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Tumedei MM, Piccinini F, Azzali I, Pirini F, Bravaccini S, De Matteis S, Agostinelli C, Castellani G, Zanoni M, Cortesi M, Vergani B, Leone BE, Righi S, Gazzola A, Casadei B, Gentilini D, Calzari L, Limarzi F, Sabattini E, Pession A, Tazzari M, Bertuzzi C. Follicular Lymphoma Microenvironment Traits Associated with Event-Free Survival. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9909. [PMID: 37373066 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of patients with Follicular Lymphoma (FL) experience subsequent phases of remission and relapse, making the disease "virtually" incurable. To predict the outcome of FL patients at diagnosis, various clinical-based prognostic scores have been proposed; nonetheless, they continue to fail for a subset of patients. Gene expression profiling has highlighted the pivotal role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in the FL prognosis; nevertheless, there is still a need to standardize the assessment of immune-infiltrating cells for the prognostic classification of patients with early or late progressing disease. We studied a retrospective cohort of 49 FL lymph node biopsies at the time of the initial diagnosis using pathologist-guided analysis on whole slide images, and we characterized the immune repertoire for both quantity and distribution (intrafollicular, IF and extrafollicular, EF) of cell subsets in relation to clinical outcome. We looked for the natural killer (CD56), T lymphocyte (CD8, CD4, PD1) and macrophage (CD68, CD163, MA4A4A)-associated markers. High CD163/CD8 EF ratios and high CD56/MS4A4A EF ratios, according to Kaplan-Meier estimates were linked with shorter EFS (event-free survival), with the former being the only one associated with POD24. In contrast to IF CD68+ cells, which represent a more homogeneous population, higher in non-progressing patients, EF CD68+ macrophages did not stratify according to survival. We also identify distinctive MS4A4A+CD163-macrophage populations with different prognostic weights. Enlarging the macrophage characterization and combining it with a lymphoid marker in the rituximab era, in our opinion, may enable prognostic stratification for low-/high-grade FL patients beyond POD24. These findings warrant validation across larger FL cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Maddalena Tumedei
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Filippo Piccinini
- Scientific Directorate, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", 47014 Meldola, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Irene Azzali
- Biostatistics and Clinical Trials Unit, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Francesca Pirini
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Sara Bravaccini
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Serena De Matteis
- Immunobiology of Transplants and Advanced Cellular Therapies Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio Agostinelli
- Hematopathology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Gastone Castellani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele Zanoni
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Michela Cortesi
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Barbara Vergani
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Biagio Eugenio Leone
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Simona Righi
- Hematology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Gazzola
- Hematology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Beatrice Casadei
- Hematology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Gentilini
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, Università di Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Bioinformatics and Statistical Genomics Unit, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, 20095 Cusano Milanino, Italy
| | - Luciano Calzari
- Bioinformatics and Statistical Genomics Unit, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, 20095 Cusano Milanino, Italy
| | - Francesco Limarzi
- Pathology Unit, Morgagni-Pierantoni Hospital, AUSL Romagna, Via Carlo Forlanini, 34, 47121 Forlì, Italy
| | - Elena Sabattini
- Hematology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Pession
- Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marcella Tazzari
- Immunotherapy Cell Therapy and Biobank (ITCB) Unit, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Clara Bertuzzi
- Hematopathology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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Jain S, Mallick S, Ramteke P, Gogia A. Neoplasms of follicular helper T-cells: an insight into the pathobiology. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BLOOD RESEARCH 2022; 12:64-81. [PMID: 35873103 PMCID: PMC9301021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
T-follicular helper cells (TFH) are a unique subset of T-cells with varied transcriptional profiles and functions. In the last 2016 WHO classification, lymphomas arising from TFH were included as a broad category and emphasis was given to separating them from other peripheral T cell lymphomas. The neoplasms derived from these mainly comprise angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, peripheral T-cell lymphoma with T-follicular helper cell phenotype, follicular T-cell lymphoma, and cutaneous CD4+ small-medium sized lymphoproliferative disorders. The TFH lymphomas comprise both indolent and aggressive forms. Additional immunohistochemistry to identify TFH cells like CD10, BCL6, ICOS, PD1, CXCL13 and mutations like RHOA, IDH2 is required for diagnosis and prognostication. The understanding of these has evolved over the years, and currently we review the updates and pathobiology of the above.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surabhi Jain
- Department of Pathology, Dr. B. R. A. Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital (Dr. B.R.A.I.R.C.H.), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)New Delhi, India
| | - Saumyaranjan Mallick
- Department of Pathology, Dr. B. R. A. Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital (Dr. B.R.A.I.R.C.H.), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)New Delhi, India
| | - Prashant Ramteke
- Department of Pathology, Dr. B. R. A. Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital (Dr. B.R.A.I.R.C.H.), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)New Delhi, India
| | - Ajay Gogia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dr. B. R. A. Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital (Dr. B.R.A.I.R.C.H.), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)New Delhi, India
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Genome-wide spatial expression profiling in formalin-fixed tissues. CELL GENOMICS 2021; 1:100065. [PMID: 36776149 PMCID: PMC9903805 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2021.100065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Formalin-fixed paraffin embedding (FFPE) is the most widespread long-term tissue preservation approach. Here, we report a procedure to perform genome-wide spatial analysis of mRNA in FFPE-fixed tissue sections, using well-established, commercially available methods for imaging and spatial barcoding using slides spotted with barcoded oligo(dT) probes to capture the 3' end of mRNA molecules in tissue sections. We applied this method for expression profiling and cell type mapping in coronal sections from the mouse brain to demonstrate the method's capability to delineate anatomical regions from a molecular perspective. We also profiled the spatial composition of transcriptomic signatures in two ovarian carcinosarcoma samples, exemplifying the method's potential to elucidate molecular mechanisms in heterogeneous clinical samples. Finally, we demonstrate the applicability of the assay to characterize human lung and kidney organoids and a human lung biopsy specimen infected with SARS-CoV-2. We anticipate that genome-wide spatial gene expression profiling in FFPE biospecimens will be used for retrospective analysis of biobank samples, which will facilitate longitudinal studies of biological processes and biomarker discovery.
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Silva EV, Almeida LY, Bortoletto KC, Quero IB, Jacomini FC, de Andrade BAB, Silveira HA, Duarte A, Petean FC, Rocha EM, Ribeiro-Silva A, Carlos R, León JE. Focal lymphocytic sialadenitis and ectopic germinal centers in oral reactive lesions and primary Sjögren's syndrome: a comparative study. Rheumatol Int 2021; 42:1411-1421. [PMID: 34283264 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-021-04949-6] [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: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Focal lymphocytic sialadenitis (FLS), an important diagnostic criterion for Sjögren's syndrome (SS) diagnosis, can also be observed when assessing minor salivary gland (mSG) biopsies from healthy asymptomatic individuals (non-SS patients). Fifty cases of primary SS (pSS group) and 31 cases of oral reactive lesions (non-SS non-sicca group) containing also typical FLS features, were assessed by morphological and immunohistochemical (CD10, CD23 and Bcl-6) analysis, aiming at the detection of GCs. All pSS cases showed FLS with focus score (FS) ≥ 1. In the non-SS non-sicca group, 12, 10 and 9 cases showed FLS with FS ≥ 1, FLS with FS < 1 and FLS associated with chronic sclerosing sialadenitis with FS < 1, respectively. The morphological analysis revealed similar frequency of GCs in pSS (20%) and non-SS non-sicca group (19%). The area (p = 0.052) and largest diameter (p = 0.245) of GCs were higher in pSS than non-SS non-sicca group. The FS and number of foci were significantly higher in pSS than non-SS non-sicca group with FS < 1. Immunohistochemistry confirmed all morphological findings (GCs showing CD23 and Bcl-6 positivity, with variable CD10 expression) and additionally in 3 and 1 cases of the pSS and non-SS non-sicca group, respectively. Moreover, another 6 and 2 cases of the pSS and non-SS non-sicca group with FS ≥ 1, respectively, showed positivity only for CD23. FLS can also be observed when assessing oral reactive lesions, which showed similar frequency of GCs with those found in pSS patients. Further studies, including functional analysis of lymphocytic populations and GCs in FLS, are encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evânio Vilela Silva
- Oral Medicine, Department of Diagnosis and Surgery, Araraquara Dental School, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciana Yamamoto Almeida
- Oral Medicine, Department of Diagnosis and Surgery, Araraquara Dental School, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Karen Cristine Bortoletto
- Oral Pathology, Department of Stomatology, Public Oral Health and Forensic Dentistry, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (FORP/USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-904, Brazil
| | - Isabela Barbosa Quero
- Oral Pathology, Department of Stomatology, Public Oral Health and Forensic Dentistry, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (FORP/USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-904, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Carolina Jacomini
- Oral Pathology, Department of Stomatology, Public Oral Health and Forensic Dentistry, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (FORP/USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-904, Brazil
| | - Bruno Augusto Benevenuto de Andrade
- Oral Pathology, Department of Oral Diagnosis and Pathology, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Heitor Albergoni Silveira
- Oral Medicine, Department of Diagnosis and Surgery, Araraquara Dental School, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andressa Duarte
- Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School (FMRP/USP), University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Flávio Calil Petean
- Department of Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Melani Rocha
- Department of Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Alfredo Ribeiro-Silva
- Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School (FMRP/USP), University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Román Carlos
- Departament of Pathology, Hospital Herrera-Llerandi/AMEDESGUA, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Jorge Esquiche León
- Oral Pathology, Department of Stomatology, Public Oral Health and Forensic Dentistry, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (FORP/USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-904, Brazil.
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The Tumor Microenvironment in Follicular Lymphoma: Its Pro-Malignancy Role with Therapeutic Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105352. [PMID: 34069564 PMCID: PMC8160856 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the follicular lymphoma (FL) microenvironment, CXCR5+ICOS+PD1+BCL6+ follicular helper T (Tfh) cells, which closely correlate with FL B cells in neoplastic follicles, play a major role in supporting FL. Interleukin-4 secreted by Tfh cells triggers the upregulation of the lymphocyte chemoattractant CXCL12 in stromal cell precursors, in particular by fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs). In turn, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be committed to FRC differentiation in the bone marrow and lymph nodes involved by FL. Noteworthy, MSCs can promote the differentiation of Tfh cells into highly immunosuppressive T-follicular regulatory cells. The tumor suppressor HVEM is highly mutated in FL cells, and its deficiency increases Tfh cell frequency. In contrast, PI3Kδ inhibition impedes the recruitment of Tfh/regulatory T cells and impairs the proliferation of follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) and FDC-induced angiogenesis. Since TIGIT ligands are expressed by FDCs, the immune checkpoint receptor TIGIT plays an important role in tumor-infiltrating T cells. Thus, TIGIT blockade might invigorate cytotoxic T cells in the FL microenvironment. Given their potential to simultaneously reduce the neoplastic B cells, Tfh, and TFR cells could also reinforce the effects of the cytotoxic T cells. This combinatory strategy should be explored as a treatment option to tackle FL.
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Barraclough A, Bishton M, Cheah CY, Villa D, Hawkes EA. The diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of Grade 3B follicular lymphoma. Br J Haematol 2021; 195:15-24. [PMID: 33704790 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.17404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Grade 3B follicular lymphoma (G3B FL) is rare, accounting for only 5-10% of FLs. Not only has it been routinely excluded from clinical trials, but data published on diagnosis, outcomes, choice of therapies and role of imaging are conflicting. With the advent of increasingly diverse treatment options for low-grade (G1-3A) FL, and the molecular subcategorisation of high-grade B-cell lymphomas, characterisation and treatment of G3B FL is ever more important as extrapolation of data becomes more difficult. New data have emerged exploring unique genetic characteristics, specific features on positron emission tomography imaging, choice of therapy, and outcomes of G3B FL in the current era. The present review will summarise and appraise these new data, and offer recommendations based on current evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Barraclough
- Department of Haematology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Haematology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Mark Bishton
- Department of Haematology, Nottingham City Hospital, Nottingham, UK
| | - Chan Y Cheah
- Department of Haematology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia.,Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Diego Villa
- Centre for Lymphoid Cancer, British Columbia Cancer and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Eliza A Hawkes
- Department of Medical Oncology and Haematology, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research and Wellness Centre, Austin Health, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medical Oncology and Haematology, Eastern Health, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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Luo J, Liao X, Zhang L, Xu X, Ying S, Yu M, Zhu L, Lin S, Wang X. Transcriptome Sequencing Reveals Potential Roles of ICOS in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:592490. [PMID: 33344450 PMCID: PMC7747463 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.592490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by exocrine gland damage and extraglandular involvements. To identify potential biomarkers for the early detection of pSS and to further investigate the potential roles of the biomarkers in the progression of pSS, our previous RNA sequencing data and four microarray data of salivary glands (SGs) were combined for integrative transcriptome analysis between pSS and non-pSS. Differential gene expression analysis, gene co-expression network analysis, and pathway analysis were conducted to detect hub genes, which were subsequently investigated in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and plasma. Correlation analysis, single-gene Gene Set Enrichment Analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were applied to investigate the potential function of the hub genes and their classification capacity for pSS. A total of 51 common up-regulated genes were identified among different pSS cohorts. A key module was found to be the most closely linked to pSS, which was significantly associated with inflammation-related pathways. Seven overlapped hub genes (ICOS, SELL, CR2, BANK1, MS4A1, ZC3H12D, and CCR7) were identified, among which ICOS was demonstrated to be involved in most crucial immune pathways. ICOS was up-regulated not only in SGs but also in PBMC and plasma in pSS, and the expression of ICOS was closely associated with lymphocytic infiltration in SGs and disease activity of pSS patients. It showed a strong classification capacity with classic clinical index in SGs (ROC curve 0.9821) and significant distinct discrimination in PBMC (ROC curve 0.9107). These findings are expected to gain a further insight into the pathogenesis of pSS and provide a promising candidate for the early detection of pSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Luo
- Rheumatology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xin Liao
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Lihe Zhang
- Rheumatology Department, Wenzhou Central Hospital, The Dingli Clinical Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Senhong Ying
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Mengjiao Yu
- Rheumatology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Lixia Zhu
- Rheumatology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Suxian Lin
- Rheumatology Department, Wenzhou People’s Hospital, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaobing Wang
- Rheumatology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Menzel L, Höpken UE, Rehm A. Angiogenesis in Lymph Nodes Is a Critical Regulator of Immune Response and Lymphoma Growth. Front Immunol 2020; 11:591741. [PMID: 33343570 PMCID: PMC7744479 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.591741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-induced remodeling of the microenvironment in lymph nodes (LNs) includes the formation of blood vessels, which goes beyond the regulation of metabolism, and shaping a survival niche for tumor cells. In contrast to solid tumors, which primarily rely on neo-angiogenesis, hematopoietic malignancies usually grow within pre-vascularized autochthonous niches in secondary lymphatic organs or the bone marrow. The mechanisms of vascular remodeling in expanding LNs during infection-induced responses have been studied in more detail; in contrast, insights into the conditions of lymphoma growth and lodging remain enigmatic. Based on previous murine studies and clinical trials in human, we conclude that there is not a universal LN-specific angiogenic program applicable. Instead, signaling pathways that are tightly connected to autochthonous and infiltrating cell types contribute variably to LN vascular expansion. Inflammation related angiogenesis within LNs relies on dendritic cell derived pro-inflammatory cytokines stimulating vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) expression in fibroblastic reticular cells, which in turn triggers vessel growth. In high-grade B cell lymphoma, angiogenesis correlates with poor prognosis. Lymphoma cells immigrate and grow in LNs and provide pro-angiogenic growth factors themselves. In contrast to infectious stimuli that impact on LN vasculature, they do not trigger the typical inflammatory and hypoxia-related stroma-remodeling cascade. Blood vessels in LNs are unique in selective recruitment of lymphocytes via high endothelial venules (HEVs). The dissemination routes of neoplastic lymphocytes are usually disease stage dependent. Early seeding via the blood stream requires the expression of the homeostatic chemokine receptor CCR7 and of L-selectin, both cooperate to facilitate transmigration of tumor and also of protective tumor-reactive lymphocytes via HEV structures. In this view, the HEV route is not only relevant for lymphoma cell homing, but also for a continuous immunosurveillance. We envision that HEV functional and structural alterations during lymphomagenesis are not only key to vascular remodeling, but also impact on tumor cell accessibility when targeted by T cell-mediated immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lutz Menzel
- Translational Tumor Immunology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Uta E. Höpken
- Microenvironmental Regulation in Autoimmunity and Cancer, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Armin Rehm
- Translational Tumor Immunology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
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