The expression profiles of signature genes from CD103+LAG3+ tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte subsets predict breast cancer survival

Revisiting the CXCL13/CXCR5 axis in the tumor microenvironment in the era of single-cell omics: Implications for immunotherapy

As one of the important members of the family of chemokines and their receptors, the CXCL13/CXCR5 axis is involved in follicle formation in normal lymphoid tissues and the establishment of somatic cavity immunity under physiological conditions, as well as being associated with a wide range of infectious, autoimmune, and tumoral diseases. Here in this review, we focus on its role in tumors. Traditional studies have found the axis to be both pro- and anti-tumorigenic, involving a variety of immune cells, including the tumor cells themselves and those in the tumor microenvironment (TME), and the prognostic significance of this axis is clinical context-dependent. With the development of techniques at the single-cell level, we were able to explain in detail the status of the CXCL13/CXCR5 axis in the TME based on real clinical samples and found that it involves a range of crucial intrinsic anti-tumor immune processes in the TME and is therefore important in tumor immunotherapy. We summarize the cellular subsets, physiological functions, and prognostic significance associated with this axis in the most promising immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapies of the day and summarize possible therapeutic ideas based on this axis. As with any TME study, the most important takeaway is that the complexity of the CXCL13/CXCR5 axis in TME suggests the importance of personalized therapy in tumor therapy.

Construction and validation of a ubiquitination-related prognostic risk score signature in breast cancer

Background

Breast cancer (BC) is a highly common form of cancer that occurs in many parts of the world. However, early -stage BC is curable. Many patients with BC have poor prognostic outcomes owing to ineffective diagnostic and therapeutic tools. The ubiquitination system and associated proteins were found influencing the outcome of individuals with cancer. Therefore, developing a biomarker associated with ubiquitination genes to forecast BC patient outcomes is a feasible strategy.

Objective

The primary goal of this work was to develop a novel risk score signature capable of accurately estimate the future outcome of patients with BC by targeting ubiquitinated genes.

Methods

Univariate Cox regression analysis was conducted utilizing the E1, E2, and E3 ubiquitination-related genes in the GSE20685 dataset. Genes with p < 0.01 were screened again using the Non-negative Matrix Factorization (NMF) algorithm, and the resulting hub genes were composed of a risk score signature. Patients were categorized into two risk groups, and the predictive effect was tested using Kaplan-Meier (KM) and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves. This risk score signature was later validated using multiple external datasets, namely TCGA-BRAC, GSE1456, GSE16446, GSE20711, GSE58812 and GSE96058. Immuno-microenvironmental, single-cell, and microbial analyses were also performed.

Results

The selected gene signature comprising six ubiquitination-related genes (ATG5, FBXL20, DTX4, BIRC3, TRIM45, and WDR78) showed good prognostic power in patients with BC. It was validated using multiple externally validated datasets, with KM curves showing significant differences in survival (p < 0.05). The KM curves also demonstrated superior predictive ability compared to traditional clinical indicators. Single-cell analysis revealed that Vd2 gd T cells were less abundantin the low-risk group, whereas patients in the high-risk group lacked myeloid dendritic cells. Tumor microbiological analysis revealed a notable variation in microorganism diversity between the high- and low-risk groups.

Conclusion

This study established an risk score signature consisting of six ubiquitination genes, that can accurately forecast the outcome of patients with BC using multiple datasets. It can provide personalized and targeted assistance to provide the evaluation and therapy of individuals having BC.

Emerging mechanisms of the unfolded protein response in therapeutic resistance: from chemotherapy to Immunotherapy

The accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) causes ER stress and activates the unfolded protein response (UPR). As an adaptive cellular response to hostile microenvironments, such as hypoxia, nutrient deprivation, oxidative stress, and chemotherapeutic drugs, the UPR is activated in diverse cancer types and functions as a dynamic tumour promoter in cancer development; this role of the UPR indicates that regulation of the UPR can be utilized as a target for tumour treatment. T-cell exhaustion mainly refers to effector T cells losing their effector functions and expressing inhibitory receptors, leading to tumour immune evasion and the loss of tumour control. Emerging evidence suggests that the UPR plays a crucial role in T-cell exhaustion, immune evasion, and resistance to immunotherapy. In this review, we summarize the molecular basis of UPR activation, the effect of the UPR on immune evasion, the emerging mechanisms of the UPR in chemotherapy and immunotherapy resistance, and agents that target the UPR for tumour therapeutics. An understanding of the role of the UPR in immune evasion and therapeutic resistance will be helpful to identify new therapeutic modalities for cancer treatment. Video Abstract.

Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis to Identify a Novel Four-Gene Prognostic Model of Breast Cancer and Reveal Its Association with Immune Infiltration

Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) impact immune signaling in cancer and related genes have shown prognostic value in breast cancer (BRCA). However, the crosstalk between LLPS and immune infiltration in BRCA remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to develop a novel prognostic model of BRCA related to LLPS and immune infiltration. BRCA-related, liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS)-related genes, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using public databases. Mutation and drug sensitivity analyses were performed using Gene Set Cancer Analysis database. Univariate cox regression and LASSO Cox regression were used for the construction and verification of prognostic model. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to evaluate overall survival (OS). Gene set variation analysis was conducted to analyze key pathways. CIBERSORT was used to assess immune infiltration and its correlation with prognostic genes was determined through Pearson analysis. A total of 6056 BRCA-associated genes, 3775 LLPS-associated genes, and 4049 DEGs, resulting in 314 overlapping genes. Twenty-eight prognostic genes were screened, and some of them were mutational and related to drug sensitivity Subsequently, a prognostic model comprising L1CAM, EVL, FABP7, and CST1 was built. Patients in high-risk group had shorter OS than those in low-risk group. The infiltrating levels of CD8+ T cells, macrophages M0, macrophages M2, dendritic cells activated, and mast cells resting was altered in high-risk group of breast cancer patients compared to low-risk group. L1CAM, EVL, FABP7, and CST1 were related to these infiltrating immune cells. L1CAM, EVL, FABP7, and CST1 were potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for BRCA.

A combined analysis of multi-omics data reveals the prognostic values and immunotherapy response of LAG3 in human cancers

Lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG3) is a highly anticipated immune checkpoint in the context of cancer, exerting regulatory control over immune cell proliferation and function to reinforce the advancement of cancers. However, the comprehensive functional analysis of LAG3 across various cancer types remains undisclosed; thus, this study aims to investigate the pan-cancer expression profile of LAG3. We have investigated the expression profile, prognostic significance, and genetic alterations of LAG3 in various cancers while elucidating its characteristic in immune response regulation. Our findings demonstrated that elevated LAG3 expression is significantly associated with favorable prognosis in patients with cutaneous melanoma (SKCM), and it may be a potential biomarker for SKCM. Furthermore, multiple immune algorithms have highlighted the important regulatory role of LAG3 for the tumor-infiltrating immune cells including CD8 + T cells, B cells, dendritic cells (DCs), macrophages, and natural killer (NK) cells. We also examined the distribution of LAG3 at the single-cell level and explored its functional significance. A comprehensive and systematic analysis of LAG3 would facilitate a comprehensive evaluation of LAG3 in cancer biology and provide valuable insights for cancer management.

Unveiling the Immune Microenvironment's Role in Breast Cancer: A Glimpse into Promising Frontiers

Breast cancer (BC), one of the most widespread and devastating diseases affecting women worldwide, presents a significant public health challenge. This review explores the emerging frontiers of research focused on deciphering the intricate interplay between BC cells and the immune microenvironment. Understanding the role of the immune system in BC is critical as it holds promise for novel therapeutic approaches and precision medicine strategies. This review delves into the current literature regarding the immune microenvironment's contribution to BC initiation, progression, and metastasis. It examines the complex mechanisms by which BC cells interact with various immune cell populations, including tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Furthermore, this review highlights the impact of immune-related factors, such as cytokines and immune checkpoint molecules. Additionally, this comprehensive analysis sheds light on the potential biomarkers associated with the immune response in BC, enabling early diagnosis and prognostic assessment. The therapeutic implications of targeting the immune microenvironment are also explored, encompassing immunotherapeutic strategies and combination therapies to enhance treatment efficacy. The significance of this review lies in its potential to pave the way for novel therapeutic interventions, providing clinicians and researchers with essential knowledge to design targeted and personalized treatment regimens for BC patients.