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Wu X, Mi T, Jin L, Ren C, Wang J, Zhang Z, Liu J, Wang Z, Guo P, He D. Tumoral EIF4EBP1 regulates the crosstalk between tumor-associated macrophages and tumor cells in MRTK. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 978:176787. [PMID: 38944176 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Malignant renal rhabdoid tumor (MRTK) is an aggressive and rare malignancy primarily affecting infants and young children. The intricate interactions within the Tumor Microenvironment (TME) are crucial in shaping MRTK's progression. This study elucidates the significance of tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs) within this milieu and their interplay with eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (EIF4EBP1) in tumor cells, collectively contributing to MRTK's malignant advancement. Through comprehensive analysis of clinical samples and the TARGET database, EIF4EBP1 emerges as a central macrophage-associated gene with robust prognostic implications. Elevated EIF4EBP1 expression correlates with poor prognosis and heightened infiltration of TAMs. Functional validation demonstrates that EIF4EBP1 knockdown in G401 cells significantly attenuates self-proliferation, migration, and invasion. Moreover, EIF4EBP1 regulates macrophage recruitment and M2 polarization through the ERK/P38 MAPK-MIF axis. Notably, M2 macrophages reciprocally foster the malignant behavior of MRTK tumor cells. This study unveils the pivotal role of EIF4EBP1 in propelling MRTK's malignant progression, unraveling a complex regulatory network involving EIF4EBP1 and TAMs. These findings underscore EIF4EBP1 as a promising biomarker and highlight its therapeutic potential in MRTK management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wu
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Structural Birth Defect and Reconstruction, Chongqing 400014, China; Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunan, 650000, China
| | - Tao Mi
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Structural Birth Defect and Reconstruction, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Liming Jin
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Structural Birth Defect and Reconstruction, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Chunnian Ren
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Structural Birth Defect and Reconstruction, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Jinkui Wang
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Structural Birth Defect and Reconstruction, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Zhaoxia Zhang
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Structural Birth Defect and Reconstruction, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Jiayan Liu
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Structural Birth Defect and Reconstruction, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Zhaoyin Wang
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Structural Birth Defect and Reconstruction, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Peng Guo
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Structural Birth Defect and Reconstruction, Chongqing 400014, China; Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
| | - Dawei He
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Structural Birth Defect and Reconstruction, Chongqing 400014, China.
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Zhang W, Wang M, Ji C, Liu X, Gu B, Dong T. Macrophage polarization in the tumor microenvironment: Emerging roles and therapeutic potentials. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:116930. [PMID: 38878638 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a combination of tumor cells and indigenous host stroma, which consists of tumor-infiltrating immune cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, pericytes, and non-cellular elements. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) represent the major tumor-infiltrating immune cell type and are generally polarized into two functionally contradictory subtypes, namely classical activated M1 macrophages and alternatively activated M2 macrophages. Macrophage polarization refers to how macrophages are activated at a given time and space. The interplay between the TME and macrophage polarization can influence tumor initiation and progression, making TAM a potential target for cancer therapy. Here, we review the latest investigations on factors orchestrating macrophage polarization in the TME, how macrophage polarization affects tumor progression, and the perspectives in modulating macrophage polarization for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenru Zhang
- Department of Natural Products Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Mengmeng Wang
- Department of Natural Products Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Chonghao Ji
- Department of Implantology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 2A Nanwei Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Bowen Gu
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States.
| | - Ting Dong
- Department of Natural Products Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.
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Dang BTN, Duwa R, Lee S, Kwon TK, Chang JH, Jeong JH, Yook S. Targeting tumor-associated macrophages with mannosylated nanotherapeutics delivering TLR7/8 agonist enhances cancer immunotherapy. J Control Release 2024; 372:587-608. [PMID: 38942083 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.06.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) constitute 50-80% of stromal cells in most solid tumors with high mortality and poor prognosis. Tumor-infiltrating dendritic cells (TIDCs) and TAMs are key components mediating immune responses within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Considering their refractory properties, simultaneous remodeling of TAMs and TIDCs is a potential strategy of boosting tumor immunity and restoring immunosurveillance. In this study, mannose-decorated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles loading with R848 (Man-pD-PLGA-NP@R848) were prepared to dually target TAMs and TIDCs for efficient tumor immunotherapy. The three-dimensional (3D) cell culture model can simulate tumor growth as influenced by the TME and its 3D structural arrangement. Consequently, cancer spheroids enriched with tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) were fabricated to assess the therapeutic effectiveness of Man-pD-PLGA-NP@R848. In the TME, Man-pD-PLGA-NP@R848 targeted both TAMs and TIDCs in a mannose receptor-mediated manner. Subsequently, Man-pD-PLGA-NP@R848 released R848 to activate Toll-like receptors 7 and 8, following dual-reprograming of TIDCs and TAMs. Man-pD-PLGA-NP@R848 could uniquely reprogram TAMs into antitumoral phenotypes, decrease angiogenesis, reprogram the immunosuppressive TME from "cold tumor" into "hot tumor", with high CD4+ and CD8+ T cell infiltration, and consequently hinder tumor development in B16F10 tumor-bearing mice. Therefore, dual-reprograming of TIDCs and TAMs with the Man-pD-PLGA-NP@R848 is a promising cancer immunotherapy strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Toan Nguyen Dang
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea; Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Ramesh Duwa
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Sooyeun Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
| | - Taeg Kyu Kwon
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hoon Chang
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongbuk 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee-Heon Jeong
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
| | - Simmyung Yook
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
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Malik S, Sureka N, Ahuja S, Aden D, Zaheer S, Zaheer S. Tumor-associated macrophages: A sentinel of innate immune system in tumor microenvironment gone haywire. Cell Biol Int 2024. [PMID: 39054741 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12226] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a critical determinant in the initiation, progression, and treatment outcomes of various cancers. Comprising of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), immune cells, blood vessels, and signaling molecules, the TME is often likened to the soil supporting the seed (tumor). Among its constituents, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a pivotal role, exhibiting a dual nature as both promoters and inhibitors of tumor growth. This review explores the intricate relationship between TAMs and the TME, emphasizing their diverse functions, from phagocytosis and tissue repair to modulating immune responses. The plasticity of TAMs is highlighted, showcasing their ability to adopt either protumorigenic or anti-tumorigenic phenotypes based on environmental cues. In the context of cancer, TAMs' pro-tumorigenic activities include promoting angiogenesis, inhibiting immune responses, and fostering metastasis. The manuscript delves into therapeutic strategies targeting TAMs, emphasizing the challenges faced in depleting or inhibiting TAMs due to their multifaceted roles. The focus shifts towards reprogramming TAMs to an anti-tumorigenic M1-like phenotype, exploring interventions such as interferons, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and small molecule modulators. Noteworthy advancements include the use of CSF1R inhibitors, CD40 agonists, and CD47 blockade, demonstrating promising results in preclinical and clinical settings. A significant section is dedicated to Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) technology in macrophages (CAR-M cells). While CAR-T cells have shown success in hematological malignancies, their efficacy in solid tumors has been limited. CAR-M cells, engineered to infiltrate solid tumors, are presented as a potential breakthrough, with a focus on their development, challenges, and promising outcomes. The manuscript concludes with the exploration of third-generation CAR-M technology, offering insight into in-vivo reprogramming and nonviral vector approaches. In conclusion, understanding the complex and dynamic role of TAMs in cancer is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies. While early-stage TAM-targeted therapies show promise, further extensive research and larger clinical trials are warranted to optimize their targeting and improve overall cancer treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaivy Malik
- Department of Pathology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Niti Sureka
- Department of Pathology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Sana Ahuja
- Department of Pathology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Durre Aden
- Department of Pathology, Hamdard Institute of Medical Science and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Samreen Zaheer
- Department of Radiotherapy, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, AMU, Aligarh, India
| | - Sufian Zaheer
- Department of Pathology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, New Delhi, India
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Nguyen NTT, Müller R, Briukhovetska D, Weber J, Feucht J, Künkele A, Hudecek M, Kobold S. The Spectrum of CAR Cellular Effectors: Modes of Action in Anti-Tumor Immunity. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2608. [PMID: 39061247 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16142608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2024] [Revised: 07/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor-T cells have spearheaded the field of adoptive cell therapy and have shown remarkable results in treating hematological neoplasia. Because of the different biology of solid tumors compared to hematological tumors, response rates of CAR-T cells could not be transferred to solid entities yet. CAR engineering has added co-stimulatory domains, transgenic cytokines and switch receptors to improve performance and persistence in a hostile tumor microenvironment, but because of the inherent cell type limitations of CAR-T cells, including HLA incompatibility, toxicities (cytokine release syndrome, neurotoxicity) and high costs due to the logistically challenging preparation process for autologous cells, the use of alternative immune cells is gaining traction. NK cells and γδ T cells that do not need HLA compatibility or macrophages and dendritic cells with additional properties such as phagocytosis or antigen presentation are increasingly seen as cellular vehicles with potential for application. As these cells possess distinct properties, clinicians and researchers need a thorough understanding of their peculiarities and commonalities. This review will compare these different cell types and their specific modes of action seen upon CAR activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngoc Thien Thu Nguyen
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, a Partnership between the DKFZ Heidelberg and the University Hospital of the LMU, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Rasmus Müller
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Daria Briukhovetska
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Justus Weber
- Department of Medicine II, Chair in Cellular Immunotherapy, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Judith Feucht
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Tuebingen, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Annette Künkele
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Hudecek
- Department of Medicine II, Chair in Cellular Immunotherapy, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Cellular Immunotherapy Branch Site Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kobold
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, a Partnership between the DKFZ Heidelberg and the University Hospital of the LMU, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Einheit für Klinische Pharmakologie (EKLiP), Helmholtz Zentrum München-German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
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Salmaninejad A, Layeghi SM, Falakian Z, Golestani S, Kobravi S, Talebi S, Yousefi M. An update to experimental and clinical aspects of tumor-associated macrophages in cancer development: hopes and pitfalls. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:156. [PMID: 39003350 PMCID: PMC11246281 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01417-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) represent one of the most abundant tumor-infiltrating stromal cells, and their normal function in tumor microenvironment (TME) is to suppress tumor cells by producing cytokines which trigger both direct cell cytotoxicity and antibody-mediated immune response. However, upon prolonged exposure to TME, the classical function of these so-called M1-type TAMs can be converted to another type, "M2-type," which are recruited by tumor cells so that they promote tumor growth and metastasis. This is the reason why the accumulation of TAMs in TME is correlated with poor prognosis in cancer patients. Both M1- and M2-types have high degree of plasticity, and M2-type cells can be reprogrammed to M1-type for therapeutic purposes. This characteristic introduces TAMs as promising target for developing novel cancer treatments. In addition, inhibition of M2-type cells and blocking their recruitment in TME, as well as their depletion by inducing apoptosis, are other approaches for effective immunotherapy of cancer. In this review, we summarize the potential of TAMs to be targeted for cancer immunotherapy and provide an up-to-date about novel strategies for targeting TAMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arash Salmaninejad
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Pediatric Diseases Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
| | - Sepideh Mehrpour Layeghi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Falakian
- Department of Laboratory Science, Lahijan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Lahijan, Iran
| | - Shahin Golestani
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepehr Kobravi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tehran Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samaneh Talebi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Meysam Yousefi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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Horino T, Horiguchi H, Yumoto S, Kadomatsu T, Hara Y, Yagi T, Baba Y, Miyamoto Y, Baba H, Oike Y. Angiopoietin-Like Protein 2 Expression in Tumor Cells Supports Tumor-Associated Macrophage-Induced Tumor Progression in Esophageal Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 2024:10.1245/s10434-024-15557-6. [PMID: 38981990 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-024-15557-6] [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: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM), a major component of the tumor microenvironment, play key roles in tumor formation and progression; however, mechanisms underlying TAM-induced tumor progression are complex and not well known. We previously reported that tumor cell-derived angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPTL2) functions as a tumor promoter in some cancer contexts. METHODS We examined ANGPTL2 expression in paraffin-embedded tumor samples from resected specimens of 221 patients with esophageal cancer. Patients were subdivided into four groups based on immunohistochemistry scores described above: ANGPTL2-low/TAM-low, ANGPTL2-low/TAM-high, ANGPTL2-high/TAM-low, and ANGPTL2-high/TAM-high groups. Gene expression datasets of esophageal cancer cell lines were obtained from the cancer cell line encyclopedia public database. RESULTS In this study, we demonstrate that TAM infiltration is associated with poor prognosis in patients with esophageal cancer whose tumor cells show relatively higher ANGPTL2 expression levels; however, TAM infiltration did not affect prognosis in patients with ANGPTL2-low-expressing esophageal cancer, suggesting that ANGPTL2 expression in esophageal cancer cells is required for TAM-induced tumor progression. Our analysis of public datasets indicates a potential positive correlation of ANGPTL2 expression levels with that of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, a TAM-activating factor, in esophageal cancer cell lines. CONCLUSION We conclude that ANGPTL2 signaling in tumor cells supports TAM-induced tumor progression and contributes to poor prognosis in patients with esophageal cancer. These findings overall provide novel insight into pro-tumor ANGPTL2 functions and illustrate the essential role of cancer cell/TAM crosstalk in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taichi Horino
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Haruki Horiguchi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan.
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.
| | - Shinsei Yumoto
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Kadomatsu
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
- Center for Metabolic Regulation of Healthy Aging (CMHA), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Hara
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Taisuke Yagi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Department of Surgery, Saiseikai Kumamoto Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Baba
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Division of Translational Research and Advanced Treatment Against Gastrointestinal Cancer, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yuji Miyamoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Center for Metabolic Regulation of Healthy Aging (CMHA), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hideo Baba
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Center for Metabolic Regulation of Healthy Aging (CMHA), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yuichi Oike
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan.
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.
- Center for Metabolic Regulation of Healthy Aging (CMHA), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.
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Stavrou M, Constantinidou A. Tumor associated macrophages in breast cancer progression: implications and clinical relevance. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1441820. [PMID: 39044824 PMCID: PMC11263030 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1441820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Macrophages represent an immune cell population characterized by high plasticity and a range of properties and functions. Their activation status and specific phenotype are highly associated with their localization and the environmental cues they receive. The roles of macrophages in cancer development are diverse. Despite their antitumor effects at early stages of the disease, their presence in the tumor microenvironment (TME) has been linked to tumor promotion upon disease establishment. Tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) are key components of breast cancer TME and they have been associated with poor clinical outcomes. High TAM densities were found to correlate with tumor progression, increased metastatic potential and poor prognosis. Interestingly, considerably higher levels of TAMs were found in patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC)-the most aggressive type of breast cancer-compared to other types. The present review summarizes recent findings regarding the distinct TAM subsets in the TME and TAM involvement in breast cancer progression and metastasis. It highlights the constant interplay between TAMs and breast cancer cells and its major contribution to the progression of the disease, including such aspects as, polarization of macrophages toward a tumor promoting phenotype, induction of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer cells and enhancement of cancer stem cell properties. Further, we discuss the clinical relevance of these findings, focusing on how a better delineation of TAM involvement in breast cancer metastasis will facilitate the selection of more efficient treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Stavrou
- Department of Translational Research and Precision Medicine, Cyprus Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Nicosia, Cyprus
- Medical School, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Anastasia Constantinidou
- Department of Translational Research and Precision Medicine, Cyprus Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Nicosia, Cyprus
- Medical School, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Medical Oncology, Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre, Strovolos, Cyprus
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Guimarães GR, Maklouf GR, Teixeira CE, de Oliveira Santos L, Tessarollo NG, de Toledo NE, Serain AF, de Lanna CA, Pretti MA, da Cruz JGV, Falchetti M, Dimas MM, Filgueiras IS, Cabral-Marques O, Ramos RN, de Macedo FC, Rodrigues FR, Bastos NC, da Silva JL, Lummertz da Rocha E, Chaves CBP, de Melo AC, Moraes-Vieira PMM, Mori MA, Boroni M. Single-cell resolution characterization of myeloid-derived cell states with implication in cancer outcome. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5694. [PMID: 38972873 PMCID: PMC11228020 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49916-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated myeloid-derived cells (MDCs) significantly impact cancer prognosis and treatment responses due to their remarkable plasticity and tumorigenic behaviors. Here, we integrate single-cell RNA-sequencing data from different cancer types, identifying 29 MDC subpopulations within the tumor microenvironment. Our analysis reveals abnormally expanded MDC subpopulations across various tumors and distinguishes cell states that have often been grouped together, such as TREM2+ and FOLR2+ subpopulations. Using deconvolution approaches, we identify five subpopulations as independent prognostic markers, including states co-expressing TREM2 and PD-1, and FOLR2 and PDL-2. Additionally, TREM2 alone does not reliably predict cancer prognosis, as other TREM2+ macrophages show varied associations with prognosis depending on local cues. Validation in independent cohorts confirms that FOLR2-expressing macrophages correlate with poor clinical outcomes in ovarian and triple-negative breast cancers. This comprehensive MDC atlas offers valuable insights and a foundation for futher analyses, advancing strategies for treating solid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Rapozo Guimarães
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Division of Experimental and Translational Research, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Giovanna Resk Maklouf
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Division of Experimental and Translational Research, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Esteves Teixeira
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Division of Experimental and Translational Research, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Leandro de Oliveira Santos
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Division of Experimental and Translational Research, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Nayara Gusmão Tessarollo
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Division of Experimental and Translational Research, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Nayara Evelin de Toledo
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Division of Experimental and Translational Research, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Freitas Serain
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Division of Experimental and Translational Research, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Cristóvão Antunes de Lanna
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Division of Experimental and Translational Research, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marco Antônio Pretti
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Division of Experimental and Translational Research, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Gonçalves Vieira da Cruz
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Division of Experimental and Translational Research, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Falchetti
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Mylla M Dimas
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Igor Salerno Filgueiras
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo,(USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Otavio Cabral-Marques
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo,(USP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto D'Or de Ensino e Pesquisa, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Medicine, Division of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Medical Investigation 29, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Nalio Ramos
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo,(USP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto D'Or de Ensino e Pesquisa, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and Directed Therapy in Onco-Immuno-Hematology (LIM-31), Departament of Hematology and Cell Therapy, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Nina Carrossini Bastos
- Division of Pathology, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jesse Lopes da Silva
- Division of Clinical Research and Technological Development, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Edroaldo Lummertz da Rocha
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Bessa Pereira Chaves
- Division of Clinical Research and Technological Development, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Gynecologic Oncology Section, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Andreia Cristina de Melo
- Division of Clinical Research and Technological Development, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Pedro M M Moraes-Vieira
- Laboratory of Immunometabolism, Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology, and Immunology, Institute of Biology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
- Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center (OCRC), Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
- Experimental Medicine Research Cluster (EMRC), Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcelo A Mori
- Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center (OCRC), Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
- Experimental Medicine Research Cluster (EMRC), Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
- Laboratory of Aging Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana Boroni
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Division of Experimental and Translational Research, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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10
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Wang Y, Li J, Nakahata S, Iha H. Complex Role of Regulatory T Cells (Tregs) in the Tumor Microenvironment: Their Molecular Mechanisms and Bidirectional Effects on Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7346. [PMID: 39000453 PMCID: PMC11242872 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) possess unique immunosuppressive activity among CD4-positive T cells. Tregs are ubiquitously present in mammals and function to calm excessive immune responses, thereby suppressing allergies or autoimmune diseases. On the other hand, due to their immunosuppressive function, Tregs are thought to promote cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a multicellular system composed of many cell types, including tumor cells, infiltrating immune cells, and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Within this environment, Tregs are recruited by chemokines and metabolic factors and impede effective anti-tumor responses. However, in some cases, their presence can also improve patient's survival rates. Their functional consequences may vary across tumor types, locations, and stages. An in-depth understanding of the precise roles and mechanisms of actions of Treg is crucial for developing effective treatments, emphasizing the need for further investigation and validation. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the complex and multifaceted roles of Tregs within the TME, elucidating cellular communications, signaling pathways, and their impacts on tumor progression and highlighting their potential anti-tumor mechanisms through interactions with functional molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Oita University Faculty of Medicine, Yufu 879-5593, Japan;
| | - Jiazhou Li
- Division of Biological Information Technology, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan;
- Division of HTLV-1/ATL Carcinogenesis and Therapeutics, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan;
| | - Shingo Nakahata
- Division of HTLV-1/ATL Carcinogenesis and Therapeutics, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan;
| | - Hidekatsu Iha
- Department of Microbiology, Oita University Faculty of Medicine, Yufu 879-5593, Japan;
- Division of Pathophysiology, The Research Center for GLOBAL and LOCAL Infectious Diseases (RCGLID), Oita University, Yufu 879-5593, Japan
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11
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Ammarah U, Pereira‐Nunes A, Delfini M, Mazzone M. From monocyte-derived macrophages to resident macrophages-how metabolism leads their way in cancer. Mol Oncol 2024; 18:1739-1758. [PMID: 38411356 PMCID: PMC11223613 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are innate immune cells that play key roles during both homeostasis and disease. Depending on the microenvironmental cues sensed in different tissues, macrophages are known to acquire specific phenotypes and exhibit unique features that, ultimately, orchestrate tissue homeostasis, defense, and repair. Within the tumor microenvironment, macrophages are referred to as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and constitute a heterogeneous population. Like their tissue resident counterpart, TAMs are plastic and can switch function and phenotype according to the niche-derived stimuli sensed. While changes in TAM phenotype are known to be accompanied by adaptive alterations in their cell metabolism, it is reported that metabolic reprogramming of macrophages can dictate their activation state and function. In line with these observations, recent research efforts have been focused on defining the metabolic traits of TAM subsets in different tumor malignancies and understanding their role in cancer progression and metastasis formation. This knowledge will pave the way to novel therapeutic strategies tailored to cancer subtype-specific metabolic landscapes. This review outlines the metabolic characteristics of distinct TAM subsets and their implications in tumorigenesis across multiple cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ummi Ammarah
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer BiologyVIBLeuvenBelgium
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Department of Oncology, Center for Cancer BiologyKU LeuvenBelgium
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology CentreUniversity of TorinoItaly
| | - Andreia Pereira‐Nunes
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer BiologyVIBLeuvenBelgium
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Department of Oncology, Center for Cancer BiologyKU LeuvenBelgium
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of MedicineUniversity of MinhoBragaPortugal
- ICVS/3B's‐PT Government Associate LaboratoryBraga/GuimarãesPortugal
| | - Marcello Delfini
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer BiologyVIBLeuvenBelgium
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Department of Oncology, Center for Cancer BiologyKU LeuvenBelgium
| | - Massimiliano Mazzone
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer BiologyVIBLeuvenBelgium
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Department of Oncology, Center for Cancer BiologyKU LeuvenBelgium
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12
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Li MY, Ye W, Luo KW. Immunotherapies Targeting Tumor-Associated Macrophages (TAMs) in Cancer. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:865. [PMID: 39065562 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16070865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are one of the most plentiful immune compositions in the tumor microenvironment, which are further divided into anti-tumor M1 subtype and pro-tumor M2 subtype. Recent findings found that TAMs play a vital function in the regulation and progression of tumorigenesis. Moreover, TAMs promote tumor vascularization, and support the survival of tumor cells, causing an impact on tumor growth and patient prognosis. Numerous studies show that reducing the density of TAMs, or modulating the polarization of TAMs, can inhibit tumor growth, indicating that TAMs are a promising target for tumor immunotherapy. Recently, clinical trials have found that treatments targeting TAMs have achieved encouraging results, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a number of drugs for use in cancer treatment. In this review, we summarize the origin, polarization, and function of TAMs, and emphasize the therapeutic strategies targeting TAMs in cancer treatment in clinical studies and scientific research, which demonstrate a broad prospect of TAMs-targeted therapies in tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Ye Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Wei Ye
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ke-Wang Luo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- People's Hospital of Longhua, The affiliated hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen 518109, China
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13
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Fan J, Zhu J, Zhu H, Xu H. Potential therapeutic targets in myeloid cell therapy for overcoming chemoresistance and immune suppression in gastrointestinal tumors. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 198:104362. [PMID: 38614267 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
In the tumor microenvironment (TME), myeloid cells play a pivotal role. Myeloid-derived immunosuppressive cells, including tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), are central components in shaping the immunosuppressive milieu of the tumor. Within the TME, a majority of TAMs assume an M2 phenotype, characterized by their pro-tumoral activity. These cells promote tumor cell growth, angiogenesis, invasion, and migration. In contrast, M1 macrophages, under appropriate activation conditions, exhibit cytotoxic capabilities against cancer cells. However, an excessive M1 response may lead to pro-tumoral inflammation. As a result, myeloid cells have emerged as crucial targets in cancer therapy. This review concentrates on gastrointestinal tumors, detailing methods for targeting macrophages to enhance tumor radiotherapy and immunotherapy sensitivity. We specifically delve into monocytes and tumor-associated macrophages' various functions, establishing an immunosuppressive microenvironment, promoting tumorigenic inflammation, and fostering neovascularization and stromal remodeling. Additionally, we examine combination therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 1 Xinmin Street, Changchun 130021, PR China
| | - Jianshu Zhu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 1 Xinmin Street, Changchun 130021, PR China
| | - He Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 1 Xinmin Street, Changchun 130021, PR China
| | - Hong Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 1 Xinmin Street, Changchun 130021, PR China.
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14
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Huang R, Kang T, Chen S. The role of tumor-associated macrophages in tumor immune evasion. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:238. [PMID: 38713256 PMCID: PMC11076352 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05777-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor growth is closely linked to the activities of various cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), particularly immune cells. During tumor progression, circulating monocytes and macrophages are recruited, altering the TME and accelerating growth. These macrophages adjust their functions in response to signals from tumor and stromal cells. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), similar to M2 macrophages, are key regulators in the TME. METHODS We review the origins, characteristics, and functions of TAMs within the TME. This analysis includes the mechanisms through which TAMs facilitate immune evasion and promote tumor metastasis. Additionally, we explore potential therapeutic strategies that target TAMs. RESULTS TAMs are instrumental in mediating tumor immune evasion and malignant behaviors. They release cytokines that inhibit effector immune cells and attract additional immunosuppressive cells to the TME. TAMs primarily target effector T cells, inducing exhaustion directly, influencing activity indirectly through cellular interactions, or suppressing through immune checkpoints. Additionally, TAMs are directly involved in tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Developing innovative tumor-targeted therapies and immunotherapeutic strategies is currently a promising focus in oncology. Given the pivotal role of TAMs in immune evasion, several therapeutic approaches have been devised to target them. These include leveraging epigenetics, metabolic reprogramming, and cellular engineering to repolarize TAMs, inhibiting their recruitment and activity, and using TAMs as drug delivery vehicles. Although some of these strategies remain distant from clinical application, we believe that future therapies targeting TAMs will offer significant benefits to cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruizhe Huang
- Department of Oncology, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Ting Kang
- Department of Oncology, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Siyu Chen
- Department of Oncology, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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15
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Kula A, Koszewska D, Kot A, Dawidowicz M, Mielcarska S, Waniczek D, Świętochowska E. The Importance of HHLA2 in Solid Tumors-A Review of the Literature. Cells 2024; 13:794. [PMID: 38786018 PMCID: PMC11119147 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is a rapidly developing field of medicine that aims to use the host's immune mechanisms to inhibit and eliminate cancer cells. Antibodies targeting CTLA-4, PD-1, and its ligand PD-L1 are used in various cancer therapies. However, the most thoroughly researched pathway targeting PD-1/PD-L1 has many limitations, and multiple malignancies resist its effects. Human endogenous retrovirus-H Long repeat-associating 2 (HHLA2, known as B7H5/B7H7/B7y) is the youngest known molecule from the B7 family. HHLA2/TMIGD2/KIRD3DL3 is one of the critical pathways in modulating the immune response. Recent studies have demonstrated that HHLA2 has a double effect in modulating the immune system. The connection of HHLA2 with TMIGD2 induces T cell growth and cytokine production via an AKT-dependent signaling cascade. On the other hand, the binding of HHLA2 and KIR3DL3 leads to the inhibition of T cells and mediates tumor resistance against NK cells. This review aimed to summarize novel information about HHLA2, focusing on immunological mechanisms and clinical features of the HHLA2/KIR3DL3/TMIGD2 pathway in the context of potential strategies for malignancy treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Kula
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 41-808 Katowice, Poland; (M.D.); (D.W.)
| | - Dominika Koszewska
- Department of Medical and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 19 Jordana, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland; (D.K.); (A.K.); (S.M.); (E.Ś.)
| | - Anna Kot
- Department of Medical and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 19 Jordana, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland; (D.K.); (A.K.); (S.M.); (E.Ś.)
| | - Miriam Dawidowicz
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 41-808 Katowice, Poland; (M.D.); (D.W.)
| | - Sylwia Mielcarska
- Department of Medical and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 19 Jordana, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland; (D.K.); (A.K.); (S.M.); (E.Ś.)
| | - Dariusz Waniczek
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 41-808 Katowice, Poland; (M.D.); (D.W.)
| | - Elżbieta Świętochowska
- Department of Medical and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 19 Jordana, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland; (D.K.); (A.K.); (S.M.); (E.Ś.)
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16
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Charan M, Jones TH, Ahirwar DK, Acharya N, Subramaniam VV, Ganju RK, Song JW. Induced electric fields inhibit breast cancer growth and metastasis by modulating the immune tumor microenvironment. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.14.589256. [PMID: 38659909 PMCID: PMC11042207 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.14.589256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Despite tremendous advances in oncology, metastatic triple-negative breast cancer remains difficult to treat and manage with established therapies. Here, we show in mice with orthotopic triple-negative breast tumors that alternating (100 kHz), and low intensity (<1 mV/cm) induced electric fields (iEFs) significantly reduced primary tumor growth and distant lung metastases. Non-contact iEF treatment can be delivered safely and non-invasively in vivo via a hollow, rectangular solenoid coil. We discovered that iEF treatment enhances anti-tumor immune responses at both the primary breast and secondary lung sites. In addition, iEF reduces immunosuppressive TME by reducing effector CD8+ T cell exhaustion and the infiltration of immunosuppressive immune cells. Furthermore, iEF treatment reduced lung metastasis by increasing CD8+ T cells and reducing immunosuppressive Gr1+ neutrophils in the lung microenvironment. We also observed that iEFs reduced the metastatic potential of cancer cells by inhibiting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. By introducing a non-invasive and non-toxic electrotherapeutic for inhibiting metastatic outgrowth and enhancing anti-tumor immune response in vivo, treatment with iEF technology could add to a paradigm-shifting strategy for cancer therapy.
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17
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Latronico T, Petraglia T, Sileo C, Bilancia D, Rossano R, Liuzzi GM. Inhibition of MMP-2 and MMP-9 by Dietary Antioxidants in THP-1 Macrophages and Sera from Patients with Breast Cancer. Molecules 2024; 29:1718. [PMID: 38675538 PMCID: PMC11051835 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29081718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Polyphenols, the main antioxidants of diet, have shown anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticarcinogenic activities. Here, we compared the effects of four polyphenolic compounds on ROS production and on the levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9, which represent important pathogenetic factors of breast cancer. THP-1 differentiated macrophages were activated by LPS and simultaneously treated with different doses of a green tea extract (GTE), resveratrol (RSV), curcumin (CRC) and an olive fruit extract (oliplus). By using the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, we found that all of the tested compounds showed antioxidant activity in vitro. In addition, GTE, RSV and CRC were able to counteract ROS production induced by H2O2 in THP-1 cells. As assessed by a zymographic analysis of THP-1 supernatants and by an "in-gel zymography" of a pool of sera from patients with breast cancer, the antioxidant compounds used in this study inhibited both the activity and expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 through different mechanisms related to their structures and to their ability to scavenge ROS. The results of this study suggest that the used antioxidants could be promising agents for the prevention and complementary treatment of breast cancer and other diseases in which MMPs play a pivotal role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Latronico
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.L.); (G.M.L.)
| | - Tania Petraglia
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (T.P.); (C.S.)
| | - Carmela Sileo
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (T.P.); (C.S.)
| | - Domenico Bilancia
- Operating Unit, Medical Oncology, Hospital “Azienda Ospedaliera S. Carlo”, 85100 Potenza, Italy;
| | - Rocco Rossano
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (T.P.); (C.S.)
| | - Grazia Maria Liuzzi
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.L.); (G.M.L.)
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18
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Rezaie J, Chodari L, Mohammadpour-Asl S, Jafari A, Niknam Z. Cell-mediated barriers in cancer immunosurveillance. Life Sci 2024; 342:122528. [PMID: 38408406 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
The immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) exert multifaceted functions ranging from tumor-antagonizing or tumor-promoting activities. During the initial phases of tumor development, the tumor-antagonizing immune cells in the TME combat cancer cells in an immune surveillance process. However, with time, cancer cells can evade detection and impede the immune cells' effectiveness through diverse mechanisms, such as decreasing immunogenic antigen presentation on their surfaces and/or secreting anti-immune factors that cause tolerance in TME. Moreover, some immune cells cause immunosuppressive situations and inhibit antitumoral immune responses. Physical and cellular-mediated barriers in the TME, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts, tumor endothelium, the altered lipid composition of tumor cells, and exosomes secreted from cancer cells, also mediate immunosuppression and prevent extravasation of immune cells. Due to successful clinical outcomes of cancer treatment strategies the potential barriers must be identified and addressed. We need to figure out how to optimize cancer immunotherapy strategies, and how to combine therapeutic approaches for maximum clinical benefit. This review provides a detailed overview of various cells and molecules in the TME, their association with escaping from immune surveillance, therapeutic targets, and future perspectives for improving cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jafar Rezaie
- Solid Tumor Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Leila Chodari
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran; Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Shadi Mohammadpour-Asl
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran; Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Abbas Jafari
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Zahra Niknam
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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19
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Gao F, You X, Yang L, Zou X, Sui B. Boosting immune responses in lung tumor immune microenvironment: A comprehensive review of strategies and adjuvants. Int Rev Immunol 2024:1-29. [PMID: 38525925 DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2024.2333275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The immune system has a substantial impact on the growth and expansion of lung malignancies. Immune cells are encompassed by a stroma comprising an extracellular matrix (ECM) and different cells like stromal cells, which are known as the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). TME is marked by the presence of immunosuppressive factors, which inhibit the function of immune cells and expand tumor growth. In recent years, numerous strategies and adjuvants have been developed to extend immune responses in the TIME, to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy. In this comprehensive review, we outline the present knowledge of immune evasion mechanisms in lung TIME, explain the biology of immune cells and diverse effectors on these components, and discuss various approaches for overcoming suppressive barriers. We highlight the potential of novel adjuvants, including toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, cytokines, phytochemicals, nanocarriers, and oncolytic viruses, for enhancing immune responses in the TME. Ultimately, we provide a summary of ongoing clinical trials investigating these strategies and adjuvants in lung cancer patients. This review also provides a broad overview of the current state-of-the-art in boosting immune responses in the TIME and highlights the potential of these approaches for improving outcomes in lung cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Gao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xiaoqing You
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Oncology, Da Qing Long Nan Hospital, Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xiangni Zou
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Bowen Sui
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
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Kumari A, Syeda S, Rawat K, Kumari R, Shrivastava A. Melatonin modulates L-arginine metabolism in tumor-associated macrophages by targeting arginase 1 in lymphoma. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:1163-1179. [PMID: 37639022 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02676-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
L-Arginine metabolism plays a crucial role in determining the M1/M2 polarization of macrophages. The M1 macrophages express inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), while the M2 macrophages express arginase 1 and metabolize arginine into nitric oxide and urea, respectively. The tumor microenvironment promotes M2 macrophage polarization and consequently switches the metabolic fate of arginine from nitric oxide towards urea production. Importantly, infiltration of M2 macrophages or tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) has been correlated with poor prognosis of various cancer types. Melatonin is well reported to have antitumor and immunomodulatory properties. However, whether and how it impacts the polarization of TAMs has not been elucidated. Considering the crucial role of arginine metabolism in macrophage polarization, we were interested to know the fate of L-arginine in TAMs and whether it can be reinstated by melatonin or not. We used a murine model of Dalton's lymphoma and established an in vitro model of TAMs. For TAMs, we used the ascitic fluid of tumor-bearing hosts to activate the macrophages in the presence and absence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In these groups, L-arginine metabolism was evaluated, and then the effect of melatonin was assessed in these groups, wherein the metabolic fate of arginine as well as the expression of iNOS and arginase 1 were checked. Furthermore, in the in vivo system of the tumor-bearing host, the effect of melatonin was assessed. The in vitro model of TAMs showed a Th2 cytokine profile, reduced phagocytic activity, and increased wound healing ability. Upon investigating arginine metabolism, we observed high urea levels with increased activity and expression of arginase 1 in TAMs. Furthermore, we observed reduced levels of LPS-induced nitric oxide in TAMs; however, their iNOS expression was comparable. With melatonin treatment, urea level decreased significantly, while the reduction in nitric oxide level was not as significant as observed in its absence in TAMs. Also, melatonin significantly reduced arginase activity and expression at the transcriptional and translational levels, while iNOS expression was affected only at the translational level. This effect was further investigated in the in vivo system, wherein melatonin treatment reversed the metabolic fate of arginine, from urea towards nitric oxide, within the tumor microenvironment. This effect was further correlated with pro-apoptotic tumor cell death in the in vivo system. Our results reinforced the immunomodulatory role of melatonin and offered a strong prospect for activating the anti-tumor immune response in cancer conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupma Kumari
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Saima Syeda
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Kavita Rawat
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Rani Kumari
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Anju Shrivastava
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India.
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Li L, Han L, Qu Z. NF-κB RelA is a cell-intrinsic metabolic checkpoint restricting glycolysis. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:11. [PMID: 38245770 PMCID: PMC10799406 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-024-01196-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
An intrinsic link between metabolism and function in immune cells, and in particular macrophages, has been well established recently. However, the molecular mechanisms controlling the metabolic switch in these sentinel cells for their integral roles in host defense, inflammation, homeostasis, and pathogenesis remain largely unknown. Here, we identify the master transcription factor NF-κB RelA as a vital cell-intrinsic checkpoint restricting aerobic glycolysis to favor mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and "M2" activation (alternative anti-inflammatory and pro-tumorigenic activation, in contrast to classical pro-inflammatory and anti-tumor M1 activation) of macrophages under oncogenic stress. RelA specific knockdown or genetic deletion in macrophages causes metabolism to shift away from OXPHOS toward glycolysis, resulting in drastically decreased oxygen consumption but significantly increased lactate and ATP production. The metabolic change in RelA deficient cells is associated with the decrease in the expressions of the OXPHOS gene SCO2 as well as the M2 marker and function genes arginase-1 and VEGF. These data suggest that RelA induces SCO2 expression to enhance OXPHOS and restrict glycolysis in macrophages for their pro-tumorigenic activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwen Li
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Lei Han
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Zhaoxia Qu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, 1450 Biggy Street, NRT 4506, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
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22
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Quoniou R, Moreau E, Cachin F, Miot-Noirault E, Chautard E, Peyrode C. 3D Coculture between Cancer Cells and Macrophages: From Conception to Experimentation. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:313-325. [PMID: 38110331 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
A tumor is a complex cluster with many types of cells in the microenvironment that help it grow. Macrophages, immune cells whose main role is to maintain body homeostasis, represent in the majority of cancers the most important cell population. In this context, they are called tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) because of their phenotype, which contributes to tumor growth. In order to limit the use of animals, there is a real demand for the creation of in vitro models able to represent more specifically the complexity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in order to characterize it and evaluate new treatments. However, the two-dimensional (2D) culture, which has been used for a long time, has shown many limitations, especially in terms of tumor representation. The three-dimensional (3D) models, developed over the last 20 years, have made it possible to get closer to what happens in vivo in terms of phenotypic and functional characteristics. Due to their architectural similarity to in vivo tissues, they provide a more physiologically relevant in vitro system. Most recently, it is the development of 3D coculture models in which two or three cell lines are cultured together that has allowed a better representation of TME with cell-cell interactions. Unfortunately, there is no clear direction for the design of these models at this time. In this Review on the coculture between cancer cells and TAMs, an in-depth analysis is performed to answer multiple questions on the conception of these models: Which models to use, and with which material and cancer lineage? Which monocyte or macrophage lines should be added to the coculture? And how can these models be exploited?
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Quoniou
- Imagerie Moléculaire et Stratégies Théranostiques, UMR1240, Université Clermont Auvergne, INSERM, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Emmanuel Moreau
- Imagerie Moléculaire et Stratégies Théranostiques, UMR1240, Université Clermont Auvergne, INSERM, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Florent Cachin
- Imagerie Moléculaire et Stratégies Théranostiques, UMR1240, Université Clermont Auvergne, INSERM, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Service de Médecine Nucléaire, Centre Jean Perrin, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Elisabeth Miot-Noirault
- Imagerie Moléculaire et Stratégies Théranostiques, UMR1240, Université Clermont Auvergne, INSERM, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Emmanuel Chautard
- Imagerie Moléculaire et Stratégies Théranostiques, UMR1240, Université Clermont Auvergne, INSERM, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Service de Pathologie, Centre Jean Perrin, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Caroline Peyrode
- Imagerie Moléculaire et Stratégies Théranostiques, UMR1240, Université Clermont Auvergne, INSERM, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Jung M, Bonavida B. Immune Evasion in Cancer Is Regulated by Tumor-Asociated Macrophages (TAMs): Targeting TAMs. Crit Rev Oncog 2024; 29:1-17. [PMID: 38989734 DOI: 10.1615/critrevoncog.2024053096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Recent advancements in cancer treatment have explored a variety of approaches to address the needs of patients. Recently, immunotherapy has evolved as an efficacious treatment for various cancers resistant to conventional therapies. Hence, significant milestones in immunotherapy were achieved clinically in a large subset of cancer patients. Unfortunately, some cancer types do not respond to treatment, and among the responsive cancers, some patients remain unresponsive to treatment. Consequently, there is a critical need to examine the mechanisms of immune resistance and devise strategies to target immune suppressor cells or factors, thereby allowing for tumor sensitivity to immune cytotoxic cells. M2 macrophages, also known as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), are of interest due to their role in suppressing the immune system and influencing antitumor immune responses through modulating T cell activity and immune checkpoint expression. TAMs are associated with signaling pathways that modulate the tumor microenvironment (TME), contributing to immune evasion. One approach targets TAMs, focusing on preventing the polarization of M1 macrophages into the protumoral M2 phenotype. Other strategies focus on direct or indirect targeting of M2 macrophages through understanding the interaction of TAMs with immune factors or signaling pathways. Clinically, biomarkers associated with TAMs' immune resistance in cancer patients have been identified, opening avenues for intervention using pharmacological agents or immunotherapeutic approaches. Ultimately, these multifaceted approaches are promising in overcoming immune resistance and improving cancer treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Jung
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Johnson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90025-1747, USA
| | - Benjamin Bonavida
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Johnson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90025-1747, USA
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24
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McWhorter R, Bonavida B. The Role of TAMs in the Regulation of Tumor Cell Resistance to Chemotherapy. Crit Rev Oncog 2024; 29:97-125. [PMID: 38989740 DOI: 10.1615/critrevoncog.2024053667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the predominant cell infiltrate in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). TAMs are central to fostering pro-inflammatory conditions, tumor growth, metastasis, and inhibiting therapy responses. Many cancer patients are innately refractory to chemotherapy and or develop resistance following initial treatments. There is a clinical correlation between the level of TAMs in the TME and chemoresistance. Hence, the pivotal role of TAMs in contributing to chemoresistance has garnered significant attention toward targeting TAMs to reverse this resistance. A prerequisite for such an approach requires a thorough understanding of the various underlying mechanisms by which TAMs inhibit response to chemotherapeutic drugs. Such mechanisms include enhancing drug efflux, regulating drug metabolism and detoxification, supporting cancer stem cell (CSCs) resistance, promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), inhibiting drug penetration and its metabolism, stimulating angiogenesis, impacting inhibitory STAT3/NF-κB survival pathways, and releasing specific inhibitory cytokines including TGF-β and IL-10. Accordingly, several strategies have been developed to overcome TAM-modulated chemoresistance. These include novel therapies that aim to deplete TAMs, repolarize them toward the anti-tumor M1-like phenotype, or block recruitment of monocytes into the TME. Current results from TAM-targeted treatments have been unimpressive; however, the use of TAM-targeted therapies in combination appears promising These include targeting TAMs with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, chemokine receptor inhibitors, immunotherapy, and loaded nanoparticles. The clinical limitations of these strategies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Benjamin Bonavida
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Johnson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90025-1747, USA
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Kalyvianaki K, Salampasi EM, Katsoulieris EN, Boukla E, Vogiatzoglou AP, Notas G, Castanas E, Kampa M. 5-Oxo-ETE/OXER1: A Link between Tumor Cells and Macrophages Leading to Regulation of Migration. Molecules 2023; 29:224. [PMID: 38202807 PMCID: PMC10780139 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29010224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is an important factor in the development of cancer. Macrophages found in tumors, known as tumor associated macrophages (TAMs), are key players in this process, promoting tumor growth through humoral and cellular mechanisms. 5-oxo-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-oxo-ETE), an arachidonic acid metabolite, has been described to possess a potent chemoattractant activity for human white blood cells (WBCs). The biological actions of 5-oxo-ETE are mediated through the GPCR 5-oxo-6E,8Z,11Z,14Z-eicosatetraenoic acid receptor (OXER1). In addition, we have previously reported OXER1 as one of the membrane androgen receptors with testosterone antagonizing 5-oxo-ETE's actions. OXER1 is highly expressed in inflammatory cells and many normal and cancer tissues and cells, including prostate and breast cancer, promoting cancer cell survival. In the present study we investigate the expression and role of OXER1 in WBCs, THP-1 monocytes, and THP-1 derived macrophages, as well as its possible role in the interaction between macrophages and cancer cells (DU-145 and T47D). We report that OXER1 is differentially expressed between WBCs and macrophages and that receptor expression is modified by LPS treatment. Our results show that testosterone and 5-oxo-ETE can act in an antagonistic way affecting Ca2+ movements, migration, and cytokines' expression in immune-related cells, in a differentiation-dependent manner. Finally, we report that 5-oxo-ETE, through OXER1, can attract macrophages to the tumor site while tumor cells' OXER1 activation in DU-145 prostate and T47D breast cancer cells, by macrophages, induces actin cytoskeletal changes and increases their migration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Elias Castanas
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71500 Heraklion, Greece; (K.K.); (E.M.S.); (E.N.K.); (E.B.); (A.P.V.); (G.N.)
| | - Marilena Kampa
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71500 Heraklion, Greece; (K.K.); (E.M.S.); (E.N.K.); (E.B.); (A.P.V.); (G.N.)
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26
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Yerolatsite M, Torounidou N, Gogadis A, Kapoulitsa F, Ntellas P, Lampri E, Tolia M, Batistatou A, Katsanos K, Mauri D. TAMs and PD-1 Networking in Gastric Cancer: A Review of the Literature. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:196. [PMID: 38201623 PMCID: PMC10778110 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common and aggressive types of cancer. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have proven effective in treating various types of cancer. The use of ICIs in GC patients is currently an area of ongoing research. The tumor microenvironment (TME) also seems to play a crucial role in cancer progression. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most abundant population in the TME. TAMs are capable of displaying programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) on their surface and can form a ligand with programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), which is found on the surface of cancer cells. Therefore, it is expected that TAMs may significantly influence the immune response related to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). AIM OF THE STUDY Understanding the role of TAMs and PD-1/PD-L1 networking in GC. METHODS A systematic review of published data was performed using MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, and Cochrane databases. We retrieved articles investigating the co-existence of TAMs and PD-1 in GC and the prognosis of patients expressing high levels of PD-1+ TAMs. RESULTS Ten articles with a total of 2277 patients were included in the systematic review. The examined data suggest that the expression of PD-L1 has a positive correlation with the infiltration of TAMs and that patients who express high levels of PD-1+ TAMs may have a worse prognosis than those who express low levels of PD-1+ TAMs. CONCLUSIONS TAMs play a pivotal role in the regulation of PD-1/PD-L1 networking and the progression of GC cells. Nevertheless, additional studies are needed to better define the role of TAMs and PD-1/PD-L1 networking in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melina Yerolatsite
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (N.T.); (A.G.); (F.K.); (P.N.); (D.M.)
- Society for Study of Clonal Heterogeneity of Neoplasia (EMEKEN), 45445 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Nanteznta Torounidou
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (N.T.); (A.G.); (F.K.); (P.N.); (D.M.)
- Society for Study of Clonal Heterogeneity of Neoplasia (EMEKEN), 45445 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Aristeidis Gogadis
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (N.T.); (A.G.); (F.K.); (P.N.); (D.M.)
- Society for Study of Clonal Heterogeneity of Neoplasia (EMEKEN), 45445 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Fani Kapoulitsa
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (N.T.); (A.G.); (F.K.); (P.N.); (D.M.)
- Society for Study of Clonal Heterogeneity of Neoplasia (EMEKEN), 45445 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Ntellas
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (N.T.); (A.G.); (F.K.); (P.N.); (D.M.)
| | - Evangeli Lampri
- Department of Pathology, University of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (E.L.); (A.B.)
| | - Maria Tolia
- Department of Radiotherapy, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Anna Batistatou
- Department of Pathology, University of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (E.L.); (A.B.)
| | | | - Davide Mauri
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (N.T.); (A.G.); (F.K.); (P.N.); (D.M.)
- Society for Study of Clonal Heterogeneity of Neoplasia (EMEKEN), 45445 Ioannina, Greece
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Yao L, Wang Q, Ma W. Navigating the Immune Maze: Pioneering Strategies for Unshackling Cancer Immunotherapy Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5857. [PMID: 38136402 PMCID: PMC10742031 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has ushered in a transformative era in oncology, offering unprecedented promise and opportunities. Despite its remarkable breakthroughs, the field continues to grapple with the persistent challenge of treatment resistance. This resistance not only undermines the widespread efficacy of these pioneering treatments, but also underscores the pressing need for further research. Our exploration into the intricate realm of cancer immunotherapy resistance reveals various mechanisms at play, from primary and secondary resistance to the significant impact of genetic and epigenetic factors, as well as the crucial role of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Furthermore, we stress the importance of devising innovative strategies to counteract this resistance, such as employing combination therapies, tailoring immune checkpoints, and implementing real-time monitoring. By championing these state-of-the-art methods, we anticipate a paradigm that blends personalized healthcare with improved treatment options and is firmly committed to patient welfare. Through a comprehensive and multifaceted approach, we strive to tackle the challenges of resistance, aspiring to elevate cancer immunotherapy as a beacon of hope for patients around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqin Yao
- Key Laboratory for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, China
| | - Qingqing Wang
- Institute of Immunology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China;
| | - Wenxue Ma
- Department of Medicine, Moores Cancer Center, Sanford Stem Cell Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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28
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Guo Z, Han S. Targeting cancer stem cell plasticity in triple-negative breast cancer. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2023; 4:1165-1181. [PMID: 38213533 PMCID: PMC10776602 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2023.00190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive breast cancer subtype with limited treatment options. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are thought to play a crucial role in TNBC progression and resistance to therapy. CSCs are a small subpopulation of cells within tumors that possess self-renewal and differentiation capabilities and are responsible for tumor initiation, maintenance, and metastasis. CSCs exhibit plasticity, allowing them to switch between states and adapt to changing microenvironments. Targeting CSC plasticity has emerged as a promising strategy for TNBC treatment. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying CSC plasticity in TNBC and discusses potential therapeutic approaches targeting CSC plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengwang Guo
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Shuyan Han
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
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29
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Singh K, Gautam PK. Macrophage infiltration in 3D cancer spheroids to recapitulate the TME and unveil interactions within cancer cells and macrophages to modulate chemotherapeutic drug efficacy. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:1201. [PMID: 38062442 PMCID: PMC10701966 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11674-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recapitulating the tumor microenvironment (TME) in vitro remains a major hurdle in cancer research. In recent years, there have been significant strides in this area, particularly with the emergence of 3D spheroids as a model system for drug screening and therapeutics development for solid tumors. However, incorporating macrophages into these spheroid cultures poses specific challenges due to the intricate interactions between macrophages and cancer cells. METHODS To address this issue, in this study, we established a reproducible healthy multicellular 3D spheroid culture with macrophage infiltrates in order to mimic the TME and modulate the drug's efficacy on cancer cells in the presence of macrophages. A 3D spheroid was established using the human cancer cell line CAL33 and THP1 cell derived M0 macrophages were used as a source of macrophages. Cellular parameters including tumour metabolism, health, and mitochondrial mass were analysed in order to establish ideal conditions. To modulate the interaction of cancer cells with macrophage the ROS, NO, and H2O2 levels, in addition to M1 and M2 macrophage phenotypic markers, were analyzed. To understand the crosstalk between cancer cells and macrophages for ECM degradation, HSP70, HIF1α and cysteine proteases were examined in spheroids using western blotting and qPCR. RESULTS The spheroids with macrophage infiltrates exhibited key features of solid tumors, including cellular heterogeneity, metabolic changes, nutrient gradients, ROS emission, and the interplay between HIF1α and HSP70 for upregulation of ECM degradading enzymes. Our results demonstrate that tumor cells exhibit a metabolic shift in the presence of macrophages. Additionally, we have observed a shift in the polarity of M0 macrophages towards tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in response to cancer cells in spheroids. Results also demonstrate the involvement of macrophages in regulating HIF-1α, HSP70, and ECM degradation cysteine proteases enzymes. CONCLUSIONS This study has significant implications for cancer therapy as it sheds light on the intricate interaction between tumor cells and their surrounding macrophages. Additionally, our 3D spheroid model can aid in drug screening and enhance the predictive accuracy of preclinical studies. The strength of our study lies in the comprehensive characterization of the multicellular 3D spheroid model, which closely mimics the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khushwant Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Pramod K Gautam
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India.
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30
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Zhang Z, Bai L, Lu C, Li X, Wu Y, Zhang X, Shen Y. Lapachol inhibits the growth of lung cancer by reversing M2-like macrophage polarization via activating NF-κB signaling pathway. Cell Signal 2023; 112:110902. [PMID: 37751828 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Resetting tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is a promising strategy to ameliorate the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and improve innate and adaptive antitumor immunity. Lapachol, a naturally occurring 1,4-naphthoquinone, exhibits various pharmacological activities including antitumor, anti-leishmanial, antimalarial and antiseptic. In this study, we investigated the relevance of macrophage polarization and the antitumor effect of lapachol in Lewis lung cancer (LLC) both in vitro and in vivo. This study demonstrated that lapachol significantly reversed the polarization of M2-like macrophages thus that were endowed with the ability to kill LLC cells by activating NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, lapachol effectively suppressed tumor growth in C57BL/6 mice bearing lung tumors by reducing the proportion of M2-like macrophages. Overall, our findings clearly illustrated that lapachol could reverse the polarization of M2-like macrophages to improve the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and had the potential to be developed as an immunomodulatory antitumor agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengzheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Luyao Bai
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Chunhua Lu
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.
| | - Xintong Li
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Yang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Xiaochun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Yuemao Shen
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.
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Davis MA, Cho E, Teplensky MH. Harnessing biomaterial architecture to drive anticancer innate immunity. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:10982-11005. [PMID: 37955201 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb01677c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Immunomodulation is a powerful therapeutic approach that harnesses the body's own immune system and reprograms it to treat diseases, such as cancer. Innate immunity is key in mobilizing the rest of the immune system to respond to disease and is thus an attractive target for immunomodulation. Biomaterials have widely been employed as vehicles to deliver immunomodulatory therapeutic cargo to immune cells and raise robust antitumor immunity. However, it is key to consider the design of biomaterial chemical and physical structure, as it has direct impacts on innate immune activation and antigen presentation to stimulate downstream adaptive immunity. Herein, we highlight the widespread importance of structure-driven biomaterial design for the delivery of immunomodulatory cargo to innate immune cells. The incorporation of precise structural elements can be harnessed to improve delivery kinetics, uptake, and the targeting of biomaterials into innate immune cells, and enhance immune activation against cancer through temporal and spatial processing of cargo to overcome the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Structural design of immunomodulatory biomaterials will profoundly improve the efficacy of current cancer immunotherapies by maximizing the impact of the innate immune system and thus has far-reaching translational potential against other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith A Davis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, USA.
| | - Ezra Cho
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, USA.
| | - Michelle H Teplensky
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, USA.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, USA
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Hadiloo K, Taremi S, Heidari M, Esmaeilzadeh A. The CAR macrophage cells, a novel generation of chimeric antigen-based approach against solid tumors. Biomark Res 2023; 11:103. [PMID: 38017494 PMCID: PMC10685521 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00537-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Today, adoptive cell therapy has many successes in cancer therapy, and this subject is brilliant in using chimeric antigen receptor T cells. The CAR T cell therapy, with its FDA-approved drugs, could treat several types of hematological malignancies and thus be very attractive for treating solid cancer. Unfortunately, the CAR T cell cannot be very functional in solid cancers due to its unique features. This treatment method has several harmful adverse effects that limit their applications, so novel treatments must use new cells like NK cells, NKT cells, and macrophage cells. Among these cells, the CAR macrophage cells, due to their brilliant innate features, are more attractive for solid tumor therapy and seem to be a better candidate for the prior treatment methods. The CAR macrophage cells have vital roles in the tumor microenvironment and, with their direct effect, can eliminate tumor cells efficiently. In addition, the CAR macrophage cells, due to being a part of the innate immune system, attended the tumor sites. With the high infiltration, their therapy modulations are more effective. This review investigates the last achievements in CAR-macrophage cells and the future of this immunotherapy treatment method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaveh Hadiloo
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Department of Immunology, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Siavash Taremi
- School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Mahmood Heidari
- School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Abdolreza Esmaeilzadeh
- Department of Immunology, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
- Cancer Gene Therapy Research Center (CGRC), Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
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Basak U, Sarkar T, Mukherjee S, Chakraborty S, Dutta A, Dutta S, Nayak D, Kaushik S, Das T, Sa G. Tumor-associated macrophages: an effective player of the tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1295257. [PMID: 38035101 PMCID: PMC10687432 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1295257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer progression is primarily caused by interactions between transformed cells and the components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). TAMs (tumor-associated macrophages) make up the majority of the invading immune components, which are further categorized as anti-tumor M1 and pro-tumor M2 subtypes. While M1 is known to have anti-cancer properties, M2 is recognized to extend a protective role to the tumor. As a result, the tumor manipulates the TME in such a way that it induces macrophage infiltration and M1 to M2 switching bias to secure its survival. This M2-TAM bias in the TME promotes cancer cell proliferation, neoangiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, matrix remodeling for metastatic support, and TME manipulation to an immunosuppressive state. TAMs additionally promote the emergence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are known for their ability to originate, metastasize, and relapse into tumors. CSCs also help M2-TAM by revealing immune escape and survival strategies during the initiation and relapse phases. This review describes the reasons for immunotherapy failure and, thereby, devises better strategies to impair the tumor-TAM crosstalk. This study will shed light on the understudied TAM-mediated tumor progression and address the much-needed holistic approach to anti-cancer therapy, which encompasses targeting cancer cells, CSCs, and TAMs all at the same time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udit Basak
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Tania Sarkar
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Sumon Mukherjee
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Apratim Dutta
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Saikat Dutta
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Debadatta Nayak
- Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH), New Delhi, India
| | - Subhash Kaushik
- Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH), New Delhi, India
| | - Tanya Das
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Gaurisankar Sa
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
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Shao S, Miao H, Ma W. Unraveling the enigma of tumor-associated macrophages: challenges, innovations, and the path to therapeutic breakthroughs. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1295684. [PMID: 38035068 PMCID: PMC10682717 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1295684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are integral to the tumor microenvironment (TME), influencing cancer progression significantly. Attracted by cancer cell signals, TAMs exhibit unparalleled adaptability, aligning with the dynamic tumor milieu. Their roles span from promoting tumor growth and angiogenesis to modulating metastasis. While substantial research has explored the fundamentals of TAMs, comprehending their adaptive behavior, and leveraging it for novel treatments remains challenging. This review delves into TAM polarization, metabolic shifts, and the complex orchestration of cytokines and chemokines determining their functions. We highlight the complexities of TAM-targeted research focusing on their adaptability and potential variability in therapeutic outcomes. Moreover, we discuss the synergy of integrating TAM-focused strategies with established cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Emphasis is laid on pioneering methods like TAM reprogramming for cancer immunotherapy and the adoption of single-cell technologies for precision intervention. This synthesis seeks to shed light on TAMs' multifaceted roles in cancer, pinpointing prospective pathways for transformative research and enhancing therapeutic modalities in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengwen Shao
- Clinical Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Huilai Miao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Liaobu Hospital of Dongguan City, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenxue Ma
- Department of Medicine, Moores Cancer Center, and Sanford Stem Cell Institute, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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35
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Aizaz M, Khan A, Khan F, Khan M, Musad Saleh EA, Nisar M, Baran N. The cross-talk between macrophages and tumor cells as a target for cancer treatment. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1259034. [PMID: 38033495 PMCID: PMC10682792 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1259034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages represent an important component of the innate immune system. Under physiological conditions, macrophages, which are essential phagocytes, maintain a proinflammatory response and repair damaged tissue. However, these processes are often impaired upon tumorigenesis, in which tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) protect and support the growth, proliferation, and invasion of tumor cells and promote suppression of antitumor immunity. TAM abundance is closely associated with poor outcome of cancer, with impediment of chemotherapy effectiveness and ultimately a dismal therapy response and inferior overall survival. Thus, cross-talk between cancer cells and TAMs is an important target for immune checkpoint therapies and metabolic interventions, spurring interest in it as a therapeutic vulnerability for both hematological cancers and solid tumors. Furthermore, targeting of this cross-talk has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer treatment with the antibody against CD47 protein, a critical macrophage checkpoint recognized as the "don't eat me" signal, as well as other metabolism-focused strategies. Therapies targeting CD47 constitute an important milestone in the advancement of anticancer research and have had promising effects on not only phagocytosis activation but also innate and adaptive immune system activation, effectively counteracting tumor cells' evasion of therapy as shown in the context of myeloid cancers. Targeting of CD47 signaling is only one of several possibilities to reverse the immunosuppressive and tumor-protective tumor environment with the aim of enhancing the antitumor response. Several preclinical studies identified signaling pathways that regulate the recruitment, polarization, or metabolism of TAMs. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the role of macrophages in cancer progression and the mechanisms by which they communicate with tumor cells. Additionally, we dissect various therapeutic strategies developed to target macrophage-tumor cell cross-talk, including modulation of macrophage polarization, blockade of signaling pathways, and disruption of physical interactions between leukemia cells and macrophages. Finally, we highlight the challenges associated with tumor hypoxia and acidosis as barriers to effective cancer therapy and discuss opportunities for future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Aizaz
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Aakif Khan
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Faisal Khan
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Maria Khan
- Center of Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Ebraheem Abdu Musad Saleh
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts & Science, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maryum Nisar
- School of Interdisciplinary Engineering & Sciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Natalia Baran
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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Zając AE, Czarnecka AM, Rutkowski P. The Role of Macrophages in Sarcoma Tumor Microenvironment and Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5294. [PMID: 37958467 PMCID: PMC10648209 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15215294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas are a heterogeneous group of malignant mesenchymal tumors, including soft tissue and bone sarcomas. Macrophages in the tumor microenvironment, involved in immunosuppression and leading to tumor development, are called tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). TAMs are very important in modulating the microenvironment of sarcomas by expressing specific markers and secreting factors that influence immune and tumor cells. They are involved in many signaling pathways, such as p-STAT3/p-Erk1/2, PI3K/Akt, JAK/MAPK, and JAK/STAT3. TAMs also significantly impact the clinical outcomes of patients suffering from sarcomas and are mainly related to poor overall survival rates among bone and soft tissue sarcomas, for example, chondrosarcoma, osteosarcoma, liposarcoma, synovial sarcoma, and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. This review summarizes the current knowledge on TAMs in sarcomas, focusing on specific markers on sarcoma cells, cell-cell interactions, and the possibly involved molecular pathways. Furthermore, we discuss the clinical significance of macrophages in sarcomas as a potential target for new therapies, presenting clinical relevance, possible new treatment options, and ongoing clinical trials using TAMs in sarcoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka E. Zając
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (A.E.Z.); (P.R.)
| | - Anna M. Czarnecka
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (A.E.Z.); (P.R.)
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-176 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Rutkowski
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (A.E.Z.); (P.R.)
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Kare AJ, Nichols L, Zermeno R, Raie MN, Tumbale SK, Ferrara KW. OMIP-095: 40-Color spectral flow cytometry delineates all major leukocyte populations in murine lymphoid tissues. Cytometry A 2023; 103:839-850. [PMID: 37768325 PMCID: PMC10843696 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.24788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
High-dimensional immunoprofiling is essential for studying host response to immunotherapy, infection, and disease in murine model systems. However, the difficulty of multiparameter panel design combined with a lack of existing murine tools has prevented the comprehensive study of all major leukocyte phenotypes in a single assay. Herein, we present a 40-color flow cytometry panel for deep immunophenotyping of murine lymphoid tissues, including the spleen, blood, Peyer's patches, inguinal lymph nodes, bone marrow, and thymus. This panel uses a robust set of surface markers capable of differentiating leukocyte subsets without the use of intracellular staining, thus allowing for the use of cells in downstream functional experiments or multiomic analyses. Our panel classifies T cells, B cells, natural killer cells, innate lymphoid cells, monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, basophils, neutrophils, eosinophils, progenitors, and their functional subsets by using a series of co-stimulatory, checkpoint, activation, migration, and maturation markers. This tool has a multitude of systems immunology applications ranging from serial monitoring of circulating blood signatures to complex endpoint analysis, especially in pre-clinical settings where treatments can modulate leukocyte abundance and/or function. Ultimately, this 40-color panel resolves a diverse array of immune cells on the axes of time, tissue, and treatment, filling the niche for a modern tool dedicated to murine immunophenotyping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aris J. Kare
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Lisa Nichols
- Stanford Shared FACS Facility, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ricardo Zermeno
- Stanford Shared FACS Facility, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Marina N. Raie
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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38
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Unver N. Sophisticated genetically engineered macrophages, CAR-Macs, in hitting the bull's eye for solid cancer immunotherapy approaches. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:3171-3177. [PMID: 37278931 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01106-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Studies have begun to employ macrophages engineered with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR-Macs) against solid tumors since they can enter solid tumor tissue and interact with approximately all cellular components in the tumor microenvironment. The chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) has emerged as an appealing strategy for improving immune cells' ability to detect cancer. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) generated with CAR designs exhibit appropriate potency based on their capacity to enter solid tumors and communicate through the inhibitory tumor microenvironment. CAR-Macs technology is a new therapeutic method for attacking cancer cells by switching pro-tumoral M2 macrophages to anti-tumoral M1 macrophages, enhancing macrophage phagocytosis, or increasing antigen presentation activity. CAR-Macs may have a prevailing impact on surrounding immune cells, indicating that they retain anti-tumor activity in the presence of human M2 macrophages, demonstrating their use in CAR technology. Understanding the biology of TAM and targeting novel domains for the advanced CAR-Macrophage platform, it will be feasible to add a new dimension to immunotherapy techniques used exclusively in solid malignancies. This review describes how CAR-Macs technologies modulate CAR-Macrophage production, potential target biomarkers on these platforms, their role in immunotherapeutic approaches, and tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nese Unver
- Department of Basic Oncology, Cancer Institute, Hacettepe University, 06100, Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkey.
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Batalha S, Gomes CM, Brito C. Immune microenvironment dynamics of HER2 overexpressing breast cancer under dual anti-HER2 blockade. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1267621. [PMID: 38022643 PMCID: PMC10643871 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1267621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The clinical prognosis of the HER2-overexpressing (HER2-OE) subtype of breast cancer (BC) is influenced by the immune infiltrate of the tumor. Specifically, monocytic cells, which are promoters of pro-tumoral immunosuppression, and NK cells, whose basal cytotoxic function may be enhanced with therapeutic antibodies. One of the standards of care for HER2+ BC patients includes the combination of the anti-HER2 antibodies trastuzumab and pertuzumab. This dual combination was a breakthrough against trastuzumab resistance; however, this regimen does not yield complete clinical benefit for a large fraction of patients. Further therapy refinement is still hampered by the lack of knowledge on the immune mechanism of action of this antibody-based dual HER2 blockade. Methods To explore how the dual antibody challenge influences the phenotype and function of immune cells infiltrating the HER2-OE BC microenvironment, we developed in vitro 3D heterotypic cell models of this subtype. The models comprised aggregates of HER2+ BC cell lines and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Cells were co-encapsulated in a chemically inert alginate hydrogel and maintained in agitation-based culture system for up to 7 days. Results The 3D models of the HER2-OE immune microenvironment retained original BC molecular features; the preservation of the NK cell compartment was achieved upon optimization of culture time and cytokine supplementation. Challenging the models with the standard-of-care combination of trastuzumab and pertuzumab resulted in enhanced immune cytotoxicity compared with trastuzumab alone. Features of the response to therapy within the immune tumor microenvironment were recapitulated, including induction of an immune effector state with NK cell activation, enhanced cell apoptosis and decline of immunosuppressive PD-L1+ immune cells. Conclusions This work presents a unique human 3D model for the study of immune effects of anti-HER2 biologicals, which can be used to test novel therapy regimens and improve anti-tumor immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Batalha
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Catarina Monteiro Gomes
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Catarina Brito
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
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40
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Ji ZZ, Chan MKK, Chan ASW, Leung KT, Jiang X, To KF, Wu Y, Tang PMK. Tumour-associated macrophages: versatile players in the tumour microenvironment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1261749. [PMID: 37965573 PMCID: PMC10641386 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1261749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumour-Associated Macrophages (TAMs) are one of the pivotal components of the tumour microenvironment. Their roles in the cancer immunity are complicated, both pro-tumour and anti-cancer activities are reported, including not only angiogenesis, extracellular matrix remodeling, immunosuppression, drug resistance but also phagocytosis and tumour regression. Interestingly, TAMs are highly dynamic and versatile in solid tumours. They show anti-cancer or pro-tumour activities, and interplay between the tumour microenvironment and cancer stem cells and under specific conditions. In addition to the classic M1/M2 phenotypes, a number of novel dedifferentiation phenomena of TAMs are discovered due to the advanced single-cell technology, e.g., macrophage-myofibroblast transition (MMT) and macrophage-neuron transition (MNT). More importantly, emerging information demonstrated the potential of TAMs on cancer immunotherapy, suggesting by the therapeutic efficiency of the checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor engineered cells based on macrophages. Here, we summarized the latest discoveries of TAMs from basic and translational research and discussed their clinical relevance and therapeutic potential for solid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoey Zeyuan Ji
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Max Kam-Kwan Chan
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Alex Siu-Wing Chan
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kam-Tong Leung
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ka-Fai To
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yi Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Patrick Ming-Kuen Tang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Li YR, Ochoa CJ, Zhu Y, Kramer A, Wilson M, Fang Y, Chen Y, Singh T, Di Bernardo G, Zhu E, Lee D, Moatamed NA, Bando J, Zhou JJ, Memarzadeh S, Yang L. Profiling ovarian cancer tumor and microenvironment during disease progression for cell-based immunotherapy design. iScience 2023; 26:107952. [PMID: 37810241 PMCID: PMC10558812 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is highly lethal due to late detection and frequent recurrence. Initial treatments, comprising surgery and chemotherapy, lead to disease remission but are invariably associated with subsequent relapse. The identification of novel therapies and an improved understanding of the molecular and cellular characteristics of OC are urgently needed. Here, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of primary tumor cells and their microenvironment from 16 chemonaive and 10 recurrent OC patient samples. Profiling OC tumor biomarkers allowed for the identification of potential molecular targets for developing immunotherapies, while profiling the microenvironment yielded insights into its cellular composition and property changes between chemonaive and recurrent samples. Notably, we identified CD1d as a biomarker of the OC microenvironment and demonstrated its targeting by invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells. Overall, our study presents a comprehensive immuno-profiling of OC tumor and microenvironment during disease progression, guiding the development of immunotherapies for OC treatment, especially for recurrent disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ruide Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Christopher J Ochoa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yichen Zhu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Adam Kramer
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Matthew Wilson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ying Fang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yuning Chen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Tanya Singh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Gabriella Di Bernardo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Enbo Zhu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Derek Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Neda A Moatamed
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Joanne Bando
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jin J Zhou
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Sanaz Memarzadeh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- The VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Kotsifaki A, Alevizopoulos N, Dimopoulou V, Armakolas A. Unveiling the Immune Microenvironment's Role in Breast Cancer: A Glimpse into Promising Frontiers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15332. [PMID: 37895012 PMCID: PMC10607694 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC), one of the most widespread and devastating diseases affecting women worldwide, presents a significant public health challenge. This review explores the emerging frontiers of research focused on deciphering the intricate interplay between BC cells and the immune microenvironment. Understanding the role of the immune system in BC is critical as it holds promise for novel therapeutic approaches and precision medicine strategies. This review delves into the current literature regarding the immune microenvironment's contribution to BC initiation, progression, and metastasis. It examines the complex mechanisms by which BC cells interact with various immune cell populations, including tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Furthermore, this review highlights the impact of immune-related factors, such as cytokines and immune checkpoint molecules. Additionally, this comprehensive analysis sheds light on the potential biomarkers associated with the immune response in BC, enabling early diagnosis and prognostic assessment. The therapeutic implications of targeting the immune microenvironment are also explored, encompassing immunotherapeutic strategies and combination therapies to enhance treatment efficacy. The significance of this review lies in its potential to pave the way for novel therapeutic interventions, providing clinicians and researchers with essential knowledge to design targeted and personalized treatment regimens for BC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Athanasios Armakolas
- Physiology Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.K.); (N.A.); (V.D.)
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43
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Song J, Xiao T, Li M, Jia Q. Tumor-associated macrophages: Potential therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers in cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 249:154739. [PMID: 37544129 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Macrophages are plastic and functionally diverse, present in all tissues, and play a key role in organisms from development, homeostasis and repair, to immune responses to pathogens. They are central to many disease states and have emerged as important therapeutic targets for many diseases. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most abundant immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and are key factors influencing cancer progression, metastasis and tumor recurrence. TAMs can be derived from different sources and exert different pro- or anti-tumor effects based on the type, stage and immune composition of the tumor. TAMs are highly heterogeneous and diverse, and have multiple functional phenotypes. There is still a great deal of controversy regarding the relationship between TAMs and prognosis of cancer patients. In this review, we summarize the characteristics of common markers of TAMs as well as explore the prognostic role of TAMs in different cancers including lung, breast, gastric, colorectal, esophageal and ovarian cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyang Song
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital and School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Tian Xiao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Mingyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital and School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Qingge Jia
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.
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44
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Zhou Q, Xue C, Man J, Zhang P, Ke X, Zhao J, Zhang B, Zhou J. Correlation of tumor-associated macrophage infiltration in glioblastoma with magnetic resonance imaging characteristics: a retrospective cross-sectional study. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2023; 13:5958-5973. [PMID: 37711787 PMCID: PMC10498259 DOI: 10.21037/qims-23-126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Background Glioblastoma (Gb) is the most common primary malignant tumor of brain with poor prognosis. Immune cells are the main factors affecting the prognosis of Gb, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the predominant infiltrating immune cell population in the immune microenvironment of Gb. Analyzing the relationship between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features and TAMs of Gb, and using imaging features to characterize the infiltration level of TAMs in tumor tissue may provide indicators for clinical decision-making and prognosis evaluation of Gb. Methods Data from 140 in patients with isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) wild-type Gb diagnosed via histopathology and molecular diagnosis in the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University from January 2018 to April 2022 were collected in this retrospective, cross-sectional study. MRI images were reviewed for lesion location, cyst, necrosis, hemorrhage, contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MRI signal intensity, average apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCmean), and minimum apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCmin). Immunohistochemical staining with anti-CD163 and anti-CD68 antibodies was employed for macrophage detection. The positive cell percentage was estimated in 9 microscopic fields at 400× magnification per whole-slide image with ImageJ software (National Institutes of Health). Additionally, the relationship between MRI features, molecular, states and the positive CD68 and CD163 expression was analyzed. Results Our study discovered that the mean or median values of CD68+ and CD163+ TAMs were 7.39% and 14.98%, respectively. There was an obvious correlation between CD163+ TAMs and CD68+ TAMs (r=0.497; P=0.000). CD68+ and CD163+ macrophage infiltration correlated with age at diagnosis in patients with Gb (CD68+: r=0.230, P=0.006; CD163+: r=0.172, P=0.042). The levels of Gb TAM infiltration in different tumor locations varied, with the temporal lobe having the highest CD163+ macrophage and CD68+ macrophage infiltration (18.58% and 9.46%, respectively). CD163+ macrophage infiltration was positively correlated with ADCmean (r=0.208; P=0.014). The infiltration of CD68+ macrophages differed significantly between groups with varying degrees of tumor enhancement (H =4.228; P=0.017). There was a significant difference in CD68+ TAMs and CD163+ TAMs between the wild-type and mutant-type telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) types (P=0.004 and P=0.031, respectively). Conclusions Age, location of the tumor, degree of tumor enhancement, ADC value, and TERT mutation status were associated with macrophage infiltration. These findings may serve as an effective tool for characterizing the tumor microenvironment in patients with Gb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Second Clinical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Medical Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Lanzhou, China
| | - Caiqiang Xue
- Department of Radiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Second Clinical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Medical Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jiangwei Man
- Second Clinical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Surgical, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Second Clinical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Pathology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoai Ke
- Department of Radiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Medical Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Second Clinical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Medical Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Lanzhou, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Second Clinical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Medical Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Lanzhou, China
| | - Junlin Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Medical Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Lanzhou, China
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Zhang W, Xu L, Zhang X, Xu J, Jin JO. Escherichia coli adhesion portion FimH polarizes M2 macrophages to M1 macrophages in tumor microenvironment via toll-like receptor 4. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1213467. [PMID: 37720226 PMCID: PMC10502728 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1213467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Macrophages are key effector cells of innate immunity and play a critical role in the immune balance of disease pathogenesis, especially in the tumor microenvironment. In previous studies, we showed that FimH, an Escherichia coli adhesion portion, promoted dendritic cell activation. However, the effect of FimH in macrophage polarization has yet to be fully examined. In this study, we investigated the potential effect of FimH on macrophages, as well as the polarization from M2 to M1 macrophages, contributing to the overall antitumor effect. Methods Mouse bone marrow derived macrophages and peritoneal macrophages were generated to test the effect of FimH in vitro. The expression of costimulatory molecules and production of cytokines were analyzed. The effect of FimH in the tumor-associated macrophages was examine in the B16F10-tumor bearing C57BL/6. Results FimH was found to promote M1 macrophage activation. In addition, FimH polarized M2 macrophages, which were induced by interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 into M1 macrophages were dependent on toll-like receptor 4 and myeloid differentiation factor 2. Moreover, FimH reprogramed the tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) into M1 macrophages in B16 melanoma tumor-bearing mice and promoted an inflammatory reaction in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Furthermore, FimH promoted M1 macrophage activation, as well as the reversion of M2 macrophages into M1 macrophages in humans. Finally, FimH treatment was found to enhance the anti-cancer immunity of anti-PD-L1 antibody by the induction of M1 polarization from TAM. Conclusion This study demonstrated the potential effect of FimH on the activation of macrophages, responsible for the repolarization of M2 macrophages into the M1 phenotype via the TLR4 signaling pathway. Moreover, FimH could also reprogram TAM polarization to the M1 status in the TME, as well as enhance the anti-tumor activity of immune checkpoint blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Xu
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- The Laboratory for Immunotherapy, Clinical Center for BioTherapy, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianqing Xu
- The Laboratory for Immunotherapy, Clinical Center for BioTherapy, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun-O Jin
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Dpartment of Microbiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, ASAN Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Dalir Abdolahinia E, Han X. The Three-Dimensional In Vitro Cell Culture Models in the Study of Oral Cancer Immune Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4266. [PMID: 37686542 PMCID: PMC10487272 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The onset and progression of oral cancer are accompanied by a dynamic interaction with the host immune system, and the immune cells within the tumor microenvironment play a pivotal role in the development of the tumor. By exploring the cellular immunity of oral cancer, we can gain insight into the contribution of both tumor cells and immune cells to tumorigenesis. This understanding is crucial for developing effective immunotherapeutic strategies to combat oral cancer. Studies of cancer immunology present unique challenges in terms of modeling due to the extraordinary complexity of the immune system. With its multitude of cellular components, each with distinct subtypes and various activation states, the immune system interacts with cancer cells and other components of the tumor, ultimately shaping the course of the disease. Conventional two-dimensional (2D) culture methods fall short of capturing these intricate cellular interactions. Mouse models enable us to learn about tumor biology in complicated and dynamic physiological systems but have limitations as the murine immune system differs significantly from that of humans. In light of these challenges, three-dimensional (3D) culture systems offer an alternative approach to studying cancer immunology and filling the existing gaps in available models. These 3D culture models provide a means to investigate complex cellular interactions that are difficult to replicate in 2D cultures. The direct study of the interaction between immune cells and cancer cells of human origin offers a more relevant and representative platform compared to mouse models, enabling advancements in our understanding of cancer immunology. This review explores commonly used 3D culture models and highlights their significant contributions to expanding our knowledge of cancer immunology. By harnessing the power of 3D culture systems, we can unlock new insights that pave the way for improved strategies in the battle against oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaozhe Han
- Department of Oral Science and Translation Research, College of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, USA
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Bocian-Jastrzębska A, Malczewska-Herman A, Kos-Kudła B. Role of Leptin and Adiponectin in Carcinogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4250. [PMID: 37686525 PMCID: PMC10486522 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hormones produced by adipocytes, leptin and adiponectin, are associated with the process of carcinogenesis. Both of these adipokines have well-proven oncologic potential and can affect many aspects of tumorigenesis, from initiation and primary tumor growth to metastatic progression. Involvement in the formation of cancer includes interactions with the tumor microenvironment and its components, such as tumor-associated macrophages, cancer-associated fibroblasts, extracellular matrix and matrix metalloproteinases. Furthermore, these adipokines participate in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and connect to angiogenesis, which is critical for cancer invasiveness and cancer cell migration. In addition, an enormous amount of evidence has demonstrated that altered concentrations of these adipocyte-derived hormones and the expression of their receptors in tumors are associated with poor prognosis in various types of cancer. Therefore, leptin and adiponectin dysfunction play a prominent role in cancer and impact tumor invasion and metastasis in different ways. This review clearly and comprehensively summarizes the recent findings and presents the role of leptin and adiponectin in cancer initiation, promotion and progression, focusing on associations with the tumor microenvironment and its components as well as roles in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Bocian-Jastrzębska
- Department of Endocrinology and Neuroendocrine Tumors, Department of Pathophysiology and Endocrinogy, Medical University of Silesia, 40-514 Katowice, Poland; (A.M.-H.); (B.K.-K.)
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Guo C, Yu C, Gao W, Ren D, Zhang Y, Zheng P. A novel classifier combining G protein-coupled receptors and the tumor microenvironment is associated with survival status in glioblastoma. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1093263. [PMID: 37560473 PMCID: PMC10407249 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1093263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Numerous studies have highlighted the crucial role of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in tumor microenvironment (TME) remodeling and their correlation with tumor progression. However, the association between GPCRs and the TME in glioblastoma (GBM) remains largely unexplored. Methods: In this study, we investigated the expression profile of GPCRs in GBM using integrated data from single-cell RNA sequencing and bulk sequencing. Surgical samples obtained from meningioma and GBM patients underwent single-cell RNA sequencing to examine GPCR levels and cell-cell interactions. Tumor microenvironment (TME) score is calculated by the infiltrated immune cells with CIBERSORT. Results: Our findings revealed a predominantly increased expression of GPCRs in GBM, and demonstrated that the classification of GPCRs and TME is an independent risk factor in GBM. Patients with high GPCR expression in the tumor tissue and low TME score exhibited the worst outcomes, suggesting a potentially aggressive tumor phenotype. On the other hand, patients with low GPCR expression in the tumor tissue and high TME score showed significantly better outcomes, indicating a potentially more favorable tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, the study found that T cells with high GPCR levels displayed extensive cell-cell connections with other tumor and immune cells in the single cell RNA analysis, indicating their potential involvement in immune escape. Conclusion: In conclusion, GPCRs in combination with TME classification can serve as prognostic markers for GBM. GPCRs play an essential role in tumor progression and the TME in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Pudong New area People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Cong Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Pudong New area People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Weizhen Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dabin Ren
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Pudong New area People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yisong Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Pudong New area People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Pudong New area People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
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Ye W, Li M, Luo K. Therapies Targeting Immune Cells in Tumor Microenvironment for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1788. [PMID: 37513975 PMCID: PMC10384189 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071788] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays critical roles in immune modulation and tumor malignancies in the process of cancer development. Immune cells constitute a significant component of the TME and influence the migration and metastasis of tumor cells. Recently, a number of therapeutic approaches targeting immune cells have proven promising and have already been used to treat different types of cancer. In particular, PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors have been used in the first-line setting in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with PD-L1 expression ≥1%, as approved by the FDA. In this review, we provide an introduction to the immune cells in the TME and their efficacies, and then we discuss current immunotherapies in NSCLC and scientific research progress in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ye
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Meiye Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Kewang Luo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510091, China
- People's Hospital of Longhua, Affiliated Longhua People's Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen 518109, China
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50
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D'Urso A, Oltolina F, Borsotti C, Prat M, Colangelo D, Follenzi A. Macrophage Reprogramming via the Modulation of Unfolded Protein Response with siRNA-Loaded Magnetic Nanoparticles in a TAM-like Experimental Model. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1711. [PMID: 37376159 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
New therapeutic strategies are required in cancer therapy. Considering the prominent role of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the development and progression of cancer, the re-education of TAMs in the tumor microenvironment (TME) could represent a potential approach for cancer immunotherapy. TAMs display an irregular unfolded protein response (UPR) in their endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to endure environmental stress and ensure anti-cancer immunity. Therefore, nanotechnology could be an attractive tool to modulate the UPR in TAMs, providing an alternative strategy for TAM-targeted repolarization therapy. Herein, we developed and tested polydopamine-coupled magnetite nanoparticles (PDA-MNPs) functionalized with small interfering RNAs (siRNA) to downregulate the protein kinase R (PKR)-like ER kinase (PERK) expression in TAM-like macrophages derived from murine peritoneal exudate (PEMs). After the evaluation of the cytocompatibility, the cellular uptake, and the gene silencing efficiency of PDA-MNPs/siPERK in PEMs, we analyzed their ability to re-polarize in vitro these macrophages from M2 to the M1 inflammatory anti-tumor phenotype. Our results indicate that PDA-MNPs, with their magnetic and immunomodulator features, are cytocompatible and able to re-educate TAMs toward the M1 phenotype by PERK inhibition, a UPR effector contributing to TAM metabolic adaptation. These findings can provide a novel strategy for the development of new tumor immunotherapies in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annarita D'Urso
- Department of Health Sciences, School Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale A. Avogadro, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Francesca Oltolina
- Department of Health Sciences, School Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale A. Avogadro, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Chiara Borsotti
- Department of Health Sciences, School Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale A. Avogadro, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Maria Prat
- Department of Health Sciences, School Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale A. Avogadro, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Donato Colangelo
- Department of Health Sciences, School Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale A. Avogadro, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Antonia Follenzi
- Department of Health Sciences, School Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale A. Avogadro, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
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