1
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Liu Y, Liang J, Zhang Y, Guo Q. Drug resistance and tumor immune microenvironment: An overview of current understandings (Review). Int J Oncol 2024; 65:96. [PMID: 39219258 PMCID: PMC11387120 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2024.5684] [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: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of antitumor drugs represents a reliable strategy for cancer therapy. Unfortunately, drug resistance has become increasingly common and contributes to tumor metastasis and local recurrence. The tumor immune microenvironment (TME) consists of immune cells, cytokines and immunomodulators, and collectively they influence the response to treatment. Epigenetic changes including DNA methylation and histone modification, as well as increased drug exportation have been reported to contribute to the development of drug resistance in cancers. In the past few years, the majority of studies on tumors have only focused on the development and progression of a tumor from a mechanistic standpoint; few studies have examined whether the changes in the TME can also affect tumor growth and drug resistance. Recently, emerging evidence have raised more concerns regarding the role of TME in the development of drug resistance. In the present review, it was discussed how the suppressive TME adapts to drug resistance characterized by the cooperation of immune cells, cytokines, immunomodulators, stromal cells and extracellular matrix. Furthermore, it was reviewed how these immunological or metabolic changes alter immuno‑surveillance and thus facilitate tumor drug resistance. In addition, potential targets present in the TME for developing novel therapeutic strategies to improve individualized therapy for cancer treatment were revealed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
| | - Jun Liang
- Department of Radiology, Qingdao Haici Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, P.R. China
| | - Yanping Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Qingdao Haici Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, P.R. China
| | - Qie Guo
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
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2
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Duan X, Zou H, Yang J, Liu S, Xu T, Ding J. Melittin-incorporated nanomedicines for enhanced cancer immunotherapy. J Control Release 2024; 375:285-299. [PMID: 39216597 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.08.047] [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: 06/25/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a rapidly developing and effective strategy for cancer therapy. Among various immunotherapy approaches, peptides have garnered significant attention due to their potent immunomodulatory effects. In particular, melittin emerged as a promising candidate to enhance cancer immunotherapy by inducing immunogenic cell death, promoting the maturation of antigen-presenting cells, activating T cells, enhancing the infiltration and cytotoxicity of effector lymphocytes, and modulating macrophage phenotypes for relieving immunosuppression. However, the clinical application of melittin is limited by poor targeting and systemic toxicity. To overcome these challenges, melittin has been incorporated into biomaterials and related nanotechnologies, resulting in extended circulation time in vivo, improved targeting, reduced adverse effects, and enhanced anti-cancer immunological action. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the immunomodulatory effects of melittin-incorporated nanomedicines and examines their development and challenges for clinical cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefeng Duan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 4026 Yatai Street, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Haoyang Zou
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun 130022, PR China
| | - Jiazhen Yang
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun 130022, PR China.
| | - Shixian Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 4026 Yatai Street, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Tianmin Xu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 4026 Yatai Street, Changchun 130041, PR China.
| | - Jianxun Ding
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun 130022, PR China.
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3
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Cui Z, Zhou Z, Sun Z, Duan J, Liu R, Qi C, Yan C. Melittin and phospholipase A2: Promising anti-cancer candidates from bee venom. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 179:117385. [PMID: 39241571 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117385] [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: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024] Open
Abstract
As the research on cancer-related treatment deepens, integrating traditional therapies with emerging interventions reveals new therapeutic possibilities. Melittin and phospholipase A2, the primary anti-cancer components of bee venom, are currently gaining increasing attention. This article reviews the various formulations of melittin in cancer therapy and its potential applications in clinical treatments. The reviewed formulations include melittin analogs, hydrogels, adenoviruses, fusion toxins, fusion peptides/proteins, conjugates, liposomes, and nanoparticles. The article also explored the collaborative therapeutic effects of melittin with natural products, synthetic drugs, radiotherapy, and gene expression regulatory strategies. Phospholipase A2 plays a key role in bee venom anti-cancer strategy due to its unique biological activity. Using an extensive literature review and the latest scientific results, this paper explores the current state and challenges of this field, with the aim to provide new perspectives that guide future research and potential clinical applications. This will further promote the application of bee venom in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyan Cui
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China; Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zegao Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China; Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ziyan Sun
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China; Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jiayue Duan
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China; Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Runtian Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China; Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Cheng Qi
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China; Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Changqing Yan
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China; Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.
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Tail M, Zhang H, Zheng G, Harms AK, Hatami M, Skutella T, Kiening K, Unterberg A, Zweckberger K, Younsi A. Sonic Hedgehog reduces inflammatory response, decreases blood-spinal cord barrier permeability, and improves locomotor function recovery in an acute spinal cord injury rat model. J Inflamm (Lond) 2024; 21:34. [PMID: 39227870 PMCID: PMC11373473 DOI: 10.1186/s12950-024-00404-y] [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: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), extensively researched for its role in early neurogenesis and brain development, has recently been recognized for its neuroprotective potential following neuronal injuries. This study examines the immediate impact of early administered Shh on the local inflammatory response post-acute spinal cord injury in rats. METHODS Thirty-four female Wistar rats underwent either sham surgery (laminectomy; n = 10) or clip compression/contusion spinal cord injury (SCI) at the T9 level. This was followed by implantation of an osmotic pump and a subdural catheter for continuous intrathecal delivery of Shh (n = 12) or placebo (NaCl; n = 12). Locomotor function was assessed at 3- and 7-days post-injury (dpi) using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) score and the Gridwalk test. Animals were euthanized after 3 or 7 days for immunohistochemical analysis of the local inflammatory reaction and immune cell migration. RESULTS Shh-treated rats demonstrated significant hindlimb movement and coordination improvements at 7 days post-injury, compared to controls. This enhancement was accompanied by a significant reduction in both immune cell presence and blood plasma products within spinal cord lesions, suggesting Shh's dual role in modulating immune cell migration and maintaining the integrity of the blood-spinal cord barrier. Separately, these Shh-treated rats also showed an increase in M(IL-4) polarization of macrophages, further underlining the potential therapeutic impact of Shh in post-injury recovery. Notably, these effects were not evident at three days post-injury. CONCLUSION Shh application at 7 days post-injury showed immunomodulatory effects, possibly via enhanced blood-spinal cord barrier integrity, reduced immune cell migration, and increased anti-inflammatory immune cell differentiation. These mechanisms collectively contribute to enhanced locomotor recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Tail
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Guoli Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna-Kathrin Harms
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maryam Hatami
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Skutella
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Karl Kiening
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Unterberg
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Klaus Zweckberger
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Younsi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Choi I, Han IH, Cha N, Kim HY, Bae H. Therapeutic effects of MEL-dKLA by targeting M2 macrophages in pulmonary fibrosis. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 178:117246. [PMID: 39096617 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117246] [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: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive lung disease characterized by excessive extracellular matrix accumulation and myofibroblast proliferation with limited treatment options available. M2 macrophages are pivotal in pulmonary fibrosis, where they induce the epithelial-to-mesenchymal and fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transitions. In this study, we evaluated whether MEL-dKLA, a hybrid peptide that can eliminate M2 macrophages, could attenuate pulmonary fibrosis in a cell co-culture system and in a bleomycin-induced mouse model. Our findings demonstrated that the removal of M2 macrophages using MEL-dKLA stimulated reprogramming to an antifibrotic environment, which effectively suppressed epithelial-to-mesenchymal and fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition responses in lung epithelial and fibroblast cells and reduced extracellular matrix accumulation both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, MEL-dKLA exhibited antifibrotic efficacy without damaging tissue-resident macrophages in the bleomycin-induced mouse model. Collectively, our findings suggest that MEL-dKLA may be a new therapeutic option for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilseob Choi
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Ik-Hwan Han
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Nari Cha
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Yeon Kim
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunsu Bae
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.
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6
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Fei X, Li N, Xu X, Zhu Y. Macrophage biology in the pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori infection. Crit Rev Microbiol 2024:1-18. [PMID: 39086061 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2024.2366944] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Infection with H. pylori induces chronic gastric inflammation, progressing to peptic ulcer and stomach adenocarcinoma. Macrophages function as innate immune cells and play a vital role in host immune defense against bacterial infection. However, the distinctive mechanism by which H. pylori evades phagocytosis allows it to colonize the stomach and further aggravate gastric preneoplastic pathology. H. pylori exacerbates gastric inflammation by promoting oxidative stress, resisting macrophage phagocytosis, and inducing M1 macrophage polarization. M2 macrophages facilitate the proliferation, invasion, and migration of gastric cancer cells. Various molecular mechanisms governing macrophage function in the pathogenesis of H. pylori infection have been identified. In this review, we summarize recent findings of macrophage interactions with H. pylori infection, with an emphasis on the regulatory mechanisms that determine the clinical outcome of bacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Fei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Nianshuang Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xinbo Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yin Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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7
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Tang Y, Qu S, Ning Z, Wu H. Immunopeptides: immunomodulatory strategies and prospects for ocular immunity applications. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1406762. [PMID: 39076973 PMCID: PMC11284077 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1406762] [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: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunopeptides have low toxicity, low immunogenicity and targeting, and broad application prospects in drug delivery and assembly, which are diverse in application strategies and drug combinations. Immunopeptides are particularly important for regulating ocular immune homeostasis, as the eye is an immune-privileged organ. Immunopeptides have advantages in adaptive immunity and innate immunity, treating eye immune-related diseases by regulating T cells, B cells, immune checkpoints, and cytokines. This article summarizes the application strategies of immunopeptides in innate immunity and adaptive immunity, including autoimmunity, infection, vaccine strategies, and tumors. Furthermore, it focuses on the mechanisms of immunopeptides in mediating ocular immunity (autoimmune diseases, inflammatory storms, and tumors). Moreover, it reviews immunopeptides' application strategies and the therapeutic potential of immunopeptides in the eye. We expect the immune peptide to get attention in treating eye diseases and to provide a direction for eye disease immune peptide research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hong Wu
- Eye Center of Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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8
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Tufail M, Hu JJ, Liang J, He CY, Wan WD, Huang YQ, Jiang CH, Wu H, Li N. Hallmarks of cancer resistance. iScience 2024; 27:109979. [PMID: 38832007 PMCID: PMC11145355 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109979] [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] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
This review explores the hallmarks of cancer resistance, including drug efflux mediated by ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, metabolic reprogramming characterized by the Warburg effect, and the dynamic interplay between cancer cells and mitochondria. The role of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in treatment resistance and the regulatory influence of non-coding RNAs, such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are studied. The chapter emphasizes future directions, encompassing advancements in immunotherapy, strategies to counter adaptive resistance, integration of artificial intelligence for predictive modeling, and the identification of biomarkers for personalized treatment. The comprehensive exploration of these hallmarks provides a foundation for innovative therapeutic approaches, aiming to navigate the complex landscape of cancer resistance and enhance patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Tufail
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jia-Ju Hu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jie Liang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Cai-Yun He
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wen-Dong Wan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yu-Qi Huang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Can-Hua Jiang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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9
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Su P, Li O, Ke K, Jiang Z, Wu J, Wang Y, Mou Y, Jin W. Targeting tumor‑associated macrophages: Critical players in tumor progression and therapeutic strategies (Review). Int J Oncol 2024; 64:60. [PMID: 38695252 PMCID: PMC11087038 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2024.5648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor‑associated macrophages (TAMs) are essential components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and display phenotypic heterogeneity and plasticity associated with the stimulation of bioactive molecules within the TME. TAMs predominantly exhibit tumor‑promoting phenotypes involved in tumor progression, such as tumor angiogenesis, metastasis, immunosuppression and resistance to therapies. In addition, TAMs have the potential to regulate the cytotoxic elimination and phagocytosis of cancer cells and interact with other immune cells to engage in the innate and adaptive immune systems. In this context, targeting TAMs has been a popular area of research in cancer therapy, and a comprehensive understanding of the complex role of TAMs in tumor progression and exploration of macrophage‑based therapeutic approaches are essential for future therapeutics against cancers. The present review provided a comprehensive and updated overview of the function of TAMs in tumor progression, summarized recent advances in TAM‑targeting therapeutic strategies and discussed the obstacles and perspectives of TAM‑targeting therapies for cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Su
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Center, Division of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, P.R. China
| | - Ou Li
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Center, Division of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, P.R. China
| | - Kun Ke
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Center, Division of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, P.R. China
| | - Zhichen Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Center, Division of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, P.R. China
| | - Jianzhang Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Center, Division of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, P.R. China
| | - Yuanyu Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Center, Division of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, P.R. China
| | - Yiping Mou
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Center, Division of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, P.R. China
| | - Weiwei Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Center, Division of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, P.R. China
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10
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Chintamaneni PK, Pindiprolu SKSS, Swain SS, Karri VVSR, Nesamony J, Chelliah S, Bhaskaran M. Conquering chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer: Exploring novel drug therapies and delivery approaches amidst desmoplasia and hypoxia. Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216782. [PMID: 38453046 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer poses a significant challenge within the field of oncology due to its aggressive behaviour, limited treatment choices, and unfavourable outlook. With a mere 10% survival rate at the 5-year mark, finding effective interventions becomes even more pressing. The intricate relationship between desmoplasia and hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment further complicates matters by promoting resistance to chemotherapy and impeding treatment efficacy. The dense extracellular matrix and cancer-associated fibroblasts characteristic of desmoplasia create a physical and biochemical barrier that impedes drug penetration and fosters an immunosuppressive milieu. Concurrently, hypoxia nurtures aggressive tumor behaviour and resistance to conventional therapies. a comprehensive exploration of emerging medications and innovative drug delivery approaches. Notably, advancements in nanoparticle-based delivery systems, local drug delivery implants, and oxygen-carrying strategies are highlighted for their potential to enhance drug accessibility and therapeutic outcomes. The integration of these strategies with traditional chemotherapies and targeted agents reveals the potential for synergistic effects that amplify treatment responses. These emerging interventions can mitigate desmoplasia and hypoxia-induced barriers, leading to improved drug delivery, treatment efficacy, and patient outcomes in pancreatic cancer. This review article delves into the dynamic landscape of emerging anticancer medications and innovative drug delivery strategies poised to overcome the challenges imposed by desmoplasia and hypoxia in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavan Kumar Chintamaneni
- Department of Pharmaceutics, GITAM School of Pharmacy, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Rudraram, 502329 Telangana, India.
| | | | - Swati Swagatika Swain
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Ooty, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Jerry Nesamony
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Toledo HSC, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Selvam Chelliah
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX-77004, USA
| | - Mahendran Bhaskaran
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Toledo HSC, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA.
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11
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Song Y, Lei L, Cai X, Wei H, Yu CY. Immunomodulatory Peptides for Tumor Treatment. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2400512. [PMID: 38657003 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202400512] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Peptides exhibit various biological activities, including biorecognition, cell targeting, and tumor penetration, and can stimulate immune cells to elicit immune responses for tumor immunotherapy. Peptide self-assemblies and peptide-functionalized nanocarriers can reduce the effect of various biological barriers and the degradation by peptidases, enhancing the efficiency of peptide delivery and improving antitumor immune responses. To date, the design and development of peptides with various functionalities have been extensively reviewed for enhanced chemotherapy; however, peptide-mediated tumor immunotherapy using peptides acting on different immune cells, to the knowledge, has not yet been summarized. Thus, this work provides a review of this emerging subject of research, focusing on immunomodulatory anticancer peptides. This review introduces the role of peptides in the immunomodulation of innate and adaptive immune cells, followed by a link between peptides in the innate and adaptive immune systems. The peptides are discussed in detail, following a classification according to their effects on different innate and adaptive immune cells, as well as immune checkpoints. Subsequently, two delivery strategies for peptides as drugs are presented: peptide self-assemblies and peptide-functionalized nanocarriers. The concluding remarks regarding the challenges and potential solutions of peptides for tumor immunotherapy are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Song
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Longtianyang Lei
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Xingyu Cai
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Hua Wei
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Cui-Yun Yu
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
- Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hunan Academy of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410013, China
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12
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Cheng B, Li C, Li J, Gong L, Liang P, Chen Y, Zhan S, Xiong S, Zhong R, Liang H, Feng Y, Wang R, Wang H, Zheng H, Liu J, Zhou C, Shao W, Qiu Y, Sun J, Xie Z, Liang Z, Yang C, Cai X, Su C, Wang W, He J, Liang W. The activity and immune dynamics of PD-1 inhibition on high-risk pulmonary ground glass opacity lesions: insights from a single-arm, phase II trial. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:93. [PMID: 38637495 PMCID: PMC11026465 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01799-z] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) protein significantly improve survival in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but its impact on early-stage ground-glass opacity (GGO) lesions remains unclear. This is a single-arm, phase II trial (NCT04026841) using Simon's optimal two-stage design, of which 4 doses of sintilimab (200 mg per 3 weeks) were administrated in 36 enrolled multiple primary lung cancer (MPLC) patients with persistent high-risk (Lung-RADS category 4 or had progressed within 6 months) GGOs. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). T/B/NK-cell subpopulations, TCR-seq, cytokines, exosomal RNA, and multiplexed immunohistochemistry (mIHC) were monitored and compared between responders and non-responders. Finally, two intent-to-treat (ITT) lesions (pure-GGO or GGO-predominant) showed responses (ORR: 5.6%, 2/36), and no patients had progressive disease (PD). No grade 3-5 TRAEs occurred. The total response rate considering two ITT lesions and three non-intent-to-treat (NITT) lesions (pure-solid or solid-predominant) was 13.9% (5/36). The proportion of CD8+ T cells, the ratio of CD8+/CD4+, and the TCR clonality value were significantly higher in the peripheral blood of responders before treatment and decreased over time. Correspondingly, the mIHC analysis showed more CD8+ T cells infiltrated in responders. Besides, responders' cytokine concentrations of EGF and CTLA-4 increased during treatment. The exosomal expression of fatty acid metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation gene signatures were down-regulated among responders. Collectively, PD-1 inhibitor showed certain activity on high-risk pulmonary GGO lesions without safety concerns. Such effects were associated with specific T-cell re-distribution, EGF/CTLA-4 cytokine compensation, and regulation of metabolism pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Cheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China
| | - Caichen Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianfu Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China
| | - Longlong Gong
- Medical Department, Genecast Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Wuxi, China
| | - Peng Liang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuting Zhan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shan Xiong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ran Zhong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hengrui Liang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Feng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China
| | - Runchen Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haixuan Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongbo Zheng
- Medical Department, Genecast Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Wuxi, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengzhi Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenlong Shao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Qiu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiancong Sun
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhanhong Xie
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhu Liang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Chenglin Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiuyu Cai
- Department of VIP Inpatient, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunxia Su
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianxing He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Wenhua Liang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China.
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13
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An Y, Duan H. ALKBH5 modulates macrophages polarization in tumor microenvironment of ovarian cancer. J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:84. [PMID: 38637813 PMCID: PMC11025218 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-024-01394-4] [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: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Macrophages play an essential role in regulating ovarian cancer immune microenvironment. Studies have shown that m6A methylation could influence immune microenvironment in cancer. In this study, we investigated the roles of m6A demethylase ALKBH5 and m6A recognition protein IGF2BP2 played in regulating macrophages polarization in ovarian cancer. METHODS In this study, we first explored the differentially expressed m6A methylation enzymes in M0 and M2 macrophages according to two independent GEO datasets. TIMER2.0 and GSCA database were used to explore the immune analysis of ALKBH5 and IGF2BP2 in ovarian cancer. K-M plotter and TIMER2.0 databases were used to evaluate the prognostic role of ALKBH5 and IGF2BP2 in ovarian cancer. For CNV mutation analysis of ALKBH5 and IGF2BP2, cBioPortal and GSCA databases were used. For single-cell analysis, sc-TIME and HPA softwares were used to analyze the roles of ALKBH5 and IGF2BP2 played in immune cells in ovarian cancer. To identify the role of ALKBH5 played in macrophage polarization, RT-PCR was used to verify the macrophage polarization related markers in vitro study. The function of ALKBH5 played in ovarian cancer was further analyzed through GO and KEGG analysis. FINDINGS In this study, we found that ALKBH5 and IGF2BP2 were up-regulated in M2 macrophages, which showed closely correlation with immune cells expressions in ovarian cancer, especially with macrophages. Ovarian cancer patients with higher expression of ALKBH5 and IGF2BP2 showed worse prognosis, possibly because of their close correlation with immune response. ALKBH5 also correlated with macrophage phenotypes in single-cell levels analysis. However, the expression level of IGF2BP2 in ovarian cancer immune microenvironment was very low. The results of RT-PCR indicated the potential role of ALKBH5 in M2 polarization of macrophages. INTERPRETATION ALKBH5 participated in regulating macrophage M2 polarization in ovarian cancer immune microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan An
- Gynecological Mini-Invasive Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, 17 Qihelou Street, Beijing, 100006, China
| | - Hua Duan
- Gynecological Mini-Invasive Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, 17 Qihelou Street, Beijing, 100006, China.
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14
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Huang Z, Xiao Z, Yu L, Liu J, Yang Y, Ouyang W. Tumor-associated macrophages in non-small-cell lung cancer: From treatment resistance mechanisms to therapeutic targets. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 196:104284. [PMID: 38311012 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104284] [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: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Different treatment approaches are typically employed based on the stage of NSCLC. Common clinical treatment methods include surgical resection, drug therapy, and radiation therapy. However, with the introduction and utilization of immune checkpoint inhibitors, cancer treatment has entered a new era, completely revolutionizing the treatment landscape for various cancers and significantly improving overall patient survival. Concurrently, treatment resistance often poses a critical challenge, with many patients experiencing disease progression following an initial response due to treatment resistance. Increasing evidence suggests that the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a pivotal role in treatment resistance. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) within the TME can promote treatment resistance in NSCLC by secreting various cytokines activating signaling pathways, and interacting with other immune cells. Therefore, this article will focus on elucidating the key mechanisms of TAMs in treatment resistance and analyze how targeting TAMs can reduce the levels of treatment resistance in NSCLC, providing a comprehensive understanding of the principles and approaches to overcome treatment resistance in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenjun Huang
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Ziqi Xiao
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Liqing Yu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Jiayu Liu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Yihan Yang
- Jiangxi Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China; Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Wenhao Ouyang
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.
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15
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Zhang HQ, Sun C, Xu N, Liu W. The current landscape of the antimicrobial peptide melittin and its therapeutic potential. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1326033. [PMID: 38318188 PMCID: PMC10838977 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1326033] [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: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Melittin, a main component of bee venom, is a cationic amphiphilic peptide with a linear α-helix structure. It has been reported that melittin can exert pharmacological effects, such as antitumor, antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo. In particular, melittin may be beneficial for the treatment of diseases for which no specific clinical therapeutic agents exist. Melittin can effectively enhance the therapeutic properties of some first-line drugs. Elucidating the mechanism underlying melittin-mediated biological function can provide valuable insights for the application of melittin in disease intervention. However, in melittin, the positively charged amino acids enables it to directly punching holes in cell membranes. The hemolysis in red cells and the cytotoxicity triggered by melittin limit its applications. Melittin-based nanomodification, immuno-conjugation, structural regulation and gene technology strategies have been demonstrated to enhance the specificity, reduce the cytotoxicity and limit the off-target cytolysis of melittin, which suggests the potential of melittin to be used clinically. This article summarizes research progress on antiviral, antitumor and anti-inflammatory properties of melittin, and discusses the strategies of melittin-modification for its future potential clinical applications in preventing drug resistance, enhancing the selectivity to target cells and alleviating cytotoxic effects to normal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Qian Zhang
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Chengbiao Sun
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Na Xu
- Academic Affairs Office, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, Jilin, China
| | - Wensen Liu
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Changchun, Jilin, China
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16
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Shao R, Liu C, Xue R, Deng X, Liu L, Song C, Xie J, Tang H, Liu W. Tumor-derived Exosomal ENO2 Modulates Polarization of Tumor-associated Macrophages through Reprogramming Glycolysis to Promote Progression of Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:848-863. [PMID: 38250157 PMCID: PMC10797692 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.91154] [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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Macrophages can be polarized into functional classically activated (M1) or alternatively activated (M2) phenotype. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) mainly exhibit M2 phenotype. Previous works determined that up-regulation of enolase 2 (ENO2) in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cells can promote macrophages to an M2-like phenotype, thereby consequently promoting the progression of DLBCL. Exosomes are a subset of extracellular vesicles, carrying various bioactive molecules, mediate signals transduction and regulate immune cells. In our study, we investigated the role and related mechanisms of DLBCL-derived exosomal ENO2 in regulating macrophage polarization during DLBCL progression via bioinformatics analysis and a series of experiments. The results of bioinformatics analysis indicated that high expression of ENO2 was positively correlated with DLBCL progression and macrophages M2/M1 ratio. ENO2 protein levels were increased in the exosomes of the sera of DLBCL patients and DLBCL cells. Moreover, the DLBCL-derived exosomes were assimilated by macrophages and then regulated macrophage polarization. The results of in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that DLBCL-derived exosomal ENO2 modulated macrophages polarization (increased M2 phenotype and decreased M1 phenotype), thereby promoting DLBCL proliferation, migration, and invasion. We then revealed that the modulation of macrophages polarization by DLBCL-derived exosomal ENO2 depended on glycolysis and was promoted through GSK3β/β-catenin/c-Myc signaling pathway. These findings suggested that DLBCL-derived exosomal ENO2 accelerated glycolysis via GSK3β/β-catenin/c-Myc signaling pathway to ultimately promote macrophages to an M2-like phenotype, which can promote the proliferation, migration and invasion of DLBCL, suggesting that exosomal ENO2 may be a promising therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker for DLBCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruonan Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P. R. China
| | - Chengcheng Liu
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‑Sen University, Guangzhou 510630, P. R. China
| | - Ruifeng Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P. R. China
| | - Xinpei Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P. R. China
| | - Lingrui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P. R. China
| | - Cailu Song
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P. R. China
| | - Jindong Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P. R. China
| | - Hailin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P. R. China
| | - Wenjian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P. R. China
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17
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Jin X, Wu H, Yu J, Cao Y, Zhang L, Zhang Z, Lv H. Glutamate affects self-assembly, protein corona, and anti-4 T1 tumor effects of melittin/vitamin E-succinic acid-(glutamate)n nanoparticles. J Control Release 2024; 365:802-817. [PMID: 38092255 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Melittin (M) has attracted increasing attention for its significant antitumor effects and various immunomodulatory effects. However, various obstacles such as the short plasma half-life and adverse reactions restrict its application. This study aimed to systematically investigate the self-assembly mechanism, components of the protein corona, targeting behavior, and anti-4 T1 tumor effect of vitamin E-succinic acid-(glutamate)n /melittin nanoparticles with varying amounts of glutamic acid. Here, we present a new vitamin E-succinic acid-(glutamate)5 (E5), vitamin E-succinic acid-(glutamate)10 (E10) or vitamin E-succinic acid-(glutamate)15 (E15), and their co-assembly system with positively charged melittin in water. The molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that the electrostatic energy and van der Waals force in the system decreased significantly with the increase in the amount of glutamic acid. The melittin and E15 system exhibited the optimal stability for nanoparticle self-assembly. When nanoparticles derived from different self-assembly systems were co-incubated with plasma from patients with breast cancer, the protein corona showed heterogeneity. In vivo imaging demonstrated that an increase in the number of glutamic acid residues enhanced circulation duration and tumor-targeting effects. Both in vitro and in vivo antitumor evaluation indicated a significant increase in the antitumor effect with the addition of glutamic acid. According to our research findings, the number of glutamic acid residues plays a crucial role in the targeted delivery of melittin for immunomodulation and inhibition of 4 T1 breast cancer. Due to the self-assembly capabilities of vitamin E-succinic acid-(glutamate)n in water, these nanoparticles carry significant potential for delivering cationic peptides such as melittin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Jin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; Department of Pharmaceutics, The Affiliated Suqian First People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suqian, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hangyi Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Yu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanni Cao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lanyi Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhenhai Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Huixia Lv
- Department of Pharmaceutics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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18
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Yu X, Jia S, Yu S, Chen Y, Zhang C, Chen H, Dai Y. Recent advances in melittin-based nanoparticles for antitumor treatment: from mechanisms to targeted delivery strategies. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:454. [PMID: 38017537 PMCID: PMC10685715 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02223-4] [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: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
As a naturally occurring cytolytic peptide, melittin (MLT) not only exhibits a potent direct tumor cell-killing effect but also possesses various immunomodulatory functions. MLT shows minimal chances for developing resistance and has been recognized as a promising broad-spectrum antitumor drug because of this unique dual mechanism of action. However, MLT still displays obvious toxic side effects during treatment, such as nonspecific cytolytic activity, hemolytic toxicity, coagulation disorders, and allergic reactions, seriously hampering its broad clinical applications. With thorough research on antitumor mechanisms and the rapid development of nanotechnology, significant effort has been devoted to shielding against toxicity and achieving tumor-directed drug delivery to improve the therapeutic efficacy of MLT. Herein, we mainly summarize the potential antitumor mechanisms of MLT and recent progress in the targeted delivery strategies for tumor therapy, such as passive targeting, active targeting and stimulus-responsive targeting. Additionally, we also highlight the prospects and challenges of realizing the full potential of MLT in the field of tumor therapy. By exploring the antitumor molecular mechanisms and delivery strategies of MLT, this comprehensive review may inspire new ideas for tumor multimechanism synergistic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Hainan Province, One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, China.
| | - Siyu Jia
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Shi Yu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Yaohui Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Chengwei Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Haidan Chen
- The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.
| | - Yanfeng Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Hainan Province, One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, China.
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19
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Liu L, Chen G, Gong S, Huang R, Fan C. Targeting tumor-associated macrophage: an adjuvant strategy for lung cancer therapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1274547. [PMID: 38022518 PMCID: PMC10679371 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1274547] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment landscape for various types of cancer. Nevertheless, lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide due to the development of resistance in most patients. As one of the most abundant groups of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play crucial and complex roles in the development of lung cancer, including the regulation of immunosuppressive TME remodeling, metabolic reprogramming, neoangiogenesis, metastasis, and promotion of tumoral neurogenesis. Hence, relevant strategies for lung cancer therapy, such as inhibition of macrophage recruitment, TAM reprograming, depletion of TAMs, and engineering of TAMs for drug delivery, have been developed. Based on the satisfactory treatment effect of TAM-targeted therapy, recent studies also investigated its synergistic effect with current therapies for lung cancer, including immunotherapy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR) treatment, or photodynamic therapy. Thus, in this article, we summarized the key mechanisms of TAMs contributing to lung cancer progression and elaborated on the novel therapeutic strategies against TAMs. We also discussed the therapeutic potential of TAM targeting as adjuvant therapy in the current treatment of lung cancer, particularly highlighting the TAM-centered strategies for improving the efficacy of anti-programmed cell death-1/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (anti-PD-1/PD-L1) treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Chunmei Fan
- *Correspondence: Chunmei Fan, ; Rongfu Huang,
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20
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Yan R, Dai W, Mao Y, Yu G, Li W, Shu M, Xu B. Melittin inhibits tumor cell migration and enhances cisplatin sensitivity by suppressing IL-17 signaling pathway gene LCN2 in castration-resistant prostate cancer. Prostate 2023; 83:1430-1445. [PMID: 37517867 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melittin is a small molecule polypeptide extracted from the abdominal cavity of bees, which is used to treat inflammatory diseases and relieve pain. However, the antitumor effect of melittin and its mechanisms remain unclear, especially in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). METHODS Through CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, wound healing assay and Transwell migration assay, we explored the effect of melittin on CRPC cell lines. In addition, with microarray analysis, gene ontology analysis and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analysis, this study identified key genes and signaling pathways that influence the growth of PC-3 cells. Meanwhile, the effect of melittin on CRPC was also verified through subcutaneous tumor formation experiments. Finally, we also tested the relevant indicators of human prostate cancer (PCa) specimens through immunohistochemistry and H&E stating. RESULTS Here, melittin was verified to inhibit the cell proliferation and migration of CPRC. Moreover, RNA-sequence analysis demonstrated that Interleukin-17 (IL-17) signaling pathway gene Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) was downregulated by melittin treatment in CRPC. Further investigation revealed that overexpression of LCN2 was able to rescue tumor suppression and cisplatin sensitivity which melittin mediated. Interestingly, the expression of LCN2 is highly related to metastasis in PCa. CONCLUSIONS In brief, our study indicates that LCN2 plays an oncogenic role in CRPC and melittin may be selected as an attractive candidate for CRPC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rucheng Yan
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Weiwei Dai
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Yuanshen Mao
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Guopeng Yu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Wenfeng Li
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Minfeng Shu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
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21
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Chen C, Huang Z, Tan X, Wang R, Liu J, Zhang M. The microRNA-4766/VEGFA axis mediates macrophage M2-type polarization to inhibit colorectal cancer proliferation and migration. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 250:154767. [PMID: 37713737 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the miR-4766/VEGFA axis in regulating M2-type macrophage polarization under hypoxia and its effect on the proliferation and migration of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. METHODS The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in macrophages before and after hypoxia treatment in the dataset GSE154427 were analyzed. microRNA (miR)-4766 and VEGFA were selected as the research objects and then detected for mRNA expression and protein level using qRT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. The expression levels of M2 macrophage markers such as CD206, CD163, and ARG1 were detected to determine the M2-type macrophage polarization. The targeted binding of miR-4766 to VEGFA was verified using Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. CCK-8 and Transwell assays were performed, respectively, to detect the capacity of cells to proliferate and migrate. IL-10 and TGF-β levels in the conditioned medium were detected using ELISA. RESULTS miR-4766 was upregulated, and VEGFA was downregulated in hypoxia-treated macrophages. miR-4766 inhibited, while VEGFA promoted the polarization of M2-type macrophages. miR-4766 targeted and negatively regulated VEGFA. miR-4766 inhibited the polarization of M2-type macrophages and then suppressed CRC cell proliferation and migration via targeting VEGFA. CONCLUSION Restoring miR-4766 expression to inhibit VEGFA expression promised to be a potential strategy to suppress CRC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- Department of Emergency, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhiguo Huang
- Department of Emergency, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xinyu Tan
- Department of Emergency, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ruolong Wang
- Department of Emergency, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Emergency, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Mu Zhang
- Department of Emergency, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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22
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Choi W, Shin WR, Kim YH, Min J. Inducing a Proinflammatory Response with Bioengineered Yeast Vacuoles with TLR2-Binding Peptides (Vac T2BP) as a Drug Carrier for Daunorubicin Delivery. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:41258-41270. [PMID: 37615983 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c06669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Immune adjuvants have roles in immune activation for cancer therapy, and adjuvants derived from microbes have been applied. In this study, we propose the use of bioengineered vacuoles, derived from recombinant yeast with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) specificity and having a TLR-2-binding peptide (VacT2BP) on their surface, to induce a proinflammatory response as a dual-function nanomaterial for daunorubicin (DNR) delivery. Our results demonstrate that nanosized, isolated VacT2BP induced HL-60 cell-specific DNR delivery and apoptosis. Furthermore, we observed the selective release of high-mobility group box 1 from apoptotic HL-60 cells by DNR@VacT2BP. We concluded that DNR@VacT2BP exhibited target selectivity, and the indiscriminate occurrence of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) was inhibited by the VacT2BP carrier. The therapeutic efficacy of DNR@VacT2BP was confirmed in AML xenograft mice, with about 82% tumor growth inhibition. Following drug delivery, apoptotic cells and DAMPs with residual VacT2BP (apopDNR@VacT2BP) upregulated the proinflammatory immune response of macrophages. In addition, apopDNR@VacT2BP enhanced phagocytosis activity. Macrophages stimulated by apopDNR@VacT2BP suppressed cancer proliferation by about 40%. In summary, our results suggest that dual-functional vacuoles with a target-specific peptide can be a potential strategy for selective drug delivery and construction of an immune environment to fight cancer, thereby improving prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wooil Choi
- Graduate School of Semiconductor and Chemical Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-Gu Jeonju, Jeonbuk 54896, South Korea
| | - Woo-Ri Shin
- School of Biological Sciences, Chungbuk National University, 1, Chungdae-Ro, Seowon-Gu, Cheongju 28644, South Korea
| | - Yang-Hoon Kim
- School of Biological Sciences, Chungbuk National University, 1, Chungdae-Ro, Seowon-Gu, Cheongju 28644, South Korea
| | - Jiho Min
- Graduate School of Semiconductor and Chemical Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-Gu Jeonju, Jeonbuk 54896, South Korea
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23
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Qualliotine JR, Nakagawa T, Rosenthal SB, Sadat S, Ballesteros-Merino C, Xu G, Mark A, Nasamran A, Gutkind JS, Fisch KM, Guo T, Fox BA, Khan Z, Molinolo AA, Califano JA. A Network Landscape of HPVOPC Reveals Methylation Alterations as Significant Drivers of Gene Expression via an Immune-Mediated GPCR Signal. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4379. [PMID: 37686653 PMCID: PMC10486378 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174379] [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: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
HPV-associated oropharynx carcinoma (HPVOPC) tumors have a relatively low mutational burden. Elucidating the relative contributions of other tumor alterations, such as DNA methylation alterations, alternative splicing events (ASE), and copy number variation (CNV), could provide a deeper understanding of carcinogenesis drivers in this disease. We applied network propagation analysis to multiple classes of tumor alterations in a discovery cohort of 46 primary HPVOPC tumors and 25 cancer-unaffected controls and validated our findings with TCGA data. We identified significant overlap between differential gene expression networks and all alteration classes, and this association was highest for methylation and lowest for CNV. Significant overlap was seen for gene clusters of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) pathways. HPV16-human protein interaction analysis identified an enriched cluster defined by an immune-mediated GPCR signal, including CXCR3 cytokines CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11. CXCR3 was found to be expressed in primary HPVOPC, and scRNA-seq analysis demonstrated CXCR3 ligands to be highly expressed in M2 macrophages. In vivo models demonstrated decreased tumor growth with antagonism of the CXCR3 receptor in immunodeficient but not immunocompetent mice, suggesting that the CXCR3 axis can drive tumor proliferation in an autocrine fashion, but the effect is tempered by an intact immune system. In conclusion, methylation, ASE, and SNV alterations are highly associated with network gene expression changes in HPVOPC, suggesting that ASE and methylation alterations have an important role in driving the oncogenic phenotype. Network analysis identifies GPCR networks, specifically the CXCR3 chemokine axis, as modulators of tumor-immune interactions that may have proliferative effects on primary tumors as well as a role for immunosurveillance; however, CXCR3 inhibition should be used with caution, as these agents may both inhibit and stimulate tumor growth considering the competing effects of this cytokine axis. Further investigation is needed to explore opportunities for targeted therapy in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse R. Qualliotine
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Gleiberman Head and Neck Cancer Center, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Takuya Nakagawa
- Gleiberman Head and Neck Cancer Center, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Sara Brin Rosenthal
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Sayed Sadat
- Gleiberman Head and Neck Cancer Center, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | | | - Guorong Xu
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Adam Mark
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Art Nasamran
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - J. Silvio Gutkind
- Gleiberman Head and Neck Cancer Center, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kathleen M. Fisch
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Theresa Guo
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Gleiberman Head and Neck Cancer Center, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Bernard A. Fox
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Center, Portland, OR 97213, USA
| | - Zubair Khan
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Alfredo A. Molinolo
- Gleiberman Head and Neck Cancer Center, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Joseph A. Califano
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Gleiberman Head and Neck Cancer Center, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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24
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Abu El-Asrar AM, De Hertogh G, Allegaert E, Nawaz MI, Abouelasrar Salama S, Gikandi PW, Opdenakker G, Struyf S. Macrophage-Myofibroblast Transition Contributes to Myofibroblast Formation in Proliferative Vitreoretinal Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13510. [PMID: 37686317 PMCID: PMC10487544 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation and fibrosis are key features of proliferative vitreoretinal disorders. We aimed to define the macrophage phenotype and investigate the role of macrophage-myofibroblast transition (MMT) in the contribution to myofibroblast populations present in epiretinal membranes. Vitreous samples from proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and nondiabetic control patients, epiretinal fibrovascular membranes from PDR patients and fibrocellular membranes from PVR patients, human retinal Müller glial cells and human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) were studied by ELISA, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry analysis. Myofibroblasts expressing α-SMA, fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP-α) and fibroblast-specific protein-1 (FSP-1) were present in all membranes. The majority of CD68+ monocytes/macrophages co-expressed the M2 macrophage marker CD206. In epiretinal membranes, cells undergoing MMT were identified by co-expression of the macrophage marker CD68 and myofibroblast markers α-SMA and FSP-1. Further analysis revealed that CD206+ M2 macrophages co-expressed α-SMA, FSP-1, FAP-α and ß-catenin. Soluble (s) CD206 and sFAP-α levels were significantly higher in vitreous samples from PDR and PVR patients than in nondiabetic control patients. The proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α and the hypoxia mimetic agent cobalt chloride induced upregulation of sFAP-α in culture media of Müller cells but not of HRMECs. The NF-ĸß inhibitor BAY11-7085 significantly attenuated TNF-α-induced upregulation of sFAP-α in Müller cells. Our findings suggest that the process of MMT might contribute to myofibroblast formation in epiretinal membranes, and this transition involved macrophages with a predominant M2 phenotype. In addition, sFAP-α as a vitreous biomarker may be derived from M2 macrophages transitioned to myofibroblasts and from Müller cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M. Abu El-Asrar
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11411, Saudi Arabia; (M.I.N.); (P.W.G.); (G.O.)
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Research Chair in Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11411, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gert De Hertogh
- Laboratory of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (G.D.H.); (E.A.)
- University Hospitals UZ Gasthuisberg, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eef Allegaert
- Laboratory of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (G.D.H.); (E.A.)
- University Hospitals UZ Gasthuisberg, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mohd I. Nawaz
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11411, Saudi Arabia; (M.I.N.); (P.W.G.); (G.O.)
| | - Sara Abouelasrar Salama
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (S.A.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Priscilla W. Gikandi
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11411, Saudi Arabia; (M.I.N.); (P.W.G.); (G.O.)
| | - Ghislain Opdenakker
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11411, Saudi Arabia; (M.I.N.); (P.W.G.); (G.O.)
- University Hospitals UZ Gasthuisberg, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sofie Struyf
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (S.A.S.); (S.S.)
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25
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Zheng J, Jiang J, Pu Y, Xu T, Sun J, Zhang Q, He L, Liang X. Tumor-associated macrophages in nanomaterial-based anti-tumor therapy: as target spots or delivery platforms. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1248421. [PMID: 37654704 PMCID: PMC10466823 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1248421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) has emerged as a promising approach in cancer therapy. This article provides a comprehensive review of recent advancements in the field of nanomedicines targeting TAMs. According to the crucial role of TAMs in tumor progression, strategies to inhibit macrophage recruitment, suppress TAM survival, and transform TAM phenotypes are discussed as potential therapeutic avenues. To enhance the targeting capacity of nanomedicines, various approaches such as the use of ligands, immunoglobulins, and short peptides are explored. The utilization of live programmed macrophages, macrophage cell membrane-coated nanoparticles and macrophage-derived extracellular vesicles as drug delivery platforms is also highlighted, offering improved biocompatibility and prolonged circulation time. However, challenges remain in achieving precise targeting and controlled drug release. The heterogeneity of TAMs and the variability of surface markers pose hurdles in achieving specific recognition. Furthermore, the safety and clinical applicability of these nanomedicines requires further investigation. In conclusion, nanomedicines targeting TAMs hold great promise in cancer therapy, offering enhanced specificity and reduced side effects. Addressing the existing limitations and expanding our understanding of TAM biology will pave the way for the successful translation of these nano-therapies into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jixuan Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, West China School of Medicine, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinting Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, West China School of Medicine, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yicheng Pu
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, West China School of Medicine, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tingrui Xu
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, West China School of Medicine, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiantong Sun
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, West China School of Medicine, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling He
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Liang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, West China School of Medicine, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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26
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Ung T, Rutledge NS, Weiss AM, Esser-Kahn AP, Deak P. Cell-targeted vaccines: implications for adaptive immunity. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1221008. [PMID: 37662903 PMCID: PMC10468591 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1221008] [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: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advancements in immunology and chemistry have facilitated advancements in targeted vaccine technology. Targeting specific cell types, tissue locations, or receptors can allow for modulation of the adaptive immune response to vaccines. This review provides an overview of cellular targets of vaccines, suggests methods of targeting and downstream effects on immune responses, and summarizes general trends in the literature. Understanding the relationships between vaccine targets and subsequent adaptive immune responses is critical for effective vaccine design. This knowledge could facilitate design of more effective, disease-specialized vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Ung
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Nakisha S. Rutledge
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Adam M. Weiss
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Aaron P. Esser-Kahn
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Peter Deak
- Chemical and Biological Engineering Department, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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27
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Zhang H, Zhang Y, Zhang C, Yu H, Ma Y, Li Z, Shi N. Recent Advances of Cell-Penetrating Peptides and Their Application as Vectors for Delivery of Peptide and Protein-Based Cargo Molecules. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2093. [PMID: 37631307 PMCID: PMC10459450 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptides and proteins, two important classes of biomacromolecules, play important roles in the biopharmaceuticals field. As compared with traditional drugs based on small molecules, peptide- and protein-based drugs offer several advantages, although most cannot traverse the cell membrane, a natural barrier that prevents biomacromolecules from directly entering cells. However, drug delivery via cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) is increasingly replacing traditional approaches that mediate biomacromolecular cellular uptake, due to CPPs' superior safety and efficiency as drug delivery vehicles. In this review, we describe the discovery of CPPs, recent developments in CPP design, and recent advances in CPP applications for enhanced cellular delivery of peptide- and protein-based drugs. First, we discuss the discovery of natural CPPs in snake, bee, and spider venom. Second, we describe several synthetic types of CPPs, such as cyclic CPPs, glycosylated CPPs, and D-form CPPs. Finally, we summarize and discuss cell membrane permeability characteristics and therapeutic applications of different CPPs when used as vehicles to deliver peptides and proteins to cells, as assessed using various preclinical disease models. Ultimately, this review provides an overview of recent advances in CPP development with relevance to applications related to the therapeutic delivery of biomacromolecular drugs to alleviate diverse diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huifeng Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Jilin Medical University, Jilin 132013, China; (H.Z.); (Y.Z.); (C.Z.); (H.Y.); (Y.M.)
| | - Yanfei Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Jilin Medical University, Jilin 132013, China; (H.Z.); (Y.Z.); (C.Z.); (H.Y.); (Y.M.)
| | - Chuang Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Jilin Medical University, Jilin 132013, China; (H.Z.); (Y.Z.); (C.Z.); (H.Y.); (Y.M.)
| | - Huan Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Jilin Medical University, Jilin 132013, China; (H.Z.); (Y.Z.); (C.Z.); (H.Y.); (Y.M.)
| | - Yinghui Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Jilin Medical University, Jilin 132013, China; (H.Z.); (Y.Z.); (C.Z.); (H.Y.); (Y.M.)
| | - Zhengqiang Li
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China;
| | - Nianqiu Shi
- School of Pharmacy, Jilin Medical University, Jilin 132013, China; (H.Z.); (Y.Z.); (C.Z.); (H.Y.); (Y.M.)
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China
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28
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Li Y, Yang KD, Duan HY, Du YN, Ye JF. Phage-based peptides for pancreatic cancer diagnosis and treatment: alternative approach. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1231503. [PMID: 37601380 PMCID: PMC10433397 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1231503] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease with a high mortality rate and a lack of effective therapies. The challenges associated with early detection and the highly aggressive nature of pancreatic cancer have limited treatment options, underscoring the urgent need for better disease-modifying therapies. Peptide-based biotherapeutics have become an attractive area of research due to their favorable properties such as high selectivity and affinity, chemical modifiability, good tissue permeability, and easy metabolism and excretion. Phage display, a powerful technique for identifying peptides with high affinity and specificity for their target molecules, has emerged as a key tool in the discovery of peptide-based drugs. Phage display technology involves the use of bacteriophages to express peptide libraries, which are then screened against a target of interest to identify peptides with desired properties. This approach has shown great promise in cancer diagnosis and treatment, with potential applications in targeting cancer cells and developing new therapies. In this comprehensive review, we provide an overview of the basic biology of phage vectors, the principles of phage library construction, and various methods for binding affinity assessment. We then describe the applications of phage display in pancreatic cancer therapy, targeted drug delivery, and early detection. Despite its promising potential, there are still challenges to be addressed, such as optimizing the selection process and improving the pharmacokinetic properties of phage-based drugs. Nevertheless, phage display represents a promising approach for the development of novel targeted therapies in pancreatic cancer and other tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Kai-di Yang
- General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hao-yu Duan
- General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ya-nan Du
- General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jun-feng Ye
- General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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29
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Sun XX, Nosrati Z, Ko J, Lee CM, Bennewith KL, Bally MB. Induced Vascular Normalization-Can One Force Tumors to Surrender to a Better Microenvironment? Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2022. [PMID: 37631236 PMCID: PMC10458586 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082022] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has changed the way many cancers are being treated. Researchers in the field of immunotherapy and tumor immunology are investigating similar questions: How can the positive benefits achieved with immunotherapies be enhanced? Can this be achieved through combinations with other agents and if so, which ones? In our view, there is an urgent need to improve immunotherapy to make further gains in the overall survival for those patients that should benefit from immunotherapy. While numerous different approaches are being considered, our team believes that drug delivery methods along with appropriately selected small-molecule drugs and drug candidates could help reach the goal of doubling the overall survival rate that is seen in some patients that are given immunotherapeutics. This review article is prepared to address how immunotherapies should be combined with a second treatment using an approach that could realize therapeutic gains 10 years from now. For context, an overview of immunotherapy and cancer angiogenesis is provided. The major targets in angiogenesis that have modulatory effects on the tumor microenvironment and immune cells are highlighted. A combination approach that, for us, has the greatest potential for success involves treatments that will normalize the tumor's blood vessel structure and alter the immune microenvironment to support the action of immunotherapeutics. So, this is reviewed as well. Our focus is to provide an insight into some strategies that will engender vascular normalization that may be better than previously described approaches. The potential for drug delivery systems to promote tumor blood vessel normalization is considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Xin Sun
- Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; (Z.N.); (J.K.); (C.-M.L.); (K.L.B.); (M.B.B.)
- Interdisciplinary Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
- NanoMedicines Innovation Network, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Cuprous Pharmaceuticals, Vancouver, BC V6N 3P8, Canada
| | - Zeynab Nosrati
- Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; (Z.N.); (J.K.); (C.-M.L.); (K.L.B.); (M.B.B.)
- Interdisciplinary Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
- Cuprous Pharmaceuticals, Vancouver, BC V6N 3P8, Canada
| | - Janell Ko
- Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; (Z.N.); (J.K.); (C.-M.L.); (K.L.B.); (M.B.B.)
| | - Che-Min Lee
- Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; (Z.N.); (J.K.); (C.-M.L.); (K.L.B.); (M.B.B.)
- Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Kevin L. Bennewith
- Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; (Z.N.); (J.K.); (C.-M.L.); (K.L.B.); (M.B.B.)
- Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Marcel B. Bally
- Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; (Z.N.); (J.K.); (C.-M.L.); (K.L.B.); (M.B.B.)
- Interdisciplinary Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
- NanoMedicines Innovation Network, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Cuprous Pharmaceuticals, Vancouver, BC V6N 3P8, Canada
- Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
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30
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Baruch EN, Nagarajan P, Gleber-Netto FO, Rao X, Xie T, Akhter S, Adewale A, Shajedul I, Mattson BJ, Ferrarotto R, Wong MK, Davies MA, Jindal S, Basu S, Harwood C, Leigh I, Ajami N, Futreal A, Castillo M, Gunaratne P, Goepfert RP, Khushalani N, Wang J, Watowich S, Calin GA, Migden MR, Vermeer P, D’Silva N, Yaniv D, Burks JK, Gomez J, Dougherty PM, Tsai KY, Allison JP, Sharma P, Wargo J, Myers JN, Gross ND, Amit M. Inflammation induced by tumor-associated nerves promotes resistance to anti-PD-1 therapy in cancer patients and is targetable by interleukin-6 blockade. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3161761. [PMID: 37503252 PMCID: PMC10371163 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3161761/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
While the nervous system has reciprocal interactions with both cancer and the immune system, little is known about the potential role of tumor associated nerves (TANs) in modulating anti-tumoral immunity. Moreover, while peri-neural invasion is a well establish poor prognostic factor across cancer types, the mechanisms driving this clinical effect remain unknown. Here, we provide clinical and mechniastic association between TANs damage and resistance to anti-PD-1 therapy. Using electron microscopy, electrical conduction studies, and tumor samples of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) patients, we showed that cancer cells can destroy myelin sheath and induce TANs degeneration. Multi-omics and spatial analyses of tumor samples from cSCC patients who underwent neoadjuvant anti-PD-1 therapy demonstrated that anti-PD-1 non-responders had higher rates of peri-neural invasion, TANs damage and degeneration compared to responders, both at baseline and following neoadjuvant treatment. Tumors from non-responders were also characterized by a sustained signaling of interferon type I (IFN-I) - known to both propagate nerve degeneration and to dampen anti-tumoral immunity. Peri-neural niches of non-responders were characterized by higher immune activity compared to responders, including immune-suppressive activity of M2 macrophages, and T regulatory cells. This tumor promoting inflammation expanded to the rest of the tumor microenvironment in non-responders. Anti-PD-1 efficacy was dampened by inducing nerve damage prior to treatment administration in a murine model. In contrast, anti-PD-1 efficacy was enhanced by denervation and by interleukin-6 blockade. These findings suggested a potential novel anti-PD-1 resistance drived by TANs damage and inflammation. This resistance mechanism is targetable and may have therapeutic implications in other neurotropic cancers with poor response to anti-PD-1 therapy such as pancreatic, prostate, and breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erez N. Baruch
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Hematology and Oncology Fellowship program, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Frederico O. Gleber-Netto
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiayu Rao
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Division of Basic Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tongxin Xie
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shamima Akhter
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Adebayo Adewale
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Islam Shajedul
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Brandi J Mattson
- The Neurodegeneration Consortium, Therapeutics Discovery Division, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Renata Ferrarotto
- Department of Head and Neck Thoracic Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael K. Wong
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael A Davies
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sonali Jindal
- Department of Immunology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sreyashi Basu
- Department of Immunology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Catherine Harwood
- Department of Dermatology, Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry Queen Mary University of London, UK
| | - Irene Leigh
- Department of Dermatology, Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry Queen Mary University of London, UK
| | - Nadim Ajami
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Division of Cancer Medicine, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Andrew Futreal
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Division of Cancer Medicine, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Micah Castillo
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston Sequencing and Gene Editing Core, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Preethi Gunaratne
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston Sequencing and Gene Editing Core, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ryan P. Goepfert
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Jing Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Division of Basic Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stephanie Watowich
- Department of Immunology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - George A Calin
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael R. Migden
- Department of Dermatology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Paola Vermeer
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Nisha D’Silva
- Department of Dentistry & Pathology, the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Dan Yaniv
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jared K Burks
- Department of Leukemia, Division of Cancer Medicine, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Javier Gomez
- Department of Leukemia, Division of Cancer Medicine, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Patrick M Dougherty
- Department of Pain Medicine, Division of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kenneth Y. Tsai
- Department of Tumor Biology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - James P Allison
- Department of Immunology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Padmanee Sharma
- Department of Immunology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer Wargo
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Division of Cancer Medicine, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Surgical Oncology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey N. Myers
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Neil D. Gross
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Moran Amit
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Division of Cancer Medicine, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX
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31
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Pandey P, Khan F, Khan MA, Kumar R, Upadhyay TK. An Updated Review Summarizing the Anticancer Efficacy of Melittin from Bee Venom in Several Models of Human Cancers. Nutrients 2023; 15:3111. [PMID: 37513529 PMCID: PMC10385528 DOI: 10.3390/nu15143111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Apitherapy (using bee products) has gained broad recognition in cancer therapeutics globally. Honeybee venom has a broad range of biological potential, and its utilization is rapidly emerging in apitherapy. Bee products have significant potential to strengthen the immune system and improve human health. Thus, this review is targeted toward recapitulating the chemo-preventive potential of melittin (MEL), which constitutes a substantial portion of honeybee venom. Honeybee venom (apitoxin) is produced in the venom gland of the honeybee abdomen, and adult bees utilize it as a primary colony defense mechanism. Apitoxin comprises numerous biologically active compounds, including peptides, enzymes, amines, amino acids, phospholipids, minerals, carbohydrates, and volatile components. We are mainly focused on exploring the potential of melittin (a peptide component) of bee venom that has shown promising potential in the treatment of several human cancers, including breast, stomach, lung, prostate, ovary, kidney, colon, gastric, esophageal, cervical cancers, melanoma, osteosarcoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma. This review has summarized all potential studies related to the anticancerous efficacy of melittin (apitoxin), its formulations, conjugates, and nano-formulations against several human carcinomas, which would further pave the way for future researchers in developing potent drugs for cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratibha Pandey
- Department of Biotechnology, Noida Institute of Engineering & Technology, Greater Noida 201306, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Fahad Khan
- Department of Biotechnology, Noida Institute of Engineering & Technology, Greater Noida 201306, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Minhaj Ahmad Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Rajnish Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology (Pharmacy Institute), Greater Noida 201306, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Tarun Kumar Upadhyay
- Department of Biotechnology, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences and Centre of Research for Development, Parul University, Vadodara 391760, Gujarat, India
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32
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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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Kassuhn W, Cutillas PR, Kessler M, Sehouli J, Braicu EI, Blüthgen N, Kulbe H. In Silico Analysis Predicts Nuclear Factors NR2F6 and YAP1 as Mesenchymal Subtype-Specific Therapeutic Targets for Ovarian Cancer Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3155. [PMID: 37370765 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123155] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumour heterogeneity in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is a proposed cause of acquired resistance to treatment and high rates of relapse. Among the four distinct molecular subtypes of HGSOC, the mesenchymal subtype (MES) has been observed with high frequency in several study cohorts. Moreover, it exhibits aggressive characteristics with poor prognosis. The failure to adequately exploit such subtypes for treatment results in high mortality rates, highlighting the need for effective targeted therapeutic strategies that follow the idea of personalized medicine (PM). METHODS As a proof-of-concept, bulk and single-cell RNA data were used to characterize the distinct composition of the tumour microenvironment (TME), as well as the cell-cell communication and its effects on downstream transcription of MES. Moreover, transcription factor activity contextualized with causal inference analysis identified novel therapeutic targets with potential causal impact on transcription factor dysregulation promoting the malignant phenotype. FINDINGS Fibroblast and macrophage phenotypes are of utmost importance for the complex intercellular crosstalk of MES. Specifically, tumour-associated macrophages were identified as the source of interleukin 1 beta (IL1B), a signalling molecule with significant impact on downstream transcription in tumour cells. Likewise, signalling molecules tumour necrosis factor (TNF), transforming growth factor beta (TGFB1), and C-X-C motif chemokine 12 (CXCL12) were prominent drivers of downstream gene expression associated with multiple cancer hallmarks. Furthermore, several consistently hyperactivated transcription factors were identified as potential sources for treatment opportunities. Finally, causal inference analysis identified Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) and Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 2 Group F Member 6 (NR2F6) as novel therapeutic targets in MES, verified in an independent dataset. INTERPRETATION By utilizing a sophisticated bioinformatics approach, several candidates for treatment opportunities, including YAP1 and NR2F6 were identified. These candidates represent signalling regulators within the cellular network of the MES. Hence, further studies to confirm these candidates as potential targeted therapies in PM are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanja Kassuhn
- Tumorbank Ovarian Cancer Network, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Gynecology, European Competence Center for Ovarian Cancer, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Campus Virchow Klinikum, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Pedro R Cutillas
- Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1B 6BQ, UK
| | - Mirjana Kessler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Jalid Sehouli
- Tumorbank Ovarian Cancer Network, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Gynecology, European Competence Center for Ovarian Cancer, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Campus Virchow Klinikum, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Elena I Braicu
- Tumorbank Ovarian Cancer Network, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Gynecology, European Competence Center for Ovarian Cancer, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Campus Virchow Klinikum, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Nils Blüthgen
- Institute of Pathology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- IRI Life Sciences, Humboldt University, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Hagen Kulbe
- Tumorbank Ovarian Cancer Network, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Gynecology, European Competence Center for Ovarian Cancer, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Campus Virchow Klinikum, 13353 Berlin, Germany
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34
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Yokota S, Kaji K, Yonezawa T, Momoi Y, Maeda S. CD204⁺ tumor-associated macrophages are associated with clinical outcome in canine pulmonary adenocarcinoma and transitional cell carcinoma. Vet J 2023; 296-297:105992. [PMID: 37164121 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2023.105992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages are abundant infiltrating cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Macrophages can be classified into several types of subsets based on their immune responses. Among those subsets, M2 macrophages contribute to anti-inflammatory responses and create an immunosuppressive environment that promotes tumor cell proliferation. In a previous study, human cancer patients with high M2 macrophages showed a worse prognosis for many types of tumors. However, studies examining the relationship between M2 macrophages and clinical outcomes in canine tumors are limited. In the previous human and canine studies, CD204 has been used as the marker for detecting M2 macrophages. Then we evaluated CD204+ and total macrophages infiltration and its association with clinical outcomes in canine solid tumors. In this study, we examined dogs with oral malignant melanoma (OMM), pulmonary adenocarcinoma (PA), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Compared to healthy tissues, CD204+ and total macrophages were increased in OMM, PA, and TCC, but not in HCC. High CD204+ macrophage levels were significantly associated with lung metastasis in TCC (P = 0.030). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that high CD204+ macrophage levels were associated with shorter overall survival (OS) in canine patients with PA (P = 0.012) and TCC (P = 0.0053). These results suggest that CD204+ macrophages contribute to tumor progression and could be a prognostic factor in dogs with PA and TCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Yokota
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Pathobiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - K Kaji
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Pathobiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - T Yonezawa
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Pathobiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Y Momoi
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Pathobiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - S Maeda
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Pathobiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan.
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35
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Zhang Q, Sioud M. Tumor-Associated Macrophage Subsets: Shaping Polarization and Targeting. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:7493. [PMID: 37108657 PMCID: PMC10138703 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a critical regulator of tumor growth, progression, and metastasis. Among the innate immune cells recruited to the tumor site, macrophages are the most abundant cell population and are present at all stages of tumor progression. They undergo M1/M2 polarization in response to signals derived from TME. M1 macrophages suppress tumor growth, while their M2 counterparts exert pro-tumoral effects by promoting tumor growth, angiogenesis, metastasis, and resistance to current therapies. Several subsets of the M2 phenotype have been observed, often denoted as M2a, M2b, M2c, and M2d. These are induced by different stimuli and differ in phenotypes as well as functions. In this review, we discuss the key features of each M2 subset, their implications in cancers, and highlight the strategies that are being developed to harness TAMs for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qindong Zhang
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Cancer Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Ullernchausseen 70, 0379 Oslo, Norway;
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Blindern, P.O. Box 1068, 0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Mouldy Sioud
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Cancer Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Ullernchausseen 70, 0379 Oslo, Norway;
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36
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Brady RV, Thamm DH. Tumor-associated macrophages: Prognostic and therapeutic targets for cancer in humans and dogs. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1176807. [PMID: 37090720 PMCID: PMC10113558 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1176807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are ancient, phagocytic immune cells thought to have their origins 500 million years ago in metazoan phylogeny. The understanding of macrophages has evolved to encompass their foundational roles in development, homeostasis, tissue repair, inflammation, and immunity. Notably, macrophages display high plasticity in response to environmental cues, capable of a strikingly wide variety of dynamic gene signatures and phenotypes. Macrophages are also involved in many pathological states including neural disease, asthma, liver disease, heart disease, cancer, and others. In cancer, most tumor-associated immune cells are macrophages, coined tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). While some TAMs can display anti-tumor properties such as phagocytizing tumor cells and orchestrating an immune response, most macrophages in the tumor microenvironment are immunosuppressive and pro-tumorigenic. Macrophages have been implicated in all stages of cancer. Therefore, interest in manipulating macrophages as a therapeutic strategy against cancer developed as early as the 1970s. Companion dogs are a strong comparative immuno-oncology model for people due to documented similarities in the immune system and spontaneous cancers between the species. Data from clinical trials in humans and dogs can be leveraged to further scientific advancements that benefit both species. This review aims to provide a summary of the current state of knowledge on macrophages in general, and an in-depth review of macrophages as a therapeutic strategy against cancer in humans and companion dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel V. Brady
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Douglas H. Thamm
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- Flint Animal Cancer Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
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37
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Azari M, Bahreini F, Uversky VN, Rezaei N. Current therapeutic approaches and promising perspectives of using bioengineered peptides in fighting chemoresistance in triple-negative breast cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 210:115459. [PMID: 36813121 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115459] [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: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a collation of malignancies that manifest in the mammary glands at the early stages. Among breast cancer subtypes, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) shows the most aggressive behavior, with apparent stemness features. Owing to the lack of response to hormone therapy and specific targeted therapies, chemotherapy remains the first line of the TNBC treatment. However, the acquisition of resistance to chemotherapeutic agents increase therapy failure, and promotes cancer recurrence and distant metastasis. Invasive primary tumors are the birthplace of cancer burden, though metastasis is a key attribute of TNBC-associated morbidity and mortality. Targeting the chemoresistant metastases-initiating cells via specific therapeutic agents with affinity to the upregulated molecular targets is a promising step in the TNBC clinical management. Exploring the capacity of peptides as biocompatible entities with the specificity of action, low immunogenicity, and robust efficacy provides a principle for designing peptide-based drugs capable of increasing the efficacy of current chemotherapy agents for selective targeting of the drug-tolerant TNBC cells. Here, we first focus on the resistance mechanisms that TNBC cells acquire to evade the effect of chemotherapeutic agents. Next, the novel therapeutic approaches employing tumor-targeting peptides to exploit the mechanisms of drug resistance in chemorefractory TNBC are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandana Azari
- School of Chemical Engineering-Biotechnology, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Iran; Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Farbod Bahreini
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Immunodeficiencies (RCID), Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Benfante V, Stefano A, Ali M, Laudicella R, Arancio W, Cucchiara A, Caruso F, Cammarata FP, Coronnello C, Russo G, Miele M, Vieni A, Tuttolomondo A, Yezzi A, Comelli A. An Overview of In Vitro Assays of 64Cu-, 68Ga-, 125I-, and 99mTc-Labelled Radiopharmaceuticals Using Radiometric Counters in the Era of Radiotheranostics. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13071210. [PMID: 37046428 PMCID: PMC10093267 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13071210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Radionuclides are unstable isotopes that mainly emit alpha (α), beta (β) or gamma (γ) radiation through radiation decay. Therefore, they are used in the biomedical field to label biomolecules or drugs for diagnostic imaging applications, such as positron emission tomography (PET) and/or single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). A growing field of research is the development of new radiopharmaceuticals for use in cancer treatments. Preclinical studies are the gold standard for translational research. Specifically, in vitro radiopharmaceutical studies are based on the use of radiopharmaceuticals directly on cells. To date, radiometric β- and γ-counters are the only tools able to assess a preclinical in vitro assay with the aim of estimating uptake, retention, and release parameters, including time- and dose-dependent cytotoxicity and kinetic parameters. This review has been designed for researchers, such as biologists and biotechnologists, who would like to approach the radiobiology field and conduct in vitro assays for cellular radioactivity evaluations using radiometric counters. To demonstrate the importance of in vitro radiopharmaceutical assays using radiometric counters with a view to radiogenomics, many studies based on 64Cu-, 68Ga-, 125I-, and 99mTc-labeled radiopharmaceuticals have been revised and summarized in this manuscript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Benfante
- Ri.MED Foundation, Via Bandiera 11, 90133 Palermo, Italy
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), 90015 Cefalù, Italy
| | - Alessandro Stefano
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), 90015 Cefalù, Italy
| | - Muhammad Ali
- Ri.MED Foundation, Via Bandiera 11, 90133 Palermo, Italy
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Walter Arancio
- Ri.MED Foundation, Via Bandiera 11, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonino Cucchiara
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services, IRCCS-ISMETT (Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies), Via Tricomi 5, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Fabio Caruso
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services, IRCCS-ISMETT (Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies), Via Tricomi 5, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Cammarata
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), 90015 Cefalù, Italy
| | - Claudia Coronnello
- Ri.MED Foundation, Via Bandiera 11, 90133 Palermo, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giorgio Russo
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), 90015 Cefalù, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Monica Miele
- Ri.MED Foundation, Via Bandiera 11, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Vieni
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services, IRCCS-ISMETT (Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies), Via Tricomi 5, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonino Tuttolomondo
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Anthony Yezzi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Albert Comelli
- Ri.MED Foundation, Via Bandiera 11, 90133 Palermo, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133 Palermo, Italy
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Aria H, Rezaei M. Immunogenic cell death inducer peptides: A new approach for cancer therapy, current status and future perspectives. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114503. [PMID: 36921539 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunogenic Cell Death (ICD) is a type of cell death that kills tumor cells by stimulating the adaptive immune response against other tumor cells. ICD depends on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the secretion of Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMP) by the dying tumor cell. DAMPs recruit innate immune cells such as Dendritic Cells (DC), triggering a cancer-specific immune response such as cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) to eliminate remaining cancer cells. ICD is accompanied by several hallmarks in dying cells, such as surface translocation of ER chaperones, calreticulin (CALR), and extracellular secretion of DAMPs such as high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Therapeutic peptides can kill bacteria and tumor cells thus affecting the immune system. They have high specificity and affinity for their targets, small size, appropriate cell membrane penetration, short half-life, and simple production processes. Peptides are interesting agents for immunomodulation since they may overcome the limitations of other therapeutics. Thus, the development of peptides affecting the TME and active antitumoral immunity has been actively pursued. On the other hand, several peptides have been recently identified to trigger ICD and anti-cancer responses. In the present review, we review previous studies on peptide-induced ICD, their mechanism, their targets, and markers. They include anti-microbial peptides (AMPs), cationic or mitochondrial targeting, checkpoint inhibitors, antiapoptotic inhibitors, and "don't eat me" inhibitor peptides. Also, peptides will be investigated potentially inducing ICD that is divided into ER stressors, ATPase inhibitors, and anti-microbial peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Aria
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Marzieh Rezaei
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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Zhang Y, Liu C, Wu C, Song L. Natural peptides for immunological regulation in cancer therapy: Mechanism, facts and perspectives. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 159:114257. [PMID: 36689836 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer incidence and mortality rates are increasing annually. Treatment with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy (RT) is unsatisfactory because many patients have advanced disease at the initial diagnosis. However, the emergence of immunotherapy promises to be an effective strategy to improve the outcome of advanced tumors. Immune checkpoint antibodies, which are at the forefront of immunotherapy, have had significant success but still leave some cancer patients without benefit. For more cancer patients to benefit from immunotherapy, it is necessary to find new drugs and combination therapeutic strategies to improve the outcome of advanced cancer patients and achieve long-term tumor control or even eradication. Peptides are promising choices for tumor immunotherapy drugs because they have the advantages of low production cost, high sequence selectivity, high tissue permeability, low toxicity and low immunogenicity etc., and the adjuvant matching and technologies like nanotechnology can further optimize the effects of peptides. In this review, we present the current status and mechanisms of research on peptides targeting multiple immune cells (T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells (DCs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), regulatory T cells (Tregs)) and immune checkpoints in tumor immunotherapy; and we summarize the current status of research on peptide-based tumor immunotherapy in combination with other therapies including RT, chemotherapy, surgery, targeted therapy, cytokine therapy, adoptive cell therapy (ACT) and cancer vaccines. Finally, we discuss the current status of peptide applications in mRNA vaccine delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunchao Zhang
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, PR China
| | - Chenxin Liu
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, PR China
| | - Chunjie Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, PR China
| | - Linjiang Song
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, PR China.
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Hu J, Yang Q, Yue Z, Liao B, Cheng H, Li W, Zhang H, Wang S, Tian Q. Emerging advances in engineered macrophages for tumor immunotherapy. Cytotherapy 2023; 25:235-244. [PMID: 36008206 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2022.07.001] [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: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Macrophages are versatile antigen-presenting cells. Recent studies suggest that engineered modifications of macrophages may confer better tumor therapy. Genetic engineering of macrophages with specific chimeric antigen receptors offers new possibilities for treatment of solid tumors and has received significant attention. In vitro gene editing of macrophages and infusion into the body can inhibit the immunosuppressive effect of the tumor microenvironment in solid tumors. This strategy is flexible and can be applied to all stages of cancer treatment. In contrast, nongenetic engineering tools are used to block relevant signaling pathways in immunosuppressive responses. In addition, macrophages can be loaded with drugs and engineered into cellular drug delivery systems. Here, we analyze the effect of the chimeric antigen receptor platform on macrophages and other existing engineering modifications of macrophages, highlighting their status, challenges and future perspectives. Indeed, our analyses show that new approaches in the treatment of solid tumors will likely exploit macrophages, an innate immune cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Hu
- College of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qian Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhongyu Yue
- College of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Boting Liao
- College of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huijuan Cheng
- College of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenqi Li
- College of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Honghua Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuling Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qingchang Tian
- College of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Hu L, Morganti S, Nguyen U, Benavides OR, Walsh AJ. Label-free optical imaging of cell function and collagen structure for cell-based therapies. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2023; 25:100433. [PMID: 36642995 PMCID: PMC9836225 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2022.100433] [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] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cell-based therapies harness functional cells or tissues to mediate healing and treat disease. Assessment of cellular therapeutics requires methods that are non-destructive to ensure therapies remain viable and uncontaminated for use in patients. Optical imaging of endogenous collagen, by second-harmonic generation, and the metabolic coenzymes NADH and FAD, by autofluorescence microscopy, provides tissue structure and cellular information. Here, we review applications of label-free nonlinear optical imaging of cellular metabolism and collagen second-harmonic generation for assessing cell-based therapies. Additionally, we discuss the potential of label-free imaging for quality control of cell-based therapies, as well as the current limitations and potential future directions of label-free imaging technologies.
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Jain N, Srinivasarao DA, Famta P, Shah S, Vambhurkar G, Shahrukh S, Singh SB, Srivastava S. The portrayal of macrophages as tools and targets: A paradigm shift in cancer management. Life Sci 2023; 316:121399. [PMID: 36646378 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121399] [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: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Macrophages play a major role in maintaining an organism's physiology, such as development, homeostasis, tissue repair, and immunity. These immune cells are known to be involved in tumor progression and modulation. Monocytes can be polarized to two types of macrophages (M1 macrophages and pro-tumor M2 macrophages). Through this article, we aim to emphasize the potential of targeting macrophages in order to improve current strategies for tumor management. Various strategies that target macrophages as a therapeutic target have been discussed along with ongoing clinical trials. We have discussed the role of macrophages in various stages of tumor progression epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, maintaining the stability of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood, and establishing a premetastatic niche along with the role of various cytokines and chemokines involved in these processes. Intriguingly macrophages can also serve as drug carriers due to their tumor tropism along the chemokine gradient. They surpass currently explored nanotherapeutics in tumor accumulation and circulation half-life. We have emphasized on macrophage-based biomimetic formulations and macrophage-hitchhiking as a strategy to effectively target tumors. We firmly believe that targeting macrophages or utilizing them as an indigenous carrier system could transform cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naitik Jain
- Pharmaceutical Innovation and Translational Research Lab (PITRL), Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Dadi A Srinivasarao
- Pharmaceutical Innovation and Translational Research Lab (PITRL), Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Paras Famta
- Pharmaceutical Innovation and Translational Research Lab (PITRL), Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Saurabh Shah
- Pharmaceutical Innovation and Translational Research Lab (PITRL), Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Ganesh Vambhurkar
- Pharmaceutical Innovation and Translational Research Lab (PITRL), Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Syed Shahrukh
- Pharmaceutical Innovation and Translational Research Lab (PITRL), Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Shashi Bala Singh
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Saurabh Srivastava
- Pharmaceutical Innovation and Translational Research Lab (PITRL), Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India.
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Ma M, Liu X, Ma C, Guo R, Zhang X, Zhang Z, Ren X. Enhancing the antitumor immunosurveillance of PD-L1-targeted gene therapy for metastatic melanoma using cationized Panax Notoginseng polysaccharide. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 226:1309-1318. [PMID: 36442564 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.11.242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Improved curative effects with reduced toxicity has always been the ultimate goal of gene delivery vectors for tumor immunotherapy. Panax notoginseng polysaccharide (PNP), a natural plant-derived macromolecule, not only has antitumor immune activity but also has the typical structural characteristics useful for gene delivery. In this work, positively charged polyethyleneimine (PEI) was directly grafted to the backbone of PNP to induced its charge reversal and generate a functional gene vector (PNP-PEI). Moreover, a short hairpin RNA targeting the programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) was loaded into PNP-PEI to generate a potentially therapeutic nanoparticle (PNP-PEI/shPD-L1). In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that PNP-PEI could efficiently carry the therapeutic shPD-L1 into tumor cells and that PNP-PEI/shPD-L1 could significantly inhibit the expression of PD-L1 and growth of B16-F10 cells. Noteworthily, treatment with PNP-PEI reversed the phenotype of macrophages from M2 to M1 subtype and promoted dendritic cell maturation, which encouraged the host immunity and enhanced the therapeutic antitumor effects. In summary, this study describes a PNP-based gene delivery vector and highlights the beneficial immunopotentiating therapeutic outcomes of PNP-PEI for tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengya Ma
- Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaobin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaoqun Ma
- Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruyue Guo
- Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueling Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenzhong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueling Ren
- Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China.
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Heidbreder K, Sommer K, Wiendl M, Müller TM, Atreya I, Hildner K, Neurath MF, Zundler S. Nr4a1-dependent non-classical monocytes are important for macrophage-mediated wound healing in the large intestine. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1040775. [PMID: 36741412 PMCID: PMC9890957 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1040775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Macrophages play an important role in intestinal wound healing. However, the trajectories from circulating monocytes to gut macrophages are incompletely understood. Methods Taking advantage of mice depleted for non-classical monocytes due to deficiency for the transcription factor Nr4a1, we addressed the relevance of non-classical monocytes for large intestinal wound healing using flow cytometry, in vivo wound healing assays and immunofluorescence. Results We show that wound healing in Nr4a1-deficient mice is substantially delayed and associated with reduced peri-lesional presence of macrophages with a wound healing phenotype. Discussion Our data suggest that non-classical monocytes are biased towards wound healing macrophages. These insights might help to understand, how targeting monocyte recruitment to the intestine can be used to modulate intestinal macrophage functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Heidbreder
- Department of Medicine 1, University Hospital Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Katrin Sommer
- Department of Medicine 1, University Hospital Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Maximilian Wiendl
- Department of Medicine 1, University Hospital Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tanja M. Müller
- Department of Medicine 1, University Hospital Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany,Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Imke Atreya
- Department of Medicine 1, University Hospital Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany,Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kai Hildner
- Department of Medicine 1, University Hospital Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany,Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Markus F. Neurath
- Department of Medicine 1, University Hospital Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany,Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Zundler
- Department of Medicine 1, University Hospital Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany,Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany,*Correspondence: Sebastian Zundler,
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Ye X, Holland R, Wood M, Pasetka C, Palmer L, Samaridou E, McClintock K, Borisevich V, Geisbert TW, Cross RW, Heyes J. Combination treatment of mannose and GalNAc conjugated small interfering RNA protects against lethal Marburg virus infection. Mol Ther 2023; 31:269-281. [PMID: 36114672 PMCID: PMC9840110 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Marburg virus (MARV) infection results in severe viral hemorrhagic fever with mortalities up to 90%, and there is a pressing need for effective therapies. Here, we established a small interfering RNA (siRNA) conjugate platform that enabled successful subcutaneous delivery of siRNAs targeting the MARV nucleoprotein. We identified a hexavalent mannose ligand with high affinity to macrophages and dendritic cells, which are key cellular targets of MARV infection. This ligand enabled successful siRNA conjugate delivery to macrophages both in vitro and in vivo. The delivered hexa-mannose-siRNA conjugates rendered substantial target gene silencing in macrophages when supported by a mannose functionalized endosome release polymer. This hexa-mannose-siRNA conjugate was further evaluated alongside our hepatocyte-targeting GalNAc-siRNA conjugate, to expand targeting of infected liver cells. In MARV-Angola-infected guinea pigs, these platforms offered limited survival benefit when used as individual agents. However, in combination, they achieved up to 100% protection when dosed 24 h post infection. This novel approach, using two different ligands to simultaneously deliver siRNA to multiple cell types relevant to infection, provides a convenient subcutaneous route of administration for treating infection by these dangerous pathogens. The mannose conjugate platform has potential application to other diseases involving macrophages and dendritic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Ye
- Genevant Sciences Corporation, Vancouver, BC V5T 4T5, Canada
| | - Richard Holland
- Genevant Sciences Corporation, Vancouver, BC V5T 4T5, Canada
| | - Mark Wood
- Genevant Sciences Corporation, Vancouver, BC V5T 4T5, Canada
| | - Chris Pasetka
- Genevant Sciences Corporation, Vancouver, BC V5T 4T5, Canada
| | - Lorne Palmer
- Genevant Sciences Corporation, Vancouver, BC V5T 4T5, Canada
| | - Eleni Samaridou
- Genevant Sciences Corporation, Vancouver, BC V5T 4T5, Canada
| | | | - Viktoriya Borisevich
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Thomas W Geisbert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Robert W Cross
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - James Heyes
- Genevant Sciences Corporation, Vancouver, BC V5T 4T5, Canada.
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Napier TS, Lynch SE, Lu Y, Song PN, Burns AC, Sorace AG. Molecular Imaging of Oxygenation Changes during Immunotherapy in Combination with Paclitaxel in Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Biomedicines 2023; 11:125. [PMID: 36672633 PMCID: PMC9856084 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010125] [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: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is a common feature of the tumor microenvironment, including that of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive breast cancer subtype with a high five-year mortality rate. Using [18F]-fluoromisonidazole (FMISO) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, we aimed to monitor changes in response to immunotherapy (IMT) with chemotherapy in TNBC. TNBC-tumor-bearing mice received paclitaxel (PTX) ± immune checkpoint inhibitors anti-programmed death 1 and anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte 4. FMISO-PET imaging was performed on treatment days 0, 6, and 12. Max and mean standard uptake values (SUVmax and SUVmean, respectively), histological analyses, and flow cytometry results were compared. FMISO-PET imaging revealed differences in tumor biology between treatment groups prior to tumor volume changes. 4T1 responders showed SUVmean 1.6-fold lower (p = 0.02) and 1.8-fold lower (p = 0.02) than non-responders on days 6 and 12, respectively. E0771 responders showed SUVmean 3.6-fold lower (p = 0.001) and 2.7-fold lower (p = 0.03) than non-responders on days 6 and 12, respectively. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed IMT plus PTX decreased hypoxia and proliferation and increased vascularity compared to control. Combination IMT/PTX recovered the loss of CD4+ T-cells observed with single-agent therapies. PET imaging can provide timely, longitudinal data on the TNBC tumor microenvironment, specifically intratumoral hypoxia, predicting therapeutic response to IMT plus chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiara S. Napier
- Graduate Biomedical Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Shannon E. Lynch
- Graduate Biomedical Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Yun Lu
- Graduate Biomedical Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Patrick N. Song
- Graduate Biomedical Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Andrew C. Burns
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Anna G. Sorace
- Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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García-Domínguez DJ, Sánchez-Margalet V, de la Cruz-Merino L, Hontecillas-Prieto L. Knowing the myeloid-derived suppressor cells : Another enemy of sarcomas patients. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 375:93-116. [PMID: 36967155 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Sarcomas are heterogeneous and aggressive malignant tumors with variable responses to current standard treatments being usually incurable for those patients with metastatic and unresectable diseases. The lack of curative strategies has led to develop new therapies in the treatment of sarcomas where the role of immune system is an evolving field. Most sarcomas often exhibit an immunosuppressive microenvironment, which reduces their capacity to trigger an immune response. Therefore, sarcomas are broadly considered as an "immune cold" tumor, although some studies have described a great immune heterogeneity across sarcoma subtypes. Sarcoma cells, like other tumors, evade their immune destruction through a variety of mechanisms, including expansion and recruitment of myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). MDSCs are immature myeloid cells that have been correlated with a reduction of the therapeutic efficacy, including immunotherapy, tumor progression and worst prognosis. Consequently, different strategies have been developed in recent years to target MDSCs in cancer treatments. This chapter discusses the role of MDSCs in sarcomas and their current potential as a therapeutic target in these malignancies.
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Jeong C, Kim J, Han IH, Kim S, Choi I, Kim H, Jeong JH, Bae H. Melittin derived peptide-drug conjugate, M-DM1, inhibits tumor progression and induces effector cell infiltration in melanoma by targeting M2 tumor-associated macrophages. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1178776. [PMID: 37122692 PMCID: PMC10140360 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1178776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Melanoma has the highest mortality rate among all the types of skin cancer. In melanoma, M2-like tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are associated with the invasiveness of tumor cells and a poor prognosis. Hence, the depletion or reduction of M2-TAMs is a therapeutic strategy for the inhibition of tumor progression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of M-DM1, which is a conjugation of melittin (M), as a carrier for M2-like TAMs, and mertansine (DM1), as a payload to induce apoptosis of TAMs, in a mouse model of melanoma. Methods Melittin and DM1 were conjugated and examined for the characterization of M-DM1 by high-performance liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Synthesized M-DM1 were examined for in vitro cytotoxic effects. For the in vivo study, we engrafted murine B16-F10 into right flank of C57BL/6 female mice and administered an array of treatments (PBS, M, DM1, or M-DM1 (20 nmol/kg)). Subsequently, the tumor growth and survival rates were analyzed, as well as examining the phenotypes of tumor-infiltrating leukocytes and expression profiles. Results M-DM1 was found to specifically reduce M2-like TAMs in melanoma, which potentially leads to the suppression of tumor growth, migration, and invasion. In addition, we also found that M-DM1 improved the survival rates in a mouse model of melanoma compared to M or DM1 treatment alone. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that M-DM1 enhanced the infiltration of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells (NK cells) in the tumor microenvironment. Conclusion Taken together, our findings highlight that M-DM1 is a prospective agent with enhanced anti-tumor effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanmi Jeong
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongdong Kim
- Twinpig Biolab Inc. Research & Development Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ik-Hwan Han
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Convergence Innovation Support Center, Gangwon Technopark, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyoung Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ilseob Choi
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hongsung Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Hyun Jeong
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
- *Correspondence: Jin-Hyun Jeong, ; Hyunsu Bae,
| | - Hyunsu Bae
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Twinpig Biolab Inc. Research & Development Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- *Correspondence: Jin-Hyun Jeong, ; Hyunsu Bae,
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Zhang L, Sun M, He Z, Sun J, Li H, Luo Q. Multi-functional extracellular vesicles: Potentials in cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Lett 2022; 551:215934. [PMID: 36191678 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy (CIT) has revolutionized cancer treatment. However, the application of CIT is limited by low response rates and significant individual differences owing to a deficit in 1) immune recognition and 2) immune effector function. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived lipid bilayer-enclosed vesicles that mediate intercellular communication. The specific structure and content of EVs allows for multi-functional modulation of tumor immunity. Given their high biocompatibility, homologous targeting, and permeability across biological barriers, EVs have been evaluated as ideal carriers for promoting the efficacy and specificity of CIT. Herein, we first discuss the role of EVs in regulating tumor immunity and focus on the advantages of using EVs as a therapeutic tool for cancer treatment from a clinical perspective. Further, we outline the current progress in the development of biohybrid EVs for CIT and multi-functional EV-based strategies for overcoming the deficits in tumor immunity. Finally, we discuss the challenges associated with EV-based CIT and future perspectives in the context of ongoing clinical trials involving EV-based therapies, thus offering valuable insights into the future of multi-functional EVs in CIT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, PR China; Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Research Institute, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, PR China
| | - Mengchi Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, PR China
| | - Zhonggui He
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, PR China
| | - Jin Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, PR China
| | - Heran Li
- Department of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, PR China.
| | - Qiuhua Luo
- Department of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, PR China; Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, PR China.
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