapy. It is important to determine CSC-specific immune evasion mechanisms and find out potential solutions to optimize NK cell function. Therefore, this review discusses promising strategies that can improve the efficiency of NK cell therapy in treating CSCs, and aims to provide a reference for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Guo
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Ling Bai
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Jiuwei Cui
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China.
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21
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Dastouri M, Kilic N, Yilmaz H. The apoptotic effects of NK-92 cells stimulated with an anti-CD226 antibody on MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells. Med Oncol 2023; 40:228. [PMID: 37410214 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02080-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Research on immunotherapy in breast cancer treatment has recently gained importance. In this context, natural killer (NK) cells have been shown to kill cancer cells without affecting normal cells. Our study used the NK-92 cells that were stimulated with anti-CD226 antibodies (sNK-92) to increase their activity to target MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells. MCF-12A normal breast cells were used as the control in all experiments. The cytotoxic effects of NK-92 and sNK-92 cells on MDA-MB-231 cells were investigated using lactate dehydrogenase tests. The sNK-92 cells were more cytotoxic than NK-92 cells on MDA-MB-231 cells. In contrast, a significant cytotoxic change was not observed in MCF-12A cells cocultured with NK-92 and sNK-92 cells. An increase in granzyme B levels after coculturing with sNK-92 cells was investigated using the granzyme B enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The sNK-92 cells secreted more granzyme B than NK-92 cells against MDA-MB-231 cells. This increase was not observed in MCF-12A, indicating that sNK-92 cells specifically target cancer cells. In addition, immunostaining was used to investigate the synthesis level of BAX, CASP3, and CASP9 proteins to determine whether the observed cytotoxic effect was due to apoptosis. These proteins were synthesized more in MDA-MB-231 cells cocultured with sNK-92 than with NK-92 cells. However, no increase in their synthesis was observed in normal breast cells cocultured with NK-92 and sNK-92 cells. In conclusion, NK-92 cells stimulated with anti-CD226 antibodies secrete more granzyme B, resulting in a greater cytotoxic effect by inducing programmed cell death (apoptosis). The fact that the observed effects on breast cancer cells were not observed in normal breast cells indicates that sNK-92 cells specifically target breast cancer cells. These results indicate the potential use of CD226-stimulated NK-92 cells in immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadreza Dastouri
- Ankara University Biotechnology Institute and SISBIYOTEK Advanced Research Unit, Gumusdere Yerleskesi, Kecioren, 06135, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Nil Kilic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ankara University, Tandogan Campus, 06100, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Humeyra Yilmaz
- Department of Medical Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkey
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22
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Zhang M, Xu T, Tong D, Li S, Yu X, Liu B, Jiang L, Liu K. Research advances in endometriosis-related signaling pathways: A review. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 164:114909. [PMID: 37210898 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis (EM) is characterized by the existence of endometrial mucosa outside the uterine cavity, which causesinfertility, persistent aches, and a decline in women's quality of life. Both hormone therapies and nonhormone therapies, such as NSAIDs, are ineffective, generic categories of EM drugs. Endometriosis is a benign gynecological condition, yet it shares a number of features with cancer cells, including immune evasion, survival, adhesion, invasion, and angiogenesis. Several endometriosis-related signaling pathways are comprehensively reviewed in this article, including E2, NF-κB, MAPK, ERK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, YAP, Wnt/β-catenin, Rho/ROCK, TGF-β, VEGF, NO, iron, cytokines and chemokines. To find and develop novel medications for the treatment of EM, it is essential to implicitly determine the molecular pathways that are disordered during EM development. Additionally, research on the shared pathways between EM and tumors can provide hypotheses or suggestions for endometriosis therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manlin Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tongtong Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Deming Tong
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Siman Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaodan Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Boya Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lili Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Kuiran Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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23
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Hua S, Wang S, Cai J, Wu L, Cao Y. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells: Are they involved in gestational diabetes mellitus? Am J Reprod Immunol 2023:e13711. [PMID: 37157925 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is currently the most common metabolic complication during pregnancy, with an increasing prevalence worldwide. Maternal immune dysregulation might be partly responsible for the pathophysiology of GDM. Myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of cells, emerging as a new immune regulator with potent immunosuppressive capacity. Although the fate and function of these cells were primarily described in pathological conditions such as cancer and infection, accumulating evidences have spotlighted their beneficial roles in homeostasis and physiological conditions. Recently, several studies have explored the roles of MDSCs in the diabetic microenvironment. However, the fate and function of these cells in GDM are still unknown. The current review summarized the existing knowledges about MDSCs and their potential roles in diabetes during pregnancy in an attempt to highlight our current understanding of GDM-related immune dysregulation and identify areas where further study is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Hua
- Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Institute, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Institute, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinyang Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lamei Wu
- Department of Perinatal Healthcare, Huai'an District Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Huai'an, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Cao
- Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Institute, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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24
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Kilic N, Dastouri M, Kandemir I, Yilmaz E. The effects of KIR2DL4 stimulated NK-92 cells on the apoptotic pathways of HER2 + /HER-breast cancer cells. Med Oncol 2023; 40:139. [PMID: 37027073 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02009-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are immune cells that have attracted significant attention due to their cytotoxic properties. They are believed to be highly effective in cancer therapy. In this study, anti-KIR2DL4 (Killer cell Immunoglobulin like Receptor, 2 Ig Domains and Long cytoplasmic tail 4) was used to stimulate the NK-92 activator receptor to increase their cytotoxicity on breast cancer cell lines. Unstimulated and stimulated NK-92 cells (sNK-92) were cocultured with breast cancer (MCF-7 and SK-BR-3) and normal breast (MCF-12A) cell lines at 1:1, 1:5, and 1:10 (Target:Effector) ratios. The most effective cell cytotoxicity ratio (1:10) was used in the immunostaining and western blot assays to evaluate apoptosis pathway proteins. The sNK-92 cells showed higher cytotoxic activity on breast cancer cells than NK-92 cells. sNK-92 cells had a selective significant cytotoxicity effect on MCF-7 and SK-BR-3 cells but not MCF-12A cells. While sNK-92 cells were effective at all cell concentrations, they were most effective at a 1:10 ratio. Immunostaining and western blots showed significantly higher BAX, caspase 3, and caspase 9 protein levels in all breast cancer cell groups cocultured with sNK-92 than with NK-92 cells. NK-92 cells stimulated with KIR2DL4 showed elevated cytotoxic activity. The cytotoxic activity of sNK-92 cells on breast cancer cells is via apoptosis pathways. However, their effect on normal breast cells is limited. While the obtained data contains only basic information, additional clinical studies are needed to provide a basis for a new treatment model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nil Kilic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ankara University, Tandogan Campus, 06100, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mohammadreza Dastouri
- Ankara University Biotechnology Institute and SISBIYOTEK Advanced Research Unit, Gumusdere Yerleskesi, Kecioren Ankara, 06135, Turkey.
| | - Irfan Kandemir
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ankara University, Tandogan Campus, 06100, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Erkan Yilmaz
- Ankara University Biotechnology Institute and SISBIYOTEK Advanced Research Unit, Gumusdere Yerleskesi, Kecioren Ankara, 06135, Turkey
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25
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Saito S, Koya Y, Kajiyama H, Yamashita M, Nawa A. Indoxyl Sulfate Promotes Metastatic Characteristics of Ovarian Cancer Cells via Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor-Mediated Downregulation of the Mas Receptor. J Transl Med 2023; 103:100025. [PMID: 36925201 DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2022.100025] [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: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Although platinum-combination chemotherapy shows a high response rate at the primary site, epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) treatment remains challenging because of tumor recurrence and metastasis. Recent studies have revealed that chemotherapy paradoxically promotes cancer cell survival, proliferation, and metastasis, although the reason for this remains unclear. The underlying molecular mechanisms that contribute to chemotherapy-induced metastasis need to be elucidated to establish effective therapeutic strategies. Acute kidney injury is a known side effect of cisplatin treatment, and kidney dysfunction results in the accumulation of uremic toxins in the serum. The present study aimed to investigate whether indoxyl sulfate (IS), a representative uremic toxin, affects the pathophysiology of EOC. In this study, IS reduced the expression of Mas receptor (MasR) in cultured human EOC cells. Both knockdown of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which is an intracellular IS receptor, and inhibition of AhR function suppressed IS-mediated downregulation of MasR in SK-OV-3 cells. IS induced the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in an AhR-dependent manner. Inhibition of the STAT3 pathway or reactive oxygen species production suppressed the IS-mediated reduction of MasR. IS stimulated cell migration and invasion of SK-OV-3 cells in an AhR-dependent manner. Cisplatin-nephropathy model mice exhibited elevated levels of serum IS accompanied by elevated levels of blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine. Furthermore, intraperitoneal administration of IS in mice promoted tumor growth and metastasis. Finally, we found that the MasR agonist Ang-(1-7) suppressed the IS-mediated effects on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of SK-OV-3 cells. However, the knockdown of MasR expression by specific small interfering RNA in the absence of IS resulted in only minimal promotion of cell migration and invasion. These findings demonstrate that IS promotes malignancy in ovarian cancer via AhR-mediated downregulation of MasR function, whereas Ang-(1-7) attenuates this effect, thereby suggesting that Ang-(1-7) could provide a future treatment strategy for this cancer type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinichi Saito
- Bell Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Collaborative Research, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Japan; Bell Research Center for Reproductive Health and Cancer, Medical Corporation Kishokai, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.
| | - Yoshihiro Koya
- Bell Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Collaborative Research, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Japan; Bell Research Center for Reproductive Health and Cancer, Medical Corporation Kishokai, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kajiyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Mamoru Yamashita
- Bell Research Center for Reproductive Health and Cancer, Medical Corporation Kishokai, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Akihiro Nawa
- Bell Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Collaborative Research, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Japan; Bell Research Center for Reproductive Health and Cancer, Medical Corporation Kishokai, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
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26
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Sui X, Chen C, Zhou X, Wen X, Shi C, Chen G, Liu J, He Z, Yao Y, Li Y, Gao Y. Integrative analysis of bulk and single-cell gene expression profiles to identify tumor-associated macrophage-derived CCL18 as a therapeutic target of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:51. [PMID: 36850011 PMCID: PMC9969639 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02612-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a common gastrointestinal malignancy with poor patient prognosis. Current treatment for ESCC, including immunotherapy, is only beneficial for a small subset of patients. Better characterization of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the development of novel therapeutic targets are urgently needed. METHODS In the present study, we hypothesized that integration of single-cell transcriptomic sequencing and large microarray sequencing of ESCC biopsies would reveal the key cell subtypes and therapeutic targets that determine the prognostic and tumorigenesis of ESCC. We characterized the gene expression profiles, gene sets enrichment, and the TME landscape of a microarray cohort including 84 ESCC tumors and their paired peritumor samples. We integrated single-cell transcriptomic sequencing and bulk microarray sequencing of ESCC to reveal key cell subtypes and druggable targets that determine the prognostic and tumorigenesis of ESCC. We then designed and screened a blocking peptide targeting Chemokine C-C motif ligand 18 (CCL18) derived from tumor associated macrophages and validated its potency by MTT assay. The antitumor activity of CCL18 blocking peptide was validated in vivo by using 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4-NQO) induced spontaneous ESCC mouse model. RESULTS Comparative gene expression and cell-cell interaction analyses revealed dysregulated chemokine and cytokine pathways during ESCC carcinogenesis. TME deconvolution and cell interaction analyses allow us to identify the chemokine CCL18 secreted by tumor associated macrophages could promote tumor cell proliferation via JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and lead to poor prognosis of ESCC. The peptide Pep3 could inhibit the proliferation of EC-109 cells promoted by CCL18 and significantly restrain the tumor progression in 4-NQO-induced spontaneous ESCC mouse model. CONCLUSIONS For the first time, we discovered and validated that CCL18 blockade could significantly prevent ESCC progression. Our study revealed the comprehensive cell-cell interaction network in the TME of ESCC and provided novel therapeutic targets and strategies to ESCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinghua Sui
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XSchool of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107 China
| | - Chunxia Chen
- grid.207374.50000 0001 2189 3846School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 China
| | - Xiuman Zhou
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XSchool of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107 China
| | - Xueyan Wen
- grid.207374.50000 0001 2189 3846School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 China
| | - Chao Shi
- Department of Molecular Pathology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University/Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008 China
| | - Guanyu Chen
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XSchool of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107 China
| | - Juan Liu
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XSchool of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107 China
| | - Zhuoying He
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XSchool of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107 China
| | - Yongjie Yao
- grid.207374.50000 0001 2189 3846School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 China
| | - Yin Li
- Thoracic Surgery Department, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Yanfeng Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China. .,School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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27
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Velasco RM, García AG, Sánchez PJ, Sellart IM, Sánchez-Arévalo Lobo VJ. Tumour microenvironment and heterotypic interactions in pancreatic cancer. J Physiol Biochem 2023; 79:179-192. [PMID: 35102531 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-022-00875-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is a disease with a survival rate of 9%; this is due to its chemoresistance and the large tumour stroma that occupies most of the tumour mass. It is composed of a large number of cells of the immune system, such as Treg cells, tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs), myeloid suppressor cells (MDCs) and tumour-associated neutrophiles (TANs) that generate an immunosuppressive environment by the release of inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, cancer-associated fibroblast (CAFs) provide a protective coverage that would difficult the access of chemotherapy to the tumour. According to this, new therapies that could remodel this heterogeneous tumour microenvironment, such as adoptive T cell therapies (ACT), immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), and CD40 agonists, should be developed for targeting PDA. This review organizes the different cell populations found in the tumour stroma involved in tumour progression in addition to the different therapies that are being studied to counteract the tumour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Muñoz Velasco
- Molecular Oncology Group, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Biosanitary Research Institute, Francisco de Vitoria University, 28223, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, UFV, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre, Pathology Department, Av. Córdoba, s/n, 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana García García
- Molecular Oncology Group, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Biosanitary Research Institute, Francisco de Vitoria University, 28223, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, UFV, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre, Pathology Department, Av. Córdoba, s/n, 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula Jiménez Sánchez
- Molecular Oncology Group, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Biosanitary Research Institute, Francisco de Vitoria University, 28223, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, UFV, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre, Pathology Department, Av. Córdoba, s/n, 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Montanuy Sellart
- Molecular Oncology Group, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Biosanitary Research Institute, Francisco de Vitoria University, 28223, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, UFV, Spain
| | - Víctor Javier Sánchez-Arévalo Lobo
- Molecular Oncology Group, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Biosanitary Research Institute, Francisco de Vitoria University, 28223, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, UFV, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre, Pathology Department, Av. Córdoba, s/n, 28041, Madrid, Spain.
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28
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Lu C, Liu Y, Ali NM, Zhang B, Cui X. The role of innate immune cells in the tumor microenvironment and research progress in anti-tumor therapy. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1039260. [PMID: 36741415 PMCID: PMC9893925 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1039260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Innate immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) mainly include macrophages, neutrophils, natural killer cells, dendritic cells and bone marrow derived suppressor cells. They play an anti-tumor or pro-tumor role by secreting various cytokines, chemokines and other factors, and determine the occurrence and development of tumors. Comprehending the role of innate immune cells in tumorigenesis and progression can help improve therapeutic approaches targeting innate immune cells in the TME, increasing the likelihood of favorable prognosis. In this review, we discussed the cell biology of innate immune cells, their role in tumorigenesis and development, and the current status of innate immune cell-based immunotherapy, in order to provide an overview for future research lines and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglin Lu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China,Department of Oncology, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, China
| | - Nasra Mohamoud Ali
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China,*Correspondence: Xiaonan Cui, ; Bin Zhang,
| | - Xiaonan Cui
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China,*Correspondence: Xiaonan Cui, ; Bin Zhang,
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29
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Huang B, Zhang J, Zong W, Chen S, Zong Z, Zeng X, Zhang H. Myeloidcells in the immunosuppressive microenvironment in glioblastoma: The characteristics and therapeutic strategies. Front Immunol 2023; 14:994698. [PMID: 36923402 PMCID: PMC10008967 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.994698] [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: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and lethal malignant tumor of the central nervous system in adults. Conventional therapies, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, have limited success in ameliorating patient survival. The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, which is infiltrated by a variety of myeloid cells, has been considered a crucial obstacle to current treatment. Recently, immunotherapy, which has achieved great success in hematological malignancies and some solid cancers, has garnered extensive attention for the treatment of GBM. In this review, we will present evidence on the features and functions of different populations of myeloid cells, and on current clinical advances in immunotherapies for glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyuan Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Capital Medical University Electric Power Teaching Hospital/State Grid Beijing Electric Power Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjing Zong
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Sisi Chen
- Department of neurosurgery, Jiujiang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiujiang, China
| | - Zhitao Zong
- Department of neurosurgery, Jiujiang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiujiang, China
| | - Xiaojun Zeng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hongbo Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Liu Y, Han Y, Zhang Y, Lv T, Peng X, Huang J. LncRNAs has been identified as regulators of Myeloid-derived suppressor cells in lung cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1067520. [PMID: 36817434 PMCID: PMC9932034 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1067520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung tumours are widespread pathological conditions that attract much attention due to their high incidence of death. The immune system contributes to the progression of these diseases, especially non-small cell lung cancer, resulting in the fast evolution of immune-targeted therapy. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have been suggested to promote the progression of cancer in the lungs by suppressing the immune response through various mechanisms. Herein, we summarized the clinical studies on lung cancer related to MDSCs. However, it is noteworthy to mention the discovery of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that had different phenotypes and could regulate MDSCs in lung cancer. Therefore, by reviewing the different phenotypes of lncRNAs and their regulation on MDSCs, we summarized the lncRNAs' impact on the progression of lung tumours. Data highlight LncRNAs as anti-cancer agents. Hence, we aim to discuss their possibilities to inhibit tumour growth and trigger the development of immunosuppressive factors such as MDSCs in lung cancer through the regulation of lncRNAs. The ultimate purpose is to propose novel and efficient therapy methods for curing patients with lung tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Liu
- Department of Oncology, Jingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China.,Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Yukun Han
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China.,Department of Medical Imaging, School of Medicine, and Positron Emission Computed Tomography (PET) Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Yanhua Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China.,Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Tongtong Lv
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China.,Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaochun Peng
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China.,Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Jinbai Huang
- Department of Medical Imaging, School of Medicine, and Positron Emission Computed Tomography (PET) Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
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The Senescence-Related Signature Predicts Prognosis and Characterization of Tumor Microenvironment Infiltration in Pancreatic Cancer. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:1916787. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/1916787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background. Senescence is thought to be an imperative effect on the development of cancer. However, few studies pay an attention to the senescence-associated genes in pancreatic cancer (PC). The prognostic value of senescence-related genes (SRGs) and their involvement in tumor microenvironment (TME) in the PC remain obscure. The aim of this research was to investigate the prognostic role of senescence-associated genes and their affection in TME in PC. Methods. The transcriptome and clinical information of PC patients were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Two SRG-mediated molecular clusters were comprehensively identified. In total, data from the 285 PC patients were randomly used to develop a senescence-associated gene signature in the training set and verified in the validation set. Immune microenvironment analysis pertained to senescence-related genes was performed. Results. A SRG_score including five senescence-associated genes was established to separate PC patients into two risk groups. High-risk patients had worse overall survival than low-risk patients. The result of the multivariate Cox regression analysis identified the risk score and stage as independent prognostic factors for PC patients. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis confirmed the credible predictive ability of the nomogram. The area under time-dependent ROC curve (AUC) reached 0.746 at 1 year, 0.781 at 3 years, and 0.868 at 5 years in the training set and 0.653 at 1 year, 0.755 at 3 years, and 0.785 at 5 years in the validation set. Moreover, the SRG_score was associated with TME, tumor mutation burden (TMB), and chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity. Conclusions. This study found that the novel SRG_score could be an independent prognostic target for PC patients. Senescence-associated genes had a vital impact on the immune microenvironment and the treatment of PC patients.
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Hu Q, Wu G, Wang R, Ma H, Zhang Z, Xue Q. Cutting edges and therapeutic opportunities on tumor-associated macrophages in lung cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1007812. [PMID: 36439090 PMCID: PMC9693759 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1007812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is a disease with remarkable heterogeneity. A deep understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) offers potential therapeutic strategies against this malignant disease. More and more attention has been paid to the roles of macrophages in the TME. This article briefly summarizes the origin of macrophages, the mutual regulation between anti-tumoral immunity and pro-tumoral statuses derived from macrophage polarization, and the therapeutic opportunities targeting alternately activated macrophages (AAM)-type macrophage polarization. Among them, cellular components including T cells, as well as acellular components represented by IL-4 and IL-13 are key regulators driving the polarization of AAM macrophages. Novel treatments targeting macrophage-associated mechanisms are mainly divided into small molecule inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and other therapies to re-acclimate AMM macrophages. Finally, we paid special attention to an immunosuppressive subgroup of macrophages with T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-3 (TIM-3) expression. Based on cellular interactions with cancer cells, TIM3+ macrophages facilitate the proliferation and progression of cancer cells, yet this process exposes targets blocking the ligand-receptor recognition. To sum up, this is a systematic review on the mechanism of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) polarization, therapeutic strategies and the biological functions of Tim-3 positive macrophages that aims to provide new insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Hu
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Gujie Wu
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Runtian Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huiyun Ma
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Zhouwei Zhang
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Qun Xue
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
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Wang YY, Li SY, Chen SQ, Wang LL, Han ZQ. Myeloid-derived Suppressor Cells Activate Liver Natural Killer Cells in a Murine Model in Uveal Melanoma. Curr Med Sci 2022; 42:1071-1078. [PMID: 36245024 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-022-2623-3] [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: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Elevated myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in many malignancies are associated with the increased risk for metastases and poor prognosis. Therefore, a mouse model of intraocular melanoma was established to explore how MDSCs influence liver metastases. METHODS In this study, murine B16LS melanoma cells were transplanted into the posterior compartment (PC) of the eye of C57BL/6 mice. Leucocytes from the liver of naive mice and mice bearing melanoma liver metastasis were isolated using isotonic Percoll centrifugation, examined by flow cytometry for their expression of Gr1, CD11b, F4/80, RAE-1, and Mult-1, and further isolated for MDSCs and natural killer (NK) cells. The effects of MDSCs on NK cells were tested by coculturing and assessing the ability of NK cells to produce interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) by ELISA and NK cell cytotoxicity by 3H-thymidine incorporation assay. The impact of IFN-γ on liver metastases was examined via selectively depleting IFN-γ in vivo. RESULTS The results showed that mice with liver metastases had increased levels of CD11b+Gr1+F4/80+ as well as CD11b+Gr1+F4/80- MDSCs. MDSCs significantly enhanced the generation of IFN-γ together with the cytotoxicity of the NK cells. Furthermore, these effects were cell-cell contact-dependent. Although IFN-γ was not of a toxic nature to the melanoma cells, it profoundly inhibited B16LS cell proliferation. Depleting IFN-γ in vivo led to increased liver metastases. CONCLUSION All these findings first revealed that MDSCs accumulated in liver metastasis of intraocular melanoma could activate the NK cells to produce an effective anti-tumor immune response. Thus, the MDSCs' performance in different tumor models would need more investigation to boost current immunotherapy modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Yuan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Shuang-Ying Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - San-Qian Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chibi People's Hospital, Chibi, 437300, China
| | - Liang-Liang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Wu Y, Yi M, Niu M, Mei Q, Wu K. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells: an emerging target for anticancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:184. [PMID: 36163047 PMCID: PMC9513992 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01657-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical responses observed following treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) support immunotherapy as a potential anticancer treatment. However, a large proportion of patients cannot benefit from it due to resistance or relapse, which is most likely attributable to the multiple immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), a heterogeneous array of pathologically activated immature cells, are a chief component of immunosuppressive networks. These cells potently suppress T-cell activity and thus contribute to the immune escape of malignant tumors. New findings indicate that targeting MDSCs might be an alternative and promising target for immunotherapy, reshaping the immunosuppressive microenvironment and enhancing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we focus primarily on the classification and inhibitory function of MDSCs and the crosstalk between MDSCs and other myeloid cells. We also briefly summarize the latest approaches to therapies targeting MDSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuze Wu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Yi
- Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang University School of Medicine First Affiliated Hospital, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Mengke Niu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Mei
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China. .,Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People's Republic of China.
| | - Kongming Wu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
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35
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Abstract
The clinical responses observed following treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) support immunotherapy as a potential anticancer treatment. However, a large proportion of patients cannot benefit from it due to resistance or relapse, which is most likely attributable to the multiple immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), a heterogeneous array of pathologically activated immature cells, are a chief component of immunosuppressive networks. These cells potently suppress T-cell activity and thus contribute to the immune escape of malignant tumors. New findings indicate that targeting MDSCs might be an alternative and promising target for immunotherapy, reshaping the immunosuppressive microenvironment and enhancing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we focus primarily on the classification and inhibitory function of MDSCs and the crosstalk between MDSCs and other myeloid cells. We also briefly summarize the latest approaches to therapies targeting MDSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuze Wu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Yi
- Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang University School of Medicine First Affiliated Hospital, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Mengke Niu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Mei
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People's Republic of China.
| | - Kongming Wu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
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The Hepatic Pre-Metastatic Niche. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153731. [PMID: 35954395 PMCID: PMC9367402 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The pre-metastatic niche is a recently established concept that could lead to targeted therapies that prevent metastasis before ever occurring. Considering that 90% of cancer mortality results from metastasis, the PMN is thus a salient opportunity for intervention. The purpose of the current review is to cover what is known specifically about the hepatic pre-metastatic niche, a topic that has garnered increasing research focus within the last decade. We discuss the methods of communication between primary tumors and the liver, the involved cell populations, the key changes within liver tissue, and perspectives on the future of the field. Abstract Primary tumors can communicate with the liver to establish a microenvironment that favors metastatic colonization prior to dissemination, forming what is termed the “pre-metastatic niche” (PMN). Through diverse signaling mechanisms, distant malignancies can both influence hepatic cells directly as well as recruit immune cells into the PMN. The result is a set of changes within the hepatic tissue that increase susceptibility of tumor cell invasion and outgrowth upon dissemination. Thus, the PMN offers a novel step in the traditional metastatic cascade that could offer opportunities for clinical intervention. The involved signaling molecules also offer promise as biomarkers. Ultimately, while the existence of the hepatic PMN is well-established, continued research effort and use of innovative models are required to reach a functional knowledge of PMN mechanisms that can be further targeted.
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Pramanik A, Bhattacharyya S. Myeloid derived suppressor cells and innate immune system interaction in tumor microenvironment. Life Sci 2022; 305:120755. [PMID: 35780842 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is a complex domain that not only contains tumor cells but also a plethora of other host immune cells. By nature, the tumor microenvironment is a highly immunosuppressive milieu providing growing conditions for tumor cells. A major immune cell population that contributes most in the development of this immunosuppressive microenvironment is the MDSC, a heterogenous population of immature cells. Although found in small numbers only in the bone marrow of healthy individuals, they readily migrate to the lymph nodes and tumor site during cancer pathogenesis. MDSC mediated disruption of antitumor T cell activity is a major cause of the immunosuppression at the tumor site, but recent findings have shown that MDSC mediated dysfunction of other major immune cells might also play an important role. In this article we will review how crosstalk with MDSC alters the activity of both conventional and unconventional immune cells that inhibits the antitumor immunity and promotes cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anik Pramanik
- Immunobiology and Translational Medicine Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Sidho Kanho Birsha University, Purulia 723104, West Bengal, India
| | - Sankar Bhattacharyya
- Immunobiology and Translational Medicine Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Sidho Kanho Birsha University, Purulia 723104, West Bengal, India.
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38
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Hadjigol S, Shah BA, O’Brien-Simpson NM. The ‘Danse Macabre’—Neutrophils the Interactive Partner Affecting Oral Cancer Outcomes. Front Immunol 2022; 13:894021. [PMID: 35784290 PMCID: PMC9243430 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.894021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past few decades, tremendous advances in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer have taken place. However for head and neck cancers, including oral cancer, the overall survival rate is below 50% and they remain the seventh most common malignancy worldwide. These cancers are, commonly, aggressive, genetically complex, and difficult to treat and the delay, which often occurs between early recognition of symptoms and diagnosis, and the start of treatment of these cancers, is associated with poor prognosis. Cancer development and progression occurs in concert with alterations in the surrounding stroma, with the immune system being an essential element in this process. Despite neutrophils having major roles in the pathology of many diseases, they were thought to have little impact on cancer development and progression. Recent studies are now challenging this notion and placing neutrophils as central interactive players with other immune and tumor cells in affecting cancer pathology. This review focuses on how neutrophils and their sub-phenotypes, N1, N2, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, both directly and indirectly affect the anti-tumor and pro-tumor immune responses. Emphasis is placed on what is currently known about the interaction of neutrophils with myeloid innate immune cells (such as dendritic cells and macrophages), innate lymphoid cells, natural killer cells, and fibroblasts to affect the tumor microenvironment and progression of oral cancer. A better understanding of this dialog will allow for improved therapeutics that concurrently target several components of the tumor microenvironment, increasing the possibility of constructive and positive outcomes for oral cancer patients. For this review, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched for manuscripts using keywords and combinations thereof of “oral cancer, OSCC, neutrophils, TANs, MDSC, immune cells, head and neck cancer, and tumor microenvironment” with a focus on publications from 2018 to 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Hadjigol
- *Correspondence: Neil M. O’Brien-Simpson, ; Sara Hadjigol,
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Current Limitations and Novel Perspectives in Pancreatic Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040985. [PMID: 35205732 PMCID: PMC8870068 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This review article presents a synopsis of the key clinical developments, their limitations, and future perspectives in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. In the first part, we summarize the available treatments for pancreatic cancer patients according to tumor stage, as well as the most relevant clinical trials over the past two decades. Despite this progress, there is still much to be improved in terms of patient survival. Therefore, in the second part, we consider various components of the tumor microenvironment in pancreatic cancer, looking for the key drivers of therapy resistance and tumor progression, which may lead to the discovery of new potential targets. We also discuss the most prominent molecules targeting the stroma and immune compartment that are being investigated in either preclinical or clinical trials. Finally, we also outline interesting venues for further research, such as possible combinations of therapies that may have the potential for clinical application. Abstract Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide, largely due to its aggressive development. Consequently, treatment options are often palliative, as only one-fifth of patients present with potentially curable tumors. The only available treatment with curative intent is surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. However, even for patients that are eligible for surgery, the 5-year OS remains below 10%. Hence, there is an urgent need to find new therapeutic regimens. In the first part of this review, we discuss the tumor staging method and its impact on the corresponding current standard-of-care treatments for PDAC. We also consider the key clinical trials over the last 20 years that have improved patient survival. In the second part, we provide an overview of the major components and cell types involved in PDAC, as well as their respective roles and interactions with each other. A deeper knowledge of the interactions taking place in the TME may lead to the discovery of potential new therapeutic targets. Finally, we discuss promising treatment strategies targeting specific components of the TME and potential combinations thereof. Overall, this review provides an overview of the current challenges and future perspectives in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Khoury M, Cohen I, Bar-Sela G. “The Two Sides of the Same Coin”—Medical Cannabis, Cannabinoids and Immunity: Pros and Cons Explained. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14020389. [PMID: 35214123 PMCID: PMC8877666 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis, as a natural medicinal remedy, has long been used for palliative treatment to alleviate the side effects caused by diseases. Cannabis-based products isolated from plant extracts exhibit potent immunoregulatory properties, reducing chronic inflammatory processes and providing much needed pain relief. They are a proven effective solution for treatment-based side effects, easing the resulting symptoms of the disease. However, we discuss the fact that cannabis use may promote the progression of a range of malignancies, interfere with anti-cancer immunotherapy, or increase susceptibility to viral infections and transmission. Most cannabis preparations or isolated active components cause an overall potent immunosuppressive impact among users, posing a considerable hazard to patients with suppressed or compromised immune systems. In this review, current knowledge and perceptions of cannabis or cannabinoids and their impact on various immune-system components will be discussed as the “two sides of the same coin” or “double-edged sword”, referring to something that can have both favorable and unfavorable consequences. We propose that much is still unknown about adverse reactions to its use, and its integration with medical treatment should be conducted cautiously with consideration of the individual patient, effector cells, microenvironment, and the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Khoury
- Cancer Center, Emek Medical Center, 21 Yitzhak Rabin Blvd, Afula 1834111, Israel; (M.K.); (I.C.)
- Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200002, Israel
| | - Idan Cohen
- Cancer Center, Emek Medical Center, 21 Yitzhak Rabin Blvd, Afula 1834111, Israel; (M.K.); (I.C.)
| | - Gil Bar-Sela
- Cancer Center, Emek Medical Center, 21 Yitzhak Rabin Blvd, Afula 1834111, Israel; (M.K.); (I.C.)
- Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200002, Israel
- Oncology & Hematology Division, Emek Medical Center, Yitshak Rabin Boulevard 21, Afula 1834111, Israel
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-4-6495725; Fax: +972-4-6163992
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41
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Boyer T, Blaye C, Larmonier N, Domblides C. Influence of the Metabolism on Myeloid Cell Functions in Cancers: Clinical Perspectives. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030554. [PMID: 35159363 PMCID: PMC8834417 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor metabolism plays a crucial role in sustaining tumorigenesis. There have been increasing reports regarding the role of tumor metabolism in the control of immune cell functions, generating a potent immunosuppressive contexture that can lead to immune escape. The metabolic reprogramming of tumor cells and the immune escape are two major hallmarks of cancer, with several instances of crosstalk between them. In this paper, we review the effects of tumor metabolism on immune cells, focusing on myeloid cells due to their important role in tumorigenesis and immunosuppression from the early stages of the disease. We also discuss ways to target this specific crosstalk in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Boyer
- CNRS UMR5164, ImmunoConcEpT, Site de Carreire, University of Bordeaux, 146 Rue Léo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux, France; (T.B.); (C.B.); (N.L.)
- Department of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Bordeaux, 146 Rue Léo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Céline Blaye
- CNRS UMR5164, ImmunoConcEpT, Site de Carreire, University of Bordeaux, 146 Rue Léo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux, France; (T.B.); (C.B.); (N.L.)
- Department of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Bordeaux, 146 Rue Léo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Bergonié Institute, 229 cours de l’Argonne, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Nicolas Larmonier
- CNRS UMR5164, ImmunoConcEpT, Site de Carreire, University of Bordeaux, 146 Rue Léo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux, France; (T.B.); (C.B.); (N.L.)
- Department of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Bordeaux, 146 Rue Léo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Charlotte Domblides
- CNRS UMR5164, ImmunoConcEpT, Site de Carreire, University of Bordeaux, 146 Rue Léo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux, France; (T.B.); (C.B.); (N.L.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Bergonié Institute, 229 cours de l’Argonne, 33076 Bordeaux, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hôpital Saint-André, 1 rue Jean Burguet, University Hospital Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France
- Correspondence:
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Mikhael M, Pasha B, Chela H, Tahan V, Daglilar E. Immunological and Metabolic Alterations in Esophageal Cancer. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2022; 22:579-589. [PMID: 35086463 DOI: 10.2174/1871530322666220127113752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Esophageal cancer is one of the most common types of gastrointestinal malignancies that is encountered. It has a global distribution and affects males and females and is linked to significant morbidity and mortality. The mechanisms underlying pathophysiology are multifactorial and involve the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. This review article describes the immunological and metabolic changes that occur in malignancy of the esophagus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Mikhael
- University of Missouri Department of Internal Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Bilal Pasha
- University of Missouri Department of Internal Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Harleen Chela
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology,2 Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Veysel Tahan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology,2 Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Ebubekir Daglilar
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology,2 Columbia, Missouri, USA
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Ma T, Renz BW, Ilmer M, Koch D, Yang Y, Werner J, Bazhin AV. Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Solid Tumors. Cells 2022; 11:cells11020310. [PMID: 35053426 PMCID: PMC8774531 DOI: 10.3390/cells11020310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are one of the main suppressive cell population of the immune system. They play a pivotal role in the establishment of the tumor microenvironment (TME). In the context of cancers or other pathological conditions, MDSCs can differentiate, expand, and migrate in large quantities during circulation, inhibiting the cytotoxic functions of T cells and NK cells. This process is regulated by ROS, iNOS/NO, arginase-1, and multiple soluble cytokines. The definition of MDSCs and their phenotypes in humans are not as well represented as in other organisms such as mice, owing to the absence of the cognate molecule. However, a comprehensive understanding of the differences between different species and subsets will be beneficial for clarifying the immunosuppressive properties and potential clinical values of these cells during tumor progression. Recently, experimental evidence and clinical investigations have demonstrated that MDSCs have a close relationship with poor prognosis and drug resistance, which is considered to be a leading marker for practical applications and therapeutic methods. In this review, we summarize the remarkable position of MDSCs in solid tumors, explain their classifications in different models, and introduce new treatment approaches to target MDSCs to better understand the advancement of new approaches to cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianmiao Ma
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (T.M.); (B.W.R.); (M.I.); (D.K.); (J.W.)
| | - Bernhard W. Renz
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (T.M.); (B.W.R.); (M.I.); (D.K.); (J.W.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Ilmer
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (T.M.); (B.W.R.); (M.I.); (D.K.); (J.W.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Dominik Koch
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (T.M.); (B.W.R.); (M.I.); (D.K.); (J.W.)
| | - Yuhui Yang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430022, China;
| | - Jens Werner
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (T.M.); (B.W.R.); (M.I.); (D.K.); (J.W.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alexandr V. Bazhin
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (T.M.); (B.W.R.); (M.I.); (D.K.); (J.W.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Li JH, O’Sullivan TE. Back to the Future: Spatiotemporal Determinants of NK Cell Antitumor Function. Front Immunol 2022; 12:816658. [PMID: 35082797 PMCID: PMC8785903 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.816658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells play a crucial role in host protection during tumorigenesis. Throughout tumor development, however, NK cells become progressively dysfunctional through a combination of dynamic tissue-specific and systemic factors. While a number of immunosuppressive mechanisms present within the tumor microenvironment have been characterized, few studies have contextualized the spatiotemporal dynamics of these mechanisms during disease progression and across anatomical sites. Understanding how NK cell immunosuppression evolves in these contexts will be necessary to optimize NK cell therapy for solid and metastatic cancers. Here, we outline the spatiotemporal determinants of antitumor NK cell regulation, including heterogeneous tumor architecture, temporal disease states, diverse cellular communities, as well as the complex changes in NK cell states produced by the sum of these higher-order elements. Understanding of the signals encountered by NK cells across time and space may reveal new therapeutic targets to harness the full potential of NK cell therapy for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joey H. Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Timothy E. O’Sullivan
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
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45
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Johnson RL, Cummings M, Thangavelu A, Theophilou G, de Jong D, Orsi NM. Barriers to Immunotherapy in Ovarian Cancer: Metabolic, Genomic, and Immune Perturbations in the Tumour Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6231. [PMID: 34944851 PMCID: PMC8699358 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A lack of explicit early clinical signs and effective screening measures mean that ovarian cancer (OC) often presents as advanced, incurable disease. While conventional treatment combines maximal cytoreductive surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy, patients frequently develop chemoresistance and disease recurrence. The clinical application of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) aims to restore anti-cancer T-cell function in the tumour microenvironment (TME). Disappointingly, even though tumour infiltrating lymphocytes are associated with superior survival in OC, ICB has offered limited therapeutic benefits. Herein, we discuss specific TME features that prevent ICB from reaching its full potential, focussing in particular on the challenges created by immune, genomic and metabolic alterations. We explore both recent and current therapeutic strategies aiming to overcome these hurdles, including the synergistic effect of combination treatments with immune-based strategies and review the status quo of current clinical trials aiming to maximise the success of immunotherapy in OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Racheal Louise Johnson
- Department Gynaecological Oncology, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (A.T.); (G.T.); (D.d.J.)
| | - Michele Cummings
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (M.C.); (N.M.O.)
| | - Amudha Thangavelu
- Department Gynaecological Oncology, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (A.T.); (G.T.); (D.d.J.)
| | - Georgios Theophilou
- Department Gynaecological Oncology, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (A.T.); (G.T.); (D.d.J.)
| | - Diederick de Jong
- Department Gynaecological Oncology, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (A.T.); (G.T.); (D.d.J.)
| | - Nicolas Michel Orsi
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (M.C.); (N.M.O.)
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Yu X, Zhang Y, Xu F, Dong D, Wang W, Wu X. Screening of immune-enhancing Lactobacillus in mice by using a cell-line. J Microbiol Methods 2021; 192:106380. [PMID: 34813868 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2021.106380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we found that it is possible to screen Lactobacillus strains that enhance the immune function of mice using HCT-8 cells. Lactobacillus were co-incubated with intestinal epithelial HCT-8 cells to detect and screen the strains that induced more interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the culture supernatant. Simultaneously, a mouse model of low immunity was established to administer the screened lactobacilli by gavage. After 4 weeks of continuous gavage, related cytokines in blood and immune cell indexes in organs were detected to comprehensively evaluate the feasibility of in vitro cell culture model for screening immune-enhancing strains. The content of IL-6 in the culture supernatant of HCT-8 cells induced by the three tested strains increased approximately 5, 8 and 15 fold compared with that of the control group. IL-6 content in serum of mice was significantly higher than that of the control group provided with cyclophosphamide (CTX). Lactobacillus paracasei ZLPC01 presented a higher ability to protect against the immune damage of CTX by decreasing the serum IgG level, increasing the transformation of mouse splenocytes, and the activity of NK cells. Furthermore, L. paracasei ZLPC01 increased cytokine content in serum (IL-6, IL-2, TNF-α and IFN-γ) and colon (IL-6 and TNF-α) in CTX-treated mice. Screening strains that enhance immunity via an in vitro cell-line is simple in operation, and the results are well correlated with those of animal experiments, which is feasible and effective in practice. In addition, L. paracasei ZLPC01 could have the potential to enhance the immunity of mice effectively through inducing intestinal cells to produce IL-6, TNF-α and other cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Yu
- Jiangxi-Oai Joint Research institute, College of Basic Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, PR China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Jiangxi-Oai Joint Research institute, College of Basic Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, PR China
| | - Feng Xu
- Jiangxi-Oai Joint Research institute, College of Basic Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, PR China
| | - Degang Dong
- Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330006, P. R. China State
| | - Wanchun Wang
- College of Basic Medicine, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, P. R. China State.
| | - Xiaoli Wu
- Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330006, P. R. China State.
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Peng S, Hu P, Xiao YT, Lu W, Guo D, Hu S, Xie J, Wang M, Yu W, Yang J, Chen H, Zhang X, Zhu Y, Wang Y, Yang Y, Zhu G, Chen S, Wang J, Zhang B, Chen W, Wu H, Sun Z, Ding T, Zhang H, Yi Z, Liu M, Ren S. Single-cell analysis reveals EP4 as a target for restoring T cell infiltration and sensitizing prostate cancer to immunotherapy. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 28:552-567. [PMID: 34740924 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-0299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Immunotherapies targeting immune checkpoint molecules have shown promising treatment for a subset of cancers; however, many "cold" tumors, such as prostate cancer, remain unresponsive. We aimed to identify a potential targetable marker relevant to prostate cancer and develop novel immunotherapy. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Analysis of transcriptomic profiles at single-cell resolution was performed in clinical patients' samples, along with integrated analysis of multiple RNA-seq datasets. The antitumor activity of YY001, a novel EP4 antagonist, combined with anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) antibody was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo Results: We identified EP4 (PTGER4) as expressed in epithelial cells and various immune cells and involved in modulating the prostate cancer immune microenvironment. YY001, a novel EP4 antagonist, inhibited the differentiation, maturation, and immunosuppressive function of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) while enhancing the proliferation and anticancer functions of T cells. Furthermore, it reversed the infiltration levels of MDSCs and T cells in the tumor microenvironment by overturning the chemokine profile of tumor cells in vitro and in vivo The combined immunotherapy demonstrated a robust antitumor immune response as indicated by the robust accumulation and activation of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, with a significantly decreased MDSC ratio and reduced MDSC immunosuppression function. CONCLUSIONS Our study identified EP4 as a specific target for prostate cancer immunotherapy and demonstrated that YY001 inhibited the growth of prostate tumors by regulating the immune microenvironment and strongly synergized with anti-PD-1 antibodies to convert completely unresponsive prostate cancers into responsive cancers, resulting in marked tumor regression, long-term survival, and lasting immunologic memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihong Peng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University
| | - Pan Hu
- East China Normal University
| | - Yu-Tian Xiao
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital
| | - Weiqiang Lu
- East China Normal University, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences
| | - Dandan Guo
- Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University
| | - Shixiu Hu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University
| | | | | | - Weiwei Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences
| | - Junjie Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University
| | | | | | - Yasheng Zhu
- Department of Urology, Second Military Medical University
| | | | - Yue Yang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Huangan Wu
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
| | - Zhenliang Sun
- Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital South Campus
| | - Tao Ding
- Urology, Shanghai Putuo Hospital, Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine University
| | - Hankun Zhang
- East China Normal University, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences
| | - Zhengfang Yi
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University
| | - Mingyao Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University
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Braun C, Weichhart T. mTOR-dependent immunometabolism as Achilles' heel of anticancer therapy. Eur J Immunol 2021; 51:3161-3175. [PMID: 34648202 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202149270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Immune cells are important constituents of the tumor microenvironment and essential in eradicating tumor cells during conventional therapies or novel immunotherapies. The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway senses the intra- and extracellular nutrient status, growth factor supply, and cell stress-related changes to coordinate cellular metabolism and activation dictating effector and memory functions in mainly all hematopoietic immune cells. In addition, the mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTORC2 are frequently deregulated and become activated in cancer cells to drive cell transformation, survival, neovascularization, and invasion. In this review, we provide an overview of the influence of mTOR complexes on immune and cancer cell function and metabolism. We discuss how mTOR inhibitors aiming to target cancer cells will influence immunometabolic cell functions participating either in antitumor responses or favoring tumor cell progression in individual immune cells. We suggest immunometabolism as the weak spot of anticancer therapy and propose to evaluate patients according to their predominant immune cell subtype in the cancer tissue. Advances in metabolic drug development that hold promise for more effective treatments in different types of cancer will have to consider their effects on the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Braun
- Center of Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Clinical Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Weichhart
- Center of Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Gjorgoska M, Rižner TL. Estrogens and the Schrödinger's Cat in the Ovarian Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13195011. [PMID: 34638494 PMCID: PMC8508344 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13195011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Ovarian cancer is a complex pathology for which we require effective screening and therapeutical strategies. Apart from the cancer cell portion, there exist plastic immune and non-immune cell populations, jointly constituting the context-adaptive tumor microenvironment, which is pivotal in tumorigenesis. Estrogens might be synthesized in the ovarian tumor tissue and actively contribute to the shaping of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Current immune therapies have limited effectiveness as a multitude of factors influence the outcome. A thorough understanding of the ovarian cancer biology is crucial in the efforts to reestablish homeostasis. Abstract Ovarian cancer is a heterogeneous disease affecting the aging ovary, in concert with a complex network of cells and signals, together representing the ovarian tumor microenvironment. As in the “Schrödinger’s cat” thought experiment, the context-dependent constituents of the—by the time of diagnosis—well-established tumor microenvironment may display a tumor-protective and -destructive role. Systemic and locally synthesized estrogens contribute to the formation of a pro-tumoral microenvironment that enables the sustained tumor growth, invasion and metastasis. Here we focus on the estrogen biosynthetic and metabolic pathways in ovarian cancer and elaborate their actions on phenotypically plastic, estrogen-responsive, aging immune cells of the tumor microenvironment, altogether highlighting the multicomponent-connectedness and complexity of cancer, and contributing to a broader understanding of the ovarian cancer biology.
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Lee EHC, Wong DCP, Ding JL. NK Cells in a Tug-of-War With Cancer: The Roles of Transcription Factors and Cytoskeleton. Front Immunol 2021; 12:734551. [PMID: 34594338 PMCID: PMC8476995 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.734551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells which play a key role in shaping the immune response against cancer. Initially hailed for their potential to recognise and eliminate tumour cells, their application has been greatly hindered by the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment (TME) which suppresses NK functions (e.g., cytotoxicity). This dysfunctional state that is accompanied by phenotypic changes such as upregulation of inhibitory receptors and downregulation of activating receptors, forms the basis of what many researchers have referred to as ‘exhausted’ NK cells. However, there is no consensus on whether these phenotypes are sufficient to define an exhausted state of the NK cell. While recent advances in checkpoint inhibition appear to show promise in early-stage pre-clinical studies, much remains to be fully explored and understood in the context of the TME. The TME is where the NK cells are subjected to interaction with various cell types and soluble factors, which could exert an inhibitory effect on NK cytotoxicity. In this review, we provide an overview of the general markers of NK cell exhaustion viz, the surface activating and inhibitory receptors. We also highlight the potential role of T-box transcription factors in characterising such a dysfunctional state and discuss the often-overlooked mechanism of cell cytoskeletal dynamics in regulating NK cell function. These aspects may further contribute to NK exhaustion or NK revival in cancer and may open new avenues to explore cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Hui Clarissa Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Darren Chen Pei Wong
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jeak Ling Ding
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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