Dendritic cell biology and its role in tumor immunotherapy

Combining iRGD with HuFOLactis enhances antitumor potency by facilitating immune cell infiltration and activation

Multiple research studies have demonstrated the efficacy of lactic acid bacteria in boosting both innate and adaptive immune responses. We have created a Lactococcus lactis variant that produces a modified combination protein with Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand and co-stimulator O × 40 ligand, known as HuFOLactis. The genetically modified variant was purposely created to activate T cells, NK cells, and DC cells in a laboratory setting. Furthermore, we explored the possibility of using the tumor-penetrating peptide iRGD to deliver HuFOLactis-activated immune cells to hard-to-reach tumor areas. Following brief stimulation with HuFOLactis, immune cell phenotypes and functions were assessed using flow cytometry. Confocal microscopy was employed to demonstrate the infiltrative and cytotoxic capabilities of iRGD-modified HuFOLactis-activated immune cells within tumor spheroids. The efficacy of iRGD modified HuFOLactis-activated immune cells against tumors was assessed in xenograft mouse models. HuFOLactis treatment resulted in notable immune cell activation, demonstrated by elevated levels of CD25, CD69, and CD137. Additionally, these activated immune cells showed heightened cytokine production and enhanced cytotoxicity against MKN45 cell lines. Incorporation of the iRGD modification facilitated the infiltration of HuFOLactis-activated immune cells into multicellular spheroids (MCSs). Additionally, immune cells activated by HuFOLactis and modified with iRGD, in combination with anti-PD-1 treatment, effectively halted tumor growth and prolonged survival in a mouse model of gastric cancer.

Mitochondria- and endoplasmic reticulum-localizing iridium(III) complexes induce immunogenic cell death of 143B cells

Recent breakthroughs in cancer immunology have propelled immunotherapy to the forefront of cancer research as a promising treatment approach that harnesses the body's immune system to effectively identify and eliminate cancer cells. In this study, three novel cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes, Ir1, Ir2, and Ir3, were designed, synthesized, and assessed in vitro for cytotoxic activity against several tumor-derived cell lines. Among these, Ir1 exhibited the highest cytotoxic activity, with an IC50 value of 0.4 ± 0.1 μM showcasing its significant anticancer potential. Detailed mechanistic analysis revealed that co-incubation of Ir1 with 143B cells led to Ir1 accumulation within mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Furthermore, Ir1 induced G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest, while also diminishing mitochondrial membrane potential, disrupting mitochondrial function, and triggering ER stress. Intriguingly, in mice the Ir1-induced ER stress response disrupted calcium homeostasis to thereby trigger immunogenic cell death (ICD), which subsequently activated the host antitumor immune response while concurrently dampening the in vivo tumor-induced inflammatory response.

Decoding physical principles of cell migration under controlled environment using microfluidics

Living cells can perform incredible tasks that man-made micro/nano-sized robots have not yet been able to accomplish. One example is that white blood cells can sense and move to the site of pathogen attack within minutes. The robustness and precision of cellular functions have been perfected through billions of years of evolution. In this context, we ask the question whether cells follow a set of physical principles to sense, adapt, and migrate. Microfluidics has emerged as an enabling technology for recreating well-defined cellular environment for cell migration studies, and its ability to follow single cell dynamics allows for the results to be amenable for theoretical modeling. In this review, we focus on the development of microfluidic platforms for recreating cellular biophysical (e.g., mechanical stress) and biochemical (e.g., nutrients and cytokines) environments for cell migration studies in 3D. We summarize the basic principles that cells (including bacteria, algal, and mammalian cells) use to respond to chemical gradients learned from microfluidic systems. We also discuss about novel biological insights gained from studies of cell migration under biophysical cues and the need for further quantitative studies of cell function under well-controlled biophysical environments in the future.

Advancements in melanoma immunotherapy: the emergence of Extracellular Vesicle Vaccines

Malignant melanoma represents a particularly aggressive type of skin cancer, originating from the pathological transformation of melanocytes. While conventional interventions such as surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are available, their non-specificity and collateral damage to normal cells has shifted the focus towards immunotherapy as a notable approach. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are naturally occurring transporters, and are capable of delivering tumor-specific antigens and directly engaging in the immune response. Multiple types of EVs have emerged as promising platforms for melanoma vaccination. The effectiveness of EV-based melanoma vaccines manifests their ability to potentiate the immune response, particularly by activating dendritic cells (DCs) and CD8+ T lymphocytes, through engineering a synergy of antigen presentation and targeted delivery. Here, this review mainly focuses on the construction strategies for EV vaccines from various sources, their effects, and immunological mechanisms in treating melanoma, as well as the shortcomings and future perspectives in this field. These findings will provide novel insights into the innovative exploitation of EV-based vaccines for melanoma immune therapy.

Development of a highly sensitive platform for protein-protein interaction detection and regulation of T cell function

We developed a highly sensitive assay for detecting protein-protein interaction using chimeric receptors comprising two molecules of interest in the extracellular domain and interferon alpha and beta receptor subunit 1 or 2 (IFNAR1/2) in the intracellular domain. This intracellular IFNAR1/2 reconstitution system (IFNARRS) proved markedly more sensitive than the NanoBiT system, currently considered one of the best detection systems for protein interaction. Employing chimeric receptors with extracellular domains from the IFNγ or IL-2 receptor and the intracellular domains of IFNAR1/2, the IFNARRS system effectively identifies low IFNγ or IL-2 levels. Cells stably expressing these chimeric receptors responded to IFNγ secreted by activated T cells following various stimuli, including a specific peptide-antigen. The activation signals were further enhanced by the expression of relevant genes, such as costimulators, via IFN-stimulated response elements in the promoters. Besides IFNγ or IL-2, the IFNARRS system demonstrated the capability to detect other cytokines by using the corresponding extracellular domains from these target cytokine receptors.

A case of response to combination treatment with TSA-DC-CTL immunotherapy and osimertinib in EGFR mutated advanced lung adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

This study details a case of a patient with advanced lung adenocarcinoma harboring an exon 19 deletion in the EGFR gene.

METHOD

A 46-year-old female patient was diagnosed with stage IVb left lung adenocarcinoma, with multiple bone and lymph node metastases. Following the identification of tumor-specific antigen peptides, the patient received a combination treatment of immunotherapy (TSA-DC-CTL) and oral osimertinib. Peripheral blood circulating immune cells and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) were monitored before and after treatment. PET-CT and CT scans were used to assess the tumor response to treatment.

RESULTS

A significant increase in total lymphocyte percentage and decrease in the number of CTCs in the patient was observed. Imaging studies showed a notable reduction in tumor metastases.

CONCLUSION

This report demonstrates the safety and efficacy of TSA-DC-CTL cell immunotherapy combined with osimertinib in the treatment of a patient with advanced lung adenocarcinoma with an EGFR exon 19 deletions. This study describes a promising new treatment option for patients with advanced lung cancer with EGFR mutations.

Entering the TiME machine: How age-related changes in the tumor immune microenvironment impact melanoma progression and therapy response

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer in the United States, with its incidence rates rising in older populations. As the immune system undergoes age-related changes, these alterations can significantly influence tumor progression and the effectiveness of cancer treatments. Recent advancements in understanding immune checkpoint molecules have paved the way for the development of innovative immunotherapies targeting solid tumors. However, the aging tumor microenvironment can play a crucial role in modulating the response to these immunotherapeutic approaches. This review seeks to examine the intricate relationship between age-related changes in the immune system and their impact on the efficacy of immunotherapies, particularly in the context of melanoma. By exploring this complex interplay, we hope to elucidate potential strategies to optimize treatment outcomes for older patients with melanoma, and draw parallels to other cancers.

Dendritic cells pulsed with penetratin-OLFM4 inhibit the growth and metastasis of melanoma in mice

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) can self-renew and differentiate, contributing to tumor heterogeneity, metastasis, and recurrence. Their resistance to therapies, including immunotherapy, underscores the importance of targeting them for complete remission and relapse prevention. Olfactomedin 4 (OLFM4), a marker associated with various cancers such as colorectal cancer, is expressed on CSCs promoting immune evasion and tumorigenesis. However, its potential as a target for CSC-specific immunotherapy remains underexplored. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of targeting OLFM4 with dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccines in inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis. To improve antigen delivery and immune response, OLFM4 was conjugated with a protein-transduction domain (PTD) from the antennapedia of Drosophila called penetratin, creating a fusion protein (P-OLFM4). The efficacy of DCs pulsed with P-OLFM4 (DCs [P-OLFM4]) was compared to DCs pulsed with OLFM4 (DCs [OLFM4]) and PBS (DCs [PBS]). DCs [P-OLFM4] inhibited tumor growth by 91.2 % and significantly reduced lung metastasis of OLFM4+ melanoma cells by 97 %, compared to the DCs [PBS]. DCs [OLFM4] also demonstrated a reduction in lung metastasis by 59.7 % compared to DCs [PBS]. Immunization with DCs [P-OLFM4] enhanced OLFM4-specific T-cell proliferation, interferon-γ production, and cytotoxic T cell activity in mice. The results indicate that OLFM4 is a viable target for CSC-focused immunotherapy. DC [P-OLFM4] vaccines can elicit robust immune responses, significantly inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis. This strategy holds promise for developing more effective cancer treatments that specifically target CSCs, potentially leading to better patient outcomes by reducing the likelihood of tumor relapse and metastasis.

Components, Formulations, Deliveries, and Combinations of Tumor Vaccines

Tumor vaccines, an important part of immunotherapy, prevent cancer or kill existing tumor cells by activating or restoring the body's own immune system. Currently, various formulations of tumor vaccines have been developed, including cell vaccines, tumor cell membrane vaccines, tumor DNA vaccines, tumor mRNA vaccines, tumor polypeptide vaccines, virus-vectored tumor vaccines, and tumor-in-situ vaccines. There are also multiple delivery systems for tumor vaccines, such as liposomes, cell membrane vesicles, viruses, exosomes, and emulsions. In addition, to decrease the risk of tumor immune escape and immune tolerance that may exist with a single tumor vaccine, combination therapy of tumor vaccines with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, cytokines, CAR-T therapy, or photoimmunotherapy is an effective strategy. Given the critical role of tumor vaccines in immunotherapy, here, we look back to the history of tumor vaccines, and we discuss the antigens, adjuvants, formulations, delivery systems, mechanisms, combination therapy, and future directions of tumor vaccines.

Biomarker development for PD-(L)1 axis inhibition: a consensus view from the SITC Biomarkers Committee

Therapies targeting the programmed cell death protein-1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) (abbreviated as PD-(L)1) axis are a significant advancement in the treatment of many tumor types. However, many patients receiving these agents fail to respond or have an initial response followed by cancer progression. For these patients, while subsequent immunotherapies that either target a different axis of immune biology or non-immune combination therapies are reasonable treatment options, the lack of predictive biomarkers to follow-on agents is impeding progress in the field. This review summarizes the current knowledge of mechanisms driving resistance to PD-(L)1 therapies, the state of biomarker development along this axis, and inherent challenges in future biomarker development for these immunotherapies. Innovation in the development and application of novel biomarkers and patient selection strategies for PD-(L)1 agents is required to accelerate the delivery of effective treatments to the patients most likely to respond.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells: Implication in myeloid malignancies and immunotherapy

Myeloid malignancies stem from a modified hematopoietic stem cell and predominantly include acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic neoplasms, myeloproliferative malignancies, and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) exhibit immunoregulatory properties by governing the innate and adaptive immune systems, creating a permissive and supportive environment for neoplasm growth. This review examines the key characteristics of MDSCs in myeloid malignancies, highlighting that an increased MDSC count corresponds to heightened immunosuppressive capabilities, fostering an immune-tolerant neoplasm microenvironment. Also, this review analyzes and describes the potential of combined cancer therapies, focusing on targeting MDSC generation, expansion, and their inherent immunosuppressive activities to enhance the efficacy of current cancer immunotherapies. A comprehensive understanding of the implications of myeloid malignancies may enhance the exploration of immunotherapeutic strategies for their potential application.

Amelioration of breast cancer therapies through normalization of tumor vessels and microenvironment: paradigm shift to improve drug perfusion and nanocarrier permeation

Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women. Chemo-, immune- and photothermal therapies are employed to manage BC. However, the tumor microenvironment (TME) prevents free drugs and nanocarriers (NCs) from entering the tumor premises. Formulation scientists rely on enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) to extravasate NCs in the TME. However, recent research has demonstrated the inconsistent nature of EPR among different patients and tumor types. In addition, angiogenesis, high intra-tumor fluid pressure, desmoplasia, and high cell and extracellular matrix density resist the accumulation of NCs in the TME. In this review, we discuss TME normalization as an approach to improve the penetration of drugs and NCSs in the tumor premises. Strategies such as normalization of tumor vessels, reversal of hypoxia, alleviation of high intra-tumor pressure, and infiltration of lymphocytes for the reversal of therapy failure have been discussed in this manuscript. Strategies to promote the infiltration of anticancer immune cells in the TME after vascular normalization have been discussed. Studies strategizing time points to administer TME-normalizing agents are highlighted. Mechanistic pathways controlling the angiogenesis and normalization processes are discussed along with the studies. This review will provide greater tumor-targeting insights to the formulation scientists.

Photodynamic Therapy Derived Personalized Whole Cell Tumor Vaccine Prevents Postsurgery Tumor Recurrence and Metastasis

In order to avoid the time-consuming and laborious identification of tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) during the traditional vaccine fabrication process, a versatile photodynamic therapy (PDT)-based method is developed to construct a whole-tumor antigen tumor vaccine (TV) from surgically resected tumor tissues for personalized immunotherapy. Mucoadhesive nanoparticles containing small-molecular photosensitizer are fabricated and directly co-incubated with suspended tumor cells obtained after cytoreduction surgery. After irradiation with a 405 nm laser, potent immunogenic cell death of cancer cells could be induced. Along with the release of TSAs, the as-prepared TV could activate safe and robust tumor-specific immune responses, leading to efficient suppression of postsurgery tumor recurrence and metastasis. The as-prepared TV cannot only be applied alone through various administration routes but also synergize with immunoadjuvant, chemotherapeutics, and immune checkpoint blockers to exert more potent immune responses. This work provides an alternative way to promote the clinical translation of PDT, which is generally restricted by the limited penetration of light. Moreover, the versatile strategy of vaccine fabrication also facilitates the clinical application of personalized whole-cell tumor vaccines.

Targeting CD8+ T cells with natural products for tumor therapy: Revealing insights into the mechanisms

BACKGROUND

Despite significant advances in cancer immunotherapy over the past decades, such as T cell-engaging chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy and immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), therapeutic failure resulting from various factors remains prevalent. Therefore, developing combinational immunotherapeutic strategies is of great significance for improving the clinical outcome of cancer immunotherapy. Natural products are substances that naturally exist in various living organisms with multiple pharmacological or biological activities, and some of them have been found to have anti-tumor potential. Notably, emerging evidences have suggested that several natural compounds may boost the anti-tumor effects through activating immune response of hosts, in which CD8+ T cells play a pivotal role.

METHODS

The data of this review come from PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials (https://clinicaltrials.gov/) with the keywords "CD8+ T cell", "anti-tumor", "immunity", "signal 1", "signal 2", "signal 3", "natural products", "T cell receptor (TCR)", "co-stimulation", "co-inhibition", "immune checkpoint", "inflammatory cytokine", "hesperidin", "ginsenoside", "quercetin", "curcumin", "apigenin", "dendrobium officinale polysaccharides (DOPS)", "luteolin", "shikonin", "licochalcone A", "erianin", "resveratrol", "procyanidin", "berberine", "usnic acid", "naringenin", "6-gingerol", "ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GL-PS)", "neem leaf glycoprotein (NLGP)", "paclitaxel", "source", "pharmacological activities", and "toxicity". These literatures were published between 1993 and 2023.

RESULTS

Natural products have considerable advantages as anti-tumor drugs based on the various species, wide distribution, low price, and few side effects. This review summarized the effects and mechanisms of some natural products that exhibit anti-tumor effects via targeting CD8+ T cells, mainly focused on the three signals that activate CD8+ T cells: TCR, co-stimulation, and inflammatory cytokines.

CONCLUSION

Clarifying the role and underlying mechanism of natural products in cancer immunotherapy may provide more options for combinational treatment strategies and benefit cancer therapy, to shed light on identifying potential natural compounds for improving the clinical outcome in cancer immunotherapy.

The single cell immunogenomic landscape after neoadjuvant immunotherapy combined chemotherapy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Neoadjuvant immunotherapy represents promising strategy in the treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, the mechanisms underlying its impact on treatment sensitivity or resistance remain a subject of controversy. In this study, we conducted single-cell RNA and T/B cell receptor (scTCR/scBCR) sequencing of CD45+ immune cells on samples from 10 patients who received neoadjuvant immunotherapy and chemotherapy. We also validated our findings using multiplexed immunofluorescence and analyzed bulk RNA-seq from other cohorts in public database. By integrating analysis of 87357 CD45+ cells, we found GZMK + effector memory T cells (Tem) were relatively enriched and CXCL13+ exhausted T cells (Tex) and regulator T cells (Treg) decreased among responders, indicating a persistent anti-tumor memory process. Additionally, the enhanced presence of BCR expansion and somatic hypermutation process within TNFRSF13B + memory B cells (Bmem) suggested their roles in antigen presentation. This was further corroborated by the evidence of the T-B co-stimulation pattern and CXCL13-CXCR5 axis. The complexity of myeloid cell heterogeneity was also particularly pronounced. The elevated expression of S100A7 in ESCC, as detected by bulk RNA-seq, was associated with an exhausted and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In summary, this study has unveiled a potential regulatory network among immune cells and the clonal dynamics of their functions, and the mechanisms of exhaustion and memory conversion between GZMK + Tem and TNFRSF13B + Bmem from antigen presentation and co-stimulation perspectives during neoadjuvant PD-1 blockade treatment in ESCC.

Impact and potential value of immunosenescence on solid gastrointestinal tumors

Solid gastrointestinal tumors often respond poorly to immunotherapy for the complex tumor microenvironment (TME), which is exacerbated by immune system alterations. Immunosenescence is the process of increased diversification of immune genes due to aging and other factors, leading to a decrease in the recognition function of the immune system. This process involves immune organs, immune cells, and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). The most fundamental change is DNA damage, resulting in TME remodeling. The main manifestations are worsening inflammation, increased immunosuppressive SASP production, decreased immune cell antitumor activity, and the accumulation of tumor-associated fibroblasts and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, making antitumor therapy less effective. Senotherapy strategies to remove senescent cells and block key senescence processes can have synergistic effects with other treatments. This review focuses on immunoenescence and its impact on the solid TME. We characterize the immunosenescent TME and discuss future directions for antitumor therapies targeting senescence.

The Toxoplasma Effector GRA4 Hijacks Host TBK1 to Oppositely Regulate Anti-T. Gondii Immunity and Tumor Immunotherapy

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii)-associated polymorphic effector proteins are crucial in parasite development and regulating host anti-T. gondii immune responses. However, the mechanism remains obscure. Here, it is shown that Toxoplasma effector dense granules 4 (GRA4) restricts host IFN-I activation. Infection with Δgra4 mutant T. gondii strain induces stronger IFN-I responses and poses a severe threat to host health. Mechanistically, GRA4 binds to phosphorylated TBK1 to promote TRIM27-catalyzed K48-ubiquitination at Lys251/Lys372 residues, which enhances its recognition by autophagy receptor p62, ultimately leading to TBK1 autophagic degradation. Furthermore, an avirulent Δgra4 strain (ME49Δompdc/gra4) is constructed for tumor immunotherapy due to its ability to enhance IFN-I production. Earlier vaccination with ME49Δompdc/gra4 confers complete host resistance to the tumor compared with the classical ME49Δompdc treatment. Notably, ME49Δompdc/gra4 vaccination induces a specific CD64+MAR-1+CD11b+ dendritic cell subset, thereby enhancing T cell anti-tumor responses. Overall, these findings identify the negative role of T. gondii GRA4 in modulating host IFN-I signaling and suggest that GRA4 can be a potential target for the development of T. gondii vaccines and tumor immunotherapy.

The role of RNA methylation in tumor immunity and its potential in immunotherapy

RNA methylation, a prevalent post-transcriptional modification, has garnered considerable attention in research circles. It exerts regulatory control over diverse biological functions by modulating RNA splicing, translation, transport, and stability. Notably, studies have illuminated the substantial impact of RNA methylation on tumor immunity. The primary types of RNA methylation encompass N6-methyladenosine (m6A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C), N1-methyladenosine (m1A), and N7-methylguanosine (m7G), and 3-methylcytidine (m3C). Compelling evidence underscores the involvement of RNA methylation in regulating the tumor microenvironment (TME). By affecting RNA translation and stability through the "writers", "erasers" and "readers", RNA methylation exerts influence over the dysregulation of immune cells and immune factors. Consequently, RNA methylation plays a pivotal role in modulating tumor immunity and mediating various biological behaviors, encompassing proliferation, invasion, metastasis, etc. In this review, we discussed the mechanisms and functions of several RNA methylations, providing a comprehensive overview of their biological roles and underlying mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment and among immunocytes. By exploring how these RNA modifications mediate tumor immune evasion, we also examine their potential applications in immunotherapy. This review aims to provide novel insights and strategies for identifying novel targets in RNA methylation and advancing cancer immunotherapy efficacy.

Spatial proteomic landscape of primary and relapsed hepatocellular carcinoma reveals immune escape characteristics in early relapse

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Surgical resection serves as the principal curative strategy for HCC, yet the incidence of postoperative recurrence remains alarmingly high. However, the spatial molecular structural alterations contributing to postoperative recurrence in HCC are still poorly understood.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

We employed imaging mass cytometry to profile the in situ expression of 33 proteins within 358,729 single cells of 92 clinically annotated surgical specimens from 46 patients who were treated with surgical resections for primary and relapsed tumors. We revealed the recurrence progression of HCC was governed by the dynamic spatial distribution and functional interplay of diverse cell types across adjacent normal, tumor margin, and intratumor regions. Our exhaustive analyses revealed an aggressive, immunosuppression-related spatial ecosystem in relapsed HCC. Additionally, we illustrated the prominent implications of the tumor microenvironment of tumor margins in association with relapse HCC. Moreover, we identified a novel subpopulation of dendritic cells (PDL1 + CD103 + DCs) enriched in the peritumoral area that correlated with early postoperative recurrence, which was further validated in an external cohort. Through the analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing data, we found the interaction of PDL1 + CD103 + DCs with regulatory T cells and exhausted T cells enhanced immunosuppression and immune escape through multiple ligand-receptor pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

We comprehensively depicted the spatial landscape of single-cell dynamics and multicellular architecture within primary and relapsed HCC. Our findings highlight spatial organization as a prominent determinant of HCC recurrence and provide valuable insight into the immune evasion mechanisms driving recurrence.

Targeting SUMOylation with an injectable nanocomposite hydrogel to optimize radiofrequency ablation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Incomplete radiofrequency ablation (iRFA) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often leads to local recurrence and distant metastasis of the residual tumor. This is closely linked to the development of a tumor immunosuppressive environment (TIME). In this study, underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets involved in the formation of TIME in residual tumors following iRFA were explored. Then, TAK-981-loaded nanocomposite hydrogel was constructed, and its therapeutic effects on residual tumors were investigated.

RESULTS

This study reveals that the upregulation of small ubiquitin-like modifier 2 (Sumo2) and activated SUMOylation is intricately tied to immunosuppression in residual tumors post-iRFA. Both knockdown of Sumo2 and inhibiting SUMOylation with TAK-981 activate IFN-1 signaling in HCC cells, thereby promoting dendritic cell maturation. Herein, we propose an injectable PDLLA-PEG-PDLLA (PLEL) nanocomposite hydrogel which incorporates self-assembled TAK-981 and BSA nanoparticles for complementary localized treatment of residual tumor after iRFA. The sustained release of TAK-981 from this hydrogel curbs the expansion of residual tumors and notably stimulates the dendritic cell and cytotoxic lymphocyte-mediated antitumor immune response in residual tumors while maintaining biosafety. Furthermore, the treatment with TAK-981 nanocomposite hydrogel resulted in a widespread elevation in PD-L1 levels. Combining TAK-981 nanocomposite hydrogel with PD-L1 blockade therapy synergistically eradicates residual tumors and suppresses distant tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings underscore the potential of the TAK-981-based strategy as an effective therapy to enhance RFA therapy for HCC.

Non-viral vector-based genome editing for cancer immunotherapy

Despite the exciting promise of cancer immunotherapy in the clinic, immune checkpoint blockade therapy and T cell-based therapies are often associated with low response rates, intrinsic and adaptive immune resistance, and systemic side effects. CRISPR-Cas-based genome editing appears to be an effective strategy to overcome these unmet clinical needs. As a safer delivery platform for the CRISPR-Cas system, non-viral nanoformulations have been recently explored to target tumor cells and immune cells, aiming to improve cancer immunotherapy on a gene level. In this review, we summarized the efforts of non-viral vector-based CRISPR-Cas-mediated genome editing in tumor cells and immune cells for cancer immunotherapy. Their design rationale and specific applications were highlighted.

Extracellular vesicles in nanomedicine and regenerative medicine: A review over the last decade

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are known to be secreted by a vast majority of cells. These sEVs, specifically exosomes, induce specific cell-to-cell interactions and can activate signaling pathways in recipient cells through fusion or interaction. These nanovesicles possess several desirable properties, making them ideal for regenerative medicine and nanomedicine applications. These properties include exceptional stability, biocompatibility, wide biodistribution, and minimal immunogenicity. However, the practical utilization of sEVs, particularly in clinical settings and at a large scale, is hindered by the expensive procedures required for their isolation, limited circulation lifetime, and suboptimal targeting capacity. Despite these challenges, sEVs have demonstrated a remarkable ability to accommodate various cargoes and have found extensive applications in the biomedical sciences. To overcome the limitations of sEVs and broaden their potential applications, researchers should strive to deepen their understanding of current isolation, loading, and characterization techniques. Additionally, acquiring fundamental knowledge about sEVs origins and employing state-of-the-art methodologies in nanomedicine and regenerative medicine can expand the sEVs research scope. This review provides a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art exosome-based strategies in diverse nanomedicine domains, encompassing cancer therapy, immunotherapy, and biomarker applications. Furthermore, we emphasize the immense potential of exosomes in regenerative medicine.

Engineered dendritic cells-derived exosomes harboring HIV-1 Nefmut-Tat fusion protein and heat shock protein 70: A promising HIV-1 safe vaccine candidate

Antigen presenting cells (APCs)-derived exosomes are nano-vesicles that can induce antigen-specific T cell responses, and possess therapeutic effects in clinical settings. Moreover, dendritic cells (DCs)-based vaccines have been developed to combat human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection in preclinical and clinical trials. We investigated the immunostimulatory effects (B- and T-cells activities) of DCs- and exosomes-based vaccine constructs harboring HIV-1 Nefmut-Tat fusion protein as an antigen candidate and heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) as an adjuvant in mice. The modified DCs and engineered exosomes harboring Nefmut-Tat protein or Hsp70 were prepared using lentiviral vectors compared to electroporation, characterized and evaluated by in vitro and in vivo immunological tests. Our data indicated that the engineered exosomes induced high levels of total IgG, IgG2a, IFN-γ, TNF-α and Granzyme B. Moreover, co-injection of exosomes harboring Hsp70 could significantly increase the secretion of antibodies, cytokines and Granzyme B. The highest levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α were observed in exosomes harboring Nefmut-Tat combined with exosomes harboring Hsp70 (Exo-Nefmut-Tat + Exo-Hsp70) regimen after single-cycle replicable (SCR) HIV-1 exposure. Generally, Exo-Nefmut-Tat + Exo-Hsp70 regimen can be considered as a promising safe vaccine candidate due to high T-cells (Th1 and CTL) activity and its maintenance against SCR HIV-1 exposure.

Personalized Nanovaccines Enhance Lymph Node Accumulation and Reprogram the Tumor Microenvironment for Improved Photodynamic Immunotherapy

Tumor immunotherapy has emerged as an efficacious therapeutic approach that mobilizes the patient's immune system to achieve durable tumor suppression. Here, we design a photodynamic therapy-motivated nanovaccine (Dex-HDL/ALA-Fe3O4) co-delivering 5-aminolevulinic acid and Fe3O4 nanozyme that demonstrate a long-term durable immunotherapy strategy. After vaccination, the nanovaccine exhibits obvious tumor site accumulation, lymph node homing, and specific and memory antitumor immunity evocation. Upon laser irradiation, Dex-HDL/ALA-Fe3O4 effectively generates reactive oxygen species at the tumor site not only to induce the immunogenic cell death-cascade but also to trigger the on-demand release of full types of tumor antigens. Intriguingly, Fe3O4 nanozyme-catalyzed hydrogen peroxide generated oxygen for alleviating tumor hypoxia and modifying the inhibitory tumor microenvironment, thereby exhibiting remarkable potential as a sensitizer. The intravenous administration of nanovaccines in diverse preclinical cancer models has demonstrated remarkable tumor regression and inhibition of postoperative tumor recurrence and metastasis, thereby enabling personalized treatment strategies against highly heterogeneous tumors.

Bioinspired ginsenoside Rg3 PLGA nanoparticles coated with tumor-derived microvesicles to improve chemotherapy efficacy and alleviate toxicity

Breast cancer, a pervasive malignancy affecting women, demands a diverse treatment approach including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical interventions. However, the effectiveness of doxorubicin (DOX), a cornerstone in breast cancer therapy, is limited when used as a monotherapy, and concerns about cardiotoxicity persist. Ginsenoside Rg3, a classic compound of traditional Chinese medicine found in Panax ginseng C. A. Mey., possesses diverse pharmacological properties, including cardiovascular protection, immune modulation, and anticancer effects. Ginsenoside Rg3 is considered a promising candidate for enhancing cancer treatment when combined with chemotherapy agents. Nevertheless, the intrinsic challenges of Rg3, such as its poor water solubility and low oral bioavailability, necessitate innovative solutions. Herein, we developed Rg3-PLGA@TMVs by encapsulating Rg3 within PLGA nanoparticles (Rg3-PLGA) and coating them with membranes derived from tumor cell-derived microvesicles (TMVs). Rg3-PLGA@TMVs displayed an array of favorable advantages, including controlled release, prolonged storage stability, high drug loading efficiency and a remarkable ability to activate dendritic cells in vitro. This activation is evident through the augmentation of CD86+CD80+ dendritic cells, along with a reduction in phagocytic activity and acid phosphatase levels. When combined with DOX, the synergistic effect of Rg3-PLGA@TMVs significantly inhibits 4T1 tumor growth and fosters the development of antitumor immunity in tumor-bearing mice. Most notably, this delivery system effectively mitigates the toxic side effects of DOX, particularly those affecting the heart. Overall, Rg3-PLGA@TMVs provide a novel strategy to enhance the efficacy of DOX while simultaneously mitigating its associated toxicities and demonstrate promising potential for the combined chemo-immunotherapy of breast cancer.

Prostaglandin E2 in the Tumor Microenvironment, a Convoluted Affair Mediated by EP Receptors 2 and 4

The involvement of the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) system in cancer progression has long been recognized. PGE2 functions as an autocrine and paracrine signaling molecule with pleiotropic effects in the human body. High levels of intratumoral PGE2 and overexpression of the key metabolic enzymes of PGE2 have been observed and suggested to contribute to tumor progression. This has been claimed for different types of solid tumors, including, but not limited to, lung, breast, and colon cancer. PGE2 has direct effects on tumor cells and angiogenesis that are known to promote tumor development. However, one of the main mechanisms behind PGE2 driving cancerogenesis is currently thought to be anchored in suppressed antitumor immunity, thus providing possible therapeutic targets to be used in cancer immunotherapies. EP2 and EP4, two receptors for PGE2, are emerging as being the most relevant for this purpose. This review aims to summarize the known roles of PGE2 in the immune system and its functions within the tumor microenvironment. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) has long been known to be a signaling molecule in cancer. Its presence in tumors has been repeatedly associated with disease progression. Elucidation of its effects on immunological components of the tumor microenvironment has highlighted the potential of PGE2 receptor antagonists in cancer treatment, particularly in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapeutics. Adjuvant treatment could increase the response rates and the efficacy of immune-based therapies.

Dendritic cell-derived exosome (DEX) therapy for digestive system cancers: Recent advances and future prospect

Tumor-mediated immunosuppression is a fundamental obstacle to the development of dendritic cell (DC)-based cancer vaccines, which despite their ability to stimulate host anti-tumor CD8 T cell immunity, have not been able to generate meaningful therapeutic responses. Exosomes are inactive membrane vesicles that are nanoscale in size and are produced by the endocytic pathway. They are essential for intercellular communication. Additionally, DC-derived exosomes (DEXs) contained MHC class I/II (MHCI/II), which is frequently complexed with antigens and co-stimulatory molecules and is therefore able to prime CD4 and CD8 T cells that are specific to particular antigens. Indeed, vaccines with DEXs have been shown to exhibit better anti-tumor efficacy in eradicating tumors compared to DC vaccines in pre-clinical models of digestive system tumors. Also, there is room for improvement in the tumor antigenic peptide (TAA) selection process. DCs release highly targeted exosomes when the right antigenic peptide is chosen, which could aid in the creation of DEX-based antitumor vaccines that elicit more targeted immune responses. Coupled with their resistance to tumor immunosuppression, DEXs-based cancer vaccines have been heralded as the superior alternative cell-free therapeutic vaccines over DC vaccines to treat digestive system tumors. In this review, current studies of DEXs cancer vaccines as well as potential future directions will be deliberated.

Transformable Supramolecular Self-Assembled Peptides for Cascade Self-Enhanced Ferroptosis Primed Cancer Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy has received widespread attention for its effective and long-term tumor-eliminating ability. However, for immunogenic "cold" tumors, such as prostate cancer (PCa), the low immunogenicity of the tumor itself is a serious obstacle to efficacy. Here, this work reports a strategy to enhance PCa immunogenicity by triggering cascade self-enhanced ferroptosis in tumor cells, turning the tumor from "cold" to "hot". This work develops a transformable self-assembled peptide TEP-FFG-CRApY with alkaline phosphatase (ALP) responsiveness and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) protein targeting. TEP-FFG-CRApY self-assembles into nanoparticles under aqueous conditions and transforms into nanofibers in response to ALP during endosome/lysosome uptake into tumor cells, promoting lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP). On the one hand, the released TEP-FFG-CRAY nanofibers target GPX4 and selectively degrade the GPX4 protein under the light irradiation, inducing ferroptosis; on the other hand, the large amount of leaked Fe2+ further cascade to amplify the ferroptosis through the Fenton reaction. TEP-FFG-CRApY-induced immunogenic ferroptosis improves tumor cell immunogenicity by promoting the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) and increasing intratumor T-cell infiltration. More importantly, recovered T cells further enhance ferroptosis by secreting large amounts of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). This work provides a novel strategy for the molecular design of synergistic molecularly targeted therapy for immunogenic "cold" tumors.

Immunomodulatory Peptides for Tumor Treatment

Peptides exhibit various biological activities, including biorecognition, cell targeting, and tumor penetration, and can stimulate immune cells to elicit immune responses for tumor immunotherapy. Peptide self-assemblies and peptide-functionalized nanocarriers can reduce the effect of various biological barriers and the degradation by peptidases, enhancing the efficiency of peptide delivery and improving antitumor immune responses. To date, the design and development of peptides with various functionalities have been extensively reviewed for enhanced chemotherapy; however, peptide-mediated tumor immunotherapy using peptides acting on different immune cells, to the knowledge, has not yet been summarized. Thus, this work provides a review of this emerging subject of research, focusing on immunomodulatory anticancer peptides. This review introduces the role of peptides in the immunomodulation of innate and adaptive immune cells, followed by a link between peptides in the innate and adaptive immune systems. The peptides are discussed in detail, following a classification according to their effects on different innate and adaptive immune cells, as well as immune checkpoints. Subsequently, two delivery strategies for peptides as drugs are presented: peptide self-assemblies and peptide-functionalized nanocarriers. The concluding remarks regarding the challenges and potential solutions of peptides for tumor immunotherapy are presented.

Recent Findings on Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines: An Updated Review

Cancer remains one of the global leading causes of death and various vaccines have been developed over the years against it, including cell-based, nucleic acid-based, and viral-based cancer vaccines. Although many vaccines have been effective in in vivo and clinical studies and some have been FDA-approved, there are major limitations to overcome: (1) developing one universal vaccine for a specific cancer is difficult, as tumors with different antigens are different for different individuals, (2) the tumor antigens may be similar to the body's own antigens, and (3) there is the possibility of cancer recurrence. Therefore, developing personalized cancer vaccines with the ability to distinguish between the tumor and the body's antigens is indispensable. This paper provides a comprehensive review of different types of cancer vaccines and highlights important factors necessary for developing efficient cancer vaccines. Moreover, the application of other technologies in cancer therapy is discussed. Finally, several insights and conclusions are presented, such as the possibility of using cold plasma and cancer stem cells in developing future cancer vaccines, to tackle the major limitations in the cancer vaccine developmental process.

Development of a Protocol for Obtaining a Homologous Cell Product of Animal Origin Intended for Preclinical Studies of Antitumor Vaccine CaTeVac

When developing a program of preclinical studies of human cell-based drugs intended for adoptive immunotherapy of cancer patients, the biological effect should be substantiated by data describing their immunological action. Administration and study of human autologous dendritic cell vaccine to immunocompetent animals are not adequate in terms of immunological compatibility. It is possible to use immunocompromised, knockout, or transgenic animals or to obtain a homologous cellular product, namely, a preparation based on animal cells using a technology similar to obtaining the original preparation for clinical practice in humans. Within the framework of this study, we have developed a protocol for obtaining a homologous cell product based on animal dendritic cells (mice, rats) according to a similar technology for obtaining human vaccine dendritic cells, and demonstrated the comparability of morphological characteristics and expression of differentiation antigens of dendritic cells (CD11c, CD80, CD86, and CD83) of animals (mice) and humans.

Bimetallic nanoparticles as cascade sensitizing amplifiers for low-dose and robust cancer radio-immunotherapy

Radiotherapy (RT) is one of the most feasible and routinely used therapeutic modalities for treating malignant tumors. In particular, immune responses triggered by RT, known as radio-immunotherapy, can partially inhibit the growth of distantly spreading tumors and recurrent tumors. However, the safety and efficacy of radio-immunotherapy is impeded by the radio-resistance and poor immunogenicity of tumor. Herein, we report oxaliplatin (IV)-iron bimetallic nanoparticles (OXA/Fe NPs) as cascade sensitizing amplifiers for low-dose and robust radio-immunotherapy. The OXA/Fe NPs exhibit tumor-specific accumulation and activation of OXA (II) and Fe2+ in response to the reductive and acidic microenvironment within tumor cells. The cascade reactions of the released metallic drugs can sensitize RT by inducing DNA damage, increasing ROS and O2 levels, and amplifying the immunogenic cell death (ICD) effect after RT to facilitate potent immune activation. As a result, OXA/Fe NPs-based low-dose RT triggered a robust immune response and inhibited the distant and metastatic tumors effectively by a strong abscopal effect. Moreover, a long-term immunological memory effect to protect mice from tumor rechallenging is observed. Overall, the bimetallic NPs-based cascade sensitizing amplifier system offers an efficient radio-immunotherapy regimen that addresses the key challenges.

Low-dose radiation therapy mobilizes antitumor immunity: New findings and future perspectives

Radiotherapy has unique immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive effects. Although high-dose radiotherapy has been found to have systemic antitumor effects, clinically significant abscopal effects were uncommon on the basis of irradiating single lesion. Low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) emerges as a novel approach to enhance the antitumor immune response due to its role as a leverage to reshape the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). In this article, from bench to bedside, we reviewed the possible immunomodulatory role of LDRT on TIME and systemic tumor immune environment, and outlined preclinical evidence and clinical application. We also discussed the current challenges when LDRT is used as a combination therapy, including the optimal dose, fraction, frequency, and combination of drugs. The advantage of low toxicity makes LDRT potential to be applied in multiple lesions to amplify antitumor immune response in polymetastatic disease, and its intersection with other disciplines might also make it a direction for radiotherapy-combined modalities.

Concise review: The heterogenous roles of BATF3 in cancer oncogenesis and dendritic cells and T cells differentiation and function considering the importance of BATF3-dependent dendritic cells

The transcription factor, known as basic leucine zipper ATF-like 3 (BATF3), is a crucial contributor to the development of conventional type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1), which is definitely required for priming CD8 + T cell-mediated immunity against intracellular pathogens and malignancies. In this respect, BATF3-dependent cDC1 can bring about immunological tolerance, an autoimmune response, graft immunity, and defense against infectious agents such as viruses, microbes, parasites, and fungi. Moreover, the important function of cDC1 in stimulating CD8 + T cells creates an excellent opportunity to develop a highly effective target for vaccination against intracellular pathogens and diseases. BATF3 has been clarified to control the development of CD8α+ and CD103+ DCs. The presence of BATF3-dependent cDC1 in the tumor microenvironment (TME) reinforces immunosurveillance and improves immunotherapy approaches, which can be beneficial for cancer immunotherapy. Additionally, BATF3 acts as a transcriptional inhibitor of Treg development by decreasing the expression of the transcription factor FOXP3. However, when overexpressed in CD8 + T cells, it can enhance their survival and facilitate their transition to a memory state. BATF3 induces Th9 cell differentiation by binding to the IL-9 promoter through a BATF3/IRF4 complex. One of the latest research findings is the oncogenic function of BATF3, which has been approved and illustrated in several biological processes of proliferation and invasion.

Phototruncation cell tracking with near-infrared photoimmunotherapy using heptamethine cyanine dye to visualise migratory dynamics of immune cells

BACKGROUND

Noninvasive in vivo cell tracking is valuable in understanding the mechanisms that enhance anti-cancer immunity. We have recently developed a new method called phototruncation-assisted cell tracking (PACT), that uses photoconvertible cell tracking technology to detect in vivo cell migration. This method has the advantages of not requiring genetic engineering of cells and employing tissue-penetrant near-infrared light.

METHODS

We applied PACT to monitor the migration of immune cells between a tumour and its tumour-draining lymph node (TDLN) after near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT).

FINDINGS

PACT showed a significant increase in the migration of dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages from the tumour to the TDLN immediately after NIR-PIT. This migration by NIR-PIT was abrogated by inhibiting the sphingosine-1-phosphate pathway or Gαi signaling. These results were corroborated by intranodal immune cell profiles at two days post-treatment; NIR-PIT significantly induced DC maturation and increased and activated the CD8+ T cell population in the TDLN. Furthermore, PACT revealed that NIR-PIT significantly enhanced the migration of CD8+ T cells from the TDLN to the tumour four days post-treatment, which was consistent with the immunohistochemical assessment of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes and tumour regression.

INTERPRETATION

Immune cells dramatically migrated between the tumour and TDLN following NIR-PIT, indicating its potential as an immune-stimulating therapy. Also, PACT is potentially applicable to a wide range of immunological research.

FUNDING

This work was supported by the Intramural Research Program of the National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Centre for Cancer Research (grant number: ZIA BC011513 and ZIA BC011506).

Targeting inflammation as cancer therapy

Inflammation has accompanied human beings since the emergence of wounds and infections. In the past decades, numerous efforts have been undertaken to explore the potential role of inflammation in cancer, from tumor development, invasion, and metastasis to the resistance of tumors to treatment. Inflammation-targeted agents not only demonstrate the potential to suppress cancer development, but also to improve the efficacy of other therapeutic modalities. In this review, we describe the highly dynamic and complex inflammatory tumor microenvironment, with discussion on key inflammation mediators in cancer including inflammatory cells, inflammatory cytokines, and their downstream intracellular pathways. In addition, we especially address the role of inflammation in cancer development and highlight the action mechanisms of inflammation-targeted therapies in antitumor response. Finally, we summarize the results from both preclinical and clinical studies up to date to illustrate the translation potential of inflammation-targeted therapies.

Pan-cancer analysis of NUP155 and validation of its role in breast cancer cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis

NUP155 is reported to be correlated with tumor development. However, the role of NUP155 in tumor physiology and the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) has not been previously examined. This study comprehensively investigated the expression, immunological function, and prognostic significance of NUP155 in different cancer types. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that NUP155 was upregulated in 26 types of cancer. Additionally, NUP155 upregulation was strongly correlated with advanced pathological or clinical stages and poor prognosis in several cancers. Furthermore, NUP155 was significantly and positively correlated with DNA methylation, tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability, and stemness score in most cancers. Additionally, NUP155 was also found to be involved in TIME and closely associated with tumor infiltrating immune cells and immunoregulation-related genes. Functional enrichment analysis revealed a strong correlation between NUP155 and immunomodulatory pathways, especially antigen processing and presentation. The role of NUP155 in breast cancer has not been examined. This study, for the first time, demonstrated that NUP155 was upregulated in breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA) cells and revealed its oncogenic role in BRCA using molecular biology experiments. Thus, our study highlights the potential value of NUP155 as a biomarker in the assessment of prognostic prediction, tumor microenvironment and immunotherapeutic response in pan-cancer.

Fine tuning of the innate and adaptive immune responses by Interleukin-2

Novel immunotherapies for cancer and other diseases aim to trigger the immune system to produce durable responses, while overcoming the immunosuppression that may contribute to disease severity, and in parallel considering immunosafety aspects. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) was one of the first cytokines that the FDA approved as a cancer-targeting immunotherapy. However, in the past years, IL-2 immunotherapy is not actively offered to patients, due to limited efficacy, when compared to other novel immunotherapies, and the associated severe adverse events. In order to design improved in vitro and in vivo models, able to predict the efficacy and safety of novel IL-2 alternatives, it is important to delineate the mechanistic immunological events triggered by IL-2. Particularly, in this review we will discuss the effects IL-2 has with the bridging cell type of the innate and adaptive immune responses, dendritic cells. The pathways involved in the regulation of IL-2 by dendritic cells and T-cells in cancer and autoimmune disease will also be explored.

The potential of DEirlncRNAs: A novel approach to predict glioblastoma prognosis

Background

Despite tremendous evolution in therapies, the prognosis of glioblastoma (GBM) remains grim, which calls for innovative approaches to optimize chemotherapy efficacy and predict risk.

Methods

The transcriptome and clinical data of GBM were acquired from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), followed by the identification of differentially expressed immune-related long noncoding RNAs (DEirlncRNAs) with Pearson correlation and limma packet analyses. Survival-related DEirlncRNA pairs were screened with univariate Cox proportional hazard regression. Prognostic markers were obtained, and risk scores were calculated with Lasso regression and multivariate Cox risk regression analyses. The association of the prognostic risk model with immune cell infiltration was evaluated by comprehensively analyzing tumor-infiltrating immune cells with TIMER, XCELL, CIBERSORT, QUANTISEQ, and EPIC. Differences in half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values between the high- and low-risk groups were assessed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results

A total of 276 DEirlncRNAs were identified, followed by the visualization of their expression patterns. Two prognosis-related DEirlncRNA pairs were screened, with high accuracy and reliability. The constructed prognostic risk model effectively distinguished between high- and low-risk patients, and significant differences were observed in survival outcomes between the high- and low-risk groups. Furthermore, risk scores were associated with tumor-infiltrating immune cells and DEirlncRNA expression. Additionally, the risk model had a correlation with the effectiveness of commonly used chemotherapeutic agents, providing clues into potential treatment responses.

Conclusions

In our study, a novel signature was constructed with paired DEirlncRNAs (regardless of their expression), which holds significant clinical predictive value and is a potential breakthrough for personalized management of GBM.

Cellular interactions in tumor microenvironment during breast cancer progression: new frontiers and implications for novel therapeutics

The breast cancer tumor microenvironment (TME) is dynamic, with various immune and non-immune cells interacting to regulate tumor progression and anti-tumor immunity. It is now evident that the cells within the TME significantly contribute to breast cancer progression and resistance to various conventional and newly developed anti-tumor therapies. Both immune and non-immune cells in the TME play critical roles in tumor onset, uncontrolled proliferation, metastasis, immune evasion, and resistance to anti-tumor therapies. Consequently, molecular and cellular components of breast TME have emerged as promising therapeutic targets for developing novel treatments. The breast TME primarily comprises cancer cells, stromal cells, vasculature, and infiltrating immune cells. Currently, numerous clinical trials targeting specific TME components of breast cancer are underway. However, the complexity of the TME and its impact on the evasion of anti-tumor immunity necessitate further research to develop novel and improved breast cancer therapies. The multifaceted nature of breast TME cells arises from their phenotypic and functional plasticity, which endows them with both pro and anti-tumor roles during tumor progression. In this review, we discuss current understanding and recent advances in the pro and anti-tumoral functions of TME cells and their implications for developing safe and effective therapies to control breast cancer progress.

Perspective view of allogeneic IgG tumor immunotherapy

Allogeneic tumors are eradicated by host immunity; however, it is unknown how it is initiated until the report in Nature by Yaron Carmi et al. in 2015. Currently, we know that allogeneic tumors are eradicated by allogeneic IgG via dendritic cells. AlloIgG combined with the dendritic cell stimuli tumor necrosis factor alpha and CD40L induced tumor eradication via the reported and our proposed potential signaling pathways. AlloIgG triggers systematic immune responses targeting multiple antigens, which is proposed to overcome current immunotherapy limitations. The promising perspectives of alloIgG immunotherapy would have advanced from mouse models to clinical trials; however, there are only 6 published articles thus far. Therefore, we hope this perspective view will provide an initiative to promote future discussion.

4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvate Dioxygenase-Like predicts the prognosis and the immunotherapy response of cancers: a pan-cancer analysis

The 4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvate Dioxygenase-Like (HPDL) protein plays a crucial role in safeguarding cells from oxidative stress by orchestrating metabolic reprogramming. New research suggests that HPDL is considerably increased in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, although its impact on cancer immunotherapy is still unclear. Pancancer transcriptional data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Genotype-Tissue Expression datasets. The cBioPortal webtool was utilized to examine genomic changes in different cancer types. The prognostic significance of HPDL in pancancer was evaluated using univariate Cox regression analysis. Extensive utilization of the CTRP and PRISM databases was performed to forecast potential medications that specifically target HPDL in LUAD. In summary, studies were conducted to evaluate the impact of HPDL on the proliferation and movement of LUAD cells using loss-of-function experiments. HPDL is expressed excessively in a wide variety of cancer types, indicating its prognostic and predictive value. Moreover, we emphasized the strong correlation between HPDL and indicators of immune stimulation, infiltration of immune cells, and expression of immunoregulators. The remarkable finding of the HPDL was its capacity to precisely anticipate responses to cancer therapies using anti-PDL1 and anti-PD1 antibodies among individuals. Moreover, HPDL can function as a predictive marker for specific inhibitors in instances of cancer. Suppression of HPDL resulted in reduced growth and movement of LUAD cells. To summarize, our results suggest that HPDL acts as a prospective predictor of outcomes and a positive indication of response to immunotherapy in patients undergoing treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).

An integrative machine learning model for the identification of tumor T-cell antigens

The escalating global incidence of cancer poses significant health challenges, underscoring the need for innovative and more efficacious treatments. Cancer immunotherapy, a promising approach leveraging the body's immune system against cancer, emerges as a compelling solution. Consequently, the identification and characterization of tumor T-cell antigens (TTCAs) have become pivotal for exploration. In this manuscript, we introduce TTCA-IF, an integrative machine learning-based framework designed for TTCAs identification. TTCA-IF employs ten feature encoding types in conjunction with five conventional machine learning classifiers. To establish a robust foundation, these classifiers are trained, resulting in the creation of 150 baseline models. The outputs from these baseline models are then fed back into the five classifiers, generating their respective meta-models. Through an ensemble approach, the five meta-models are seamlessly integrated to yield the final predictive model, the TTCA-IF model. Our proposed model, TTCA-IF, surpasses both baseline models and existing predictors in performance. In a comparative analysis involving nine novel peptide sequences, TTCA-IF demonstrated exceptional accuracy by correctly identifying 8 out of 9 peptides as TTCAs. As a tool for screening and pinpointing potential TTCAs, we anticipate TTCA-IF to be invaluable in advancing cancer immunotherapy.

Engineering approaches for innate immune-mediated tumor microenvironment remodeling

Cancer immunotherapy offers transformative promise particularly for the treatment of lethal cancers, since a correctly trained immune system can comprehensively orchestrate tumor clearance with no need for continued therapeutic intervention. Historically, the majority of immunotherapies have been T cell-focused and have included immune checkpoint inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptor T cells, and T-cell vaccines. Unfortunately T-cell-focused therapies have failed to achieve optimal efficacy in most solid tumors largely because of a highly immunosuppressed 'cold' or immune-excluded tumor microenvironment (TME). Recently, a rapidly growing treatment paradigm has emerged that focuses on activation of tumor-resident innate antigen-presenting cells, such as dendritic cells and macrophages, which can drive a proinflammatory immune response to remodel the TME from 'cold' or immune-excluded to 'hot'. Early strategies for TME remodeling centered on free cytokines and agonists, but these approaches have faced significant hurdles in both delivery and efficacy. Systemic toxicity from off-target inflammation is a paramount concern in these therapies. To address this critical gap, engineering approaches have provided the opportunity to add 'built-in' capabilities to cytokines, agonists, and other therapeutic agents to mediate improved delivery and efficacy. Such capabilities have included protective encapsulation to shield them from degradation, targeting to direct them with high specificity to tumors, and co-delivery strategies to harness synergistic proinflammatory pathways. Here, we review innate immune-mediated TME remodeling engineering approaches that focus on cytokines, innate immune agonists, immunogenic viruses, and cell-based methods, highlighting emerging preclinical approaches and strategies that are either being tested in clinical trials or already Food and Drug Administration approved.

Tumorigenic and tumoricidal properties of exosomes in cancers; a forward look

In recent decades, emerging data have highlighted the critical role of extracellular vesicles (EVs), especially (exosomes) Exos, in the progression and development of several cancer types. These nano-sized vesicles are released by different cell lineages within the cancer niche and maintain a suitable platform for the interchange of various signaling molecules in a paracrine manner. Based on several studies, Exos can transfer oncogenic factors to other cells, and alter the activity of immune cells, and tumor microenvironment, leading to the expansion of tumor cells and metastasis to the remote sites. It has been indicated that the cell-to-cell crosstalk is so complicated and a wide array of factors are involved in this process. How and by which mechanisms Exos can regulate the behavior of tumor cells and non-cancer cells is at the center of debate. Here, we scrutinize the molecular mechanisms involved in the oncogenic behavior of Exos released by different cell lineages of tumor parenchyma. Besides, tumoricidal properties of Exos from various stem cell (SC) types are discussed in detail.

Immunoactivity of a hybrid membrane biosurface on nanoparticles: enhancing interactions with dendritic cells to augment anti-tumor immune responses

Nano-biointerfaces play a pivotal role in determining the functionality of engineered therapeutic nanoparticles, particularly in the context of designing nanovaccines to effectively activate immune cells for cancer immunotherapy. Unlike involving chemical reactions by conventional surface decorating strategies, cell membrane-coating technology offers a straightforward approach to endow nanoparticles with natural biosurfaces, enabling them to mimic and integrate into the intricate biosystems of the body to interact with specific cells under physiological conditions. In this study, cell membranes, in a hybrid formulation, derived from cancer and activated macrophage cells were found to enhance the interaction of nanoparticles (HMP) with dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells among the mixed immune cells from lymph nodes (LNs), which could be leveraged in the development of nanovaccines for anti-tumor therapy. After loading with an adjuvant (R837), the nanoparticles coated with a hybrid membrane (HMPR) demonstrated effectiveness in priming DCs both in vitro and in vivo, resulting in amplified anti-tumor immune responses compared to those of nanoparticles coated with a single type of membrane or those lacking a membrane coating. The elevated immunoactivity of nanoparticles achieved by incorporating a hybrid membrane biosurface provides us a more profound comprehension of the nano-immune interaction, which may significantly benefit the development of bioactive nanomaterials for advanced therapy.

The crosstalk of CD8+ T cells and ferroptosis in cancer

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent, novel form of programmed cell death characterized by lipid peroxidation and glutathione depletion and is widespread in a variety of diseases. CD8+ T cells are the most important effector cells of cytotoxic T cells, capable of specifically recognizing and killing cancer cells. Traditionally, CD8+ T cells are thought to induce cancer cell death mainly through perforin and granzyme, and Fas-L/Fas binding. In recent years, CD8+ T cell-derived IFN-γ was found to promote cancer cell ferroptosis by multiple mechanisms, including upregulation of IRF1 and IRF8, and downregulation of the system XC-, while cancer cells ferroptosis was shown to enhance the anti-tumor effects of CD8+ T cell by heating the tumor immune microenvironment through the exposure and release of tumor-associated specific antigens, which results in a positive feedback pathway. Unfortunately, the intra-tumoral CD8+ T cells are more sensitive to ferroptosis than cancer cells, which limits the application of ferroptosis inducers in cancer. In addition, CD8+ T cells are susceptible to being regulated by other immune cell ferroptosis in the TME, such as tumor-associated macrophages, dendritic cells, Treg, and bone marrow-derived immunosuppressive cells. Together, these factors build a complex network of CD8+ T cells and ferroptosis in cancer. Therefore, we aim to integrate relevant studies to reveal the potential mechanisms of crosstalk between CD8+ T cells and ferroptosis, and to summarize preclinical models in cancer therapy to find new therapeutic strategies in this review.

Click-Chemistry-Mediated Cell Membrane Glycopolymer Engineering to Potentiate Dendritic Cell Vaccines

Dendritic cell vaccine (DCV) holds great potential in tumor immunotherapy owing to its potent ability in eliciting tumor-specific immune responses. Aiming at engineering enhanced DCV, we report the first effort to construct a glycopolymer-engineered DC vaccine (G-DCV) via metabolicglycoengineering and copper-free click-chemistry. Model G-DCV was prepared by firstly delivering tumor antigens, ovalbumin (OVA) into dendritic cells (DC) with fluoroalkane-grafted polyethyleneimines, followed by conjugating glycopolymers with a terminal group of dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO) onto dendritic cells. Compared to unmodified DCV, our G-DCV could induce stronger T cell activation due to the enhanced adhesion between DCs and T cells. Notably, such G-DCV could more effectively inhibit the growth of the mouse B16-OVA (expressing OVA antigen) tumor model after adoptive transfer. Moreover, by combination with an immune checkpoint inhibitor, G-DCV showed further increased anti-tumor effects in treating different tumor models. Thus, our work provides a novel strategy to enhance the therapeutic effectiveness of DC vaccines.

Dendritic cell therapy for neurospoagioma: Immunomodulation mediated by tumor vaccine

Neurospagioma, arising from different glial cells such as astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and ependymal cells, stands as the prevalent intracranial tumor within the central nervous system. Among its variants, glioblastoma (GBM) represents the most aggressive form, characterized by a notably high occurrence rate and a discouragingly low survival prognosis. The formidable challenge posed by glioblastoma underscores its critical importance as a life-threatening ailment. Currently, clinical approaches often involve surgical excision along with a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, these treatments frequently result in a notable recurrence rate, accompanied by substantial adverse effects that significantly compromise the overall prognosis. Hence, there is a crucial need to investigate novel and dependable treatment strategies. Dendritic cells (DCs), being specialized antigen-presenting cells (APCs), hold a significant position in both innate and adaptive immune responses. Presently, DC vaccines have gained widespread application in the treatment of various tumors, including neurospoagioma. In this review, we summarize the immunomodulatory effects and related mechanisms of DC vaccines in neurospoagioma as well as the progress of clinical trials to propose possible challenges of DC vaccines and new development directions.

Combination of AAV-delivered tumor suppressor PTEN with anti-PD-1 loaded depot gel for enhanced antitumor immunity

Recent clinical studies have shown that mutation of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) gene in cancer cells may be associated with immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and poor response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. Therefore, efficiently restoring PTEN gene expression in cancer cells is critical to improving the responding rate to ICB therapy. Here, we screened an adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid for efficient PTEN gene delivery into B16F10 tumor cells. We demonstrated that intratumorally injected AAV6-PTEN successfully restored the tumor cell PTEN gene expression and effectively inhibited tumor progression by inducing tumor cell immunogenic cell death (ICD) and increasing immune cell infiltration. Moreover, we developed an anti-PD-1 loaded phospholipid-based phase separation gel (PPSG), which formed an in situ depot and sustainably release anti-PD-1 drugs within 42 days in vivo. In order to effectively inhibit the recurrence of melanoma, we further applied a triple therapy based on AAV6-PTEN, PPSG@anti-PD-1 and CpG, and showed that this triple therapy strategy enhanced the synergistic antitumor immune effect and also induced robust immune memory, which completely rejected tumor recurrence. We anticipate that this triple therapy could be used as a new tumor combination therapy with stronger immune activation capacity and tumor inhibition efficacy.