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Jiang B, Ye X, Wang W, He J, Zhang S, Zhang S, Bao L, Xu X. Comprehensive assessment of regulatory T-cells-related scoring system for predicting the prognosis, immune microenvironment and therapeutic response in hepatocellular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:5288-5310. [PMID: 38461439 PMCID: PMC11006487 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205649] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play important roles in tumor immunosuppression and immune escape. The aim of the present study was to construct a novel Tregs-associated biomarker for the prediction of tumour immune microenvironment (TIME), clinical outcomes, and individualised treatment in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS Single-cell sequencing data were obtained from the three independent cohorts. Cox and LASSO regression were utilised to develop the Tregs Related Scoring System (TRSSys). GSE140520, ICGC-LIRI and CHCC cohorts were used for the validation of TRSSys. Kaplan-Meier, ROC, and Cox regression were utilised for the evaluation of TRSSys. The ESTIMATE, TIMER 2.0, and ssGSEA algorithm were utilised to determine the value of TRSSys in predicting the TIME. GSVA, GO, KEGG, and TMB analyses were used for mechanistic exploration. Finally, the value of TRSSys in predicting drug sensitivity was evaluated based on the oncoPredict algorithm. RESULTS Comprehensive validation showed that TRSSys had good prognostic predictive efficacy and applicability. Additionally, ssGSEA, TIMER and ESTIMATE algorithm suggested that TRSSys could help to distinguish different TIME subtypes and determine the beneficiary population of immunotherapy. Finally, the oncoPredict algorithm suggests that TRSSys provides a basis for individualised treatment. CONCLUSIONS TRSSys constructed in the current study is a novel HCC prognostic prediction biomarker with good predictive efficacy and stability. Additionally, risk stratification based on TRSSys can help to identify the TIME landscape subtypes and provide a basis for individualized treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bitao Jiang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Beilun District People’s Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Xiaojuan Ye
- Radiotherapy Department, The Second People’s Hospital of Wuhu, Wuhu, China
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Beilun District People’s Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Jiajia He
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Ningbo Yinzhou No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Shuyan Zhang
- Pharmacy Department, Beilun District People’s Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Song Zhang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Beilun District People’s Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Lingling Bao
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Beilun District People’s Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Beilun District People’s Hospital, Ningbo, China
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Ge J, Chen J, Shen Q, Zheng X, Chen X, Shi L, Chen L, Xu B. Comprehensive Analysis of the Immunosuppressive Function of Regulatory T Cells in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tissues. Cancer Control 2024; 31:10732748241251580. [PMID: 38712609 DOI: 10.1177/10732748241251580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune-based therapies are commonly employed to combat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the presence of immune-regulating elements, especially regulatory T cells (Tregs), can dramatically impact the treatment efficacy. A deeper examination of the immune-regulation mechanisms linked to these inhibitory factors and their impact on HCC patient outcomes is warranted. METHODS We employed multicolor fluorescence immunohistochemistry (mIHC) to stain Foxp3, cytokeratin, and nuclei on an HCC tissue microarray (TMA). Leveraging liver cancer transcriptome data from TCGA, we built a prognostic model focused on Treg-associated gene sets and represented it with a nomogram. We then sourced liver cancer single-cell RNA sequencing data (GSE140228) from the GEO database, selectively focusing on Treg subsets, and conducted further analyses, including cell-to-cell communication and pseudo-time trajectory examination. RESULTS Our mIHC results revealed a more substantial presence of Foxp3+Tregs in HCC samples than in adjacent normal tissue samples (P < .001). An increased presence of Foxp3+Tregs in HCC samples correlated with unfavorable patient outcomes (HR = 1.722, 95% CI:1.023-2.899, P = .041). The multi-factorial prognosis model we built from TCGA liver cancer data highlighted Tregs as a standalone risk determinant for predicting outcomes (HR = 3.84, 95% CI:2.52-5.83, P < .001). Re-analyzing the scRNA-seq dataset (GSE140228) showcased distinctive gene expression patterns in Tregs from varying tissues. Interactions between Tregs and other CD4+T cell types were predominantly governed by the CXCL13/CXCR3 signaling pathway. Communication pathways between Tregs and macrophages primarily involved MIF-CD74/CXCR4, LGALS9/CD45, and PTPRC/MRC1. Additionally, macrophages could influence Tregs via HLA-class II and CD4 interactions. CONCLUSION An elevated presence of Tregs in HCC samples correlated with negative patient outcomes. Elucidating the interplay between Tregs and other immune cells in HCC could provide insights into the modulatory role of Tregs within HCC tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junwei Ge
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Junjun Chen
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Qiong Shen
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Xiao Zheng
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Xuemin Chen
- Radiological Intervention Center, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Liangrong Shi
- Radiological Intervention Center, Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lujun Chen
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
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Greten TF, Villanueva A, Korangy F, Ruf B, Yarchoan M, Ma L, Ruppin E, Wang XW. Biomarkers for immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2023; 20:780-798. [PMID: 37726418 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00816-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are now widely used for the treatment of patients with advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Two different ICI-containing regimens, atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and tremelimumab plus durvalumab, are now approved standard-of-care first-line therapies in this setting. However, and despite substantial improvements in survival outcomes relative to sorafenib, most patients with advanced-stage HCC do not derive durable benefit from these regimens. Advances in genome sequencing including the use of single-cell RNA sequencing (both of tumour material and blood samples), as well as immune cell identification strategies and other techniques such as radiomics and analysis of the microbiota, have created considerable potential for the identification of novel predictive biomarkers enabling the accurate selection of patients who are most likely to derive benefit from ICIs. In this Review, we summarize data on the immunology of HCC and the outcomes in patients receiving ICIs for the treatment of this disease. We then provide an overview of current biomarker use and developments in the past 5 years, including gene signatures, circulating tumour cells, high-dimensional flow cytometry, single-cell RNA sequencing as well as approaches involving the microbiome, radiomics and clinical markers. Novel concepts for further biomarker development in HCC are then discussed including biomarker-driven trials, spatial transcriptomics and integrated 'big data' analysis approaches. These concepts all have the potential to better identify patients who are most likely to benefit from ICIs and to promote the development of new treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim F Greten
- Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.
- Liver Cancer Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Augusto Villanueva
- Divisions of Liver Disease and Hematology/Medical Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Firouzeh Korangy
- Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Benjamin Ruf
- Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mark Yarchoan
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lichun Ma
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Eytan Ruppin
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Xin W Wang
- Liver Cancer Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Liver Carcinogenesis Section, Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Kalatskaya I, Giovannoni G, Leist T, Cerra J, Boschert U, Rolfe PA. Revealing the immune cell subtype reconstitution profile in patients from the CLARITY study using deconvolution algorithms after cladribine tablets treatment. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8067. [PMID: 37202447 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34384-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune Cell Deconvolution methods utilizing gene expression profiling to quantify immune cells in tissues and blood are an appealing alternative to flow cytometry. Our objective was to investigate the applicability of deconvolution approaches in clinical trial settings to better investigate the mode of action of drugs for autoimmune diseases. Popular deconvolution methods CIBERSORT and xCell were validated using gene expression from the publicly available GSE93777 dataset that has comprehensive matching flow cytometry. As shown in the online tool, ~ 50% of signatures show strong correlation (r > 0.5) with the remainder showing moderate correlation, or in a few cases, no correlation. Deconvolution methods were then applied to gene expression data from the phase III CLARITY study (NCT00213135) to evaluate the immune cell profile of relapsing multiple sclerosis patients treated with cladribine tablets. At 96 weeks after treatment, deconvolution scores showed the following changes vs placebo: naïve, mature, memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, non-class switched, and class switched memory B cells and plasmablasts were significantly reduced, naïve B cells and M2 macrophages were more abundant. Results confirm previously described changes in immune cell composition following cladribine tablets treatment and reveal immune homeostasis of pro- vs anti-inflammatory immune cell subtypes, potentially supporting long-term efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Kalatskaya
- EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc. (an affiliate of Merck KGaA), 45 Middlesex Turnpike, Billerica, MA, 01821, USA.
| | - Gavin Giovannoni
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Thomas Leist
- Division of Clinical Neuroimmunology, Jefferson University, Comprehensive MS Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joseph Cerra
- EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc. (an affiliate of Merck KGaA), 45 Middlesex Turnpike, Billerica, MA, 01821, USA
- BISC Global, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ursula Boschert
- Ares Trading S.A. (an affiliate of Merck KGaA), Eysins, Switzerland
| | - P Alexander Rolfe
- EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc. (an affiliate of Merck KGaA), 45 Middlesex Turnpike, Billerica, MA, 01821, USA
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Fu B, Zhou M, Song G, Zeng H, Gong Y, Jiang Y, Ke Y, Huang D, Peng H, Li Q. Comprehensive analysis reveals TSEN54 as a robust prognosis biomarker and promising immune-related therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:2734-2771. [PMID: 37059591 PMCID: PMC10120902 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma represents the most common primary malignancy of all liver cancer types and its prognosis is usually unsatisfactory. TSEN54 encodes a protein constituting a subunit of the tRNA splicing endonuclease heterotetramer. Previous researches concentrated on the contribution of TSEN54 in pontocerebellar hypoplasia, but no studies have yet reported its role in HCC. METHODS TIMER, HCCDB, GEPIA, HPA, UALCAN, MEXPRESS, SMART, TargetScan, RNAinter, miRNet, starBase, Kaplan-Meier Plotter, cBioPortal, LinkedOmics, GSEA, TISCH, TISIDB, GeneMANIA, PDB, GSCALite were applied in this research. RESULTS We identified the upregulation of TSEN54 expression in HCC and related it to multiple clinicopathological features. Hypomethylation of TSEN54 was closely associated with its high expression. HCC sufferers who held high TSEN54 expression typically had shorter survival expectations. Enrichment analysis showed the involvement of TSEN54 in the cell cycle and metabolic processes. Afterward, we observed that TSEN54 expression level had a positive relationship to the infiltration level of multiple immune cells and the expression of several chemokines. We additionally identified that TSEN54 was related to the expression level of several immune checkpoints and TSEN54 was linked to several m6A-related regulators. CONCLUSIONS TSEN54 is a prognostic marker of HCC. TSEN54 could become a prospective candidate for HCC diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bidong Fu
- Department of Pathology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People’s Republic of China
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Minqin Zhou
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gelin Song
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Zeng
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yiyang Gong
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yike Jiang
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yun Ke
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Da Huang
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Peng
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, 908th Hospital of Chinese People’s Liberation Army Joint, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Pathology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People’s Republic of China
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Su Q, Hua F, Xiao W, Liu B, Wang D, Qin X. Investigation of Hippo pathway-related prognostic lncRNAs and molecular subtypes in liver hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4521. [PMID: 36941336 PMCID: PMC10027880 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31754-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate Hippo pathway-related prognostic long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and their prognostic value in liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC). Expression and clinical data regarding LIHC were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas and European Bioinformatics Institute array databases. Hippo pathway-related lncRNAs and their prognostic value were revealed, followed by molecular subtype investigations. Differences in survival, clinical characteristics, immune cell infiltration, and checkpoint expression between the subtypes were explored. LASSO regression was used to determine the most valuable prognostic lncRNAs, followed by the establishment of a prognostic model. Survival and differential expression analyses were conducted between two groups (high- and low-risk). A total of 313 Hippo pathway-related lncRNAs were identified from LIHC, of which 88 were associated with prognosis, and two molecular subtypes were identified based on their expression patterns. These two subtypes showed significant differences in overall survival, pathological stage and grade, vascular invasion, infiltration abundance of seven immune cells, and expression of several checkpoints, such as CTLA-4 and PD-1/L1 (P < 0.05). LASSO regression identified the six most valuable independent prognostic lncRNAs for establishing a prognosis risk model. Risk scores calculated by the risk model assigned patients into two risk groups with an AUC of 0.913 and 0.731, respectively, indicating that the high-risk group had poor survival. The risk score had an independent prognostic value with an HR of 2.198. In total, 3007 genes were dysregulated between the two risk groups, and the expression of most genes was elevated in the high-risk group, involving the cell cycle and pathways in cancers. Hippo pathway-related lncRNAs could stratify patients for personalized treatment and predict the prognosis of patients with LIHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiongfei Su
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong, Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fengyang Hua
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong, Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wanying Xiao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong, Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baoqiu Liu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong, Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongxia Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Dongguan People's Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan, China.
| | - Xintian Qin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong, Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Bahcivanci B, Shafiha R, Gkoutos GV, Acharjee A. Associating transcriptomics data with inflammatory markers to understand tumour microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Med 2023; 12:696-711. [PMID: 35715992 PMCID: PMC9844659 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death globally which is estimated to reach more than 1 million deaths a year by 2030. Among liver cancer types, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for approximately 90% of the cases and is known to have a tumour promoting inflammation regardless of its underlying aetiology. However, current promising treatment approaches, such as immunotherapy, are partially effective for most of the patients due to the immunosuppressive nature of the tumour microenvironment (TME). Therefore, there is an urgent need to fully understand TME in HCC and discover new immune markers to eliminate resistance to immunotherapy. METHODS We analyse three microarray datasets, using unsupervised and supervised methods, in an effort to discover signature genes. First, univariate, and multivariate, feature selection methods, such as the Boruta algorithm, are applied. Subsequently, an optimisation procedure, which utilises random forest algorithm with three dataset pairs combinations, is performed. The resulting optimal gene sets are then combined and further subjected to network analysis and pathway enrichment analysis so as to obtain information related to their biological relevance. The microarray datasets were analysed via the MCP-counter, CIBERSORT, TIMER, EPIC, and quanTIseq deconvolution methods and an estimation of cell type abundances for each dataset sample were identified. The differences in the cell type abundances, between the adjacent and tumour sample groups, were then assessed using a Wilcoxon Rank Sum test (p-value < 0.05). RESULTS The optimal gene signature sets, derived from each of the data pairs combination, achieved AUC values ranging from 0.959 to 0.988 in external validation sets using Random Forest model. CLEC1B and PTTG1 genes are retrieved across each optimal set. Among the signature genes, PTTG1, AURKA, and UBE2C genes are found to be involved in the regulation of mitotic sister chromatid separation and anaphase-promoting complex (APC) dependent catabolic process (adjusted p-value < 0.001). Additionally, the application of deconvolution algorithms revealed significant changes in cell type abundances of Regulatory T (Treg) cells, M0 and M1 macrophages, and T CD8+ cells between adjacent and tumour samples. CONCLUSION We identified ECM1 gene as a potential immune-related marker acting through immune cell migration and macrophage polarisation. Our results indicate that macrophages, such as M0 macrophage and M1 macrophage cells, undergo significant changes in HCC TME. Moreover, our immune deconvolution approach revealed significant infiltration of Treg cells and M0 macrophages, and a significant decrease in T CD8+ cells and M1 macrophages in tumour samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basak Bahcivanci
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, Centre for Computational BiologyUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
| | - Roshan Shafiha
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, Centre for Computational BiologyUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
| | - Georgios V. Gkoutos
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, Centre for Computational BiologyUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
- Institute of Translational MedicineUniversity Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation TrustBirminghamUK
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research CentreUniversity Hospital BirminghamBirminghamUK
- MRC Health Data Research UK (HDR UK)BirminghamUK
- NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicine CentreBirminghamUK
| | - Animesh Acharjee
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, Centre for Computational BiologyUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
- Institute of Translational MedicineUniversity Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation TrustBirminghamUK
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research CentreUniversity Hospital BirminghamBirminghamUK
- MRC Health Data Research UK (HDR UK)BirminghamUK
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Li HX, Wang SQ, Lian ZX, Deng SL, Yu K. Relationship between Tumor Infiltrating Immune Cells and Tumor Metastasis and Its Prognostic Value in Cancer. Cells 2022; 12:cells12010064. [PMID: 36611857 PMCID: PMC9818185 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor metastasis is an important reason for the difficulty of tumor treatment. Besides the tumor cells themselves, the tumor microenvironment plays an important role in the process of tumor metastasis. Tumor infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) are one of the main components of TME and plays an important role in every link of tumor metastasis. This article mainly reviews the role of tumor-infiltrating immune cells in epithelial mesenchymal transformation, extracellular matrix remodeling, tumor angiogenesis and formation of pre-metastatic niche. The value of TIICs in the prognosis of cervical cancer, lung cancer and breast cancer was also discussed. We believe that accurate prognosis of cancer treatment outcomes is conducive to further improving treatment regimens, determining personalized treatment strategies, and ultimately achieving successful cancer treatment. This paper elucidates the relationship between tumor and TIICs in order to explore the function of immune cells in different diseases and provide new ideas for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Xiang Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shu-Qi Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zheng-Xing Lian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shou-Long Deng
- National Health Commission (NHC) of China Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
- Correspondence: (S.-L.D.); (K.Y.)
| | - Kun Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Correspondence: (S.-L.D.); (K.Y.)
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Su Q, Li L, Li X, Li W, Zhang X, Dong Y, Han L, Wang D, Ran J. CD97 serves as a novel biomarker of immune cell infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Surg Oncol 2022; 20:382. [PMID: 36464675 PMCID: PMC9721038 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-022-02829-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CD97 is the most widely expressed G protein-coupled receptor in the epidermal growth factor seven-span transmembrane family. It plays a vital role in cell adhesion, migration, and cell connection regulation. We explored the role of CD97 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS We evaluated CD97 mRNA expression in HCC using TNMplot and the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The clinical prognostic significance of CD97 in HCC patients was evaluated by gene expression profiling interactive analysis, the Kaplan-Meier plotter, and the UALCAN database. The Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) and CIBERSORT databases were used to analyze the relationships among CD97, genes positively related with CD97, and tumor-infiltrating immune cells. RESULTS CD97 was highly expressed in HCC tissues and was associated with an adverse prognosis. CD97 and genes positively related with CD97 were positively correlated with the abundance of tumor-infiltrating immune cells and strongly correlated with tumor-infiltrating macrophages (all r ≥ 0.513, P < 0.001). CD97 was positively correlated with M2 macrophage and tumor-associated macrophage markers (both r ≥ 0.464, P < 0.001). CD97 was found to be an immune-related gene in HCC and positively correlated with the TOX, PD-L1, PD-L2, CTLA4, and PD-1 immune checkpoint genes. CD97 copy number alterations affect the level of immune cell infiltration and mRNA expression. CONCLUSIONS CD97 can be used as a potential molecular marker of prognosis in HCC, which is associated with immune cell infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuming Su
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Calmette Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 1228 Beijing Road, Panlong District, Kunming City, 650224 Yunnan Province China
| | - Lu Li
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Calmette Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 1228 Beijing Road, Panlong District, Kunming City, 650224 Yunnan Province China
| | - Xiaokai Li
- grid.414902.a0000 0004 1771 3912Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming City, Yunnan Province China
| | - Wang Li
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Calmette Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 1228 Beijing Road, Panlong District, Kunming City, 650224 Yunnan Province China
| | - Xibing Zhang
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Calmette Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 1228 Beijing Road, Panlong District, Kunming City, 650224 Yunnan Province China
| | - Yun Dong
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Calmette Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 1228 Beijing Road, Panlong District, Kunming City, 650224 Yunnan Province China
| | - Lei Han
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Calmette Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 1228 Beijing Road, Panlong District, Kunming City, 650224 Yunnan Province China
| | - Duo Wang
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Calmette Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 1228 Beijing Road, Panlong District, Kunming City, 650224 Yunnan Province China
| | - Jianghua Ran
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Calmette Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 1228 Beijing Road, Panlong District, Kunming City, 650224 Yunnan Province China
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10
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Gedaly R, Cornea V, Turcios L, Edmisson JS, Harris DD, Watt DS, Chapelin F, Khurana A, Mei X, Liu C, Taylor I, Gonzalez-Valdivieso J, Mitchel H, Ruffing A, Chishti A, Orozco G, Zwischenberger J, Evers BM, Marti F. Anti-neoplastic sulfonamides alter the metabolic homeostasis and disrupt the suppressor activity of regulatory T cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19112. [PMID: 36352020 PMCID: PMC9646802 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23601-2] [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: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential to maintain self-tolerance and immune homeostasis but, as components of the tumor microenvironment (TME), are also a major barrier to effective cancer immunosurveillance and immunotherapy. FH535 and its derivative Y3 are two N-aryl-benzene-sulfonamides (NABs) that inhibit HCC cell proliferation and tumor progression. However, the impact of NABs on the immune cells in the TME is not yet known. Analyses of explanted livers from patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) showed that high levels of tumor-infiltrating Tregs were associated with poor tumor differentiation. These results lead us to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of NABs in regulatory and effector T cells. Exposure of primary human Tregs to NABs induced a rapid but temporary increase of cell expansion, a gradual disruption of suppressor activity, and concomitant bioenergetics and autophagic flux dysregulations. In contrast to Tregs, no gross effects were observed in effector T cells. Addition of Rapamycin prevented the functional decay of Tregs and restored their metabolic profile, suggesting that NAB effects require the integrity of the mTOR pathway. This study revealed the immunomodulatory properties of NABs with a preferential impact on Treg activity and provided novel insights into the anti-tumor potential of sulfonamides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Gedaly
- Department of Surgery - Transplant Division, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
- Lucillle Parker Markey Cancer Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
- Division of Transplantation, Section for Quality and Biostatistics, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
- Alliance Research Initiative (TILT Alliance), College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
- Department of Surgery, Transplant Center, 740 South Limestone, K 301, Rm 312, Lexington, KY, 40536-0284, USA.
| | - Virgilius Cornea
- Department of Surgery - Transplant Division, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- Lucillle Parker Markey Cancer Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Lilia Turcios
- Department of Surgery - Transplant Division, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Jacob S Edmisson
- Department of Surgery - Transplant Division, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Dwight D Harris
- Department of Surgery - Transplant Division, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - David S Watt
- Lucillle Parker Markey Cancer Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- Center for Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Fanny Chapelin
- Lucillle Parker Markey Cancer Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- Alliance Research Initiative (TILT Alliance), College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Aman Khurana
- Lucillle Parker Markey Cancer Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- Alliance Research Initiative (TILT Alliance), College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Xiaonan Mei
- Department of Surgery - Transplant Division, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- Division of Transplantation, Section for Quality and Biostatistics, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Chunming Liu
- Lucillle Parker Markey Cancer Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Isaac Taylor
- Department of Surgery - Transplant Division, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Juan Gonzalez-Valdivieso
- Department of Surgery - Transplant Division, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Hunter Mitchel
- Department of Surgery - Transplant Division, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- Department of Science & Health, School of Science, Health & Mathematics, Asbury University, Wilmore, KY, 40390, USA
| | - Alexis Ruffing
- Department of Surgery - Transplant Division, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- Department of Science & Health, School of Science, Health & Mathematics, Asbury University, Wilmore, KY, 40390, USA
| | - Asir Chishti
- Department of Surgery - Transplant Division, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Gabriel Orozco
- Department of Surgery - Transplant Division, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Joseph Zwischenberger
- Department of Surgery - Transplant Division, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - B Mark Evers
- Lucillle Parker Markey Cancer Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Francesc Marti
- Department of Surgery - Transplant Division, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
- Lucillle Parker Markey Cancer Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
- Alliance Research Initiative (TILT Alliance), College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
- Department of Surgery, Transplant Center, Peter P. Bosomworth Health Sciences Research Building (HSRB), Office: Room# 363 / Lab: Room# 361, 1095 Veterans Drive, Lexington, KY, 40536-0305, USA.
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11
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A Comprehensive Evaluation of Prognostic Value and Immune Infiltration of KDM1 Family in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Adv Ther 2022; 39:4568-4582. [PMID: 35939262 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-022-02275-2] [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: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal malignancies in the world. Previous studies indicated that the expression of the KDM1 genes (KDM1s), members of the amine oxidase superfamily, has prognostic value for breast and prostate cancer and malignant neuroblastoma. This study aimed to investigate the expression of KDM1s, their prognostic value, and their correlation with immune infiltration in patients with HCC. METHODS Multiomics analyses were utilized to analyze differential expression, prognostic value, genetic alteration, and immune cell infiltration of KDM1s in patients with HCC. RESULTS The high expression of KDM1A indicated poor overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival, whereas the high expression of KDM1B was significantly associated with poor OS. The genetic alterations and biological interaction network of KDM1s may provide detailed information for the dysregulated function of KDM1s in patients with HCC. KDM1-related signaling pathways and miRNA targets were explored and may provide value as therapeutic targets or tumor progression markers. The increased mRNA expression of KDM1s was significantly correlated with the infiltration of diverse immune cells in HCC. CONCLUSIONS This data-driven study indicates that KDM1s are promising prognostic biomarkers for survival and have the potential to become novel molecular targets in HCC treatments.
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12
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Sharafi F, Hasani SA, Alesaeidi S, Kahrizi MS, Adili A, Ghoreishizadeh S, Shomali N, Tamjidifar R, Aslaminabad R, Akbari M. A comprehensive review about the utilization of immune checkpoint inhibitors and combination therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma: an updated review. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:269. [PMID: 35999569 PMCID: PMC9400240 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02682-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
A pharmacological class known as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has been developed as a potential treatment option for various malignancies, including HCC. In HCC, ICIs have demonstrated clinically significant advantages as monotherapy or combination therapy. ICIs that target programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1), as well as cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4), have made significant advances in cancer treatment. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), several ICIs are being tested in clinical trials, and the area is quickly developing. As immunotherapy-related adverse events (irAEs) linked with ICI therapy expands and gain worldwide access, up-to-date management guidelines become crucial to the safety profile of ICIs. This review aims to describe the evidence for ICIs in treating HCC, emphasizing the use of combination ICIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faezeh Sharafi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sadegh Abaei Hasani
- Cancer Research Center, Department of General Surgery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Alesaeidi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ali Adili
- Senior Adult Oncology Department, Moffitt Cancer Center, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Department of Oncology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Navid Shomali
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Rozita Tamjidifar
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, 35100, Turkey
- Department of Stem Cell, Institute of Health Sciences, Ege University, Izmir, 35100, Turkey
| | - Ramin Aslaminabad
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, 35100, Turkey
| | - Morteza Akbari
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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13
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Zhang CY, Liu S, Yang M. Regulatory T cells and their associated factors in hepatocellular carcinoma development and therapy. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:3346-3358. [PMID: 36158267 PMCID: PMC9346458 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i27.3346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide with primary type hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Factors, including carcinogens, infection of hepatitis viruses, alcohol abuse, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), can induce HCC initiation and promote HCC progression. The prevalence of NAFLD accompanying the increased incidence of obesity and type 2 diabetes becomes the most increasing factor causing HCC worldwide. However, the benefit of current therapeutic options is still limited. Intrahepatic immunity plays critically important roles in HCC initiation, development, and progression. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) and their associated factors such as metabolites and secreting cytokines mediate the immune tolerance of the tumor microenvironment in HCC. Therefore, targeting Tregs and blocking their mediated factors may prevent HCC progression. This review summarizes the functions of Tregs in HCC-inducing factors including alcoholic and NAFLD, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and viral infections. Overall, a better understanding of the role of Tregs in the development and progression of HCC provides treatment strategies for liver cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Ye Zhang
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
| | - Shuai Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
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14
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Chen C, Wu Y, Chen K, Xia Z, Liu X, Zhang C, Zhao H, Shen A. Identification and Validation of Necroptosis-Related LncRNA Signature in Hepatocellular Carcinoma for Prognosis Estimation and Microenvironment Status. Front Genet 2022; 13:898507. [PMID: 35754846 PMCID: PMC9214229 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.898507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among malignancies with the highest fatality toll globally and minimal therapeutic options. Necroptosis is a programmed form of necrosis or inflammatory cell death, which can affect prognosis and microenvironmental status of HCC. Therefore, we aimed to explore the prognostic value of necroptosis-related lncRNAs (NRLs) in HCC and the role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in immunotherapy. Methods: The RNA-sequencing data and clinical information were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC). NRLs were identified by Pearson correlation analysis. The signature was constructed using the LASSO-Cox regression analysis and evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and the area under the Kaplan-Meier curve. The nomogram was built based on clinical information and risk score. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), immunoassay, half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) analysis of the risk group, and the HCC subtype identification based on NRLs were also carried out. Finally, we detected the expression of lncRNAs in HCC tissues and cell lines in vitro. Results: A total of 508 NRLs were screened out, and seven NRLs were constructed as a risk stratification system to classify patients into distinct low- and high-risk groups. Patients in the high-risk group had a significantly lower overall survival (OS) than those in the low-risk group. Using multivariate Cox regression analysis, we found that the risk score was an independent predictor of OS. Functional analysis showed that the immune status of different patients was different. The IC50 analysis of chemotherapy demonstrated that patients in the high-risk group were more sensitive to commonly prescribed drugs. qRT-PCR showed that three high-risk lncRNAs were upregulated in drug-resistant cells, and the expression in HCC tissues was higher than that in adjacent tissues. Conclusion: The prediction signature developed in this study can be used to assess the prognosis and microenvironment of HCC patients, and serve as a new benchmark for HCC treatment selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Chen
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yumeng Wu
- Cancer Research Center Nantong, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Kang Chen
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Zicong Xia
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xiaokan Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Chaojie Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Aiguo Shen
- Cancer Research Center Nantong, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
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15
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Fang W, Gan Y, Zhang L, Xiong J. COMMD2 Upregulation Mediated by an ncRNA Axis Correlates With an Unfavorable Prognosis and Tumor Immune Infiltration in Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:853026. [PMID: 35574298 PMCID: PMC9099436 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.853026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) seriously endangers the health and quality of life of individuals worldwide. Increasing evidence has underscored that the copper metabolism MURR1 domain (COMMD) family plays important roles in tumorigenesis. However, the specific role, biological function, mechanism and prognostic value of COMMD2 and its correlation with immune cell infiltration in LIHC remain unknown. In this study, we first determined the expression and prognostic potential of COMMD2 in human tumors using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data and identified COMMD2 as a potential oncogene in LIHC. High COMMD2 expression was associated with pathological tumor stage and metastasis. Subsequently, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) upregulating COMMD2 expression were identified by performing expression, correlation, and survival analyses in combination. The CRNDE/LINC00511/SNHG17/HCG18-miR-29c-3p axis was identified as the most likely ncRNA-associated pathway upstream of COMMD2 in LIHC. Next, the expression profiles of COMMD2 and ncRNAs were validated in LIHC tissues and adjacent normal tissues. Furthermore, COMMD2 was significantly positively correlated with tumor immune cell infiltration, immune cell biomarkers, and immune checkpoint molecule expression. Importantly, COMMD2 potentially influenced prognosis by regulating immune cell infiltration in LIHC. Finally, COMMD2 was knocked down in LIHC cell lines using siRNAs for functional assays in vitro, resulting in suppressed cell proliferation and migration. In summary, our findings showed that the ncRNA-mediated upregulation of COMMD2 was associated with an unfavorable prognosis correlated with immune cell infiltration in LIHC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ling Zhang
- *Correspondence: Ling Zhang, ; Jianping Xiong,
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16
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Precision Medicine for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Clinical Perspective. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12020149. [PMID: 35207638 PMCID: PMC8879044 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12020149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the major malignant diseases worldwide, characterized by growing incidence and high mortality rates despite apparent improvements in surveillance programs, diagnostic and treatment procedures, molecular therapies, and numerous research initiatives. Most HCCs occur in patients with liver cirrhosis, and the competing mortality risks from the tumor and the cirrhosis should be considered. Presently, previously identified risk factors, such as hepatitis virus infection, hepatic inflammation and fibrosis, and metabolic syndrome, may be used as chemoprevention targets. The application of precision medicine for HCC management challenges the one-size-fits-all concept; moreover, patients should no longer be treated entirely according to the histology of their tumor but based on molecular targets specific to their tumor biology. Next-generation sequencing emphasizes HCC molecular heterogeneity and aids our comprehension of possible vulnerabilities that can be exploited. Moreover, genetic sequencing as part of a precision medicine concept may work as a promising tool for postoperative cancer monitoring. The use of genetic and epigenetic markers to identify therapeutic vulnerability could change the diagnosis and treatment of HCC, which so far was based on Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) staging. In daily clinical practice, the shift from a stage-oriented to a therapeutic-oriented approach is needed to direct the choice of HCC treatment toward the potentially most effective option on an individual basis. The important factor in precision medicine is the promotion of patient management based on the individual approach, knowing that the final decision must be approved by a multidisciplinary expert team.
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17
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Sung PS. Crosstalk between tumor-associated macrophages and neighboring cells in hepatocellular carcinoma. Clin Mol Hepatol 2021; 28:333-350. [PMID: 34665953 PMCID: PMC9293612 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2021.0308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment generally shows a substantial immunosuppressive activity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), accounting for the suboptimal efficacy of immune-based treatments for this difficult-to-treat cancer. The crosstalk between tumor cells and various cell types in the tumor microenvironment is strongly related to HCC progression and treatment resistance. Monocytes are recruited to the HCC tumor microenvironment by various factors and become tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) with distinct phenotypes. TAMs often contribute to weakened tumor-specific immune responses and a more aggressive phenotype of malignancy. Recent single-cell RNA-sequencing data have demonstrated the central roles of specific TAMs in tumorigenesis and treatment resistance by their interactions with various cell populations in the HCC tumor microenvironment. This review focuses on the roles of TAMs and the crosstalk between TAMs and neighboring cell types in the HCC tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pil Soo Sung
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
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18
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Zheng X, Jin W, Wang S, Ding H. Progression on the Roles and Mechanisms of Tumor-Infiltrating T Lymphocytes in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Immunol 2021; 12:729705. [PMID: 34566989 PMCID: PMC8462294 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.729705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer (PLC) is one of the most common malignancies in China, where it ranks second in mortality and fifth in morbidity. Currently, liver transplantation, hepatic tumor resection, radiofrequency ablation, and molecular-targeted agents are the major treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Overall, HCC has a poor survival rate and a high recurrence rate. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have been discovered to play essential roles in the development, prognosis, and immunotherapy treatment of HCC. As the major component cells of TILs, T cells are also proved to show antitumor and protumor effects in HCC. Foxp3+, CD8+, CD3+, and CD4+ T lymphocytes are the broadly studied subgroups of TILs. This article reviews the roles and mechanisms of different tumor-infiltrating T lymphocyte subtypes in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Zheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hepatology, Beijing You'An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjie Jin
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Institute of Microbiology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing You'An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Huiguo Ding
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hepatology, Beijing You'An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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19
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Borensztejn K, Tyrna P, Gaweł AM, Dziuba I, Wojcik C, Bialy LP, Mlynarczuk-Bialy I. Classification of Cell-in-Cell Structures: Different Phenomena with Similar Appearance. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102569. [PMID: 34685548 PMCID: PMC8534218 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A phenomenon known for over 100 years named “cell-in-cell” (CIC) is now undergoing its renaissance, mostly due to modern cell visualization techniques. It is no longer an esoteric process studied by a few cell biologists, as there is increasing evidence that CICs may have prognostic and diagnostic value for cancer patients. There are many unresolved questions stemming from the difficulties in studying CICs and the limitations of current molecular techniques. CIC formation involves a dynamic interaction between an outer or engulfing cell and an inner or engulfed cell, which can be of the same (homotypic) or different kind (heterotypic). Either one of those cells appears to be able to initiate this process, which involves signaling through cell–cell adhesion, followed by cytoskeleton activation, leading to the deformation of the cellular membrane and movements of both cells that subsequently result in CICs. This review focuses on the distinction of five known forms of CIC (cell cannibalism, phagoptosis, enclysis, entosis, and emperipolesis), their unique features, characteristics, and underlying molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Borensztejn
- Histology and Embryology Students’ Science Association, Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Warsaw Medical University, Chalubinskiego 5, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland; (K.B.); (P.T.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Paweł Tyrna
- Histology and Embryology Students’ Science Association, Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Warsaw Medical University, Chalubinskiego 5, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland; (K.B.); (P.T.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Agata M. Gaweł
- Histology and Embryology Students’ Science Association, Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Warsaw Medical University, Chalubinskiego 5, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland; (K.B.); (P.T.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Ireneusz Dziuba
- Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Dewajtis 5, 01-815 Warsaw, Poland;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Technology, Rolna 43, 40-555 Katowice, Poland
| | - Cezary Wojcik
- US Cardiovascular, Amgen Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320-1799, USA;
| | - Lukasz P. Bialy
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Warsaw Medical University, Chalubinskiego 5, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Izabela Mlynarczuk-Bialy
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Warsaw Medical University, Chalubinskiego 5, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-22-6295282
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20
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Sanceau J, Gougelet A. Epigenetic mechanisms of liver tumor resistance to immunotherapy. World J Hepatol 2021; 13:979-1002. [PMID: 34630870 PMCID: PMC8473495 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i9.979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver tumor, which stands fourth in rank of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The incidence of HCC is constantly increasing in correlation with the epidemic in diabetes and obesity, arguing for an urgent need for new treatments for this lethal cancer refractory to conventional treatments. HCC is the paradigm of inflammation-associated cancer, since more than 80% of HCC emerge consecutively to cirrhosis associated with a vast remodeling of liver microenvironment. In the recent decade, immunomodulatory drugs have been developed and have given impressive results in melanoma and later in several other cancers. In the present review, we will discuss the recent advancements concerning the use of immunotherapies in HCC, in particular those targeting immune checkpoints, used alone or in combination with other anti-cancers agents. We will address why these drugs demonstrate unsatisfactory results in a high proportion of liver cancers and the mechanisms of resistance developed by HCC to evade immune response with a focus on the epigenetic-related mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Sanceau
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris, Paris 75006, France
| | - Angélique Gougelet
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris, Paris 75006, France
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21
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Zhou D, Luan J, Huang C, Li J. Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Friend or Foe? Gut Liver 2021; 15:500-516. [PMID: 33087588 PMCID: PMC8283292 DOI: 10.5009/gnl20223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, and it has diverse etiologies with multiple mechanisms. The diagnosis of HCC typically occurs at advanced stages when there are limited therapeutic options. Hepatocarcinogenesis is considered a multistep process, and hepatic macrophages play a critical role in the inflammatory process leading to HCC. Emerging evidence has shown that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are crucial components defining the HCC immune microenvironment and represent an appealing option for disrupting the formation and development of HCC. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the polarization and function of TAMs in the pathogenesis of HCC, as well as the mechanisms underlying TAM-related anti-HCC therapies. Eventually, novel insights into these important aspects of TAMs and their roles in the HCC microenvironment might lead to promising TAM-focused therapeutic strategies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dexi Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Yijishan Hospital, Wuhu, China.,Key Laboratory of Non-coding RNA Transformation Research of Anhui Higher Education Institution, Wuhu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Jiajie Luan
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Yijishan Hospital, Wuhu, China.,Key Laboratory of Non-coding RNA Transformation Research of Anhui Higher Education Institution, Wuhu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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22
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The TGF-β Pathway: A Pharmacological Target in Hepatocellular Carcinoma? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133248. [PMID: 34209646 PMCID: PMC8268320 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily members are essential for tissue homeostasis and consequently, dysregulation of their signaling pathways contributes to the development of human diseases. In the liver, TGF-β signaling participates in all the stages of disease progression from initial liver injury to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). During liver carcinogenesis, TGF-β plays a dual role on the malignant cell, behaving as a suppressor factor at early stages, but contributing to later tumor progression once cells escape from its cytostatic effects. Moreover, TGF-β can modulate the response of the cells forming the tumor microenvironment that may also contribute to HCC progression, and drive immune evasion of cancer cells. Thus, targeting the TGF-β pathway may constitute an effective therapeutic option for HCC treatment. However, it is crucial to identify biomarkers that allow to predict the response of the tumors and appropriately select the patients that could benefit from TGF-β inhibitory therapies. Here we review the functions of TGF-β on HCC malignant and tumor microenvironment cells, and the current strategies targeting TGF-β signaling for cancer therapy. We also summarize the clinical impact of TGF-β inhibitors in HCC patients and provide a perspective on its future use alone or in combinatorial strategies for HCC treatment.
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23
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Zientarska A, Kaczmarek M, Mozer-Lisewska I, Kowala-Piaskowska A, Witkowska A, Żeromski J. Treg cells in the course of chronic hepatitis C virus infection partially normalize in longitudinal observation after successful DAA treatment regardless of hepatic fibrosis stage. Clin Exp Hepatol 2021; 7:196-204. [PMID: 34295988 PMCID: PMC8284172 DOI: 10.5114/ceh.2021.107122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY Elevated circulating CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) play an unspecified role in liver fibrosis development. This study aimed to determine whether Treg cells diminish after successful treatment with directacting antivirals (DAA) in patients at different liver fibrosis stages. MATERIAL AND METHODS We examined 44 patients with CHC (including 29 with liver cirrhosis) seven days before DAA treatment (T0), six months later (T1) and then 22 of them were examined one year (T2) after the first dose. Subsequently, these were compared with 28 volunteers without hepatitis C virus (HCV) (15 with excessive alcohol intake). We assessed the degree of liver fibrosis with FibroScan, aspartate transaminase (AST) to platelet ratio index (APRI), FibroIndex, the Forns index and Fib-4. Circulating Treg cells were measured using flow cytometry. RESULTS All patients achieved a sustained virological response (SVR). After the treatment, all liver fibrosis indicators decreased significantly. The number of circulating Tregs was lower in healthy controls than in patients with CHC (0.0066 × 103 cells/µl and 0.0084 × 103 cells/µl, respectively, p = 0.048). After the treatment we observed an insignificant change to 0.0047 × 103 cells/µl for T1 (p > 0.05) and a significant fall to 0.0041 × 103 cells/µl for T2 (p = 0.03). There was no correlation between the degree of hepatic fibrosis and number of Tregs or post-treatment dynamics. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that Treg cells normalize gradually over a prolonged period of time after a successful DAA treatment. Their number and dynamics remain independent of liver fibrosis degree. The correlation of this revelation with metabolic disorders, increased susceptibility to infections or persistent risk of HCC remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Zientarska
- Chair and Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology and Acquired Immunodeficiencies, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Mariusz Kaczmarek
- Chair of Clinical Immunology and Department of Cancer Immunology, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Department of Diagnostics and Cancer Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
| | - Iwona Mozer-Lisewska
- Chair and Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology and Acquired Immunodeficiencies, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Arleta Kowala-Piaskowska
- Chair and Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology and Acquired Immunodeficiencies, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Witkowska
- Chair and Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology and Acquired Immunodeficiencies, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Jan Żeromski
- Chair of Clinical Immunology, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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24
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Bozward AG, Warricker F, Oo YH, Khakoo SI. Natural Killer Cells and Regulatory T Cells Cross Talk in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Exploring Therapeutic Options for the Next Decade. Front Immunol 2021; 12:643310. [PMID: 33995362 PMCID: PMC8120158 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.643310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite major advances in immunotherapy, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a challenging target. Natural Killer (NK) cells are crucial components of the anti-HCC immune response, which can be manipulated for immunotherapeutic benefit as primary targets, modulators of the tumour microenvironment and in synchronising with tumour antigen specific effector CD8 cells for tumour clearance. Regulatory T cells shape the anti-tumour response from effector T cells via multiple suppressive mechanisms. Future research is needed to address the development of novel NK cell-targeted immunotherapy and on restraining Treg frequency and function in HCC. We have now entered a new era of anti-cancer treatment using checkpoint inhibitor (CPI)-based strategies. Combining GMP-NK cell immunotherapy to enhance the frequency of NK cells with CPI targeting both NK and CD8 T cells to release co-inhibitory receptors and enhance the cells anti-tumour immunity of HCC would be an attractive therapeutic option in the treatment of HCC. These therapeutic approaches should now be complemented by the application of genomic, proteomic and metabolomic approaches to understanding the microenvironment of HCC which, together with deep immune profiling of peripheral blood and HCC tissue before and during treatment, will provide the much-needed personalised medicine approach required to improve clinical outcomes for patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber G. Bozward
- Centre for Liver and Gastroenterology Research and National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre (NIHR BRC) Birmingham, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Rare Diseases, European Reference Network Centre- Rare Liver, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Frazer Warricker
- The School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, The School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Ye H. Oo
- Centre for Liver and Gastroenterology Research and National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre (NIHR BRC) Birmingham, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Rare Diseases, European Reference Network Centre- Rare Liver, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Unit, University Hospital of Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Salim I. Khakoo
- The School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, The School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Unit, University Hospital of Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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25
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Aghabi YO, Yasin A, Kennedy JI, Davies SP, Butler AE, Stamataki Z. Targeting Enclysis in Liver Autoimmunity, Transplantation, Viral Infection and Cancer. Front Immunol 2021; 12:662134. [PMID: 33953725 PMCID: PMC8089374 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.662134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent liver inflammation can lead to cirrhosis, which associates with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. There are no curative treatments beyond transplantation, followed by long-term immunosuppression. The global burden of end stage liver disease has been increasing and there is a shortage of donor organs, therefore new therapies are desperately needed. Harnessing the power of the immune system has shown promise in certain autoimmunity and cancer settings. In the context of the liver, regulatory T cell (Treg) therapies are in development. The hypothesis is that these specialized lymphocytes that dampen inflammation may reduce liver injury in patients with chronic, progressive diseases, and promote transplant tolerance. Various strategies including intrinsic and extracorporeal expansion of Treg cells, aim to increase their abundance to suppress immune responses. We recently discovered that hepatocytes engulf and delete Treg cells by enclysis. Herein, we propose that inhibition of enclysis may potentiate existing regulatory T cell therapeutic approaches in patients with autoimmune liver diseases and in patients receiving a transplant. Moreover, in settings where the abundance of Treg cells could hinder beneficial immunity, such us in chronic viral infection or liver cancer, enhancement of enclysis could result in transient, localized reduction of Treg cell numbers and tip the balance towards antiviral and anti-tumor immunity. We describe enclysis as is a natural process of liver immune regulation that lends itself to therapeutic targeting, particularly in combination with current Treg cell approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Zania Stamataki
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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26
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Abstract
ABSTRACT Neuropilins (NRP1 and NRP2) are multifunctional receptor proteins that are involved in nerve, blood vessel, and tumor development. NRP1 was first found to be expressed in neurons, but subsequent studies have demonstrated its surface expression in cells from the endothelium and lymph nodes. NRP1 has been demonstrated to be involved in the occurrence and development of a variety of cancers. NRP1 interacts with various cytokines, such as vascular endothelial growth factor family and its receptor and transforming growth factor β1 and its receptor, to affect tumor angiogenesis, tumor proliferation, and migration. In addition, NRP1+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an inhibitory role in tumor immunity. High numbers of NRP1+ Tregs were associated with cancer prognosis. Targeting NRP1 has shown promise, and antagonists against NRP1 have had therapeutic efficacy in preliminary clinical studies. NRP1 treatment modalities using nanomaterials, targeted drugs, oncolytic viruses, and radio-chemotherapy have gradually been developed. Hence, we reviewed the use of NRP1 in the context of tumorigenesis, progression, and treatment.
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27
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Abd El Aziz MA, Facciorusso A, Nayfeh T, Saadi S, Elnaggar M, Cotsoglou C, Sacco R. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8040616. [PMID: 33086471 PMCID: PMC7712941 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8040616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the advances in screening protocols and treatment options, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still considered to be the most lethal malignancy in patients with liver cirrhosis. Moreover, the survival outcomes after failure of first-line therapy for unresectable HCC is still poor with limited therapeutic options. One of these options is immune checkpoint inhibitors. The aim of this study is to comprehensively review the efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors for patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonio Facciorusso
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Ospedali Riuniti di Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Tarek Nayfeh
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (T.N.); (S.S.)
| | - Samer Saadi
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (T.N.); (S.S.)
| | - Mohamed Elnaggar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 1155, USA;
| | | | - Rodolfo Sacco
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Ospedali Riuniti di Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Ospedali Riuniti di Foggia, Viale Pinto, 1, 71100 Foggia, Italy
- Correspondence:
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28
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Amada E, Fukuda K, Kumagai K, Kawakubo H, Kitagawa Y. Soluble recombinant human thrombomodulin suppresses inflammation-induced gastrointestinal tumor growth in a murine peritonitis model. Mol Cell Biochem 2020; 475:195-203. [PMID: 32767229 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-020-03872-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) are believed to play key roles in both postoperative pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses of malignancies. Recombinant human thrombomodulin (rTM) is implied to inhibit the interaction between TGF-β and Tregs. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antitumor effects of rTM against gastrointestinal tumors under systemic inflammation. Mice were subjected to cecal ligation and puncture and percutaneous allogeneic tumor implantation. rTM were introduced by percutaneous injection into the abdominal cavity. The effects of rTM were evaluated by weight of implanted tumor, proportion of Tregs in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and temporal evaluation of serum cytokines. The effect of rTM was also evaluated on the in vitro differentiation of naïve T cells into induced Tregs induced by TGF-β and interleukin (IL) -2. rTM significantly inhibited the proliferation of the implanted tumor cells in an inflammation-dependent manner. rTM also reduced the fractions of regulatory T cells and induced regulatory T cells among both PBL and TIL. Temporal evaluation of serum cytokine levels in the model mice showed that rTM significantly suppressed the increases in the serum levels of IL-2 and TGF-β. An in vitro differentiation assay revealed that rTM inhibited the differentiation of naïve T cells into Tregs triggered by IL-2- and TGF-β. rTM has suppressive effects on inflammation-induced gastrointestinal tumor growth by suggestively affecting differentiation of Tregs.
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Affiliation(s)
- En Amada
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35, Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazumasa Fukuda
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35, Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koshi Kumagai
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, The Cancer Institute Hospital of JFCR, 3-8-31, Ariake, Koto, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Hirofumi Kawakubo
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35, Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Kitagawa
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35, Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
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29
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Sachdeva M, Arora SK. Prognostic role of immune cells in hepatocellular carcinoma. EXCLI JOURNAL 2020; 19:718-733. [PMID: 32636725 PMCID: PMC7332804 DOI: 10.17179/excli2020-1455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with rising incidence rates, is the most commonly occurring malignancy of the liver that exerts a heavy disease burden particularly in developing countries. A dynamic cross-talk between immune cells and malignant cells in tumor microenvironment governs the hepatocarcinogenesis. Monitoring immune contexture as prognostic markers is quite relevant and essential to evaluate clinical outcomes and to envisage response to therapy. In this review, we present an overview of the prognostic value of various tumor infiltrating immune cells and the continually evolving immune checkpoints as novel biomarkers during HCC. Tumor infiltration by immune cells such as T cells, NK cells and dendritic cells is linked with improved prognosis and favorable outcome, while the intra-tumoral presence of regulatory T cells (Tregs) or myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) on the other hand is associated with poor clinical outcome. In addition to these, the overexpression of negative regulatory molecules on tumor cells also provides inhibitory signals to T cells and is associated with poor prognosis. The limitation of a single marker can be overcome by advanced prognostication models and algorithms that evaluate multiple prognostic factors and ultimately aid the clinician in improving the disease free and overall survival of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Sachdeva
- Department of Translational & Regenerative Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Sunil K Arora
- Department of Immunopathology & Department of Translational & Regenerative Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
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30
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Immunological Basis of Genesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Unique Challenges and Potential Opportunities through Immunomodulation. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8020247. [PMID: 32456200 PMCID: PMC7349974 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8020247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A majority of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develops in the setting of persistent chronic inflammation as immunological mechanisms have been shown to play a vital role in the initiation, growth and progression of tumours. The index review has been intended to highlight ongoing immunological changes in the hepatic parenchyma responsible for the genesis and progression of HCC. The in-situ vaccine effect of radiofrequency (RF) is through generation tumour-associated antigens (TAAs), following necrosis and apoptosis of tumour cells, which not only re-activates the antitumour immune response but can also act in synergism with checkpoint inhibitors to generate a superlative effect with intent to treat primary cancer and distant metastasis. An improved understanding of oncogenic responses of immune cells and their integration into signaling pathways of the tumour microenvironment will help in modulating the antitumour immune response. Finally, we analyzed contemporary literature and summarised the recent advances made in the field of targeted immunotherapy involving checkpoint inhibitors along with RF application with the intent to reinstate antitumour immunity and outline future directives in very early and early stages of HCC.
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