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Ren H, Wu Z, Tan J, Tao H, Zou W, Cao Z, Wen B, Cai Z, Du J, Deng Z. Co-delivery Nano System of MS-275 and V-9302 Induces Pyroptosis and Enhances Anti-Tumor Immunity Against Uveal Melanoma. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2404375. [PMID: 38889339 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202404375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
In the treatment of uveal melanoma (UVM), histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) have emerged as a promising epigenetic therapy. However, their clinical efficacy is hindered by the suboptimal pharmacokinetics and the strong self-rescue of tumor cells. To overcome these limitations, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive nanoparticles (NPs) are designed that encapsulate HDACi MS-275 and the glutamine metabolism inhibitor V-9302. Upon reaching the tumor microenvironment, these NPs can disintegrate, thereby releasing MS-275 to increase the level of ROS and V-9302 to reduce the production of glutathione (GSH) related to self-rescue. These synergistic effects lead to a lethal ROS storm and induce cell pyroptosis. When combined with programmed cell death protein 1 monoclonal antibodies (α-PD-1), these NPs facilitate immune cell infiltration, improving anti-tumor immunity, converting "immune-cold" tumors into "immune-hot" tumors, and enhancing immune memory in mice. The findings present a nano-delivery strategy for the co-delivery of epigenetic therapeutics and metabolic inhibitors, which induces pyroptosis in tumors cells and improves the effectiveness of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Ren
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Zhenkai Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Changde Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changde, Hunan, 415000, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The first people's hospital of Changde city, Changde, Hunan, 415000, China
| | - Jia Tan
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Hui Tao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Wangyuan Zou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Zheng Cao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90066, USA
| | - Binyu Wen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Ziyi Cai
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Jiaqi Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Zhihong Deng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
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Ji F, Shi C, Shu Z, Li Z. Nanomaterials Enhance Pyroptosis-Based Tumor Immunotherapy. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:5545-5579. [PMID: 38882539 PMCID: PMC11178094 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s457309] [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] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Pyroptosis, a pro-inflammatory and lytic programmed cell death pathway, possesses great potential for antitumor immunotherapy. By releasing cellular contents and a large number of pro-inflammatory factors, tumor cell pyroptosis can promote dendritic cell maturation, increase the intratumoral infiltration of cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells, and reduce the number of immunosuppressive cells within the tumor. However, the efficient induction of pyroptosis and prevention of damage to normal tissues or cells is an urgent concern to be addressed. Recently, a wide variety of nanoplatforms have been designed to precisely trigger pyroptosis and activate the antitumor immune responses. This review provides an update on the progress in nanotechnology for enhancing pyroptosis-based tumor immunotherapy. Nanomaterials have shown great advantages in triggering pyroptosis by delivering pyroptosis initiators to tumors, increasing oxidative stress in tumor cells, and inducing intracellular osmotic pressure changes or ion imbalances. In addition, the challenges and future perspectives in this field are proposed to advance the clinical translation of pyroptosis-inducing nanomedicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fujian Ji
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Colorectal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunyu Shi
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Colorectal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhenbo Shu
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Colorectal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhongmin Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Colorectal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, People’s Republic of China
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Wang Y, Chen Y, Zhao M. N6-methyladenosine modification and post-translational modification of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:209. [PMID: 38834851 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01048-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Traditionally, colorectal cancer has been recognized as a disease caused by genetic mutations. However, recent studies have revealed the significant role of epigenetic alterations in the progression of colorectal cancer. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition, a critical step in cancer cell metastasis, has been found to be closely associated with the tumor microenvironment and immune factors, thereby playing a crucial role in many kinds of biological behaviors of cancers. In this review, we explored the impact of N6-methyladenosine and post-translational modifications (like methylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, glycosylation, etc.) on the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer and the epigenetic regulation for the transcription factors and pathways correlated to epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Furthermore, we emphasized that the complex regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition by epigenetics can provide new strategies for overcoming drug resistance and improving treatment outcomes. This review aims to provide important scientific evidence for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer based on epigenetic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingnan Wang
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Yufan Chen
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Miaomiao Zhao
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310000, China.
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Konen JM, Wu H, Gibbons DL. Immune checkpoint blockade resistance in lung cancer: emerging mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:520-536. [PMID: 38744552 PMCID: PMC11189143 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy works by inhibiting suppressive checkpoints that become upregulated after T cell activation, like PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4. While the initial FDA approvals of ICB have revolutionized cancer therapies and fueled a burgeoning immuno-oncology field, more recent clinical development of new agents has been slow. Here, focusing on lung cancer, we review the latest research uncovering tumor cell intrinsic and extrinsic ICB resistance mechanisms as major hurdles to treatment efficacy and clinical progress. These include genomic and non-genomic tumor cell alterations, along with host and microenvironmental factors like the microbiome, metabolite accumulation, and hypoxia. Together, these factors can cooperate to promote immunosuppression and ICB resistance. Opportunities to prevent resistance are constantly evolving in this rapidly expanding field, with the goal of moving toward personalized immunotherapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Konen
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Haoyi Wu
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Don L Gibbons
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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Peng Z, Tan X, Xi Y, Chen Z, Li Y. Role of pyroptosis-related cytokines in the prediction of lung cancer. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31399. [PMID: 38813211 PMCID: PMC11133917 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Lung cancer is the leading cause to induce cancer-related mortality. Effective biomarkers for prediction the occurrence of lung cancer is urgently needed. Our previous studies indicated that pyroptosis-related cytokines TNF-α, IFN-γ, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, MIP-2 and IP-10 is important to influence the efficacy of chemotherapy drug in lung cancer tissues. But the role of pyroptosis-related cytokines in prediction the occurrence of lung cancer is still unknown. Methods Blood samples were collected from 258 lung cancer patients at different stage and 80 healthy volunteers. Serum levels of pyroptosis-related cytokines including TNF-α, IFN-γ, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, MIP-2 and IP-10 were measured by Cytometric Bead Array (CBA). ROC curve was performed to evaluate the cut-off value and diagnosis value for prediction and diagnosis of lung cancer. Results Compared with control group, the levels of IP-10, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, MIP-2 and TNF-α were significantly higher in lung cancer patients (45.5 (37.1-56.7): 57.2 (43.0-76.5), 34.4 (21.8-75.2): 115.4 (96.6-191.2), 49.3 (25.6-78.7): 160.5 (124.9-218.6), 22.6 (17.8-31.2): 77.9 (50.1-186.5), 3.80 (2.3-6.2): 10.3 (5.7-16.6)), but the level of IFN-γ was decreased in the patients (12.38 (9.1-27.8): 5.9 (3.5-9.7)). All the above cytokines were significantly associated with the diagnosis of lung cancer, and the AUC values of IFN-γ, IP-10, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, MIP-2, and TNF-α were 0.800, 0.656, 0.905, 0.921, 0.914, and 0.824. And the AUC can rise to 0.986 after combining the above factors, and the sensitivity and specificity also up to 96.7 % and 93.7 %, respectively. Additionally, TNF-α (r = 0.400, P < 0.01), MIP-2 (r = 0.343, P < 0.01), MIP-1α (r = 0.551, P < 0.01) and MIP-1β (r = 0.403, p < 0.01) were positively associated with occurrence of lung cancer, but IFN-γ (r = -0.483, p < 0.01) was negatively associated with occurrence of lung cancer. As far as the potential of early diagnosis of lung cancer, TNF-α (AUC = 0.577), MIP-1α (AUC = 0.804) and MIP-1β (AUC = 0.791) can predict the early stage of lung cancer, and combination of the above three cytokines has a better predictive efficiency (AUC = 0.854). Conclusion Our study establishes a link between the levels of IP-10, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, MIP-2, TNF-α and IFN-γ and diagnosis of lung cancer. Besides, we observed a synergistic effect of these five pyroptosis-related cytokines in diagnosing lung cancer patient, suggesting their potential as biomarkers for lung cancer diagnosis. Moreover, the combination of TNF-α, MIP-1α and MIP-1β are also potential predictors for the early diagnosis of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhouyangfan Peng
- Health Management Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Xiqing Tan
- Department of General Practice, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Yang Xi
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Zi Chen
- Health Management Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Yapei Li
- Health Management Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
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Jiang Z, Cai G, Liu H, Liu L, Huang R, Nie X, Gui R, Li J, Ma J, Cao K, Luo Y. A combination of a TLR7/8 agonist and an epigenetic inhibitor suppresses triple-negative breast cancer through triggering anti-tumor immune. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:296. [PMID: 38811964 PMCID: PMC11134718 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02525-1] [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: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Combination therapy involving immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and other drugs is a potential strategy for converting immune-cold tumors into immune-hot tumors to benefit from immunotherapy. To achieve drug synergy, we developed a homologous cancer cell membrane vesicle (CM)-coated metal-organic framework (MOF) nanodelivery platform for the codelivery of a TLR7/8 agonist with an epigenetic inhibitor. METHODS A novel biomimetic codelivery system (MCM@UN) was constructed by MOF nanoparticles UiO-66 loading with a bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) inhibitor and then coated with the membrane vesicles of homologous cancer cells that embedding the 18 C lipid tail of 3M-052 (M). The antitumor immune ability and tumor suppressive effect of MCM@UN were evaluated in a mouse model of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and in vitro. The tumor immune microenvironment was analyzed by multicolor immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS In vitro and in vivo data showed that MCM@UN specifically targeted to TNBC cells and was superior to the free drug in terms of tumor growth inhibition and antitumor immune activity. In terms of mechanism, MCM@UN blocked BRD4 and PD-L1 to prompt dying tumor cells to disintegrate and expose tumor antigens. The disintegrated tumor cells released damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), recruited dendritic cells (DCs) to efficiently activate CD8+ T cells to mediate effective and long-lasting antitumor immunity. In addition, TLR7/8 agonist on MCM@UN enhanced lymphocytes infiltration and immunogenic cell death and decreased regulatory T-cells (Tregs). On clinical specimens, we found that mature DCs infiltrating tumor tissues of TNBC patients were negatively correlated with the expression of BRD4, which was consistent with the result in animal model. CONCLUSION MCM@UN specifically targeted to TNBC cells and remodeled tumor immune microenvironment to inhibit malignant behaviors of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Jiang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Guangqing Cai
- Department of Orthopedics, Changsha Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Changsha Eighth Hospital), Changsha, Hunan, 410013, P. R. China
| | - Haiting Liu
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Leping Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Rong Huang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Xinmin Nie
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Rong Gui
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Jinqi Ma
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Ke Cao
- Department of Oncology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China.
| | - Yanwei Luo
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China.
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Zhang H, Yao J, Ajmal I, Farooq MA, Jiang W. shRNA-mediated gene silencing of HDAC11 empowers CAR-T cells against prostate cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1369406. [PMID: 38835760 PMCID: PMC11148219 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1369406] [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: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms are involved in several cellular functions, and their role in the immune system is of prime importance. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are an important set of enzymes that regulate and catalyze the deacetylation process. HDACs have been proven beneficial targets for improving the efficacy of immunotherapies. HDAC11 is an enzyme involved in the negative regulation of T cell functions. Here, we investigated the potential of HDAC11 downregulation using RNA interference in CAR-T cells to improve immunotherapeutic outcomes against prostate cancer. We designed and tested four distinct short hairpin RNA (shRNA) sequences targeting HDAC11 to identify the most effective one for subsequent analyses. HDAC11-deficient CAR-T cells (shD-NKG2D-CAR-T) displayed better cytotoxicity than wild-type CAR-T cells against prostate cancer cell lines. This effect was attributed to enhanced activation, degranulation, and cytokine release ability of shD-NKG2D-CAR-T when co-cultured with prostate cancer cell lines. Our findings reveal that HDAC11 interference significantly enhances CAR-T cell proliferation, diminishes exhaustion markers PD-1 and TIM3, and promotes the formation of T central memory TCM populations. Further exploration into the underlying molecular mechanisms reveals increased expression of transcription factor Eomes, providing insight into the regulation of CAR-T cell differentiation. Finally, the shD-NKG2D-CAR-T cells provided efficient tumor control leading to improved survival of tumor-bearing mice in vivo as compared to their wild-type counterparts. The current study highlights the potential of HDAC11 downregulation in improving CAR-T cell therapy. The study will pave the way for further investigations focused on understanding and exploiting epigenetic mechanisms for immunotherapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Yao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Iqra Ajmal
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Muhammad Asad Farooq
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenzheng Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
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Li J, Zhao Q, Zhang N, Wu L, Wang Q, Li J, Pan Q, Pu Y, Luo K, Gu Z, He B. Triune Nanomodulator Enables Exhausted Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Rejuvenation for Cancer Epigenetic Immunotherapy. ACS NANO 2024; 18:13226-13240. [PMID: 38712706 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c02337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Oncogene activation and epigenome dysregulation drive tumor initiation and progression, contributing to tumor immune evasion and compromising the clinical response to immunotherapy. Epigenetic immunotherapy represents a promising paradigm in conquering cancer immunosuppression, whereas few relevant drug combination and delivery strategies emerge in the clinic. This study presents a well-designed triune nanomodulator, termed ROCA, which demonstrates robust capabilities in tumor epigenetic modulation and immune microenvironment reprogramming for cancer epigenetic immunotherapy. The nanomodulator is engineered from a nanoscale framework with epigenetic modulation and cascaded catalytic activity, which self-assembles into a nanoaggregate with tumor targeting polypeptide decoration that enables loading of the immunogenic cell death (ICD)-inducing agent. The nanomodulator releases active factors specifically triggered in the tumor microenvironment, represses oncogene expression, and initiates the type 1 T helper (TH1) cell chemokine axis by reversing DNA hypermethylation. This process, together with ICD induction, fundamentally reprograms the tumor microenvironment and significantly enhances the rejuvenation of exhausted cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs, CD8+ T cells), which synergizes with the anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade and results in a boosted antitumor immune response. Furthermore, this strategy establishes long-term immune memory and effectively prevents orthotopic colon cancer relapse. Therefore, the nanomodulator holds promise as a standalone epigenetic immunotherapy agent or as part of a combination therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors in preclinical cancer models, broadening the array of combinatorial strategies in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhua Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
- Research Institute for Biomaterials, Tech Institute for Advanced Materials, Bioinspired Biomedical Materials & Devices Center, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Inorganic Function Composites, Suqian Advanced Materials Industry Technology Innovation Center, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Quan Zhao
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Lihuang Wu
- Research Institute for Biomaterials, Tech Institute for Advanced Materials, Bioinspired Biomedical Materials & Devices Center, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Inorganic Function Composites, Suqian Advanced Materials Industry Technology Innovation Center, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Qiusheng Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Jing Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Qingqing Pan
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Yuji Pu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Kui Luo
- Department of Radiology, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhongwei Gu
- Research Institute for Biomaterials, Tech Institute for Advanced Materials, Bioinspired Biomedical Materials & Devices Center, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Inorganic Function Composites, Suqian Advanced Materials Industry Technology Innovation Center, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
- Department of Radiology, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Bin He
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
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Ao F, Li X, Tan Y, Jiang Z, Yang F, Guo J, Zhu Q, Chen Z, Zhou B, Zhang K, Li D. STING agonist-based hydrogel enhances immune activation in synergy with radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment. J Control Release 2024; 369:296-308. [PMID: 38301925 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.01.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Immunosuppression caused by incomplete radiofrequency ablation (iRFA) is a crucial factor affecting the effectiveness of RFA for solid tumors. However, little is known about the changes iRFA induces in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the primary application area for RFA. In this study, we found iRFA promotes a suppressive TIME in residual HCC tumors, characterized by M2 macrophage polarization, inhibited antigen presentation by dendritic cells (DCs), and reduced infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Interestingly, the STING agonist MSA-2 was able to reorganize M2-like tumor-promoting macrophages into M1-like anti-tumor states and enhance antigen presentation by DCs. To optimize the therapeutic effect of MSA-2, we used a calcium ion (Ca2+) responsive sodium alginate (ALG) as a carrier, forming an injectable hydrogel named ALG@MSA-2. This hydrogel can change from liquid to gel, maintaining continuous drug release in situ. Our results suggested that ALG@MSA-2 effectively activated anti-tumor immunity, as manifested by increased M1-like macrophage polarization, enhanced antigen presentation by DCs, increased CTL infiltration, and inhibited residual tumor growth. ALG@MSA-2 also resulted in a complete regression of contralateral tumors and widespread liver metastases in vivo. In addition, the excellent biosafety of ALG@MSA-2 was also proved by blood biochemical analysis and body weight changes in mice. In summary, this study demonstrated that the immune cascade of ALG@MSA-2 mediated the STING pathway activation and promoted a favorable TIME which might provide novel insights for the RFA treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Ao
- Center for Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Xi Li
- Center for Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Yan Tan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China
| | - Zebo Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Department of Pediatrics, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jingpei Guo
- Center for Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Qiancheng Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China
| | - Zhongguo Chen
- Center for Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- Center for Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China.
| | - Ke Zhang
- Center for Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China.
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China.
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10
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Zhu Y, Tan H, Wang J, Zhuang H, Zhao H, Lu X. Molecular insight into T cell exhaustion in hepatocellular carcinoma. Pharmacol Res 2024; 203:107161. [PMID: 38554789 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality globally. The emergence of immunotherapy has been shown to be a promising therapeutic approach for hepatocellular carcinoma in recent years. It has been well known that T cell plays a key role in current immunotherapy. However, sustained exposure to antigenic stimulation within the tumor microenvironment may lead to T cell exhaustion, which may cause treatment ineffectiveness. Therefore, reversing T cell exhaustion has been an important issue for the clinical application of immunotherapy, and a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies surrounding T cell exhaustion and its underlying mechanisms is imperative for devising strategies to overcome the T cell exhaustion during treatment. In this review, we summarized the reported drivers of T cell exhaustion in hepatocellular carcinoma and delineate potential ways to reverse it. Additionally, we discussed the interplay among metabolic plasticity, epigenetic regulation, and transcriptional factors in exhausted T cells in hepatocellular carcinoma, and their implication for future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghua Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huabing Tan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology Institute, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China; Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei Province 442000, China
| | - Jincheng Wang
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Japan
| | - Haiwen Zhuang
- Department of General Surgery, Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huanbin Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
| | - Xiaojie Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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11
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Shao J, Ye Z, Shen Z, Liu N, Zhang L, Tachibana M, Xie Z. Chidamide improves gefitinib treatment outcomes in NSCLC by attenuating recruitment and immunosuppressive function of myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116306. [PMID: 38401520 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116306] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Clinical resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a significant challenge. Recent studies have indicated that the number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) increases following gefitinib treatment, correlating with a poor patient response in NSCLC. Our study revealed that gefitinib treatment stimulates the production of CCL2, which subsequently enhances monocyte (M)-MDSC migration to tumor sites. Chidamide, a selective inhibitor of the histone deacetylase subtype, counteracted the gefitinib-induced increase in CCL2 levels in tumor cells. Additionally, chidamide down-regulated the expression of CCR2 in M-MDSCs, inhibiting their migration. Furthermore, chidamide attenuated the immunosuppressive function of M-MDSCs both alone and in combination with gefitinib. Chidamide also alleviated tumor immunosuppression by reducing the number of M-MDSCs in LLC-bearing mice, thereby enhancing the antitumor efficacy of gefitinib. In conclusion, our findings suggest that chidamide can improve gefitinib treatment outcomes, indicating that MDSCs are promising targets in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinjin Shao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Drug Safety Evaluation and Research of Zhejiang Province, Center of Safety Evaluation and Research, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Zhichao Ye
- Key Laboratory of Drug Safety Evaluation and Research of Zhejiang Province, Center of Safety Evaluation and Research, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Zeren Shen
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Nienwei Liu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Lijiang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Safety Evaluation and Research of Zhejiang Province, Center of Safety Evaluation and Research, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Masashi Tachibana
- Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Zhiqi Xie
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou 310015, China.
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12
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Gadewal N, Natu A, Sen S, Rauniyar S, Bastikar V, Gupta S. Integrative epigenome-transcriptome analysis unravels cancer-specific over-expressed genes potentially regulating immune microenvironment in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2024; 1868:130596. [PMID: 38471632 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2024.130596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC) is the frequently diagnosed histological life-threatening tumor subtype in the urinary system. Integrating multi-omics data is emerging as a tool to provide a comprehensive view of biology and disease for better therapeutic interventions. METHOD We have integrated freely available ccRCC data sets of genome-wide DNA methylome, transcriptome, and active histone modification marks, H3K27ac, H3K4me1, and H3K4me3 specific ChIP-seq data to screen genes with higher expression. Further, these genes were filtered based on their effect on survival upon alteration in expression. RESULTS The six multi-omics-based identified genes, RUNX1, MSC, ADA, TREML1, TGFA, and VWF, showed higher expression with enrichment of active histone marks and hypomethylated CpG in ccRCC. In continuation, the identified genes were validated by an independent dataset and showed a correlation with nodal and metastatic status. Furthermore, gene ontology and pathway analysis revealed that immune-related pathways are activated in ccRCC patients. CONCLUSIONS The network analysis of six overexpressed genes suggests their potential role in an immunosuppressive environment, leading to tumor progression and poor prognosis. Our study shows that the multi-omics approach helps unravel complex biology for patient subtyping and proposes combination strategies with epi-drugs for more precise immunotherapy in ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Gadewal
- Bioinformatics & Computational Biology Facility, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, 410210, MH, India; Center for Computational Biology & Translational Research, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Mumbai - Pune Expressway, Bhatan, Post - Somathne, Panvel, Mumbai, 410206, MH, India
| | - Abhiram Natu
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Biology Group, Gupta Lab, Cancer Research Institute, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, 410210, MH, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, 400094, MH, India
| | - Siddhartha Sen
- Bioinformatics & Computational Biology Facility, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, 410210, MH, India
| | - Sukanya Rauniyar
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Biology Group, Gupta Lab, Cancer Research Institute, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, 410210, MH, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, 400094, MH, India
| | - Virupaksha Bastikar
- Center for Computational Biology & Translational Research, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Mumbai - Pune Expressway, Bhatan, Post - Somathne, Panvel, Mumbai, 410206, MH, India
| | - Sanjay Gupta
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Biology Group, Gupta Lab, Cancer Research Institute, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, 410210, MH, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, 400094, MH, India.
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13
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Zhou Q, Meng Y, Li D, Yao L, Le J, Liu Y, Sun Y, Zeng F, Chen X, Deng G. Ferroptosis in cancer: From molecular mechanisms to therapeutic strategies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:55. [PMID: 38453898 PMCID: PMC10920854 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01769-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a non-apoptotic form of regulated cell death characterized by the lethal accumulation of iron-dependent membrane-localized lipid peroxides. It acts as an innate tumor suppressor mechanism and participates in the biological processes of tumors. Intriguingly, mesenchymal and dedifferentiated cancer cells, which are usually resistant to apoptosis and traditional therapies, are exquisitely vulnerable to ferroptosis, further underscoring its potential as a treatment approach for cancers, especially for refractory cancers. However, the impact of ferroptosis on cancer extends beyond its direct cytotoxic effect on tumor cells. Ferroptosis induction not only inhibits cancer but also promotes cancer development due to its potential negative impact on anticancer immunity. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of the role of ferroptosis in cancer is crucial for the successful translation of ferroptosis therapy from the laboratory to clinical applications. In this review, we provide an overview of the recent advancements in understanding ferroptosis in cancer, covering molecular mechanisms, biological functions, regulatory pathways, and interactions with the tumor microenvironment. We also summarize the potential applications of ferroptosis induction in immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and systemic therapy, as well as ferroptosis inhibition for cancer treatment in various conditions. We finally discuss ferroptosis markers, the current challenges and future directions of ferroptosis in the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China
- Furong Laboratory, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yu Meng
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China
- Furong Laboratory, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China
| | - Daishi Li
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China
- Furong Laboratory, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China
| | - Lei Yao
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jiayuan Le
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China
- Furong Laboratory, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yihuang Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China
- Furong Laboratory, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yuming Sun
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China
| | - Furong Zeng
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China.
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China.
- Furong Laboratory, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China.
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Guangtong Deng
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China.
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China.
- Furong Laboratory, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China.
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China.
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14
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Liang S, Liu M, Mu W, Gao T, Gao S, Fu S, Yuan S, Liu J, Liu Y, Jiang D, Zhang N. Nano-Regulator Inhibits Tumor Immune Escape via the "Two-Way Regulation" Epigenetic Therapy Strategy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305275. [PMID: 38110834 PMCID: PMC10916662 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Tumor immune escape caused by low levels of tumor immunogenicity and immune checkpoint-dependent suppression limits the immunotherapeutic effect. Herein, a "two-way regulation" epigenetic therapeutic strategy is proposed using a novel nano-regulator that inhibits tumor immune escape by upregulating expression of tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) to improve immunogenicity and downregulating programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression to block programmed death-1 (PD-1)/PD-L1. To engineer the nano-regulator, the DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitor zebularine (Zeb) and the bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) inhibitor JQ1 are co-loaded into the cationic liposomes with condensing the toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) via electrostatic interactions to obtain G-J/ZL. Then, asparagine-glycine-arginine (NGR) modified material carboxymethyl-chitosan (CMCS) is coated on the surface of G-J/ZL to construct CG-J/ZL. CG-J/ZL is shown to target tumor tissue and disassemble under the acidic tumor microenvironment (TME). Zeb upregulated TAAs expression to improve the immunogenicity; JQ1 inhibited PD-L1 expression to block immune checkpoint; CpG promote dendritic cell (DC) maturation and reactivated the ability of tumour-associated macrophages (TAM) to kill tumor cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the nano-regulator CG-J/ZL can upregulate TAAs expression to enhance T-cell infiltration and downregulate PD-L1 expression to improve the recognition of tumor cells by T-cells, representing a promising strategy to improve antitumor immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Liang
- Department of PharmaceuticsKey Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education)School of Pharmaceutical SciencesCheeloo College of MedicineShandong University44 Wenhua Xi RoadJinanShandong250012China
| | - Meichen Liu
- Department of PharmaceuticsKey Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education)School of Pharmaceutical SciencesCheeloo College of MedicineShandong University44 Wenhua Xi RoadJinanShandong250012China
| | - Weiwei Mu
- Department of PharmaceuticsKey Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education)School of Pharmaceutical SciencesCheeloo College of MedicineShandong University44 Wenhua Xi RoadJinanShandong250012China
| | - Tong Gao
- Department of PharmaceuticsKey Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education)School of Pharmaceutical SciencesCheeloo College of MedicineShandong University44 Wenhua Xi RoadJinanShandong250012China
| | - Shuying Gao
- Department of PharmaceuticsKey Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education)School of Pharmaceutical SciencesCheeloo College of MedicineShandong University44 Wenhua Xi RoadJinanShandong250012China
| | - Shunli Fu
- Department of PharmaceuticsKey Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education)School of Pharmaceutical SciencesCheeloo College of MedicineShandong University44 Wenhua Xi RoadJinanShandong250012China
| | - Shijun Yuan
- Department of PharmaceuticsKey Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education)School of Pharmaceutical SciencesCheeloo College of MedicineShandong University44 Wenhua Xi RoadJinanShandong250012China
| | - Jinhu Liu
- Department of PharmaceuticsKey Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education)School of Pharmaceutical SciencesCheeloo College of MedicineShandong University44 Wenhua Xi RoadJinanShandong250012China
| | - Yongjun Liu
- Department of PharmaceuticsKey Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education)School of Pharmaceutical SciencesCheeloo College of MedicineShandong University44 Wenhua Xi RoadJinanShandong250012China
| | - Dandan Jiang
- Department of PharmacyHenan Provincial People's HospitalPeople's Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenan450003China
| | - Na Zhang
- Department of PharmaceuticsKey Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education)School of Pharmaceutical SciencesCheeloo College of MedicineShandong University44 Wenhua Xi RoadJinanShandong250012China
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15
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Yu W, Gui S, Xie J, Peng L, Xiao J, Luo H, Tao Z, Cheng Z. Investigation of cuproptosis regulator-mediated modification patterns and SLC30A7 function in GBM. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:3554-3582. [PMID: 38393693 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205545] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Copper-dependent controlled cell death (cuproptosis) is a novel cell death modality that is distinct from known cell death mechanisms. Nonetheless, the potential role of the cuproptosis regulator in tumour microenvironment (TME) of GBM remains unknown. METHODS Based on 13 widely recognised cuproptosis regulators, the cuproptosis regulation patterns and the biological characteristics of each pattern were comprehensively assessed in GBMs. Machine learning strategies were used to construct a CupScore to quantify the cuproptosis regulation patterns of individual tumours. A PPI network was constructed to predict core-associated genes of cuproptosis regulators. The function of the novel cuproptosis regulators SLC30A7 was examined by in vitro and in vivo experiment. RESULTS We identified three distinct cuproptosis regulation patterns, including immune activation, metabolic activation, and immunometabolic double deletion patterns. The CupScore was shown to predict the abundance of tumour inflammation, molecular subtype, stromal activity, gene variation, signalling pathways, and patient prognosis. The low CupScore subtype was characterised by immune activation, isocitrate dehydrogenase mutations, sensitivity to chemotherapy, and clinical benefits. The high CupScore subtype was characterised by activation of the stroma and metabolism and poor survival. Novel cuproptosis regulator SLC30A7 knockdown inhibited the cuproptosi via JAK2/STAT3/ATP7A pathway in GBM. CONCLUSION Cuproptosis regulators have been shown to play a vital role in TME complexity. Constructing CupScores were trained to evaluate the regulation patterns of cuproptosis in individual tumours. The novel cuproptosis-related genes SLC30A7 was involved in regulation the tumorigenicity of GBM cell via JAK2/STAT3/ATP7A pathway in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanli Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi 330006, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330036, China
| | - Shikai Gui
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi 330006, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330036, China
| | - Jiabao Xie
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi 330006, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330036, China
| | - Lunshan Peng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi 330006, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330036, China
| | - Juexian Xiao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi 330006, China
| | - Haitao Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi 330006, China
| | - Zhennan Tao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Zujue Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi 330006, China
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16
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Zhu D, Zeng S, Su C, Li J, Xuan Y, Lin Y, Xu E, Fan Q. The interaction between DNA methylation and tumor immune microenvironment: from the laboratory to clinical applications. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:24. [PMID: 38331927 PMCID: PMC10854038 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-024-01633-x] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is a pivotal epigenetic modification that affects gene expression. Tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) comprises diverse immune cells and stromal components, creating a complex landscape that can either promote or inhibit tumor progression. In the TIME, DNA methylation has been shown to play a critical role in influencing immune cell function and tumor immune evasion. DNA methylation regulates immune cell differentiation, immune responses, and TIME composition Targeting DNA methylation in TIME offers various potential avenues for enhancing immune cytotoxicity and reducing immunosuppression. Recent studies have demonstrated that modification of DNA methylation patterns can promote immune cell infiltration and function. However, challenges persist in understanding the precise mechanisms underlying DNA methylation in the TIME, developing selective epigenetic therapies, and effectively integrating these therapies with other antitumor strategies. In conclusion, DNA methylation of both tumor cells and immune cells interacts with the TIME, and thus affects clinical efficacy. The regulation of DNA methylation within the TIME holds significant promise for the advancement of tumor immunotherapy. Addressing these challenges is crucial for harnessing the full potential of epigenetic interventions to enhance antitumor immune responses and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daoqi Zhu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, No. 1023 Shatai North Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, PLA, No.111 Liuhua Road, Guangzhou, 510010, China
| | - Siying Zeng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, No. 1023 Shatai North Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Chao Su
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, No. 1023 Shatai North Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jingjun Li
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yiwen Xuan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, PLA, No.111 Liuhua Road, Guangzhou, 510010, China
| | - Yongkai Lin
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Traditional Chinese Medicine University of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Enwu Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, PLA, No.111 Liuhua Road, Guangzhou, 510010, China.
| | - Qin Fan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, No. 1023 Shatai North Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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17
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Cheng B, Pan W, Xiao Y, Ding Z, Zhou Y, Fei X, Liu J, Su Z, Peng X, Chen J. HDAC-targeting epigenetic modulators for cancer immunotherapy. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116129. [PMID: 38211468 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
HDAC inhibitors, which can inhibit the activity of HDAC enzymes, have been extensively studied in tumor immunotherapy and have shown potential therapeutic effects in cancer immunotherapy. To date, numerous small molecule HDAC inhibitors have been identified, but many of them suffer from limited clinical efficacy and serious toxicity. Hence, HDAC inhibitor-based combination therapies, and other HDAC modulators (e.g. PROTAC degraders, dual-acting agents) have attracted great attention with significant advancements achieved in the past few years due to their superior efficacy compared to single-target HDAC inhibitors. In this review, we overviewed the recent progress on HDAC-based drug discovery with a focus on HDAC inhibitor-based drug combination therapy and other HDAC-targeting strategies (e.g. selective HDAC inhibitors, HDAC-based dual-target inhibitors, and PROTAC HDAC degraders) for cancer immunotherapy. In addition, we also summarized the reported co-crystal structures of HDAC inhibitors in complex with their target proteins and the binding interactions. Finally, the challenges and future directions for HDAC-based drug discovery in cancer immunotherapy are also discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binbin Cheng
- School of Medicine, Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, 435003, PR China; Key Laboratory of Joint Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Liver Disease and Liver Cancer of Lishui, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui People's Hospital, Lishui, Zhejiang, 323000, PR China; Molecular Pharmacology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, PR China
| | - Wei Pan
- CardioIogy Department, Geriatric Department, Foshan Women and Children Hospital, Foshan, Guangdong, 528000, PR China
| | - Yao Xiao
- Wuchang Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan Wuchang Hospital, Wuchang, 430063, PR China
| | - Zongbao Ding
- Department of Bioengineering, Zhuhai Campus of Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, 519041, PR China
| | - Yingxing Zhou
- School of Medicine, Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, 435003, PR China
| | - Xiaoting Fei
- School of Medicine, Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, 435003, PR China
| | - Jin Liu
- School of Medicine, Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, 435003, PR China
| | - Zhenhong Su
- School of Medicine, Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, 435003, PR China.
| | - Xiaopeng Peng
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 314000, PR China.
| | - Jianjun Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, PR China.
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Zhuang H, Tang C, Lin H, Zhang Z, Chen X, Wang W, Wang Q, Tan W, Yang L, Xie Z, Wang B, Chen B, Shang C, Chen Y. A novel risk score system based on immune subtypes for identifying optimal mRNA vaccination population in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024:10.1007/s13402-024-00921-1. [PMID: 38315287 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-024-00921-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Although mRNA vaccines have shown certain clinical benefits in multiple malignancies, their therapeutic efficacies against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains uncertain. This study focused on establishing a novel risk score system based on immune subtypes so as to identify optimal HCC mRNA vaccination population. METHODS GEPIA, cBioPortal and TIMER databases were utilized to identify candidate genes for mRNA vaccination in HCC. Subsequently, immune subtypes were constructed based on the candidate genes. According to the differential expressed genes among various immune subtypes, a risk score system was established using machine learning algorithm. Besides, multi-color immunofluorescence of tumor tissues from 72 HCC patients were applied to validate the feasibility and efficiency of the risk score system. RESULTS Twelve overexpressed and mutated genes associated with poor survival and APCs infiltration were identified as potential candidate targets for mRNA vaccination. Three immune subtypes (e.g. IS1, IS2 and IS3) with distinct clinicopathological and molecular profiles were constructed according to the 12 candidate genes. Based on the immune subtype, a risk score system was developed, and according to the risk score from low to high, HCC patients were classified into four subgroups on average (e.g. RS1, RS2, RS3 and RS4). RS4 mainly overlapped with IS3, RS1 with IS2, and RS2+RS3 with IS1. ROC analysis also suggested the significant capacity of the risk score to distinguish between the three immune subtypes. Higher risk score exhibited robustly predictive ability for worse survival, which was further independently proved by multi-color immunofluorescence of HCC samples. Notably, RS4 tumors exhibited an increased immunosuppressive phenotype, higher expression of the twelve potential candidate targets and increased genome altered fraction, and therefore might benefit more from vaccination. CONCLUSIONS This novel risk score system based on immune subtypes enabled the identification of RS4 tumor that, due to its highly immunosuppressive microenvironment, may benefit from HCC mRNA vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongkai Zhuang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Chenwei Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Han Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Zedan Zhang
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Xinming Chen
- Shenshan Medical Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shanwei, 516400, China
| | - Wentao Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Qingbin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Wenliang Tan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Zhiqin Xie
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Bingkun Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Department of Breast Cancer, Cancer Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Changzhen Shang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Yajin Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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Li R, Wen X, Lv RX, Ren XY, Cheng BL, Wang YK, Chen RZ, Hu W, Tang XR. DNA-methylome-derived epigenetic fingerprint as an immunophenotype indicator of durable clinical immunotherapeutic benefits in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024:10.1007/s13402-024-00917-x. [PMID: 38315286 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-024-00917-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer immunotherapy provides durable response and improves survival in a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) patients, which may due to discriminative tumor microenvironment (TME). Epigenetic regulations play critical roles in HNSC tumorigenesis, progression, and activation of functional immune cells. This study aims to identify an epigenetic signature as an immunophenotype indicator of durable clinical immunotherapeutic benefits in HNSC patients. METHODS Unsupervised consensus clustering approach was applied to distinguish immunophenotypes based on five immune signatures in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) HNSC cohort. Two immunophenotypes (immune 'Hot' and immune 'Cold') that had different TME features, diverse prognosis, and distinct DNA methylation patterns were recognized. Immunophenotype-related methylated signatures (IPMS) were identified by the least absolute shrinkage and selector operation algorithm. Additionally, the IPMS score by deconvolution algorithm was constructed as an immunophenotype classifier to predict clinical outcomes and immunotherapeutic response. RESULTS The 'Hot' HNSC immunophenotype had higher immunoactivity and better overall survival (p = 0.00055) compared to the 'Cold' tumors. The immunophenotypes had distinct DNA methylation patterns, which was closely associated with HNSC tumorigenesis and functional immune cell infiltration. 311 immunophenotype-related methylated CpG sites (IRMCs) was identified from TCGA-HNSC dataset. IPMS score model achieved a strong clinical predictive performance for classifying immunophenotypes. The area under the curve value (AUC) of the IPMS score model reached 85.9% and 89.8% in TCGA train and test datasets, respectively, and robustness was verified in five HNSC validation datasets. It was also validated as an immunophenotype classifier for predicting durable clinical benefits (DCB) in lung cancer patients who received anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy (p = 0.017) and TCGA-SKCM patients who received distinct immunotherapy (p = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS This study systematically analyzed DNA methylation patterns in distinct immunophenotypes to identify IPMS with clinical prognostic potential for personalized epigenetic anticancer approaches in HNSC patients. The IPMS score model may serve as a reliable epigenome prognostic tool for clinical immunophenotyping to guide immunotherapeutic strategies in HNSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xin Wen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ru-Xue Lv
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xian-Yue Ren
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bing-Lin Cheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yi-Kai Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ru-Zhen Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wen Hu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xin-Ran Tang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China.
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20
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Zhu M, Wang X, Zhang Q, Xie C, Wang T, Shen K, Zhang L, Zhou X. Integrative analysis confirms TPX2 as a novel biomarker for clinical implication, tumor microenvironment, and immunotherapy response across human solid tumors. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:2563-2590. [PMID: 38315450 PMCID: PMC10911359 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205498] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Targeting Protein for Xenopus Kinesin Like Protein 2 (TPX2) serves as a microtubule associated protein for the regulation of spindle assembly and tumorigenesis. We aim to investigate the prognostic and immunological role of TPX2 in pan-cancer. TCGA database, Tumor Immune Single-cell Hub (TISCH), and Human Protein Atlas (HPA) were retrieved to evaluate the expression pattern of TPX2 as well as its diagnostic and prognostic value in solid tumors. Genomic alterations of TPX2 were assessed with cBioPortal database. In vitro experiments in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) were performed to confirm the potential role of TPX2. Overexpression of TPX2 was found in 22 types of cancers, and was positively related with copy number variations (CNV) and negative with methylation. Up-regulated TPX2 could predict worse outcomes in the majority of cancers. Single-cell analysis revealed that TPX2 was mainly distributed in malignant cells (especially in glioma) and proliferating T cells. Genomic alteration of TPX2 was common in different types of tumors, while with prognostic value in two types of cancers. Additionally, significant correlations were found between TPX2 expression and tumor microenvironment (including stromal cells and immune cells) as well as immune related genes across cancer types. Drug sensitivity analysis revealed that TPX2 could predict response to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Functional analyses demonstrated close relationship of TPX2 with immune function and malignant phenotypes. Finally, it was confirmed that knockdown of TPX2 could reduce proliferation and migration ability of LUAD cells. In summary, TPX2 could serve as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and a potential immunotherapy marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxia Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Xiaping Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinghua People’s Hospital, Xinghua 225700, China
| | - Chen Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Tongshan Wang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Kai Shen
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Lan Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
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21
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Prabhu KS, Sadida HQ, Kuttikrishnan S, Junejo K, Bhat AA, Uddin S. Beyond genetics: Exploring the role of epigenetic alterations in breast cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 254:155174. [PMID: 38306863 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer remains a major global health challenge. Its rising incidence is attributed to factors such as delayed diagnosis, the complexity of its subtypes, and increasing drug resistance, all contributing to less-than-ideal patient outcomes. Central to the progression of breast cancer are epigenetic aberrations, which significantly contribute to drug resistance and the emergence of cancer stem cell traits. These include alterations in DNA methylation, histone modifications, and the expression of non-coding RNAs. Understanding these epigenetic changes is crucial for developing advanced breast cancer management strategies despite their complexity. Investigating these epigenetic modifications offers the potential for novel diagnostic markers, more accurate prognostic indicators, and the identification of reliable predictors of treatment response. This could lead to the development of new targeted therapies. However, this requires sustained, focused research efforts to navigate the challenges of understanding breast cancer carcinogenesis and its epigenetic underpinnings. A deeper understanding of epigenetic mechanisms in breast cancer can revolutionize personalized medicine. This could lead to significant improvements in patient care, including early detection, precise disease stratification, and more effective treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirti S Prabhu
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Hana Q Sadida
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Research Program, Department of Population Genetics, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar
| | - Shilpa Kuttikrishnan
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Kulsoom Junejo
- General Surgery Department, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ajaz A Bhat
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Research Program, Department of Population Genetics, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Laboratory of Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
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22
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Yang J, Shay C, Saba NF, Teng Y. Cancer metabolism and carcinogenesis. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:10. [PMID: 38287402 PMCID: PMC10826200 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00482-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is an emerging hallmark of cancer cells, enabling them to meet increased nutrient and energy demands while withstanding the challenging microenvironment. Cancer cells can switch their metabolic pathways, allowing them to adapt to different microenvironments and therapeutic interventions. This refers to metabolic heterogeneity, in which different cell populations use different metabolic pathways to sustain their survival and proliferation and impact their response to conventional cancer therapies. Thus, targeting cancer metabolic heterogeneity represents an innovative therapeutic avenue with the potential to overcome treatment resistance and improve therapeutic outcomes. This review discusses the metabolic patterns of different cancer cell populations and developmental stages, summarizes the molecular mechanisms involved in the intricate interactions within cancer metabolism, and highlights the clinical potential of targeting metabolic vulnerabilities as a promising therapeutic regimen. We aim to unravel the complex of metabolic characteristics and develop personalized treatment approaches to address distinct metabolic traits, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianqiang Yang
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, 201 Dowman Dr, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Chloe Shay
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Nabil F Saba
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, 201 Dowman Dr, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Yong Teng
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, 201 Dowman Dr, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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23
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Wang B, Wang Z, Li Y, Shang Z, Liu Z, Fan H, Zhan R, Xin T. TRIM56: a promising prognostic immune biomarker for glioma revealed by pan-cancer and single-cell analysis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1327898. [PMID: 38348047 PMCID: PMC10859405 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1327898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Tripartite-motif 56 (TRIM56) is a member of the TRIM family, and was shown to be an interferon-inducible E3 ubiquitin ligase that can be overexpressed upon stimulation with double-stranded DNA to regulate stimulator of interferon genes (STING) to produce type I interferon and thus mediate innate immune responses. Its role in tumors remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the expression of the TRIM56 gene and its prognostic value in pan-cancer, identifying TRIM56 expression as an adverse prognostic factor in glioma patients. Therefore, glioma was selected as the primary focus of our investigation. We explored the differential expression of TRIM56 in various glioma subtypes and verified its role as an independent prognostic factor in gliomas. Our research revealed that TRIM56 is associated with malignant biological behaviors in gliomas, such as proliferation, migration, and invasion. Additionally, it can mediate M2 polarization of macrophages in gliomas. The results were validated in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we utilized single-cell analysis to investigate the impact of TRIM56 expression on cell communication between glioma cells and non-tumor cells. We constructed a multi-gene signature based on cell markers of tumor cells with high TRIM56 expression to enhance the prediction of cancer patient prognosis. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that TRIM56 serves as a reliable immune-related prognostic biomarker in glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingcheng Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhihai Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuchen Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zehan Shang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zihao Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hao Fan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Rucai Zhan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tao Xin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Neurosurgery, Jinan, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
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24
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Zhang Z, Luo X, Xue X, Pang M, Wang X, Yu L, Qian J, Li X, Tian M, Lu A, Lu C, Liu Y. Engineered Exosomes Carrying miR-588 for Treatment of Triple Negative Breast Cancer Through Remodeling the Immunosuppressive Microenvironment. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:743-758. [PMID: 38283199 PMCID: PMC10821654 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s440619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The morbidity and mortality of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) are still high, causing a heavy medical burden. CCL5, as a chemokine, can be involved in altering the composition of the tumor microenvironment (TME) as well as the immunosuppressive degree, and has become a very promising target for the treatment of TNBC. Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) in tumor tissues is closely related to tumor progression, and its utilization can be used to achieve therapeutic purposes. Engineered exosomes can avoid the shortcomings of miRNAs and also enhance their targeting and anti-tumor effects through engineering. Therefore, we aimed to create a cRGD-modified exosome for targeted delivery of miR-588 and to investigate its effect in remodeling immunosuppressive TME by anchoring CCL5 in TNBC. Methods In this study, we loaded miR-588 into exosomes using electroporation and modified it with cRGD using post insertion to obtain cRGD-Exos/miR-588. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking assay technique (NTA), Western Blots, qPCR, and flow cytometry were applied for its characterization. CCK-8, qPCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), in vivo fluorescence imaging system, immunohistochemistry and H&E staining were used to explore the efficacy as well as the mechanism at the cellular level as well as in subcutaneous graft-tumor nude mouse model. Results The cRGD-Exos/miR-588 was successfully constructed and had strong TNBC tumor targeting in vitro and in vivo. Meanwhile, it has significant efficacy on TME components affected by CCL5 and the degree of immunosuppression, which can effectively control TNBC with good safety. Conclusion In this experiment, cRGD-Exos/miR-588 was prepared to remodel immunosuppressive TME by anchoring CCL5, which is affected by the vicious cycle of immune escape. Overall, cRGD-Exos/miR-588 explored the feasibility of targeting TME for the TNBC treatment, and provided a competitive delivery system for the engineered exosomes to deliver miRNAs for antitumor therapy drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengjia Zhang
- School of Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinyi Luo
- School of Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxia Xue
- School of Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mingshi Pang
- School of Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiangpeng Wang
- School of Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liuchunyang Yu
- School of Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinxiu Qian
- School of Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- School of Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meng Tian
- School of Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Aiping Lu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hongkong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cheng Lu
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuanyan Liu
- School of Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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25
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Yu B, Geng C, Wu Z, Zhang Z, Zhang A, Yang Z, Huang J, Xiong Y, Yang H, Chen Z. A CIC-related-epigenetic factors-based model associated with prediction, the tumor microenvironment and drug sensitivity in osteosarcoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1308. [PMID: 38225273 PMCID: PMC10789798 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49770-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is generally considered a cold tumor and is characterized by epigenetic alterations. Although tumor cells are surrounded by many immune cells such as macrophages, T cells may be suppressed, be inactivated, or not be presented due to various mechanisms, which usually results in poor prognosis and insensitivity to immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is considered a promising anti-cancer therapy in osteosarcoma but requires more research, but osteosarcoma does not currently respond well to this therapy. The cancer immunity cycle (CIC) is essential for anti-tumor immunity, and is epigenetically regulated. Therefore, it is possible to modulate the immune microenvironment of osteosarcoma by targeting epigenetic factors. In this study, we explored the correlation between epigenetic modulation and CIC in osteosarcoma through bioinformatic methods. Based on the RNA data from TARGET and GSE21257 cohorts, we identified epigenetic related subtypes by NMF clustering and constructed a clinical prognostic model by the LASSO algorithm. ESTIMATE, Cibersort, and xCell algorithms were applied to analyze the tumor microenvironment. Based on eight epigenetic biomarkers (SFMBT2, SP140, CBX5, HMGN2, SMARCA4, PSIP1, ACTR6, and CHD2), two subtypes were identified, and they are mainly distinguished by immune response and cell cycle regulation. After excluding ACTR6 by LASSO regression, the prognostic model was established and it exhibited good predictive efficacy. The risk score showed a strong correlation with the tumor microenvironment, drug sensitivity and many immune checkpoints. In summary, our study sheds a new light on the CIC-related epigenetic modulation mechanism of osteosarcoma and helps search for potential drugs for osteosarcoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Chengkui Geng
- Department of Orthopedics of Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Zhongxiong Wu
- Department of Orthopedics of Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Zhongzi Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics of Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Aili Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics of Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Ze Yang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Jiazheng Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Ying Xiong
- Department of Orthopedics of Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Huiqin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China.
| | - Zhuoyuan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China.
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Zhang H, Huang C, Gordon J, Yu S, Morton G, Childers W, Abou-Gharbia M, Zhang Y, Jelinek J, Issa JPJ. MC180295 is a highly potent and selective CDK9 inhibitor with preclinical in vitro and in vivo efficacy in cancer. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:3. [PMID: 38172923 PMCID: PMC10765884 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01617-3] [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: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9), a novel epigenetic target in cancer, can reactivate epigenetically silenced genes in cancer by dephosphorylating the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeler BRG1. Here, we characterized the anti-tumor efficacy of MC180295, a newly developed CDK9 inhibitor. METHODS In this study, we explored the pharmacokinetics of MC180295 in mice and rats, and tested the anti-tumor efficacy of MC180295, and its enantiomers, in multiple cancer cell lines and mouse models. We also combined CDK9 inhibition with a DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitor, decitabine, in multiple mouse models, and tested MC180295 dependence on T cells. Drug toxicity was measured by checking body weights and complete blood counts. RESULTS MC180295 had high specificity for CDK9 and high potency against multiple neoplastic cell lines (median IC50 of 171 nM in 46 cell lines representing 6 different malignancies), with the highest potency seen in AML cell lines derived from patients with MLL translocations. MC180295 is a racemic mixture of two enantiomers, MC180379 and MC180380, with MC180380 showing higher potency in a live-cell epigenetic assay. Both MC180295 and MC180380 showed efficacy in in vivo AML and colon cancer xenograft models, and significant synergy with decitabine in both cancer models. Lastly, we found that CDK9 inhibition-mediated anti-tumoral effects were partially dependent on CD8 + T cells in vivo, indicating a significant immune component to the response. CONCLUSIONS MC180380, an inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9), is an efficacious anti-cancer agent worth advancing further toward clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanghang Zhang
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Chen Huang
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - John Gordon
- Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Sijia Yu
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - George Morton
- Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Wayne Childers
- Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Magid Abou-Gharbia
- Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Yi Zhang
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ, 07110, USA
| | - Jaroslav Jelinek
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
- Coriell Institute for Medical Research, 403 Haddon Avenue, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA
- Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA
| | - Jean-Pierre J Issa
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA.
- Coriell Institute for Medical Research, 403 Haddon Avenue, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA.
- Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA.
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Jiang S, Ma W, Ma C, Zhang Z, Zhang W, Zhang J. An emerging strategy: probiotics enhance the effectiveness of tumor immunotherapy via mediating the gut microbiome. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2341717. [PMID: 38717360 PMCID: PMC11085971 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2341717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The occurrence and progression of tumors are often accompanied by disruptions in the gut microbiota. Inversely, the impact of the gut microbiota on the initiation and progression of cancer is becoming increasingly evident, influencing the tumor microenvironment (TME) for both local and distant tumors. Moreover, it is even suggested to play a significant role in the process of tumor immunotherapy, contributing to high specificity in therapeutic outcomes and long-term effectiveness across various cancer types. Probiotics, with their generally positive influence on the gut microbiota, may serve as effective agents in synergizing cancer immunotherapy. They play a crucial role in activating the immune system to inhibit tumor growth. In summary, this comprehensive review aims to provide valuable insights into the dynamic interactions between probiotics, gut microbiota, and cancer. Furthermore, we highlight recent advances and mechanisms in using probiotics to improve the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy. By understanding these complex relationships, we may unlock innovative approaches for cancer diagnosis and treatment while optimizing the effects of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaiming Jiang
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, PR China
| | - Wenyao Ma
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, PR China
| | - Chenchen Ma
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Zeng Zhang
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, PR China
| | - Wanli Zhang
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, PR China
| | - Jiachao Zhang
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, PR China
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Zheng X, Song X, Zhu G, Pan D, Li H, Hu J, Xiao K, Gong Q, Gu Z, Luo K, Li W. Nanomedicine Combats Drug Resistance in Lung Cancer. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2308977. [PMID: 37968865 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202308977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the second most prevalent cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Surgery, chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy are currently available as treatment methods. However, drug resistance is a significant factor in the failure of lung cancer treatments. Novel therapeutics have been exploited to address complicated resistance mechanisms of lung cancer and the advancement of nanomedicine is extremely promising in terms of overcoming drug resistance. Nanomedicine equipped with multifunctional and tunable physiochemical properties in alignment with tumor genetic profiles can achieve precise, safe, and effective treatment while minimizing or eradicating drug resistance in cancer. Here, this work reviews the discovered resistance mechanisms for lung cancer chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy, and outlines novel strategies for the development of nanomedicine against drug resistance. This work focuses on engineering design, customized delivery, current challenges, and clinical translation of nanomedicine in the application of resistant lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuli Zheng
- Department of Radiology, Department of Respiratory, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC) and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Respiratory Health, Precision Medicine Center, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Alley, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaohai Song
- Department of General Surgery, Gastric Cancer Center and Laboratory of Gastric Cancer, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Alley, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Guonian Zhu
- Department of Radiology, Department of Respiratory, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC) and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Respiratory Health, Precision Medicine Center, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Alley, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Dayi Pan
- Department of Radiology, Department of Respiratory, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC) and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Respiratory Health, Precision Medicine Center, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Alley, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Haonan Li
- Department of Radiology, Department of Respiratory, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC) and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Respiratory Health, Precision Medicine Center, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Alley, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jiankun Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Gastric Cancer Center and Laboratory of Gastric Cancer, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Alley, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Kai Xiao
- Department of Radiology, Department of Respiratory, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC) and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Respiratory Health, Precision Medicine Center, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Alley, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qiyong Gong
- Department of Radiology, Department of Respiratory, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC) and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Respiratory Health, Precision Medicine Center, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Alley, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, and Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Radiology, West China Xiamen Hospital of Sichuan University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361000, China
| | - Zhongwei Gu
- Department of Radiology, Department of Respiratory, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC) and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Respiratory Health, Precision Medicine Center, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Alley, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Kui Luo
- Department of Radiology, Department of Respiratory, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC) and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Respiratory Health, Precision Medicine Center, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Alley, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, and Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Weimin Li
- Department of Radiology, Department of Respiratory, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC) and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Respiratory Health, Precision Medicine Center, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Alley, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, and Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
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Zhang W, Zeng S, Gong L, Zhang D, Hu X. Gene methylation status in focus of advanced prostate cancer diagnostics and improved individual outcomes. Transl Androl Urol 2023; 12:1813-1826. [PMID: 38196695 PMCID: PMC10772650 DOI: 10.21037/tau-23-405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most prevalent type of male genitourinary tumor, remains the second leading cause of deaths due to cancer in the United States in men. The aim of this study was to perform an integrative epigenetic analysis to explore the epigenetic abnormalities involved in the development and progression of PCa, and present advanced diagnostics and improved individual outcomes. Methods Genome-wide DNA methylation profiles obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were analyzed and a diagnostic model was constructed. For validation, we employed profiles from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and methylation data derived from clinical samples. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) were employed for GSEA and to assess immune cell infiltration, respectively. Results An accurate diagnostic method for PCa was established based on the methylation level of Cyclin-D2 (CCND2) and glutathione S-transferase pi-1 (GSTP1), with an impressive area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.937. The model's reliability was further confirmed through validation using four GEO datasets GSE76938 (AUC =0.930), GSE26126 (AUC =0.906), GSE112047 (AUC =1.000), GSE84749 (AUC =0.938) and clinical samples (AUC =0.980). Notably, the TIMER analysis indicated that hypermethylation of CCND2 and GSTP1 was associated with reduced immune cell infiltration, higher tumor purity, and an increased risk of tumor progression. Conclusions In conclusion, our study provides a robust and reliable methylation-based diagnostic model for PCa. This model holds promise as an improved approach for screening and diagnosing PCa, potentially enhancing early detection and patient outcomes, as well as for an advanced clinical management for PCa in the framework of predictive, preventive and personalised medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixun Zhang
- Department of Urology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Urology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Song Zeng
- Department of Urology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Urology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lian Gong
- Department of Urology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Urology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Di Zhang
- Department of Urology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Urology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaopeng Hu
- Department of Urology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Urology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Yao L, Wang Q, Ma W. Navigating the Immune Maze: Pioneering Strategies for Unshackling Cancer Immunotherapy Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5857. [PMID: 38136402 PMCID: PMC10742031 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245857] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has ushered in a transformative era in oncology, offering unprecedented promise and opportunities. Despite its remarkable breakthroughs, the field continues to grapple with the persistent challenge of treatment resistance. This resistance not only undermines the widespread efficacy of these pioneering treatments, but also underscores the pressing need for further research. Our exploration into the intricate realm of cancer immunotherapy resistance reveals various mechanisms at play, from primary and secondary resistance to the significant impact of genetic and epigenetic factors, as well as the crucial role of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Furthermore, we stress the importance of devising innovative strategies to counteract this resistance, such as employing combination therapies, tailoring immune checkpoints, and implementing real-time monitoring. By championing these state-of-the-art methods, we anticipate a paradigm that blends personalized healthcare with improved treatment options and is firmly committed to patient welfare. Through a comprehensive and multifaceted approach, we strive to tackle the challenges of resistance, aspiring to elevate cancer immunotherapy as a beacon of hope for patients around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqin Yao
- Key Laboratory for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, China
| | - Qingqing Wang
- Institute of Immunology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China;
| | - Wenxue Ma
- Department of Medicine, Moores Cancer Center, Sanford Stem Cell Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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Centeno MV, Alam MS, Haldar K, Apkarian AV. Long-range action of an HDAC inhibitor treats chronic pain in a spared nerve injury rat model. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.13.571583. [PMID: 38168166 PMCID: PMC10760082 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.13.571583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) that modulate epigenetic regulation and are approved for treating rare cancers have, in disease models, also been shown to mitigate neurological conditions, including chronic pain. They are of interest as non-opioid treatments, but achieving long-term efficacy with limited dosing has remained elusive. Here we utilize a triple combination formulation (TCF) comprised of a pan-HDACi vorinostat (Vo at its FDA-approved daily dose of 50mg/Kg), the caging agent 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPBCD) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) known to boost plasma and brain exposure and efficacy of Vo in mice and rats, of various ages, spared nerve injury (SNI) model of chronic neuropathic pain. Administration of the TCF (but not HPBCD and PEG) decreased mechanical allodynia for 4 weeks without antagonizing weight, anxiety, or mobility. This was achieved at less than 1% of the total dose of Vo approved for 4 weeks of tumor treatment and associated with decreased levels of major inflammatory markers and microglia in ipsilateral (but not contralateral) spinal cord regions. A single TCF injection was sufficient for 3-4 weeks of efficacy: this was mirrored in repeat injections, specific for the injured paw and not seen on sham treatment. Pharmacodynamics in an SNI mouse model suggested pain relief was sustained for days to weeks after Vo elimination. Doubling Vo in a single TCF injection proved effectiveness was limited to male rats, where the response amplitude tripled and remained effective for > 2 months, an efficacy that outperforms all currently available chronic pain pharmacotherapies. Together, these data suggest that through pharmacological modulation of Vo, the TCF enables single-dose effectiveness with extended action, reduces long-term HDACi dosage, and presents excellent potential to develop as a non-opioid treatment option for chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Virginia Centeno
- Center for Translational Pain Research, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611
| | - Md Suhail Alam
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556
| | - Kasturi Haldar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556
| | - Apkar Vania Apkarian
- Center for Translational Pain Research, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611
- Department of Anesthesia, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611
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Zhang L, Xia C, Yang Y, Sun F, Zhang Y, Wang H, Liu R, Yuan M. DNA methylation and histone post-translational modifications in atherosclerosis and a novel perspective for epigenetic therapy. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:344. [PMID: 38031118 PMCID: PMC10688481 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01298-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis, which is a vascular pathology characterized by inflammation and plaque build-up within arterial vessel walls, acts as the important cause of most cardiovascular diseases. Except for a lipid-depository and chronic inflammatory, increasing evidences propose that epigenetic modifications are increasingly associated with atherosclerosis and are of interest from both therapeutic and biomarker perspectives. The chronic progressive nature of atherosclerosis has highlighted atherosclerosis heterogeneity and the fact that specific cell types in the complex milieu of the plaque are, by far, not the only initiators and drivers of atherosclerosis. Instead, the ubiquitous effects of cell type are tightly controlled and directed by the epigenetic signature, which, in turn, is affected by many proatherogenic stimuli, including low-density lipoprotein, proinflammatory, and physical forces of blood circulation. In this review, we summarize the role of DNA methylation and histone post-translational modifications in atherosclerosis. The future research directions and potential therapy for the management of atherosclerosis are also discussed. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, No. 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Chenhai Xia
- Department of Cardiology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, No. 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yongjun Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, No. 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Fangfang Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, No. 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, No. 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, No. 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, No. 1 Xinsi Road, Xi'an 710000, China.
| | - Ming Yuan
- Department of Cardiology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, No. 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, China.
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Liang Y, Wang L, Ma P, Ju D, Zhao M, Shi Y. Enhancing anti-tumor immune responses through combination therapies: epigenetic drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1308264. [PMID: 38077327 PMCID: PMC10704038 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1308264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms are processes that affect gene expression and cellular functions without involving changes in the DNA sequence. This abnormal or unstable expression of genes regulated by epigenetics can trigger cancer and other various diseases. The immune cells involved in anti-tumor responses and the immunogenicity of tumors may also be affected by epigenomic changes. This holds significant implications for the development and application of cancer immunotherapy, epigenetic therapy, and their combined treatments in the fight against cancer. We provide an overview of recent research literature focusing on how epigenomic changes in immune cells influence immune cell behavior and function, as well as the immunogenicity of cancer cells. And the combined utilization of epigenetic medications with immune checkpoint inhibitors that focus on immune checkpoint molecules [e.g., Programmed Death 1 (PD-1), Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte-Associated Protein 4 (CTLA-4), T cell Immunoglobulin and Mucin Domain (TIM-3), Lymphocyte Activation Gene-3 (LAG-3)] present in immune cells and stromal cells associated with tumors. We highlight the potential of small-molecule inhibitors targeting epigenetic regulators to amplify anti-tumor immune responses. Moreover, we discuss how to leverage the intricate relationship between cancer epigenetics and cancer immunology to create treatment regimens that integrate epigenetic therapies with immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liang
- Precision Pharmacy and Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- Wuchang Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan Wuchang Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Peijun Ma
- Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongen Ju
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Minggao Zhao
- Precision Pharmacy and Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yun Shi
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
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Wang Z, Yang L, Wang W, Zhou H, Chen J, Ma Z, Wang X, Zhang Q, Liu H, Zhou C, Guo Z, Zhang X. Comparative immunological landscape between pre- and early-stage LUAD manifested as ground-glass nodules revealed by scRNA and scTCR integrated analysis. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:325. [PMID: 37957625 PMCID: PMC10644515 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01322-x] [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: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mechanism underlying the malignant progression of precancer to early-stage lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) as well as their indolence nature remains elusive. METHODS Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA) with simultaneous T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing on 5 normal lung tissues, 3 precancerous and 4 early-stage LUAD manifested as pulmonary ground-glass nodules (GGNs) were performed. RESULTS Through this integrated analysis, we have delineated five key modules that drive the malignant progression of early-stage LUAD in a disease stage-dependent manner. These modules are related to cell proliferation and metabolism, immune response, mitochondria, cilia, and cell adhesion. We also find that the tumor micro-environment (TME) of early-stage LUAD manifested as GGN are featured with regulatory T (Tregs) cells accumulation with three possible origins, and loss-functional state (decreased clonal expansion and cytotoxicity) of CD8 + T cells. Instead of exhaustion, the CD8 + T cells are featured with a shift to memory phenotype, which is significantly different from the late stage LUAD. Furthermore, we have identified monocyte-derived macrophages that undergo a lipid-phenotype transition and may contribute to the suppressive TME. Intense interaction between stromal cells, myeloid cells including lipid associated macrophages and LAMP3 + DCs, and lymphocytes were also characterized. CONCLUSIONS Our work provides new insight into the molecular and cellular mechanism underlying malignant progression of LUAD manifested as GGN, and pave way for novel immunotherapies for GGN. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqi Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Weiwu Road No.7, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Weiwu Road No.7, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Wenqiang Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Weiwu Road No.7, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Huanhuan Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Weiwu Road No.7, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Juan Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Cell Architecture Research Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zeheng Ma
- Department of Thoracic Surgery Department, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Weiwu Road No.7, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Department of Pathological Department, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Weiwu Road No.7, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Quncheng Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Weiwu Road No.7, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Haiyang Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Weiwu Road No.7, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Chao Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Weiwu Road No.7, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Zhiping Guo
- Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Weiwu Road No.7, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China.
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Diseases and Health Management, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China.
| | - Xiaoju Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Weiwu Road No.7, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China.
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Li X, Song D, Chen Y, Huang C, Liu A, Wu Q, She X, Li K, Wan K, Yu C, Qiu C, Liu L, Wang G, Xu F, Wang J, Hu J. NSD2 methylates AROS to promote SIRT1 activation and regulates fatty acid metabolism-mediated cancer radiotherapy. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113126. [PMID: 37756162 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Fatty acid metabolism plays a critical role in both tumorigenesis and cancer radiotherapy. However, the regulatory mechanism of fatty acid metabolism has not been fully elucidated. NSD2, a histone methyltransferase that catalyzes di-methylation of histone H3 at lysine 36, has been shown to play an essential role in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Here, we show that NSD2 promotes fatty acid oxidation (FAO) by methylating AROS (active regulator of SIRT1) at lysine 27, facilitating the physical interaction between AROS and SIRT1. The mutation of lysine 27 to arginine weakens the interaction between AROS and SIRT1 and impairs AROS-SIRT1-mediated FAO. Additionally, we examine the effect of NSD2 inhibition on radiotherapy efficacy and find an enhanced effectiveness of radiotherapy. Together, our findings identify a NSD2-dependent methylation regulation pattern of the AROS-SIRT1 axis, suggesting that NSD2 inhibition may be a potential adjunct for tumor radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Li
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China; Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
| | - Da Song
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
| | - Yaqi Chen
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
| | - Changsheng Huang
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
| | - Anyi Liu
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
| | - Qi Wu
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
| | - Xiaowei She
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
| | - Kangdi Li
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
| | - Kairui Wan
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
| | - Chengxin Yu
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
| | - Cheng Qiu
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
| | - Lang Liu
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
| | - Guihua Wang
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
| | - Feng Xu
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China.
| | - Junbo Hu
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China.
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Chai JW, Hu XW, Zhang MM, Dong YN. Seven chromatin regulators as immune cell infiltration characteristics, potential diagnostic biomarkers and drugs prediction in hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18643. [PMID: 37903974 PMCID: PMC10616163 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46107-x] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment is challenging due to the heterogeneity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Chromatin regulators (CRs) are important in epigenetics and are closely associated with HCC. We obtained HCC-related expression data and relevant clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. Then, we crossed the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), immune-related genes and CRs to obtain immune-related chromatin regulators differentially expressed genes (IRCR DEGs). Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis was performed to select the prognostic gene and construct a risk model for predicting prognosis in HCC, followed by a correlation analysis of risk scores with clinical characteristics. Finally, we also carried out immune microenvironment analysis and drug sensitivity analysis, the correlation between risk score and clinical characteristics was analyzed. In addition, we carried out immune microenvironment analysis and drug sensitivity analysis. Functional analysis suggested that IRCR DEGs was mainly enriched in chromatin-related biological processes. We identified and validated PPARGC1A, DUSP1, APOBEC3A, AIRE, HDAC11, HMGB2 and APOBEC3B as prognostic biomarkers for the risk model construction. The model was also related to immune cell infiltration, and the expression of CD48, CTLA4, HHLA2, TNFSF9 and TNFSF15 was higher in high-risk group. HCC patients in the high-risk group were more sensitive to Axitinib, Docetaxel, Erlotinib, and Metformin. In this study, we construct a prognostic model of immune-associated chromatin regulators, which provides new ideas and research directions for the accurate treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Wen Chai
- Department of Oncology, Laizhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Laizhou, Shandong, China
| | - Xi-Wen Hu
- The First Clinical Medical School, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Miao-Miao Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Laizhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Laizhou, Shandong, China
| | - Yu-Na Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Laizhou People's Hospital, No.1718 Wuli Street, Laizhou, Shandong, China.
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Wu M, Chen Y, Hua G, Chunhui L. The CD2-CD58 axis: A novel marker predicting poor prognosis in patients with low-grade gliomas and potential therapeutic approaches. Immun Inflamm Dis 2023; 11:e1022. [PMID: 37904707 PMCID: PMC10571499 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Low-grade gliomas (LGGs) are currently considered a premalignant condition for high-grade gliomas (HGGs) and are characterized by a relatively intact immune system. Immunotherapeutic modalities may offer a safe and effective treatment option for these patients. However, the CD2-CD58 axis, an important component of the immunological synapse, remains unknown in LGG. METHODS RNA-seq data from TCGA databases were analyzed. Immune cell infiltration was determined using a single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) based on integrated immune gene sets from published studies. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, univariate and multivariate logistic analysis, and the ESTIMATE algorithm were employed to evaluate the impact of the CD2-CD58 axis on adult LGG patients. RESULTS The expression of the CD2-CD58 axis was found to be elevated with increasing of WHO grade (p < .05). Uni- and multi-variable logistic analysis demonstrated that age, WHO grade, and CD58 levels were associated with poor prognosis in LGG patients with (p < .01). MetaSape pathways analysis revealed the involvement of CD58 in regulating T cell activation, leukocyte-mediated immunity, and the positive regulation of cell activation in WHO grade II and III. CD58 expression correlated with infiltrations of CD4+ lymphocytes, NK cells, and macrophages cells. The ESTIMATE algorithm indicated that patients with high CD58 expression had significantly higher immune scores compared with low CD58 expression in WHO grade II/III, but no statistical difference was observed in WHO grade IV (p < .05). Furthermore, correlation analysis demonstrated the significant association between CD58 and CD274 (r = 0.581, p < .001), HAVCR2 (r = 0.58i7, p < .001), and LGALS9 (r = 0.566, p < .001). Immunohistochemical staining further confirmed the relationship of CD58, HAVCR2, WHO grade, and prognosis in grade II and III patients. CONCLUSION Overall, our findings highlight the significant association between the CD2-CD58 axis and poor survival in LGG patients. High CD58 expression is implicated in T cell-mediated immune responses as an immunosuppressive factor and affect inhibitory immune checkpoint genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingwei Wu
- Qinzhou First People's HospitalQinzhouChina
| | - Yiyuan Chen
- Beijing Tiantan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Gao Hua
- Beijing Tiantan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Liu Chunhui
- Beijing Tiantan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
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Lin X, Zong C, Zhang Z, Fang W, Xu P. Progresses in biomarkers for cancer immunotherapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e387. [PMID: 37799808 PMCID: PMC10547938 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, checkpoint inhibitor-based immunotherapy has emerged as prevailing treatment modality for diverse cancers. However, immunotherapy as a first-line therapy has not consistently yielded durable responses. Moreover, the risk of immune-related adverse events increases with combination regimens. Thus, the development of predictive biomarkers is needed to optimize individuals benefit, minimize risk of toxicities, and guide combination approaches. The greatest focus has been on tumor programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), microsatellite instability (MSI), and tumor mutational burden (TMB). However, there remains a subject of debate due to thresholds variability and significant heterogeneity. Major unmet challenges in immunotherapy are the discovery and validation of predictive biomarkers. Here, we show the status of tumor PD-L1, MSI, TMB, and emerging data on novel biomarker strategies with oncogenic signaling and epigenetic regulation. Considering the exploration of peripheral and intestinal immunity has served as noninvasive alternative in predicting immunotherapy, this review also summarizes current data in systemic immunity, encompassing solute PD-L1 and TMB, circulating tumor DNA and infiltrating lymphocytes, routine emerging inflammatory markers and cytokines, as well as gut microbiota. This review provides up-to-date information on the evolving field of currently available biomarkers in predicting immunotherapy. Future exploration of novel biomarkers is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuwen Lin
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care MedicinePeking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenGuangdong ProvinceChina
- Department of Internal MedicineShantou University Medical CollegeShantouGuangdong ProvinceChina
| | - Chenyu Zong
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care MedicinePeking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenGuangdong ProvinceChina
- Department of Internal MedicineZunyi Medical UniversityZunyiGuizhou ProvinceChina
| | - Zhihan Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care MedicinePeking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenGuangdong ProvinceChina
| | - Weiyi Fang
- Cancer Research InstituteSchool of Basic Medical ScienceSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong ProvinceChina
- Cancer CenterIntegrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong ProvinceChina
| | - Ping Xu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care MedicinePeking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenGuangdong ProvinceChina
- Department of Internal MedicineZunyi Medical UniversityZunyiGuizhou ProvinceChina
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Wang X, Xu S, Fu T, Wu Y, Sun W. Combination of downregulating FEN1 and PD-1 blockade enhances antitumor activity of CD8+ T cells against HNSCC cells in vitro. J Oral Pathol Med 2023; 52:834-842. [PMID: 37728572 DOI: 10.1111/jop.13485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and human leukocyte antigen/major histocompatibility complex (HLA/MHC) are two main kinds of immunophenotypes affecting the susceptibility to anti-PD therapy. Our previous study found that down-regulation of flap endonuclease-1 (FEN1) could not only inhibit PD-L1 expression, but also upregulate HLA expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We aimed to clarify whether downregulating FEN1 cloud enhance the response to PD-1 blockade, and possible mechanisms in HNSCC in vitro. METHODS Differential expression of FEN1 in HNSCC tumor and normal tissues were explored in the TIMER and TISIDB datasets. A HNSCC cells/CD8+ T cells co-culture model was established. HNSCC cell cycle and apoptosis were recorded by flow cytometry. Immune activity markers of granzyme A, granzyme B, and PRF1 expressed in the CD8+ T cells, and IFN-γ, IL-2, and TNF-α secreted in the supernatants were detected by western blot, ELISA, respectively. RESULTS FEN1 was highly expressed in HNSCC and associated with low immune infiltration. Downregulating FEN1 could induce HLA class I expression, and inhibit PD-L1 expression in HNSCC cells. Functionally, FEN1 knockdown enhanced the response to αPD-1 mAb by mediating G2/M phase arrest, apoptosis of HNSCC cells. Mechanistically, targeting FEN1 synergized with αPD-1 mAb could reinforce the antitumor response of CD8+ T cells against HNSCC cells, as indicated by increasing granzyme A, granzyme B, and PRF1 expressions, and promoting IFN-γ, IL-2, and TNF-α secretions. CONCLUSION These findings might offer a potential combined strategy for patients resistant to anti-PD therapy via combining FEN1 knockdown and PD-1 blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangjian Wang
- Department of Oral Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shenjie Xu
- Department of Oral Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tao Fu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Wu
- Department of General Dentistry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weilian Sun
- Department of Oral Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Chen P, Sun C, Wang H, Zhao W, Wu Y, Guo H, Zhou C, He Y. YAP1 expression is associated with survival and immunosuppression in small cell lung cancer. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:636. [PMID: 37752152 PMCID: PMC10522695 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06053-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: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is considered a major breakthrough in the treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC), although its anti-tumor efficacy is limited. With a high degree of malignancy and high heterogeneity, SCLC is difficult to treat in the clinic. A new combination strategy is urgently needed to further improve the efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with SCLC. By immunofluorescence, 100 SCLC patients in a local cohort were classified into the SCLC-A (high ASCL1 expression; n = 36), SCLC-N (high NEUROD1 expression; n = 32), SCLC-P (high POU2F3 expression; n = 14), and SCLC-Y (high YAP1 expression; n = 18) subtypes. Each SCLC molecular subtype represented different prognoses, tumor microenvironment traits, and immunotherapy sensitivities. Analysis of both the local and public cohorts suggested that the SCLC-Y subtype exhibited the worst clinical outcome (p < 0.05) when compared with other subtypes. SCLC with high YAP1 expression was characterized by high PD-L1 expression, high stromal score, T-cell functional impairment, and a close relationship with immune-related pathways. YAP1 upregulated PD-L1 expression and suppressed T cell activation, thus leading to immune evasion. In in vitro experiments, blockade of YAP1 promoted cancer cell apoptosis, immune cell proliferation, T-cell activation, and cytotoxic T-cell infiltration, thus further potentiating the efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with the SCLC-Y subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peixin Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, No 507 Zhengmin Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
- Tongji University, No 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenglong Sun
- Radiotherapy Department, Anhui No. 2 Provincial People's Hospital, Hefei, 230041, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, No 507 Zhengmin Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
- Tongji University, No 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Wencheng Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, No 507 Zhengmin Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
- Tongji University, No 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, No 507 Zhengmin Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Haoyue Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, No 507 Zhengmin Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
- Tongji University, No 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Caicun Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, No 507 Zhengmin Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yayi He
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, No 507 Zhengmin Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China.
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Yu S, Xiao H, Ma L, Zhang J, Zhang J. Reinforcing the immunogenic cell death to enhance cancer immunotherapy efficacy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188946. [PMID: 37385565 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Immunogenic cell death (ICD) has been a revolutionary modality in cancer treatment since it kills primary tumors and prevents recurrent malignancy simultaneously. ICD represents a particular form of cancer cell death accompanied by production of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that can be recognized by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), which enhances infiltration of effector T cells and potentiates antitumor immune responses. Various treatment methods can elicit ICD involving chemo- and radio-therapy, phototherapy and nanotechnology to efficiently convert dead cancer cells into vaccines and trigger the antigen-specific immune responses. Nevertheless, the efficacy of ICD-induced therapies is restrained due to low accumulation in the tumor sites and damage of normal tissues. Thus, researchers have been devoted to overcoming these problems with novel materials and strategies. In this review, current knowledge on different ICD modalities, various ICD inducers, development and application of novel ICD-inducing strategies are summarized. Moreover, the prospects and challenges are briefly outlined to provide reference for future design of novel immunotherapy based on ICD effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihui Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyang Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiawen Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jiarong Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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Pérez-Baños A, Gleisner MA, Flores I, Pereda C, Navarrete M, Araya JP, Navarro G, Quezada-Monrás C, Tittarelli A, Salazar-Onfray F. Whole tumour cell-based vaccines: tuning the instruments to orchestrate an optimal antitumour immune response. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:572-585. [PMID: 37355722 PMCID: PMC10421921 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02327-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy, particularly those based on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has become a useful approach for many neoplastic diseases. Despite the improvements of ICIs in supporting tumour regression and prolonging survival, many patients do not respond or develop resistance to treatment. Thus, therapies that enhance antitumour immunity, such as anticancer vaccines, constitute a feasible and promising therapeutic strategy. Whole tumour cell (WTC) vaccines have been extensively tested in clinical studies as intact or genetically modified cells or tumour lysates, injected directly or loaded on DCs with distinct adjuvants. The essential requirements of WTC vaccines include the optimal delivery of a broad battery of tumour-associated antigens, the presence of tumour cell-derived molecular danger signals, and adequate adjuvants. These factors trigger an early and robust local innate inflammatory response that orchestrates an antigen-specific and proinflammatory adaptive antitumour response capable of controlling tumour growth by several mechanisms. In this review, the strengths and weaknesses of our own and others' experiences in studying WTC vaccines are revised to discuss the essential elements required to increase anticancer vaccine effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amarilis Pérez-Baños
- Disciplinary Program of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - María Alejandra Gleisner
- Disciplinary Program of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Iván Flores
- Disciplinary Program of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristián Pereda
- Disciplinary Program of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mariela Navarrete
- Disciplinary Program of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan Pablo Araya
- Disciplinary Program of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Giovanna Navarro
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, 5110566, Chile
| | - Claudia Quezada-Monrás
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, 5110566, Chile
| | - Andrés Tittarelli
- Programa Institucional de Fomento a la Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación (PIDi), Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana (UTEM), Santiago, Chile.
| | - Flavio Salazar-Onfray
- Disciplinary Program of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institute and Section for Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, 17176, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Urbanova M, Cihova M, Buocikova V, Slopovsky J, Dubovan P, Pindak D, Tomas M, García-Bermejo L, Rodríguez-Garrote M, Earl J, Kohl Y, Kataki A, Dusinska M, Sainz B, Smolkova B, Gabelova A. Nanomedicine and epigenetics: New alliances to increase the odds in pancreatic cancer survival. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115179. [PMID: 37481927 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115179] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the deadliest cancers worldwide, primarily due to its robust desmoplastic stroma and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), which facilitate tumor progression and metastasis. In addition, fibrous tissue leads to sparse vasculature, high interstitial fluid pressure, and hypoxia, thereby hindering effective systemic drug delivery and immune cell infiltration. Thus, remodeling the TME to enhance tumor perfusion, increase drug retention, and reverse immunosuppression has become a key therapeutic strategy. In recent years, targeting epigenetic pathways has emerged as a promising approach to overcome tumor immunosuppression and cancer progression. Moreover, the progress in nanotechnology has provided new opportunities for enhancing the efficacy of conventional and epigenetic drugs. Nano-based drug delivery systems (NDDSs) offer several advantages, including improved drug pharmacokinetics, enhanced tumor penetration, and reduced systemic toxicity. Smart NDDSs enable precise targeting of stromal components and augment the effectiveness of immunotherapy through multiple drug delivery options. This review offers an overview of the latest nano-based approaches developed to achieve superior therapeutic efficacy and overcome drug resistance. We specifically focus on the TME and epigenetic-targeted therapies in the context of PDAC, discussing the advantages and limitations of current strategies while highlighting promising new developments. By emphasizing the immense potential of NDDSs in improving therapeutic outcomes in PDAC, our review paves the way for future research in this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Urbanova
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Marina Cihova
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Verona Buocikova
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jan Slopovsky
- 2nd Department of Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia; Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Spitalska 24, 813 72 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Peter Dubovan
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; Department of Surgical Oncology, National CancerInstitute in Bratislava, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia; Faculty of Medicine, Slovak Medical University in Bratislava, Limbová12, 833 03 Bratislava
| | - Daniel Pindak
- Department of Surgical Oncology, National CancerInstitute in Bratislava, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia; Faculty of Medicine, Slovak Medical University in Bratislava, Limbová12, 833 03 Bratislava
| | - Miroslav Tomas
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; Department of Surgical Oncology, National CancerInstitute in Bratislava, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia; Faculty of Medicine, Slovak Medical University in Bratislava, Limbová12, 833 03 Bratislava
| | - Laura García-Bermejo
- Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets Group, Area4, Ramón y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), Carretera Colmenar Km 9100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Rodríguez-Garrote
- Molecular Epidemiology and Predictive Tumor Markers Group, Area 3, Ramón y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), Carretera Colmenar Km 9100, 28034 Madrid, Spain; CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julie Earl
- Molecular Epidemiology and Predictive Tumor Markers Group, Area 3, Ramón y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), Carretera Colmenar Km 9100, 28034 Madrid, Spain; CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Yvonne Kohl
- Department Bioprocessing & Bioanalytics, Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT, 66280 Sulzbach, Germany
| | - Agapi Kataki
- 1st Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias 114, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Dusinska
- Health Effects Laboratory, Department of Environmental Chemistry, NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Instituttveien 18, 2002 Kjeller, Norway
| | - Bruno Sainz
- CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas"Alberto Sols" (IIBM), CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Biomarkers and Personalized Approach to Cancer (BIOPAC) Group, Area 3, Ramón y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Bozena Smolkova
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Alena Gabelova
- Department of Nanobiology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia..
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Wu Y, Li M, Meng G, Ma Y, Ye J, Sun T, Ji C. Immune checkpoint-related gene polymorphisms are associated with acute myeloid leukemia. Cancer Med 2023; 12:18588-18596. [PMID: 37602517 PMCID: PMC10557852 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemotherapy is still the standard regimen for treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and its disappointing efficacy requires the urgent need for new therapeutic targets. It is well known that immune response plays an increasingly significant role in the pathogenesis of AML. METHODS We detected nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in immune checkpoint-related genes, including PD1, LAG3, TIM3, and TIGIT in 285 AML inpatients and 324 healthy controls. SNP genotyping was performed on the MassARRAY platform. Furthermore, we analyzed the relationship between the susceptibility and prognosis of AML and the selected SNPs. RESULTS Our results showed that rs2227982 and rs10204525 in PD1 were significantly associated with susceptibility to AML after false discovery rate correction. PD1 rs10204525 also showed a significant correlation with the response to chemotherapy and risk stratification of AML. Importantly, the AA genotype of PD1 (rs2227982) under the recessive model showed a negative impact on AML prognosis independently. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that PD1 SNPs are important for susceptibility and prognosis in AML, which may provide a new therapeutic target for AML patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyan Wu
- Department of HematologyQilu Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong UniversityJinanShandong ProvincePeople's Republic of China
| | - Mingying Li
- Department of HematologyQilu Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong UniversityJinanShandong ProvincePeople's Republic of China
| | - Guangqiang Meng
- Department of HematologyQilu Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong UniversityJinanShandong ProvincePeople's Republic of China
| | - Yuechan Ma
- Department of HematologyQilu Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong UniversityJinanShandong ProvincePeople's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Ye
- Department of HematologyQilu Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong UniversityJinanShandong ProvincePeople's Republic of China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of ImmunohematologyQilu Hospital of Shandong UniversityJinanShandong ProvincePeople's Republic of China
| | - Tao Sun
- Department of HematologyQilu Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong UniversityJinanShandong ProvincePeople's Republic of China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of ImmunohematologyQilu Hospital of Shandong UniversityJinanShandong ProvincePeople's Republic of China
| | - Chunyan Ji
- Department of HematologyQilu Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong UniversityJinanShandong ProvincePeople's Republic of China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of ImmunohematologyQilu Hospital of Shandong UniversityJinanShandong ProvincePeople's Republic of China
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Barili V, Fisicaro P, Boni C. Editorial: Epigenetic and metabolic regulation of immunity during infection or cancer and associated immune biomarkers. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1275735. [PMID: 37675112 PMCID: PMC10478118 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1275735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Barili
- Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Paola Fisicaro
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Carolina Boni
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
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Ma Y, Xu X, Wang H, Liu Y, Piao H. Non-coding RNA in tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cells formation and associated immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1228331. [PMID: 37671150 PMCID: PMC10475737 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1228331] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has exhibited promising antitumor effects in various tumors. Infiltrated regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) restrict protective immune surveillance, impede effective antitumor immune responses, and contribute to the formation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Selective depletion or functional attenuation of tumor-infiltrating Tregs, while eliciting effective T-cell responses, represents a potential approach for anti-tumor immunity. Furthermore, it does not disrupt the Treg-dependent immune homeostasis in healthy organs and does not induce autoimmunity. Yet, the shared cell surface molecules and signaling pathways between Tregs and multiple immune cell types pose challenges in this process. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), regulate both cancer and immune cells and thus can potentially improve antitumor responses. Here, we review recent advances in research of tumor-infiltrating Tregs, with a focus on the functional roles of immune checkpoint and inhibitory Tregs receptors and the regulatory mechanisms of ncRNAs in Treg plasticity and functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ma
- Department of Gynecology, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology (Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute), Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Huaitao Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Haiyan Piao
- Medical Oncology Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology (Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute), Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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Song C, Liu X, Lin W, Lai K, Pan S, Lu Z, Li D, Li N, Geng Q. Systematic analysis of histone acetylation regulators across human cancers. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:733. [PMID: 37553641 PMCID: PMC10408135 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11220-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Histone acetylation (HA) is an important and common epigenetic pathway, which could be hijacked by tumor cells during carcinogenesis and cancer progression. However, the important role of HA across human cancers remains elusive. METHODS In this study, we performed a comprehensive analysis at multiple levels, aiming to systematically describe the molecular characteristics and clinical relevance of HA regulators in more than 10000 tumor samples representing 33 cancer types. RESULTS We found a highly heterogeneous genetic alteration landscape of HA regulators across different human cancer types. CNV alteration may be one of the major mechanisms leading to the expression perturbations in HA regulators. Furthermore, expression perturbations of HA regulators correlated with the activity of multiple hallmark oncogenic pathways. HA regulators were found to be potentially useful for the prognostic stratification of kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC). Additionally, we identified HDAC3 as a potential oncogene in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). CONCLUSION Overall, our results highlights the importance of HA regulators in cancer development, which may contribute to the development of clinical strategies for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congkuan Song
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No.238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Xinfei Liu
- Department of Hematology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No.238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Weichen Lin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No.238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Kai Lai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No.238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Shize Pan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No.238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Zilong Lu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No.238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Donghang Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No.238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No.238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430060, China.
| | - Qing Geng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No.238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430060, China.
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Zhou Z, Van der Jeught K, Li Y, Sharma S, Yu T, Moulana I, Liu S, Wan J, Territo PR, Opyrchal M, Zhang X, Wan G, Lu X. A T Cell-Engaging Tumor Organoid Platform for Pancreatic Cancer Immunotherapy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2300548. [PMID: 37271874 PMCID: PMC10427404 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202300548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is a clinically challenging disease with limited treatment options. Despite a small percentage of cases with defective mismatch DNA repair (dMMR), PDA is included in the most immune-resistant cancer types that are poorly responsive to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. To facilitate drug discovery combating this immunosuppressive tumor type, a high-throughput drug screen platform is established with the newly developed T cell-incorporated pancreatic tumor organoid model. Tumor-specific T cells are included in the pancreatic tumor organoids by two-step cell packaging, fully recapitulating immune infiltration in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The organoids are generated with key components in the original tumor, including epithelial, vascular endothelial, fibroblast and macrophage cells, and then packaged with T cells into their outside layer mimicking a physical barrier and enabling T cell infiltration and cytotoxicity studies. In the PDA organoid-based screen, epigenetic inhibitors ITF2357 and I-BET151 are identified, which in combination with anti-PD-1 based therapy show considerably greater anti-tumor effect. The combinatorial treatment turns the TME from immunosuppressive to immunoactive, up-regulates the MHC-I antigen processing and presentation, and enhances the effector T cell activity. The standardized PDA organoid model has shown great promise to accelerate drug discovery for the immunosuppressive cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuolong Zhou
- Department of Medical and Molecular GeneticsIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIN46202USA
| | - Kevin Van der Jeught
- Department of Medical and Molecular GeneticsIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIN46202USA
| | - Yujing Li
- Department of Medical and Molecular GeneticsIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIN46202USA
| | - Samantha Sharma
- Department of Medical and Molecular GeneticsIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIN46202USA
| | - Tao Yu
- Department of Medical and Molecular GeneticsIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIN46202USA
| | - Ishara Moulana
- Department of Medical and Molecular GeneticsIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIN46202USA
| | - Sheng Liu
- Department of Medical and Molecular GeneticsCenter for Computational Biology and BioinformaticsIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIN46202USA
| | - Jun Wan
- Department of Medical and Molecular GeneticsCenter for Computational Biology and BioinformaticsIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIN46202USA
| | - Paul R. Territo
- Department of Radiology and Imaging SciencesIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIN46202USA
| | - Mateusz Opyrchal
- Division of Hematology/OncologyDepartment of MedicineMelvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer CenterIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIN46202USA
| | - Xinna Zhang
- Department of Medical and Molecular GeneticsMelvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer CenterIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIN46202USA
| | - Guohui Wan
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510006China
| | - Xiongbin Lu
- Department of Medical and Molecular GeneticsCenter for Computational Biology and BioinformaticsMelvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer CenterIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIN46202USA
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Wang M, Zhu J, Ye Y, Li P, Sun W, Zhang M. N6AMT1 is a novel potential diagnostic, prognostic and immunotherapy response biomarker in pan-cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:6526-6544. [PMID: 37437243 PMCID: PMC10373955 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The N-6-adenine-specific DNA methyltransferase 1 (N6AMT1) is the only writer responsible for DNA 6mA modifications. At present, its role in cancer is still unclear, and further systematic pan-cancer analysis is needed to explore its value in diagnosis, prognosis and immunological function. METHODS The subcellular localization of N6AMT1 was explored by UniProt and HPA database. The expression data and prognosis data of N6AMT1 were downloaded from the UCSC (cohort: TCGA pan-cancer), and the diagnostic and prognostic value of N6AMT1 in pan-cancer was explored. The value of N6AMT1-guided immunotherapy was explored through three cohorts (GSE168204, GSE67501 and IMvigor210 cohort). The correlation between N6AMT1 expression and tumor immune microenvironment was explored using CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE calculation methods, combined with TISIDB database. The biological role of N6AMT1 in specific tumors was explored by GSEA method. Finally, we explored chemicals affecting N6AMT1 expression through the CTD. RESULTS N6AMT1 is mainly localized in the nucleus and differentially expressed in 9 cancer types. In addition, N6AMT1 showed early diagnostic value in 7 cancers and showed potential prognostic value in multiple cancer types. We also demonstrated that N6AMT1 expression was significantly associated with immunomodulator-related molecules, infiltration of lymphocyte subsets, and biomarkers of immunotherapy response. Furthermore, we show that N6AMT1 is differentially expressed in the immunotherapy cohort. Finally, we explored 43 chemicals that can affect N6AMT1 expression. CONCLUSIONS N6AMT1 has shown excellent diagnostic and prognostic capabilities in a variety of cancers, and it may reshape the tumor microenvironment and contribute to the ability to predict response to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingqi Wang
- Department of Chinese Integrative Medicine Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Shushan, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Shushan, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Jiajie Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Xihu, Hangzhou 310012, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yingquan Ye
- Department of Chinese Integrative Medicine Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Shushan, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Shushan, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Chinese Integrative Medicine Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Shushan, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Shushan, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Weijie Sun
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Shushan, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Mei Zhang
- Department of Chinese Integrative Medicine Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Shushan, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Shushan, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
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Bao L, Zhu P, Mou Y, Song Y, Qin Y. Targeting LSD1 in tumor immunotherapy: rationale, challenges and potential. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1214675. [PMID: 37483603 PMCID: PMC10360200 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1214675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) is an enzyme that removes lysine methylation marks from nucleosome histone tails and plays an important role in cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and recurrence. Recent research shows that LSD1 regulates tumor cells and immune cells through multiple upstream and downstream pathways, enabling tumor cells to adapt to the tumor microenvironment (TME). As a potential anti-tumor treatment strategy, immunotherapy has developed rapidly in the past few years. However, most patients have a low response rate to available immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), including anti-PD-(L)1 therapy and CAR-T cell therapy, due to a broad array of immunosuppressive mechanisms. Notably, inhibition of LSD1 turns "cold tumors" into "hot tumors" and subsequently enhances tumor cell sensitivity to ICIs. This review focuses on recent advances in LSD1 and tumor immunity and discusses a potential therapeutic strategy for combining LSD1 inhibition with immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Bao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Ping Zhu
- Department of Nephrology, The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- Institute of Infection and Inflammation, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Yuan Mou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Yinhong Song
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- Institute of Infection and Inflammation, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Ye Qin
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
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