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Chu X, Tian W, Ning J, Xiao G, Zhou Y, Wang Z, Zhai Z, Tanzhu G, Yang J, Zhou R. Cancer stem cells: advances in knowledge and implications for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:170. [PMID: 38965243 PMCID: PMC11224386 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01851-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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small subset of cells in tumors that are characterized by self-renewal and continuous proliferation, lead to tumorigenesis, metastasis, and maintain tumor heterogeneity. Cancer continues to be a significant global disease burden. In the past, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were the main cancer treatments. The technology of cancer treatments continues to develop and advance, and the emergence of targeted therapy, and immunotherapy provides more options for patients to a certain extent. However, the limitations of efficacy and treatment resistance are still inevitable. Our review begins with a brief introduction of the historical discoveries, original hypotheses, and pathways that regulate CSCs, such as WNT/β-Catenin, hedgehog, Notch, NF-κB, JAK/STAT, TGF-β, PI3K/AKT, PPAR pathway, and their crosstalk. We focus on the role of CSCs in various therapeutic outcomes and resistance, including how the treatments affect the content of CSCs and the alteration of related molecules, CSCs-mediated therapeutic resistance, and the clinical value of targeting CSCs in patients with refractory, progressed or advanced tumors. In summary, CSCs affect therapeutic efficacy, and the treatment method of targeting CSCs is still difficult to determine. Clarifying regulatory mechanisms and targeting biomarkers of CSCs is currently the mainstream idea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianjing Chu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Wentao Tian
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Jiaoyang Ning
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Gang Xiao
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yunqi Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Ziqi Wang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Zhuofan Zhai
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Guilong Tanzhu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Rongrong Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Xiangya Lung Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China.
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2
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Ma Y, Lv H, Xing F, Xiang W, Wu Z, Feng Q, Wang H, Yang W. Cancer stem cell-immune cell crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment for liver cancer progression. Front Med 2024; 18:430-445. [PMID: 38600350 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-023-1049-z] [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: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Crosstalk between cancer cells and the immune microenvironment is determinant for liver cancer progression. A tumor subpopulation called liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) significantly accounts for the initiation, metastasis, therapeutic resistance, and recurrence of liver cancer. Emerging evidence demonstrates that the interaction between liver CSCs and immune cells plays a crucial role in shaping an immunosuppressive microenvironment and determining immunotherapy responses. This review sheds light on the bidirectional crosstalk between liver CSCs and immune cells for liver cancer progression, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms after presenting an overview of liver CSCs characteristic and their microenvironment. Finally, we discuss the potential application of liver CSCs-targeted immunotherapy for liver cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ma
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Hongwei Lv
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Fuxue Xing
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Wei Xiang
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Zixin Wu
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Qiyu Feng
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Hongyang Wang
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China.
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepato-biliary Tumor Biology, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Wen Yang
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China.
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepato-biliary Tumor Biology, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200438, China.
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Guo Q, Zhou Y, Xie T, Yuan Y, Li H, Shi W, Zheng L, Li X, Zhang W. Tumor microenvironment of cancer stem cells: Perspectives on cancer stem cell targeting. Genes Dis 2024; 11:101043. [PMID: 38292177 PMCID: PMC10825311 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
There are few tumor cell subpopulations with stem cell characteristics in tumor tissue, defined as cancer stem cells (CSCs) or cancer stem-like cells (CSLCs), which can reconstruct neoplasms with malignant biological behaviors such as invasiveness via self-renewal and unlimited generation. The microenvironment that CSCs depend on consists of various cellular components and corresponding medium components. Among these factors existing at a variety of levels and forms, cytokine networks and numerous signal pathways play an important role in signaling transduction. These factors promote or maintain cancer cell stemness, and participate in cancer recurrence, metastasis, and resistance. This review aims to summarize the recent molecular data concerning the multilayered relationship between CSCs and CSC-favorable microenvironments. We also discuss the therapeutic implications of targeting this synergistic interplay, hoping to give an insight into targeting cancer cell stemness for tumor therapy and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- School of Life Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Tianyuan Xie
- School of Life Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Yin Yuan
- School of Life Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Huilong Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Wanjin Shi
- School of Life Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Lufeng Zheng
- School of Life Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Xiaoman Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Wenzhou Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China
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Hashemi F, Razmi M, Tajik F, Zöller M, Dehghan Manshadi M, Mahdavinezhad F, Tiyuri A, Ghods R, Madjd Z. Efficacy of Whole Cancer Stem Cell-Based Vaccines: A Systematic Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies. Stem Cells 2023; 41:207-232. [PMID: 36573273 DOI: 10.1093/stmcls/sxac089] [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: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the conventional cancer therapeutic, cancer treatment remains a medical challenge due to neoplasm metastasis and cancer recurrence; therefore, new approaches promoting therapeutic strategies are highly desirable. As a new therapy, the use of whole neoplastic stem cells or cancer stem cell (CSC)-based vaccines is one strategy to overcome these obstacles. We investigated the effects of whole CSC-based vaccines on the solid tumor development, metastasis, and survival rate. METHODS Primary electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science) and a major clinical registry were searched. Interventional studies of whole CSC-based vaccines in rodent cancer models (38 studies) and human cancer patients (11 studies) were included; the vaccine preparation methodologies, effects, and overall outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS Preclinical studies were divided into 4 groups: CSC-lysates/ inactivated-CSC-based vaccines, CSC-lysate-loaded dendritic cell (CSC-DC) vaccines, cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) vaccines generated with CSC-DC (CSC-DC-CTL), and combinatorial treatments carried out in the prophylactic and therapeutic experimental models. The majority of preclinical studies reported a promising effect on tumor growth, survival rate, and metastasis. Moreover, whole CSC-based vaccines induced several antitumor immune responses. A small number of clinical investigations suggested that the whole CSC-based vaccine treatment is beneficial; however, further research is required. CONCLUSIONS This comprehensive review provides an overview of the available methods for assessing the efficacy of whole CSC-based vaccines on tumor development, metastasis, and survival rate. In addition, it presents a set of recommendations for designing high-quality clinical studies that may allow to determine the efficacy of whole CSC-based-vaccines in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farideh Hashemi
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdieh Razmi
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Tajik
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Margot Zöller
- Section Pancreas Research, University Hospital of Surgery, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Masoumeh Dehghan Manshadi
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Forough Mahdavinezhad
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Tiyuri
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roya Ghods
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Madjd
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Huang J, Zhao X, Zhang Z, Yang S, Chen X, Shen C, Wang L, Qi Y, Zhang Y. Adjuvant cytokine-induced killer cell immunotherapy improves long-term survival in patients with stage I-II non-small cell lung cancer after curative surgery. Cytotherapy 2023; 25:202-209. [PMID: 36379882 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2022.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains the most common cancer worldwide, with an annual incidence of around 1.3 million. Surgery represents the standard treatment in early-stage NSCLC when feasible. However, because of cancer recurrence, only approximately 53% of patients with stage I and II NSCLC survive 5 years after radical surgery. The authors performed a retrospective study to investigate the impact of cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cell immunotherapy on the long-term survival of patients with stage I-II NSCLC after curative resection. METHODS Fifty-seven patients with NSCLC were included in the study, with 41 and 16 in the control and CIK groups, respectively. Clinical characteristics were compared using a t-test and χ2 test. Survival analysis of patients with NSCLC was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. The phenotypes and anti-tumor functions of CIK cells were evaluated by flow cytometry. RESULTS Patients in the CIK group exhibited significantly longer overall survival (OS) and better disease-free survival (DFS) than those in the control group. Subgroup analysis indicated that patients with a higher risk of recurrence benefited more from CIK treatment and attained longer OS and DFS compared with those in the control group. No severe adverse events related to CIK treatment occurred. CIK cells contained a higher proportion of CD3+CD56+ natural killer (NK) T cells and CD3+ and CD8+ T cells and a lower proportion of CD3-CD56+ NK cells compared with peripheral blood mononuclear cells. CIK cells exhibited potent tumor-killing ability, with longer contact times with tumor cells and a greater number of cells exposed to tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS The authors' data suggest that adjuvant CIK cell therapy is a safe and effective therapeutic strategy for improving OS and DFS in patients with stage I-II NSCLC after curative resection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianmin Huang
- Biotherapy Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xuan Zhao
- Biotherapy Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shuangning Yang
- Biotherapy Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xinfeng Chen
- Biotherapy Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chunyi Shen
- Biotherapy Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Liping Wang
- Cancer Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yu Qi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Cancer Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, China.
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6
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Dianat-Moghadam H, Sharifi M, Salehi R, Keshavarz M, Shahgolzari M, Amoozgar Z. Engaging stemness improves cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Lett 2023; 554:216007. [PMID: 36396102 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.216007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Intra-tumoral immune cells promote the stemness of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME). CSCs promote tumor progression, relapse, and resistance to immunotherapy. Cancer stemness induces the expression of neoantigens and neo-properties in CSCs, creating an opportunity for targeted immunotherapies. Isolation of stem-like T cells or retaining stemness in T clonotypes strategies produces exhaustion-resistance T cells with superior re-expansion capacity and long-lasting responses after adoptive cell therapies. Stem cells-derived NK cells may be the next generation of NK cell products for immunotherapy. Here, we have reviewed mechanisms by which stemness factors modulated the immunoediting of the TME and summarized the potentials of CSCs in the development of immunotherapy regimens, including CAR-T cells, CAR-NK cells, cancer vaccines, and monoclonal antibodies. We have discussed the natural or genetically engineered stem-like T cells and stem cell-derived NK cells with increased cytotoxicity to tumor cells. Finally, we have provided a perspective on approaches that may improve the therapeutic efficacy of these novel adoptive cell-based products in targeting immunosuppressive TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Dianat-Moghadam
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Mohammadreza Sharifi
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Rasoul Salehi
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Keshavarz
- The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Mehdi Shahgolzari
- Dental Implants Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Zohreh Amoozgar
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Tan WQ, Yuan L, Cao X, Wu XY, Xing YQ, Ye M. Overexpression of lncRNA TUG1 enhances the efficacy of DC-CIK immunotherapy in neuroblastoma in vitro and in vivo. Cancer Biomark 2023; 36:53-61. [PMID: 36373305 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-210436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) TUG1 plays a critical role in the development of human cancers. This study explored whether TUG1 is involved in the cytotoxicity of dendritic cells and cytokine-induced killer cells (DCs-CIK), an immunotherapy approach, in neuroblastoma. METHODS A TUG1 expression plasmid was transfected into DCs. Neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells were incubated with CIK cells, DCs-CIK cells, and TUG1-overexpressing DCs-CIK cells, with or without irradiation. SK-N-SH cell viability, colony formation, migration, and apoptosis were analyzed using CCK-8, colony formation assay, transwell assay, and flow cytometry, respectively. Production of IL-12, IL-2 and IFN-γ in the supernatants was determined using ELISA. A dual luciferase activity assay was performed to confirm the molecular interactions between TUG1 and miR-204. Tumor-bearing mice were established by injection of SK-N-SH cells followed by stimulation with CIK cells, DC-CIK cells, and TUG1-overexpressing DCs-CIK cells. RESULTS Compared to CIK alone or DC-CIK therapy, overexpression of TUG1 significantly suppressed tumor cell proliferation, colony formation, and migration of neuroblastoma cells. Moreover, upregulation of TUG1 robustly induced apoptosis and altered key molecules associated with apoptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Contents of IL-12, IL-2 and IFN-γ were dramatically elevated in the supernatants in the coculturing system upon transfection with TUG1. In addition, TUG1 was found to be act as miR-204 sponge. Furthermore, in vivo experiments demonstrated that upregulation of TUG1 potentiated the antitumor activity of DC-CIK immunotherapy. CONCLUSION Overexpression of TUG1 promotes DC maturation and enhances CIK cytotoxicity, suggesting that TUG1 may be a novel target for enhancing DC-CIK based immunotherapy for neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Qiang Tan
- Department of Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.,Department of Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Li Yuan
- Department of Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.,Department of Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xu Cao
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xiao-Yuan Wu
- Department of Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yi-Qun Xing
- Department of Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Ming Ye
- Department of Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
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An J, Hu X, Liu F. Current understanding of cancer stem cells: Immune evasion and targeted immunotherapy in gastrointestinal malignancies. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1114621. [PMID: 36910604 PMCID: PMC9996315 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1114621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
As a relatively rare population of cancer cells existing in the tumor microenvironment, cancer stem cells (CSCs) possess properties of immune privilege to evade the attack of immune system, regulated by the microenvironment of CSCs, the so-called CSCs niche. The bidirectional interaction of CSCs with tumor microenvironment (TME) components favors an immunosuppressive shelter for CSCs' survival and maintenance. Gastrointestinal cancer stem cells (GCSCs) are broadly regarded to be intimately involved in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis and recurrence, with elevated tumor resistance to conventional therapies, which pose a major hindrance to the clinical efficacy for treated patients with gastrointestinal malignancies. Thus, a multitude of efforts have been made to combat and eradicate GCSCs within the tumor mass. Among diverse methods of targeting CSCs in gastrointestinal malignancies, immunotherapy represents a promising strategy. And the better understanding of GCSCs immunomodulation and immunoresistance mechanisms is beneficial to guide and design novel GCSCs-specific immunotherapies with enhanced immune response and clinical efficacy. In this review, we have gathered available and updated information to present an overview of the immunoevasion features harbored by cancer stem cells, and we focus on the description of immune escape strategies utilized by CSCs and microenvironmental regulations underlying CSCs immuno-suppression in the context of gastrointestinal malignancies. Importantly, this review offers deep insights into recent advances of CSC-targeting immunotherapeutic approaches in gastrointestinal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyi An
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohua Hu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Dong M, Zhang G, Meng J, Liu B, Jiang D, Liu F. MMP9-Associated Tumor Stem Cells, CCL1-Silenced Dendritic Cells, and Cytokine-Induced Killer Cells Have a Remarkable Therapeutic Efficacy for Acute Myeloid Leukemia by Activating T Cells. Stem Cells Int 2023; 2023:2490943. [PMID: 37200633 PMCID: PMC10188259 DOI: 10.1155/2023/2490943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Dendritic cells (DC) are specialized antigen-presenting cells, and cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells have a specific killing activity to a variety of tumors. However, the underlining mechanism and function of DC-CIK cells in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remain largely elusive. Methods Gene expression profiles of leukemia patients were obtained from TCGA, DC cell components were evaluated using the quanTIseq method, and cancer stem cell scores were estimated using machine learning methods. The transcriptomes were obtained in DC-CIK cells from normal and AML patients by high-throughput sequencing. Large differentially expressed mRNAs were verified by RT-qPCR assay, and MMP9 and CCL1 were selected for subsequent studies in vivo and in vitro experiments. Results Significant positive correlations were found with DC versus cancer stem cells (p = 0.008) and the expression of MMP9 versus cancer stem cells (p = 0.018). MMP9 and CCL1 were found to be highly expressed in DC-CIK cells from AML patients. DC-CIK cells with MMP9 and CCL1 knockout alone had little effect on leukemia cells, while knockdown of MMP9 and CCL1 in DC-CIK cells increased cytotoxicity, suppressed proliferation, and induced apoptosis of leukemia cells. In addition, we proved that MMP9- and CCL1-silenced DC-CIK cells significantly elevated the CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ cells and lowered the CD4+PD-1+ and CD8+PD-1+ T cells. Meanwhile, blockage of MMP9 and CCL1 in DC-CIK cells dramatically increased IL-2 and IFN-γ, increased CD107aþ (LAMP-1) and granzyme B (GZMB), and downregulated PD-1, CTLA4, TIM3, and LAG3 T cells from AML patients and AML model mice. Furthermore, activated T cells in DC-CIK cells knocking down MMP9 and CCL1 also prevented proliferation and accelerated apoptosis of AML cells. Conclusion Our findings demonstrated that blockage of MMP9 and CCL1 in DC-CIK cells could markedly enhance the therapeutic efficiency in AML via activating T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Dong
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570000, China
| | - Guozhen Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570000, China
| | - Jie Meng
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570000, China
| | - Biou Liu
- Department of Hematology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Duanfeng Jiang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570000, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541001, China
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Qiao DR, Shan GY, Wang S, Cheng JY, Yan WQ, Li HJ. The mononuclear phagocyte system in hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:6345-6355. [PMID: 36533105 PMCID: PMC9753057 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i45.6345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) consists of monocytes, dendritic cells and macrophages, which play vital roles in innate immune defense against cancer. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complex disease that is affected or initiated by many factors, including chronic hepatitis B virus infection, hepatitis C virus infection, metabolic disorders or alcohol consumption. Liver function, tumor stage and the performance status of patients affect HCC clinical outcomes. Studies have shown that targeted treatment of tumor microenvironment disorders may improve the efficacy of HCC treatments. Cytokines derived from the innate immune response can regulate T-cell differentiation, thereby shaping adaptive immunity, which is associated with the prognosis of HCC. Therefore, it is important to elucidate the function of the MPS in the progression of HCC. In this review, we outline the impact of HCC on the MPS. We illustrate how HCC reshapes MPS cell phenotype remodeling and the production of associated cytokines and characterize the function and impairment of the MPS in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duan-Rui Qiao
- Department of Bioengineering, Pharmacy School of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130061, Jilin Province, China
| | - Guan-Yue Shan
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130061, Jilin Province, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130061, Jilin Province, China
- Department of Students Affairs, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130031, Jilin Province, China
| | - Jun-Ya Cheng
- Department of Bioengineering, Pharmacy School of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130061, Jilin Province, China
| | - Wei-Qun Yan
- Department of Bioengineering, Pharmacy School of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Hai-Jun Li
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130061, Jilin Province, China
- Institute of Liver Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130061, Jilin Province, China
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11
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Ni L. Advances in Human Dendritic Cell-Based Immunotherapy Against Gastrointestinal Cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:887189. [PMID: 35619702 PMCID: PMC9127253 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.887189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs), the strongest antigen-presenting cells, are a focus for orchestrating the immune system in the fight against cancer. Basic scientific investigations elucidating the cellular biology of the DCs have resulted in new strategies in this fight, including cancer vaccinology, combination therapy, and adoptive cellular therapy. Although immunotherapy is currently becoming an unprecedented bench-to-bedside success, the overall response rate to the current immunotherapy in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers is pretty low. Here, we have carried out a literature search of the studies of DCs in the treatment of GI cancer patients. We provide the advances in DC-based immunotherapy and highlight the clinical trials that indicate the therapeutic efficacies and toxicities related with each vaccine. Moreover, we also offer the yet-to-be-addressed questions about DC-based immunotherapy. This study focuses predominantly on the data derived from human studies to help understand the involvement of DCs in patients with GI cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Ni
- Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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12
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Dianat-Moghadam H, Mahari A, Salahlou R, Khalili M, Azizi M, Sadeghzadeh H. Immune evader cancer stem cells direct the perspective approaches to cancer immunotherapy. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:150. [PMID: 35395787 PMCID: PMC8994338 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02829-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Exploration of tumor immunity leads to the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors and cell-based immunotherapies which improve the clinical outcomes in several tumor types. However, the poor clinical efficacy of these treatments observed for other tumors could be attributed to the inherent complex tumor microenvironment (TME), cellular heterogeneity, and stemness driven by cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSC-specific characteristics provide the bulk tumor surveillance and resistance to entire eradication upon conventional therapies. CSCs-immune cells crosstalk creates an immunosuppressive TME that reshapes the stemness in tumor cells, resulting in tumor formation and progression. Thus, identifying the immunological features of CSCs could introduce the therapeutic targets with powerful antitumor responses. In this review, we summarized the role of immune cells providing CSCs to evade tumor immunity, and then discussed the intrinsic mechanisms represented by CSCs to promote tumors' resistance to immunotherapies. Then, we outlined potent immunotherapeutic interventions followed by a perspective outlook on the use of nanomedicine-based drug delivery systems for controlled modulation of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Dianat-Moghadam
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Amir Mahari
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Reza Salahlou
- Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mostafa Khalili
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Azizi
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Hadi Sadeghzadeh
- Department of Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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13
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Microtube Array Membrane Hollow Fiber Assay (MTAM-HFA)—An Accurate and Rapid Potential Companion Diagnostic and Pharmacological Interrogation Solution for Cancer Immunotherapy (PD-1/PD-L1). Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12040480. [PMID: 35454072 PMCID: PMC9027612 DOI: 10.3390/biom12040480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is one of the most promising forms of cancer treatment. In particular, immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs) represent some of the leading candidates which many drug developers have heavily invested in. During pre-clinical development and prior to human clinical trials, animal tests are a critical component for determining the safety and efficacy of newly developed ICBs for cancer treatment. In this study, we strive to demonstrate the feasibility of using hollow fiber assay microtube array membrane (MTAM-HFA) in the screening of anti-cancer ICBs. The MTAM-HFA process was carried out by encapsulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and the target cancer cells (cell lines or primary cells) and subcutaneously implanting them into Balb/C mice. At predetermined time points combination regimens of PD-1/PD-L1+ were administered accordingly and at a predetermined time point, the MTAMs were retrieved, and cell viability assays were carried out. The outcomes of the MTAM-HFA were compared against the clinical outcome of patients. Clinical comparison demonstrated excellent correlation between the screening outcome of MTAM-HFA of PD-1/PD-L1+ combination therapy and the clinical outcome of the lung cancer patients. Basic cell studies revealed that the utilization of MTAM-HFA in PD-1/PD-L1+ combination therapy revealed enhanced T-cell activity upon the administration of the PD-1/PD-L1 drug; thereby resulting in the reduction of tumor cell viability by up to 70%, and the cytotoxic effects by 82%. The outcome was echoed in the in vivo cell studies. This suggested that the MTAM-HFA system is suitable for use in PD-1/PD-L1+ screening and the accuracy, rapidity and cost effectiveness made it extremely suitable for application as a companion diagnostic system in both personalized medicine for cancer treatment and could potentially be applied to screen for candidate compounds in the development of next generation PD-1/PD-L1+ combination therapies.
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14
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Ishara J, Buzera A, Mushagalusa GN, Hammam ARA, Munga J, Karanja P, Kinyuru J. Nutraceutical potential of mushroom bioactive metabolites and their food functionality. J Food Biochem 2021; 46:e14025. [PMID: 34888869 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.14025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Numerous mushroom bioactive metabolites, including polysaccharides, eritadenine, lignin, chitosan, mevinolin, and astrakurkurone have been studied in life-threatening conditions and diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular, hypertension, cancer, DNA damage, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity attempting to identify natural therapies. These bioactive metabolites have shown potential as antiviral and immune system strengthener natural agents through diverse cellular and physiological pathways modulation with no toxicity evidence, widely available, and inexpensive. In light of the emerging literature, this paper compiles the most recent information describing the molecular mechanisms that underlie the nutraceutical potentials of these mushroom metabolites suggesting their effectiveness if combined with existing drug therapies while discussing the food functionality of mushrooms. The findings raise hope that these mushroom bioactive metabolites may be utilized as natural therapies considering their therapeutic potential while anticipating further research designing clinical trials and developing new drug therapies while encouraging their consumption as a natural adjuvant in preventing and controlling life-threatening conditions and diseases. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Diabetes, cardiovascular, hypertension, cancer, DNA damage, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity are among the world's largest life-threatening conditions and diseases. Several mushroom bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, eritadenine, lignin, chitosan, mevinolin, and astrakurkurone have been found potential in tackling these diseases through diverse cellular and physiological pathways modulation with no toxicity evidence, suggesting their use as nutraceutical foods in preventing and controlling these life-threatening conditions and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson Ishara
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Université Evangélique en Afrique, Bukavu, D.R. Congo.,Department of Food Science and Technology, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ariel Buzera
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Université Evangélique en Afrique, Bukavu, D.R. Congo.,Department of Food Science and Technology, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Gustave N Mushagalusa
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Université Evangélique en Afrique, Bukavu, D.R. Congo
| | - Ahmed R A Hammam
- Dairy and Food Science Department, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota, USA
| | - Judith Munga
- Department Food Nutrition and Dietetics, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Paul Karanja
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - John Kinyuru
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
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15
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Hao X, Sun G, Zhang Y, Kong X, Rong D, Song J, Tang W, Wang X. Targeting Immune Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment of HCC: New Opportunities and Challenges. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:775462. [PMID: 34869376 PMCID: PMC8633569 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.775462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune associated cells in the microenvironment have a significant impact on the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and have received more and more attention. Different types of immune-associated cells play different roles, including promoting/inhibiting HCC and several different types that are controversial. It is well known that immune escape of HCC has become a difficult problem in tumor therapy. Therefore, in recent years, a large number of studies have focused on the immune microenvironment of HCC, explored many mechanisms worth identifying tumor immunosuppression, and developed a variety of immunotherapy methods as targets, laying the foundation for the final victory in the fight against HCC. This paper reviews recent studies on the immune microenvironment of HCC that are more reliable and important, and provides a more comprehensive view of the investigation of the immune microenvironment of HCC and the development of more immunotherapeutic approaches based on the relevant summaries of different immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopei Hao
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guangshun Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangyi Kong
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dawei Rong
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinhua Song
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weiwei Tang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuehao Wang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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16
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Romualdo GR, Leroy K, Costa CJS, Prata GB, Vanderborght B, da Silva TC, Barbisan LF, Andraus W, Devisscher L, Câmara NOS, Vinken M, Cogliati B. In Vivo and In Vitro Models of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Strategies for Translational Modeling. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5583. [PMID: 34771745 PMCID: PMC8582701 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer-related death globally. HCC is a complex multistep disease and usually emerges in the setting of chronic liver diseases. The molecular pathogenesis of HCC varies according to the etiology, mainly caused by chronic hepatitis B and C virus infections, chronic alcohol consumption, aflatoxin-contaminated food, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease associated with metabolic syndrome or diabetes mellitus. The establishment of HCC models has become essential for both basic and translational research to improve our understanding of the pathophysiology and unravel new molecular drivers of this disease. The ideal model should recapitulate key events observed during hepatocarcinogenesis and HCC progression in view of establishing effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to be translated into clinical practice. Despite considerable efforts currently devoted to liver cancer research, only a few anti-HCC drugs are available, and patient prognosis and survival are still poor. The present paper provides a state-of-the-art overview of in vivo and in vitro models used for translational modeling of HCC with a specific focus on their key molecular hallmarks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Ribeiro Romualdo
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (G.B.P.); (L.F.B.)
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Kaat Leroy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (M.V.)
| | - Cícero Júlio Silva Costa
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
| | - Gabriel Bacil Prata
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (G.B.P.); (L.F.B.)
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Bart Vanderborght
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- Hepatology Research Unit, Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Tereza Cristina da Silva
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
| | - Luís Fernando Barbisan
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (G.B.P.); (L.F.B.)
| | - Wellington Andraus
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinics Hospital, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (HC-FMUSP), São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil;
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Hepatology Research Unit, Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Niels Olsen Saraiva Câmara
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences IV, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil;
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (M.V.)
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
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17
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Lawal G, Xiao Y, Rahnemai-Azar AA, Tsilimigras DI, Kuang M, Bakopoulos A, Pawlik TM. The Immunology of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9101184. [PMID: 34696292 PMCID: PMC8538643 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9101184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignant tumor of the liver. Liver resection or transplantation offer the only potentially curative options for HCC; however, many patients are not candidates for surgical resection, either due to presentation at advanced stages or poor liver function and portal hypertension. Liver transplantation is also limited to patients with certain characteristics, such as those that meet the Milan criteria (one tumor ≤ 5 cm, or up to three tumors no larger than 3 cm, along with the absence of gross vascular invasion or extrahepatic spread). Locoregional therapies, such as ablation (radiofrequency, ethanol, cryoablation, microwave), trans-arterial therapies like chemoembolization (TACE) or radioembolization (TARE), and external beam radiation therapy, have been used mainly as palliative measures with poor prognosis. Therefore, emerging novel systemic treatments, such as immunotherapy, have increasingly become popular. HCC is immunogenic, containing infiltrating tumor-specific T-cell lymphocytes and other immune cells. Immunotherapy may provide a more effective and discriminatory targeting of tumor cells through induction of a tumor-specific immune response in cancer cells and can improve post-surgical recurrence-free survival in HCC. We herein review evidence supporting different immunomodulating cell-based technology relative to cancer therapy in vaccines and targeted therapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma among patients with advanced disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gbemisola Lawal
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Arrowhead Regional Cancer Center, California University of Science and Medicine, Colton, CA 92324, USA; (G.L.); (A.A.R.-A.)
| | - Yao Xiao
- Department of Liver Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; (Y.X.); (M.K.)
| | - Amir A. Rahnemai-Azar
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Arrowhead Regional Cancer Center, California University of Science and Medicine, Colton, CA 92324, USA; (G.L.); (A.A.R.-A.)
| | - Diamantis I. Tsilimigras
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-215-987-9177
| | - Ming Kuang
- Department of Liver Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; (Y.X.); (M.K.)
| | - Anargyros Bakopoulos
- Department of Surgery, Attikon University Hospital, University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece;
| | - Timothy M. Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
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The Immune Privilege of Cancer Stem Cells: A Key to Understanding Tumor Immune Escape and Therapy Failure. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092361. [PMID: 34572009 PMCID: PMC8469208 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are broadly considered immature, multipotent, tumorigenic cells within the tumor mass, endowed with the ability to self-renew and escape immune control. All these features contribute to place CSCs at the pinnacle of tumor aggressiveness and (immune) therapy resistance. The immune privileged status of CSCs is induced and preserved by various mechanisms that directly affect them (e.g., the downregulation of the major histocompatibility complex class I) and indirectly are induced in the host immune cells (e.g., activation of immune suppressive cells). Therefore, deeper insights into the immuno-biology of CSCs are essential in our pursuit to find new therapeutic opportunities that eradicate cancer (stem) cells. Here, we review and discuss the ability of CSCs to evade the innate and adaptive immune system, as we offer a view of the immunotherapeutic strategies adopted to potentiate and address specific subsets of (engineered) immune cells against CSCs.
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19
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Lv D, Chen L, Du L, Zhou L, Tang H. Emerging Regulatory Mechanisms Involved in Liver Cancer Stem Cell Properties in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:691410. [PMID: 34368140 PMCID: PMC8339910 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.691410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant form of primary liver cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. A growing body of evidence supports the hypothesis that HCC is driven by a population of cells called liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs). LCSCs have been proposed to contribute to malignant HCC progression, including promoting tumor occurrence and growth, mediating tumor metastasis, and treatment resistance, but the regulatory mechanism of LCSCs in HCC remains unclear. Understanding the signaling pathways responsible for LCSC maintenance and survival may provide opportunities to improve patient outcomes. Here, we review the current literature about the origin of LCSCs and the niche composition, describe the current evidence of signaling pathways that mediate LCSC stemness, then highlight several mechanisms that modulate LCSC properties in HCC progression, and finally, summarize the new developments in therapeutic strategies targeting LCSCs markers and regulatory pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duoduo Lv
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liyu Chen
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lingyao Du
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lingyun Zhou
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong Tang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Center of Infectious Diseases, Division of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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20
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Identification of a 5-Gene-Based Scoring System by WGCNA and LASSO to Predict Prognosis for Rectal Cancer Patients. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 2021:6697407. [PMID: 33833937 PMCID: PMC8012151 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6697407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Although accumulating evidence suggested that a molecular signature panel may be more effective for the prognosis prediction than routine clinical characteristics, current studies mainly focused on colorectal or colon cancers. No reports specifically focused on the signature panel for rectal cancers (RC). Our present study was aimed at developing a novel prognostic signature panel for RC. Methods Sequencing (or microarray) data and clinicopathological details of patients with RC were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA-READ) or the Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE123390, GSE56699) database. A weighted gene coexpression network was used to identify RC-related modules. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analysis was performed to screen the prognostic signature panel. The prognostic performance of the risk score was evaluated by survival curve analyses. Functions of prognostic genes were predicted based on the interaction proteins and the correlation with tumor-infiltrating immune cells. The Human Protein Atlas (HPA) tool was utilized to validate the protein expression levels. Results A total of 247 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were commonly identified using TCGA and GSE123390 datasets. Brown and yellow modules (including 77 DEGs) were identified to be preserved for RC. Five DEGs (ASB2, GPR15, PRPH, RNASE7, and TCL1A) in these two modules constituted the optimal prognosis signature panel. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed that patients in the high-risk group had a poorer prognosis than those in the low-risk group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated that this risk score had high predictive accuracy for unfavorable prognosis, with the area under the ROC curve of 0.915 and 0.827 for TCGA and GSE56699 datasets, respectively. This five-mRNA classifier was an independent prognostic factor. Its predictive accuracy was also higher than all clinical factor models. A prognostic nomogram was developed by integrating the risk score and clinical factors, which showed the highest prognostic power. ASB2, PRPH, and GPR15/TCL1A were predicted to function by interacting with CASQ2/PDK4/EPHA67, PTN, and CXCL12, respectively. TCL1A and GPR15 influenced the infiltration levels of B cells and dendritic cells, while the expression of PRPH was positively associated with the abundance of macrophages. HPA analysis supported the downregulation of PRPH, RNASE7, CASQ2, EPHA6, and PDK4 in RC compared with normal controls. Conclusion Our immune-related signature panel may be a promising prognostic indicator for RC.
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Tsuchiya H, Shiota G. Immune evasion by cancer stem cells. Regen Ther 2021; 17:20-33. [PMID: 33778133 PMCID: PMC7966825 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2021.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor immunity represents a new avenue for cancer therapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have successfully improved outcomes in several tumor types. In addition, currently, immune cell-based therapy is also attracting significant attention. However, the clinical efficacy of these treatments requires further improvement. The mechanisms through which cancer cells escape the immune response must be identified and clarified. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a central role in multiple aspects of malignant tumors. CSCs can initiate tumors in partially immunocompromised mice, whereas non-CSCs fail to form tumors, suggesting that tumor initiation is a definitive function of CSCs. However, the fact that non-CSCs also initiate tumors in more highly immunocompromised mice suggests that the immune evasion property may be a more fundamental feature of CSCs rather than a tumor-initiating property. In this review, we summarize studies that have elucidated how CSCs evade tumor immunity and create an immunosuppressive milieu with a focus on CSC-specific characteristics and functions. These profound mechanisms provide important clues for the development of novel tumor immunotherapies. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a central role in multiple aspects of malignant tumors. Immune evasion is a fundamental feature of CSCs. Immune evasion mechanisms must be precisely clarified to improve tumor immunotherapy. CSCs are promising targets for tumor immunotherapy.
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Key Words
- ADCC, antibody-dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity
- ALDH, alcohol dehydrogenase
- AML, acute myeloid leukemia
- ARID3B, AT-rich interaction domain-containing protein 3B
- CCR7, C–C motif chemokine receptor 7
- CIK, cytokine-induced killer cell
- CMV, cytomegalovirus
- CSC, cancer stem cell
- CTL, cytotoxic T lymphocytes
- CTLA-4, cytotoxic T-cell-associated antigen-4
- Cancer stem cells
- DC, dendritic cell
- DNMT, DNA methyltransferase
- EMT, epithelial–mesenchymal transition
- ETO, fat mass and obesity associated protein
- EV, extracellular vesicle
- HNSCC, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
- Immune checkpoints
- Immune evasion
- KDM4, lysine-specific demethylase 4C
- KIR, killer immunoglobulin-like receptor
- LAG3, lymphocyte activation gene 3
- LILR, leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor
- LMP, low molecular weight protein
- LOX, lysyl oxidase
- MDSC, myeloid-derived suppressor cell
- MHC, major histocompatibility complex
- MIC, MHC class I polypeptide-related sequence
- NGF, nerve growth factor
- NK cells
- NK, natural killer
- NOD, nonobese diabetic
- NSG, NOD/SCID IL-2 receptor gamma chain null
- OCT4, octamer-binding transcription factor 4
- PD-1, programmed death receptor-1
- PD-L1/2, ligands 1/2
- PI9, protease inhibitor 9
- PSME3, proteasome activator subunit 3
- SCID, severe combined immunodeficient
- SOX2, sex determining region Y-box 2
- T cells
- TAM, tumor-associated macrophage
- TAP, transporter associated with antigen processing
- TCR, T cell receptor
- Treg, regulatory T cell
- ULBP, UL16 binding protein
- uPAR, urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor
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Leaf Extract of Osbeckia octandra L. (Heen Bovitiya) Suppresses Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells Migration and Induces Cellular DNA Damage. JOURNAL OF ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY, MEDICINE, AND PATHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajoms.2020.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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23
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Tsuchiya H, Shiota G. Clinical and Biological Implications of Cancer Stem Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Yonago Acta Med 2021; 64:1-11. [PMID: 33642898 DOI: 10.33160/yam.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor with poor prognosis, and is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Recently, the development of therapeutic drugs via novel mechanisms of action, involving molecular-targeted drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors, has progressed in the field of HCC. However, the recurrence rate remains high, and further improvement of the prognosis of patients with HCC is urgently needed. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a promising target for further development of novel anti-cancer drugs because they are reportedly involved in tumor initiation, maintenance, recurrence, and resistance to conventional therapies. Although several studies have already been conducted, the functions and roles of CSCs in the development and progression of tumors remain to be elucidated. In this review article, we will clarify the fundamental knowledge of CSCs necessary for the understanding of CSCs and will outline so-far identified markers specific to liver CSCs and the pathological and therapeutic implications of CSCs in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Tsuchiya
- Division of Medical Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Genomic Medicine and Regenerative Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
| | - Goshi Shiota
- Division of Medical Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Genomic Medicine and Regenerative Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
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24
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Immunity as Cornerstone of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: The Contribution of Oxidative Stress in the Disease Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22010436. [PMID: 33406763 PMCID: PMC7795122 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and has become the major cause of chronic liver disease, especially in western countries. NAFLD encompasses a wide spectrum of hepatic histological alterations, from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis and cirrhosis with a potential development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized by lobular inflammation and fibrosis. Several studies reported that insulin resistance, redox unbalance, inflammation, and lipid metabolism dysregulation are involved in NAFLD progression. However, the mechanisms beyond the evolution of simple steatosis to NASH are not clearly understood yet. Recent findings suggest that different oxidized products, such as lipids, cholesterol, aldehydes and other macromolecules could drive the inflammation onset. On the other hand, new evidence indicates innate and adaptive immunity activation as the driving force in establishing liver inflammation and fibrosis. In this review, we discuss how immunity, triggered by oxidative products and promoting in turn oxidative stress in a vicious cycle, fuels NAFLD progression. Furthermore, we explored the emerging importance of immune cell metabolism in determining inflammation, describing the potential application of trained immune discoveries in the NASH pathological context.
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25
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Li X, Yin G, Ji W, Liu J, Zhang Y, Wang J, Zhu X, Zhu L, Dai D, Ma W, Xu W. 18F-FHBG PET-CT Reporter Gene Imaging of Adoptive CIK Cell Transfer Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer in a Mouse Model. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:11659-11668. [PMID: 33223839 PMCID: PMC7671474 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s271657] [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: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To further improve the efficiency of adoptively transferred cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cell immunotherapy in breast cancer (BC), a reliable imaging method is required to visualize and monitor these transferred cells in vivo. Methods Herpes simplex virus 1-thymidine kinase (HSV1-TK) and 9-(4-[18F]fluoro-3-(hydroxymethyl)butyl)guanine (18F-FHBG) were used as a pair of reporter gene/reporter probe for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in this study. Following the establishment of subcutaneous BC xenograft-bearing nude mice models, induced human CIK cells expressing reporter gene HSV1-TK through lentiviral transduction were intravenously injected to nude mice. γ-radioimmunoassay was used to determine the specific uptake of 18F-FHBG by these genetically engineered CIK cells expressing HSV1-TK in vitro, and 18F-FHBG micro positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) imaging was performed to visualize these adoptively transferred CIK cells in tumor-bearing nude mice. Results Specific uptake of 18F-FHBG by CIK cells expressing HSV1-TK was clearly observed in vitro. Consistently, the localization of adoptively transferred CIK cells in tumor target could be effectively visualized by 18F-FHBG micro PET-CT reporter gene imaging. Conclusion PET-CT reporter gene imaging using 18F-FHBG as a reporter probe enables the visualization and monitoring of adoptively transferred CIK cells in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Li
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China
| | - Guotao Yin
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Ji
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China.,Public Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianjing Liu
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China
| | - Yufan Zhang
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Zhu
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Zhu
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong Dai
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenchao Ma
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China
| | - Wengui Xu
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China
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26
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Atypical immunometabolism and metabolic reprogramming in liver cancer: Deciphering the role of gut microbiome. Adv Cancer Res 2020; 149:171-255. [PMID: 33579424 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2020.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Much recent research has delved into understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of HCC pathogenesis, which has revealed to be heterogenous and complex. Two major hallmarks of HCC include: (i) a hijacked immunometabolism and (ii) a reprogramming in metabolic processes. We posit that the gut microbiota is a third component in an entanglement triangle contributing to HCC progression. Besides metagenomic studies highlighting the diagnostic potential in the gut microbiota profile, recent research is pinpointing the gut microbiota as an instigator, not just a mere bystander, in HCC. In this chapter, we discuss mechanistic insights on atypical immunometabolism and metabolic reprogramming in HCC, including the examination of tumor-associated macrophages and neutrophils, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (e.g., T-cell exhaustion, regulatory T-cells, natural killer T-cells), the Warburg effect, rewiring of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and glutamine addiction. We further discuss the potential involvement of the gut microbiota in these characteristics of hepatocarcinogenesis. An immediate highlight is that microbiota metabolites (e.g., short chain fatty acids, secondary bile acids) can impair anti-tumor responses, which aggravates HCC. Lastly, we describe the rising 'new era' of immunotherapies (e.g., immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive T-cell transfer) and discuss for the potential incorporation of gut microbiota targeted therapeutics (e.g., probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation) to alleviate HCC. Altogether, this chapter invigorates for continuous research to decipher the role of gut microbiome in HCC from its influence on immunometabolism and metabolic reprogramming.
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27
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Hu G, Zhong K, Wang S, Wang S, Ding Q, Xu F, Chen W, Cheng P, Huang L. Cellular immunotherapy plus chemotherapy ameliorates survival in gastric cancer patients: a meta-analysis. Int J Clin Oncol 2020; 25:1747-1756. [PMID: 32728865 DOI: 10.1007/s10147-020-01750-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of cellular immunotherapy plus chemotherapy in treatment of gastric cancer (GC) remains inconsistent even controversial. Hence, we performed a meta-analysis to better comprehend the clinical value of cellular immunotherapy plus chemotherapy for GC patients. We searched PubMed, Embase and EBSCO databases to identify the studies evaluating the association of cellular immunotherapy plus chemotherapy and overall survival (OS) and/or disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with GC, and then combined relevant data into hazard ratios (HRs) for OS, DFS and clinicopathological features such as TNM stage, etc. with STATA 12.0. Eleven studies with 1244 patients were included in this meta-analysis. We found that cellular immunotherapy plus chemotherapy remarkably improved overall survival (OS) and diseases-free survival (DFS) as compared to the chemotherapy for GC patients. In subgroup analyses, pooled data showed that the combined therapy was significantly associated with better 3-year and 5-year survival rate, but not with 1-year survival rate of patients; the application of cellular immunotherapy based on either CIK or DC-CIK cells could enhance survival as well as NK, γδT and CIK cells-based immunotherapy. More importantly, the addition of cellular immunotherapy considerably improved OS and DFS only in patients with stage III rather than stage II. In addition, we also discovered that the combined therapy did not cause intolerable side effects to patients. Cellular immunotherapy plus chemotherapy ameliorates survival in GC, especially in patients with stage III, implicating that it is a valuable therapeutic strategy for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoming Hu
- Department of General Surgery (Breast and Thyroid Surgery), Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 568 Zhongxing Road, Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Kefang Zhong
- Department of General Surgery (Breast and Thyroid Surgery), Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 568 Zhongxing Road, Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Songxiang Wang
- Department of General Surgery (Breast and Thyroid Surgery), Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 568 Zhongxing Road, Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shimin Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 568 Zhongxing Road, Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiannan Ding
- Medical Research Center, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 568 Zhongxing Road, Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Feng Xu
- Department of General Surgery (Breast and Thyroid Surgery), Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 568 Zhongxing Road, Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of General Surgery (Breast and Thyroid Surgery), Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 568 Zhongxing Road, Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Pu Cheng
- Department of Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Liming Huang
- Department of General Surgery (Breast and Thyroid Surgery), Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 568 Zhongxing Road, Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang, China.
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28
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Du H, Yang J, Zhang Y. Cytokine-induced killer cell/dendritic cell combined with cytokine-induced killer cell immunotherapy for treating advanced gastrointestinal cancer. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:357. [PMID: 32345239 PMCID: PMC7189715 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-06860-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of cytokine-induced killer (CIK)/dendritic cell combined with CIK (DC–CIK) cell therapy in advanced gastrointestinal cancer (GIC). Methods The PubMed, Cochrane library, and Embase were searched to conduct a meta-analysis of clinical controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CIK/DC–CIK cell therapy in advanced GIC. The pooled risk ratios (RRs) or weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated. Results A total of nine studies with 1113 patients were identified. The overall survival (RR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.41–2.40, Pheterogeneity = 0.654, I2 = 0%), progression-free survival (RR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.52–2.60, Pheterogeneity = 0.727, I2 = 0%), and quality of life (WMD = 16.09, 95% CI = 1.66–30.52, Pheterogeneity < 0.001, I2 = 98.8%) were significantly improved in patients who received chemotherapy combined with CIK/DC–CIK cells, and no severe adverse events were reported. Conclusion This meta-analysis suggested that the combination of CIK/DC–CIK immunotherapy and chemotherapy was safe and applicable for patients with advanced GIC. It is a feasible choice to prolong survival and improve quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hansong Du
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Chen QF, Huang T, Si-Tu QJ, Wu P, Shen L, Li W, Huang Z. Analysis of competing endogenous RNA network identifies a poorly differentiated cancer-specific RNA signature for hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cell Biochem 2019; 121:2303-2317. [PMID: 31642123 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Plenty of evidence has suggested that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a vital role in competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks. Poorly differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma (PDHCC) is a malignant phenotype. This paper aimed to explore the effect and the underlying regulatory mechanism of lncRNAs on PDHCC as a kind of ceRNA. Additionally, prognosis prediction was assessed. A total of 943 messenger RNAs (mRNAs), 86 miRNAs, and 468 lncRNAs that were differentially expressed between 137 PDHCCs and 235 well-differentiated HCCs were identified. Thereafter, a ceRNA network related to the dysregulated lncRNAs was established according to bioinformatic analysis and included 29 lncRNAs, 9 miRNAs, and 96 mRNAs. RNA-related overall survival (OS) curves were determined using the Kaplan-Meier method. The lncRNA ARHGEF7-AS2 was markedly correlated with OS in HCC (P = .041). Moreover, Cox regression analysis revealed that patients with low ARHGEF7-AS2 expression were associated with notably shorter survival time (P = .038). In addition, the area under the curve values of the lncRNA signature for 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival were 0.806, 0.741, and 0.701, respectively. Furthermore, a lncRNA nomogram was established, and the C-index of the internal validation was 0.717. In vitro experiments were performed to demonstrate that silencing ARHGEF7-AS2 expression significantly promoted HCC cell proliferation and migration. Taken together, our findings shed more light on the ceRNA network related to lncRNAs in PDHCC, and ARHGEF7-AS2 may be used as an independent biomarker to predict the prognosis of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Feng Chen
- Department of Medical Imaging and Interventional Radiology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Department of Medical Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Medical Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qi-Jiao Si-Tu
- Department of Medical Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Peihong Wu
- Department of Medical Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lujun Shen
- Department of Medical Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wang Li
- Department of Medical Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zilin Huang
- Department of Medical Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Ruiu R, Tarone L, Rolih V, Barutello G, Bolli E, Riccardo F, Cavallo F, Conti L. Cancer stem cell immunology and immunotherapy: Harnessing the immune system against cancer's source. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2019; 164:119-188. [PMID: 31383404 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2019.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite recent advances in diagnosis and therapy having improved cancer outcome, many patients still do not respond to treatments, resulting in the progression or relapse of the disease, eventually impairing survival expectations. The limited efficacy of therapy is often attributable to its inability to affect cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small population of cells resistant to current radio- and chemo-therapies. CSCs are characterized by self-renewal and tumor-initiating capabilities, and function as a reservoir for the local and distant recurrence of the disease. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches able to effectively target and deplete CSCs are urgently needed. Immunotherapy is facing a renewed interest for its potential in cancer treatment, and the possibility of harnessing the immune system to target CSCs is being addressed by a new exciting research field. In this chapter, we discuss the cancer stem cell model and illustrate CSC biological and molecular properties, critically addressing theoretical and practical issues linked with their definition and study. We then review the existing literature regarding the immunological properties of CSCs and the complex interplay occurring between CSCs and immune cells. Finally, we present up-to-date studies on CSC immunotargeting and its potential future perspective. In conclusion, understanding the interplay between CSC biology and tumor immunology will provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that regulate CSC immunological properties. This will contribute to the design of new CSC-directed immunotherapeutic strategies with the potential of strongly improving cancer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Ruiu
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Lidia Tarone
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Valeria Rolih
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Barutello
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Bolli
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Federica Riccardo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
| | - Laura Conti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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Stimulation of DC-CIK with PADI4 Protein Can Significantly Elevate the Therapeutic Efficiency in Esophageal Cancer. J Immunol Res 2019; 2019:6587570. [PMID: 30944835 PMCID: PMC6421725 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6587570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background PADI4 has extensive expression in many tumors. This study applied PADI4 as a tumor marker to stimulate DC- (dendritic cell-) CIK (cytokine-induced killer), an immunotherapy approach. Methods A PADI4 expression plasmid was transfected into EC-originating ECA-109 cells. PADI4 gene was also inserted into a prokaryotic expression vector to produce recombinant protein. Lysate from PADI4-overexpressing cells or the purified recombinant PADI4 protein was used to load DCs, and the cells were then coincubated with CIK cells. DC and CIK cell phenotypes were determined using flow cytometry. The proliferation and viability of CIK cells were analyzed using trypan blue staining. The cytotoxic effect of DC-CIK cells on cultured ECA-109 cells was determined using CCK8 assays. Tumor-bearing mice were prepared by injection of ECA-109 cells. DC-CIK cells stimulated with lysate from PADI4-overexpressing cells or the PADI4 recombinant protein were injected into the tumor-bearing mice. The tumor growth was measured with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results Following incubation with lysate from PADI4-overexpressing cells, the ratio of CD40+ DCs increased by 17.5%. Induction of CIK cells with PADI4-stimulated DCs elevated the cell proliferation by 53.2% and the ability of CIK cells to kill ECA-109 cells by 12.1%. DC-CIK cells stimulated with lysate from PADI4-overexpressing cells suppressed tumor volume by 18.6% in the tumor-bearing mice. The recombinant PADI4 protein showed a similar effect on CIK cell proliferation and cytotoxicity as that of the lysate from PADI4-overexpressing cells. Furthermore, the recombinant protein elevated the ratio of CD40+ DCs by 111.8%, CD80+ DCs by 6.3%, CD83+ DCs by 30.8%, and CD86+ DCs by 7.8%. Induction of CIK cells with rPADI4-stimulated DCs elevated the cell proliferation by 50.3% and the ability of CIK cells to kill ECA-109 cells by 14.7% and suppressed tumor volume by 35.1% in the animal model. Conclusion This study demonstrates that stimulation of DC-CIK cells with PADI4 significantly suppressed tumor growth in tumor-bearing mice by promoting DC maturation, CIK cell proliferation, and cytotoxicity. PADI4 may be a potential tumor marker that could be used to improve the therapeutic efficiency of DC-CIK cells.
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