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Meyiah A, Elkord E. What is the relevance of FoxP3 in the tumor microenvironment and cancer outcomes? Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024; 20:803-809. [PMID: 38512803 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2024.2334258] [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: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Forkhead box P3 (FoxP3) transcription factor plays critical roles in controlling immune responses and cancer progression in different cancers. FoxP3 expression within the tumor microenvironment (TME) may influence clinical outcomes negatively or positively, and it could play dual roles in cancer, either by promoting or inhibiting tumor development and progression. Some studies reported that high levels of FoxP3 could be associated with tumor progression and worse prognosis, while others reported contradictory results. AREAS COVERED In this special report, we present a brief account on the role and function of FoxP3 in the TME, and its contribution to the clinical outcomes of cancer patients. Importantly, we give insights on the potential factors that could contribute to different clinical outcomes in cancer patients. EXPERT OPINION Different studies showed that FoxP3 expression can be associated with bad prognoses in cancer patients. However, FoxP3 could have opposing roles by enhancing cancer progression or regression. Location and expression of FoxP3 in T cells or tumor cells can have different impacts on cancer prognoses. Different factors should be considered to establish FoxP3 as a more robust prognostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for enhancing anti-tumor immunity and improving clinical outcomes of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdo Meyiah
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China
| | - Eyad Elkord
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China
- Biomedical Research Center, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester, UK
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Chen B, Han Y, Sheng S, Deng J, Vasquez E, Yau V, Meng M, Sun C, Wang T, Wang Y, Sheng M, Wu T, Wang X, Liu Y, Lin N, Zhang L, Shao W. An angiogenesis-associated gene-based signature predicting prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:91. [PMID: 38347320 PMCID: PMC10861726 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05606-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To develop a model that can assist in the diagnosis and prediction of prognosis for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Data from TCGA and GEO databases were used to generate normalized gene expression data. Consensus Cluster Plus was used for cluster analysis and the relationship between angiogenesis-associated gene (AAG) expression patterns, clinical characteristics and survival was examined. Support vector machine (SVM) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analyzes and multiple logistic regression analyzes were performed to determine the diagnostic model, and a prognostic nomogram was constructed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. ESTIMATE, XCELL, TIMER, QUANTISEQ, MCPCOUNTER, EPIC, CIBERSORT-ABS, CIBERSORT algorithms were used to assess the immune microenvironment of HNSCC patients. In addition, gene set enrichment analysis, treatment sensitivity analysis, and AAGs mutation studies were performed. Finally, we also performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining in the tissue samples. RESULTS We classified HNSCC patients into subtypes based on differences in AAG expression from TCGA and GEO databases. There are differences in clinical features, TME, and immune-related gene expression between two subgroups. We constructed a HNSCC diagnostic model based on nine AAGs, which has good sensitivity and specificity. After further screening, we constructed a prognostic risk signature for HNSCC based on six AAGs. The constructed risk score had a good independent prognostic significance, and it was further constructed into a prognostic nomogram together with age and stage. Different prognostic risk groups have differences in immune microenvironment, drug sensitivity, gene enrichment and gene mutation. CONCLUSION We have constructed a diagnostic and prognostic model for HNSCC based on AAG, which has good performance. The constructed prognostic risk score is closely related to tumor immune microenvironment and immunotherapy response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bangjie Chen
- College & Hospital of Stomatology, Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital (First Clinical Medical College), Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yanxun Han
- The First Affiliated Hospital (First Clinical Medical College), Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Shuyan Sheng
- The First Affiliated Hospital (First Clinical Medical College), Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jianyi Deng
- The First Affiliated Hospital (First Clinical Medical College), Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | | | - Vicky Yau
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, NewYork Presbyterian (Columbia Irving Medical Center), New York, USA
| | - Muzi Meng
- UK Program Site, American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, Preston, UK
- Bronxcare Health System, New York, USA
| | - Chenyu Sun
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Tao Wang
- The Affiliated Chuzhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Chuzhou, Chuzhou, China
| | - Yu Wang
- The Affiliated Chuzhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Chuzhou, Chuzhou, China
| | - Mengfei Sheng
- College & Hospital of Stomatology, Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology (Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Pathogen Biology), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Tiangang Wu
- College & Hospital of Stomatology, Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xinyi Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital (First Clinical Medical College), Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yuchen Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital (First Clinical Medical College), Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ning Lin
- The Affiliated Chuzhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Chuzhou, Chuzhou, China.
| | - Lei Zhang
- College & Hospital of Stomatology, Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Wei Shao
- College & Hospital of Stomatology, Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology (Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Pathogen Biology), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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Asri N, Nazemalhosseini Mojarad E, Taleghani MY, Houri H, Saeedi Niasar M, Rezaei-Tavirani M, Jahani-Sherafat S, Shahbazkhani A, Nikzamir A, Ehsani Ardakani MJ, Khodadost M, Rostami-Nejad M. Evaluating CD4 and Foxp3 mRNA Expression in Tissue Specimens of Celiac Disease and Colorectal Cancer Patients. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2024; 25:647-652. [PMID: 38415552 PMCID: PMC11077127 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2024.25.2.647] [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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Celiac disease (CD) and colorectal cancer (CRC) are distinct gastrointestinal conditions with a debated association. This study aimed to evaluate the mRNA expression of CD4 and Foxp3 in tissue specimens of CD and CRC patients. The findings can provide valuable insights into the complex connection between these different gastrointestinal conditions. METHODS Tissue samples from 100 CRC patients, 50 CD patients, and 50 healthy controls (HCs) were collected. RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and quantitative real-time PCR were performed. Statistical analysis was conducted using ANOVA and Pearson's correlation test. RESULT CD4 mRNA expression was significantly higher in CRC patients compared to CD patients and HCs (P<0.0001 for both). Foxp3 mRNA expression was significantly higher in CD patients compared to CRC patients and HCs (P<0.0001 for both). Clinicopathological characteristics did not correlate significantly with gene expression levels. CONCLUSION This study reveals differential expression patterns of CD4 and Foxp3 mRNA in CRC and CD patients. Upregulated CD4 mRNA suggests its potential role in promoting tumor growth, while increased Foxp3 mRNA expression may reflect an immunosuppressive mechanism in CD pathogenesis. These findings provide insights into the molecular and immunological aspects of CRC and CD, warranting further studies for potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastaran Asri
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ehsan Nazemalhosseini Mojarad
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Yaghoob Taleghani
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hamidreza Houri
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mahsa Saeedi Niasar
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mostafa Rezaei-Tavirani
- Proteomics Research Center, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Somayeh Jahani-Sherafat
- Laser Application in Medical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Amirhossein Shahbazkhani
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Abdolrahim Nikzamir
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Javad Ehsani Ardakani
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mahmood Khodadost
- Department of Traditional Medicine, School of Traditional Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Rostami-Nejad
- Celiac Disease and Gluten Related Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Tamari H, Kitadai Y, Takigawa H, Yuge R, Urabe Y, Shimamoto F, Oka S. Investigating the Role of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes as Predictors of Lymph Node Metastasis in Deep Submucosal Invasive Colorectal Cancer: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5238. [PMID: 37958412 PMCID: PMC10649548 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15215238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of tumor-infiltrating T cells (TILs) in colorectal cancer (CRC) and their significance in early-stage CRC remain unknown. We investigated the role of TILs in early-stage CRC, particularly in deep submucosal invasive (T1b) CRC. Sixty patients with CRC (20 each with intramucosal [IM group], submucosal invasive [SM group], and advanced cancer [AD group]) were randomly selected. We examined changes in TILs with tumor invasion and the relationship between TILs and LN metastasis risk. Eighty-four patients with T1b CRC who underwent initial surgical resection with LN dissection or additional surgical resection with LN dissection after endoscopic resection were then selected. TIL phenotype and number were evaluated using triple immunofluorescence for CD4, CD8, and Foxp3. All subtypes were more numerous according to the degree of CRC invasion and more abundant at the invasive front of the tumor (IF) than in the center of the tumor (CT) in the SM and AD groups. The increased Foxp3 cells at the IF and high ratios of Foxp3/CD4 and Foxp3/CD8 positively correlated with LN metastasis. In conclusion, tumor invasion positively correlated with the number of TILs in CRC. The number and ratio of Foxp3 cells at the IF may predict LN metastasis in T1b CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirosato Tamari
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan; (H.T.); (H.T.); (R.Y.); (S.O.)
| | - Yasuhiko Kitadai
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Human Culture and Science, Prefectural University of Hiroshima, Hiroshima 734-8558, Japan
| | - Hidehiko Takigawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan; (H.T.); (H.T.); (R.Y.); (S.O.)
| | - Ryo Yuge
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan; (H.T.); (H.T.); (R.Y.); (S.O.)
| | - Yuji Urabe
- Department of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and Medicine, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan;
| | - Fumio Shimamoto
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Hiroshima Cosmopolitan University, Hiroshima 734-0014, Japan;
| | - Shiro Oka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan; (H.T.); (H.T.); (R.Y.); (S.O.)
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Song Y, Long J, Su X, Chen Z, He Y, Shao W, Wang B, Chen C. Case Report: Genetic and immune microenvironmental characteristics of a rectal cancer patient with MSS/PD-L1-negative recurrent hepatopulmonary metastasis who achieved complete remission after treatment with PD-1 inhibitor. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1197543. [PMID: 37520536 PMCID: PMC10373867 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1197543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, microsatellite high instability (MSI-H)/mismatch repair protein deletion (dMMR) has become a crucial biomarker for utilizing immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with advanced colorectal cancer (mCRC). However, the proportion of MSI-H/dMMR in advanced patients is only about 5% and mCRC patients with microsatellite stability (MSS)/proficient mismatch repair (pMMR) exhibit poor responses to immunotherapy. Although diverse immune combination therapy regimens have been examined in patients with advanced colorectal cancer who demonstrate MSS/pMMR, these approaches have not yielded favorable efficacy and only a limited proportion of patients have benefited, especially for advanced colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases. Therefore, the mechanism of benefit and potential biomarkers of immunotherapy in patients with MSS/pMMR mCRC deserve more in-depth exploration. Here, we present a case study of a rectal cancer patient with MSS and PD-L1-negative recurrent hepatopulmonary metastases who attained complete remission (CR) and sustained benefits with immunotherapy after systemic therapy had failed. The analysis of the patient's genetic and immune microenvironmental characteristics revealed that mutations in DNA damage repair (DDR) pathway genes and the existence of abundant tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes could contribute to his potential benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Song
- Department of Oncology, Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China
- Department of Oncology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Juan Long
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Dermatology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Integrative Dermatology Research, Department of Dermatology, Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaona Su
- Department of Oncology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Department of Oncology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yue He
- Genecast Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Wuxi, China
| | | | - Bin Wang
- Department of Oncology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Oncology, the Seventh People's Hospital of Chongqing (Affiliated Central Hospital of Chongqing University of Technology), Chongqing, China
| | - Chuan Chen
- Department of Oncology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Inoue S, Takeuchi Y, Horiuchi Y, Murakami T, Odaka A. CD69 on Tumor-Infiltrating Cells Correlates With Neuroblastoma Suppression by Simultaneous PD-1 and PD-L1 Blockade. J Surg Res 2023; 289:190-201. [PMID: 37141702 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2023.03.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tumor-infiltrating cells play an important role in tumor immunology, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are critical in antitumor reaction related to immune checkpoint inhibition targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1). METHODS In nude mice, which are immune deficient because they lack T cells, and inbred A/J mice, which are syngeneic to neuroblastoma cells (Neuro-2a) and have normal T cell function, we investigated the importance of T lymphocytes in immune checkpoint inhibition in mouse neuroblastoma and analyzed the immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Then, we subcutaneously injected mouse Neuro-2ainto nude mice and A/J mice, administered anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 antibodies by intraperitoneal injection, and evaluated tumor growth. At 16 d after Neuro-2a cells injection, mice were euthanized, tumors and spleens were harvested, and immune cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS The antibodies suppressed tumor growth in A/J but not in nude mice. The co-administration of antibodies did not affect regulatory T cells (culster of differentiation [CD]4+CD25+FoxP3+ cells) or activated CD4+ lymphocytes (expressing CD69). No changes in activated CD8+ lymphocytes (expressing CD69) were observed in spleen tissue. However, increased infiltration of activated CD8+ TILs was seen in tumors weighing less than 300 mg, and the amount of activated CD8+ TILs was negatively correlated with tumor weight. CONCLUSIONS Our study confirms that lymphocytes are essential for the antitumor immune reaction induced by blocking PD-1/PD-L1 and raises the possibility that promoting the infiltration of activated CD8+ TIL into tumors may be an effective treatment for neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiichiro Inoue
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Pediatric Surgery, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan.
| | - Yuta Takeuchi
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Pediatric Surgery, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yutaka Horiuchi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Takashi Murakami
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Akio Odaka
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Pediatric Surgery, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
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Zhang Z, Bahaji Azami NL, Liu N, Sun M. Research Progress of Intestinal Microecology in the Pathogenesis of Colorectal Adenoma and Carcinogenesis. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2023; 22:15330338221135938. [PMID: 36740990 PMCID: PMC9903042 DOI: 10.1177/15330338221135938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal adenoma is a precancerous lesion that may progress to colorectal cancer. Patients with colorectal adenoma had a 4-fold higher risk of developing colorectal malignancy than the rest of the population, with approximately 80% of colorectal cancer originating from colorectal adenoma. Therefore, preventing the occurrence and progression of colorectal adenoma is crucial in reducing the risk for colorectal cancer. The human intestinal microecology is a complex system consisting of numerous microbial communities with a sophisticated structure. Interactions among intestinal microorganisms play crucial roles in maintaining normal intestinal structure, digestion, absorption, metabolism, and other functions. The colorectal system is the largest microbial bank or fermentation system in the human body. Studies suggest that intestinal microecological imbalance, one of the most important environmental factors, may play an essential role in the occurrence and development of colorectal adenoma and colorectal cancer. Based on the complexity of studying the gut microbiota ecosystem, its specific role in the occurrence and development of colorectal adenoma is yet to be elucidated. In addition, further studies are expected to provide new insights regarding the prevention and treatment of colorectal adenoma. This article reviews the relationship and mechanism of the diversity of the gut microbiota, the relevant inflammatory response, immune regulation, and metabolic changes in the presence of colorectal adenomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Nisma Lena Bahaji Azami
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ningning Liu
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Institute, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Ningning Liu, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Mingyu Sun, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Mingyu Sun
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Al-Mterin MA, Murshed K, Elkord E. Correlations between Circulating and Tumor-Infiltrating CD4+ Treg Subsets with Immune Checkpoints in Colorectal Cancer Patients with Early and Advanced Stages. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10091471. [PMID: 36146549 PMCID: PMC9502470 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10091471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The existence of various T regulatory cell (Treg) subsets in colorectal cancer (CRC) could play a variety of functions in the regulation of anti-cancer immunity. We studied correlations between CD4+ Treg subsets with the expression of immunological checkpoints on CD4+ T cells, including PD-1, TIM-3, LAG-3, and CTLA-4 in CRC patients with early and advanced TNM staging. Strong positive correlations were found between frequencies of FoxP3+ Tregs and FoxP3+Helios+ Tregs with frequencies of various immune checkpoint-expressing CD4+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, there were strong negative correlations between frequencies of FoxP3−Helios− T cells and these immune checkpoint-expressing CD4+ T cells. Specifically, in the TME, we found that the correlations between FoxP3+ Tregs, FoxP3+Helios+ Tregs, FoxP3+Helios− Tregs, and FoxP3−Helios− T cells with CD4+LAG-3+ T cells and CD4+CTLA-4+ T cells were higher in patients with early stages, suggesting the potential of these highly immunosuppressive cells in inhibiting inflammatory responses in the TME. However, the correlations between FoxP3+ Tregs, FoxP3+Helios+ Tregs, and FoxP3−Helios− T cells with CD4+TIM-3+ T cells were higher in patients with advanced stages. This is the first study to explore correlations of Treg subpopulations with immune checkpoint-expressing CD4+ T cells in CRC based on clinicopathological features of CRC patients. The findings of our study provide a justification for focusing on these cells that possess highly immunosuppressive features. Understanding the correlations between different immune checkpoints and Treg subsets in CRC patients has the potential to enhance our understanding of core mechanisms of Treg-mediated immunosuppression in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Khaled Murshed
- Department of Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 5207, Qatar
| | - Eyad Elkord
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa 616, Oman
- Biomedical Research Center, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +968-2544-6798
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