Interleukin-9 Inhibits Lung Metastasis of Melanoma through Stimulating Anti-Tumor M1 Macrophages

Fatty Acid Metabolism-Related lncRNAs are Potential Biomarkers for Predicting Prognoses and Immune Responses in Patients with Skin Cutaneous Melanoma

Introduction

Skin cutaneous melanoma is becoming more dangerous since it has a poor prognosis and is resistant to treatment. Previous research has shown that lncRNAs and fatty acid metabolism are essential for numerous biological activities. There are no studies on the relationship between fatty acid metabolism-Related lncRNAs and skin cutaneous melanoma.

Methods and Results

In order to better understand the prognosis and survival of SKCM patients, we investigated the significance of lncRNAs related to fatty acid metabolism. In this work, we looked at the fatty acid metabolism genes and lncRNAs expression patterns. On the basis of lncRNAs associated with fatty acid metabolism, a nomogram and a prognosis prediction model were created. Based on the profile of lncRNAs associated with fatty acid metabolism, functional and pharmacological sensitivity investigations were also carried out. We also looked at the connection between immunotherapy and the immune response. The findings demonstrated that a risk score model based on 11 essential lncRNAs for fatty acid metabolism may discriminate between the clinical condition of SKCM and more accurately predict prognosis and survival. We conducted quantitative reverse transcription polymerase-chain reaction (RT-PCR) to verify the model.

Conclusion

These important lncRNAs further showed a strong association with the tumor immune system, and these important lncRNAs also showed a connection between SKCM and chemotherapeutic treatment sensitivity. Our research strives to provide fresh viewpoints and innovative approaches to the treatment and administration of SKCM.

Live-imaging studies reveal how microclots and the associated inflammatory response enhance cancer cell extravasation

Previous clinical studies and work in mouse models have indicated that platelets and microclots might enable the recruitment of immune cells to the pre-metastatic cancer niche, leading to efficacious extravasation of cancer cells through the vessel wall. Here, we investigated the interaction between platelets, endothelial cells, inflammatory cells, and engrafted human and zebrafish cancer cells by live-imaging studies in translucent zebrafish larvae, and show how clotting (and clot resolution) act as foci and as triggers for extravasation. Fluorescent tagging in each lineage revealed their dynamic behaviour and potential roles in these events, and we tested function by genetic and drug knockdown of the contributing players. Morpholino knockdown of fibrinogen subunit α (fga) and warfarin treatment to inhibit clotting both abrogated extravasation of cancer cells. The inflammatory phenotype appeared fundamental, and we show that forcing a pro-inflammatory, tnfa-positive phenotype is inhibitory to extravasation of cancer cells.

Higher IL-9 Level is Associated with Psoriasis Vulgaris Complicated by Metabolic Syndrome

Purpose

The underlying pathophysiology linking psoriasis vulgaris (PV) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) is not fully understood. The present study aimed to investigate the serum level of interleukin (IL)-9 and tissue levels of IL-9 and its receptor in PV patients with MetS and analyze the correlation of IL-9 levels with psoriasis disease severity and MetS.

Methods

This study enrolled 75 PV patients with MetS, 57 PV patients without MetS, 20 healthy blood donors, and 7 healthy skin donors. Clinical, socio-demographic, and anthropometric data were obtained from all individuals. Fasting blood glucose, insulin, lipid profile levels, and serum levels of IL-9 and IL-17A were measured. The expression of IL-9 and its receptor in skin specimens in PV patients and healthy controls was determined using immunohistochemistry. Normal human epidermal keratinocytes were stimulated with five pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, oncostatin M, IL-22, IL-17A, and IL-1α) to establish a psoriatic keratinocyte model and subsequently treated with IL-9. Their mRNA levels of antimicrobial peptides and chemokines were measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Serum level of IL-9 and tissue levels of IL-9 and its receptor were upregulated in PV patients with MetS. IL-9 level was positively correlated to IL-17A level; however, no significant correlation of IL-9 level with psoriasis area severity index was observed. IL-9 level had a positive correlation with the presence of MetS and its components. Correspondingly, IL-9 level positively correlated with waist circumference, body mass index, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance, blood pressure, and triglyceride level and negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. Additionally, IL-9 stimulated the expression of antimicrobial peptides and chemokines in a psoriatic keratinocyte model.

Conclusion

Our findings confirmed that higher IL-9 level is associated with PV complicated by MetS, suggesting that IL-9 may be a link between PV and MetS.

Serum cytokine levels and other associated factors as possible immunotherapeutic targets and prognostic indicators for lung cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent cancer types and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 80-85% of all cancer incidences. Lung cancer therapy and prognosis largely depend on the disease's degree at the diagnosis time. Cytokines are soluble polypeptides that contribute to cell-to-cell communication, acting paracrine or autocrine on neighboring or distant cells. Cytokines are essential for developing neoplastic growth, but they are also known to operate as biological inducers following cancer therapy. Early indications are that inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and IL-8 play a predictive role in lung cancer. Nevertheless, the biological significance of cytokine levels in lung cancer has not yet been investigated. This review aimed to assess the existing literature on serum cytokine levels and additional factors as potential immunotherapeutic targets and lung cancer prognostic indicators. Changes in serum cytokine levels have been identified as immunological biomarkers for lung cancer and predict the effectiveness of targeted immunotherapy.

Macrophages in melanoma: A double‑edged sword and targeted therapy strategies (Review)

Melanoma, which evolves from melanocytes, is the most malignant skin cancer and is highly fatal, although it only accounts for 4% of all skin cancers. Numerous studies have demonstrated that melanoma has a large tumor mutational burden, which means that melanoma has great potential to achieve immune evasion. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are an important component of both the immune system and tumor microenvironment. Several studies have demonstrated their double-edged sword effects on melanoma. The present review focuses on the role of TAMs in melanoma development, including regulation of proliferation, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis and chemical resistance of melanoma. Furthermore, the existing mechanisms of action of the TAM-targeting treatments for melanoma are reviewed. More broadly, the weak points of existing research and the direction of future research are finally identified and described.

Mouse pulmonary interstitial macrophages mediate the pro-tumorigenic effects of IL-9

Although IL-9 has potent anti-tumor activity in adoptive cell transfer therapy, some models suggest that it can promote tumor growth. Here, we show that IL-9 signaling is associated with poor outcomes in patients with various forms of lung cancer, and is required for lung tumor growth in multiple mouse models. CD4+ T cell-derived IL-9 promotes the expansion of both CD11c+ and CD11c- interstitial macrophage populations in lung tumor models. Mechanistically, the IL-9/macrophage axis requires arginase 1 (Arg1) to mediate tumor growth. Indeed, adoptive transfer of Arg1+ but not Arg1- lung macrophages to Il9r-/- mice promotes tumor growth. Moreover, targeting IL-9 signaling using macrophage-specific nanoparticles restricts lung tumor growth in mice. Lastly, elevated expression of IL-9R and Arg1 in tumor lesions is associated with poor prognosis in lung cancer patients. Thus, our study suggests the IL-9/macrophage/Arg1 axis is a potential therapeutic target for lung cancer therapy.

Tumor-Derived Exosomes Modulate Primary Site Tumor Metastasis

Tumor-derived exosomes (TDEs) are actively produced and released by tumor cells and carry messages from tumor cells to healthy cells or abnormal cells, and they participate in tumor metastasis. In this review, we explore the underlying mechanism of action of TDEs in tumor metastasis. TDEs transport tumor-derived proteins and non-coding RNA to tumor cells and promote migration. Transport to normal cells, such as vascular endothelial cells and immune cells, promotes angiogenesis, inhibits immune cell activation, and improves chances of tumor implantation. Thus, TDEs contribute to tumor metastasis. We summarize the function of TDEs and their components in tumor metastasis and illuminate shortcomings for advancing research on TDEs in tumor metastasis.

Neural-Cadherin Influences the Homing of Terminally Differentiated Memory CD8 T Cells to the Lymph Nodes and Bone Marrow

Memory T (TM) cells play an important role in the long-term defense against pathogen reinvasion. However, it is still unclear how these cells receive the crucial signals necessary for their longevity and homeostatic turnover. To understand how TM cells receive these signals, we infected mice with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) and examined the expression sites of neural cadherin (N-cadherin) by immunofluorescence microscopy. We found that N-cadherin was expressed in the surroundings of the white pulps of the spleen and medulla of lymph nodes (LNs). Moreover, TM cells expressing high levels of killer cell lectin-like receptor G1 (KLRG1), a ligand of N-cadherin, were co-localized with N-cadherin+ cells in the spleen but not in LNs. We then blocked N-cadherin in vivo to investigate whether it regulates the formation or function of TM cells. The numbers of CD127hiCD62Lhi TM cells in the spleen of memory P14 chimeric mice declined when N-cadherin was blocked during the contraction phase, without functional impairment of these cells. In addition, when CD127loKLRG1hi TM cells were adoptively transferred into anti-N-cadherin-treated mice compared with control mice, the number of these cells was reduced in the bone marrow and LNs, without functional loss. Taken together, our results suggest that N-cadherin participates in the development of CD127hiCD62Lhi TM cells and homing of CD127loKLRG1hi TM cells to lymphoid organs.

A cellular census of human peripheral immune cells identifies novel cell states in lung diseases

Increasing evidence supports a central role of the immune system in lung diseases. Understanding how immunological alterations between lung diseases provide opportunities for immunotherapy. Exhausted T cells play a key role of immune suppression in lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was proved in our previous study. The present study aims to furthermore define molecular landscapes and heterogeneity of systemic immune cell target proteomic and transcriptomic profiles and interactions between circulating immune cells and lung residential cells in various lung diseases. We firstly measured target proteomic profiles of circulating immune cells from healthy volunteers and patients with stable pneumonia, stable asthma, acute asthma, acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer, using single-cell analysis by cytometry by time-of-flight with 42 antibodies. The nine immune cells landscape was mapped among those respiratory system diseases, including CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, dendritic cells, B cells, eosinophil, γδT cells, monocytes, neutrophil and natural killer cells. The double-negative T cells and exhausted CD4+ central memory T cells subset were identified in patients with acute pneumonia. This T subset expressed higher levels of T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (Tim3) and T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT) in patients with acute pneumonia and stable pneumonia. Biological processes and pathways of immune cells including immune response activation, regulation of cell cycle and pathways in cancer in peripheral blood immune cells were defined by bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). The heterogeneity among immune cells including CD4+ , CD8+ T cells and NK T cells by single immune cell RNA-seq with significant difference was found by single-cell sequencing. The effect of interstitial telocytes on the immune cell types and immune function was finally studied and the expressions of CD8a and chemokine C-C motif receptor 7 (CCR7) were increased significantly in co-cultured groups. Our data indicate that proteomic and transcriptomic profiles and heterogeneity of circulating immune cells provides new insights for understanding new molecular mechanisms of immune cell function, interaction and modulation as a source to identify and develop biomarkers and targets for lung diseases.

Macrophages, as a Promising Strategy to Targeted Treatment for Colorectal Cancer Metastasis in Tumor Immune Microenvironment

The tumor immune microenvironment plays a vital role in the metastasis of colorectal cancer. As one of the most important immune cells, macrophages act as phagocytes, patrol the surroundings of tissues, and remove invading pathogens and cell debris to maintain tissue homeostasis. Significantly, macrophages have a characteristic of high plasticity and can be classified into different subtypes according to the different functions, which can undergo reciprocal phenotypic switching induced by different types of molecules and signaling pathways. Macrophages regulate the development and metastatic potential of colorectal cancer by changing the tumor immune microenvironment. In tumor tissues, the tumor-associated macrophages usually play a tumor-promoting role in the tumor immune microenvironment, and they are also associated with poor prognosis. This paper reviews the mechanisms and stimulating factors of macrophages in the process of colorectal cancer metastasis and intends to indicate that targeting macrophages may be a promising strategy in colorectal cancer treatment.

Innate Lymphoid Cells in Tissue Homeostasis and Disease Pathogenesis

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are the most recently discovered family of innate immune cells. ILCs can be categorized into three groups on the basis of the transcription factors that direct their functions and the cytokines they produce. Notably, these functions parallel the effector functions of T lymphocytes. ILCs play a frontline role in host defense and tissue homeostasis by responding rapidly to environmental factors, conducting effector responses in a tissue-specific manner, and interacting with hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells throughout the body. Moreover, recent studies reveal that ILCs are involved in development of various inflammatory diseases, such as respiratory diseases, autoimmune diseases, or cancer. In this review, we discuss the recent findings regarding the biology of ILCs in health and inflammatory diseases.

Antibody-based delivery of interleukin-9 to neovascular structures: Therapeutic evaluation in cancer and arthritis

Interleukin-9 is a cytokine with multiple functions, including the ability to activate group 2 innate lymphoid cells, which has been postulated to be therapeutically active in mouse models of arthritis. Similarly, interleukin-9 has been suggested to play an important role in tumor immunity. Here, we describe the cloning, expression, and characterization of three fusion proteins based on murine interleukin-9 and the F8 antibody, specific to the alternatively spliced EDA domain of fibronectin. EDA is strongly expressed in cancer and in various arthritic conditions, while being undetectable in the majority of healthy organs. Interleukin-9-based fusion proteins with an irrelevant antibody specific to hen egg lysozyme served as negative control in our study. The fusion proteins were characterized by quantitative biodistribution analysis in tumor-bearing mice using radioiodinated protein preparations. The highest tumor uptake and best tumor:organ ratios were observed for a format, in which the interleukin-9 moiety was flanked by two units of the F8 antibody in single-chain Fv format. Biological activity of interleukin-9 was retained when the payload was fused to antibodies. However, the targeted delivery of interleukin-9 to the disease site resulted in a modest anti-tumor activity in three different murine models of cancer (K1735M2, CT26, and F9), while no therapeutic benefit was observed in a collagen induced model of arthritis. Collectively, these results confirm the possibility to deliver interleukin-9 to the site of disease but cast doubts about the alleged therapeutic activity of this cytokine in cancer and arthritis, which has been postulated in previous publications.

Crosstalk between the Producers and Immune Targets of IL-9

IL-9 has been reported to play dual roles in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders and cancers. The collaboration of IL-9 with microenvironmental factors including the broader cytokine milieu and other cellular components may provide important keys to explain its conflicting effects in chronic conditions. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the cellular sources of, and immunological responders to IL-9, in order to interpret the role of IL-9 in the regulation of immune responses. This knowledge will provide new perspectives to improve clinical benefits and limit adverse effects of IL-9 when treating pathologic conditions.