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Saad EE, Michel R, Borahay MA. Cholesterol and Immune Microenvironment: Path Towards Tumorigenesis. Curr Nutr Rep 2024; 13:557-565. [PMID: 38696074 DOI: 10.1007/s13668-024-00542-y] [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] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Since obesity is a major risk factor for many different types of cancer, examining one of the most closely associated comorbidities, such as hypercholesterolemia, is crucial to understanding how obesity causes cancer. Hypercholesterolemia is usually associated with many cardiovascular complications such as hypertension, angina, and atherosclerosis. In addition, cholesterol may be a major factor in increasing cancer risk. Cancer patients who received statins, an anti-hypercholesteremic medicine, demonstrated improved prognosis possibly through its effect on tumor proliferation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Cholesterol could also aid in tumor progression through reprogramming tumor immunological architecture and mediators. This review focuses on the immunomodulatory role of cholesterol on cellular and molecular levels, which may explain its oncogenic driving activity. We look at how cholesterol modulates tumor immune cells like dendritic cells, T cells, Tregs, and neutrophils. Further, this study sheds light on the modification of the expression pattern of the common cancer-related immune mediators in the tumor immune microenvironment, such as programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), interleukin 12 (IL-12), IL-23, and forkhead box protein P3 (FOXP3). RECENT FINDINGS We highlight relevant literature demonstrating cholesterol's immunosuppressive role, leading to a worse cancer prognosis. This review invites further research regarding the pathobiological role of cholesterol in many obesity-related cancers such as uterine fibroids, post-menopausal breast, colorectal, endometrial, kidney, esophageal, pancreatic, liver, and gallbladder cancers. This review suggests that targeting cholesterol synthesis may be a fruitful approach to cancer targeting, in addition to traditional chemotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eslam E Saad
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Rachel Michel
- Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Mostafa A Borahay
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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2
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Kennewick KT, Bensinger SJ. Decoding the crosstalk between mevalonate metabolism and T cell function. Immunol Rev 2023; 317:71-94. [PMID: 36999733 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
The mevalonate pathway is an essential metabolic pathway in T cells regulating development, proliferation, survival, differentiation, and effector functions. The mevalonate pathway is a complex, branched pathway composed of many enzymes that ultimately generate cholesterol and nonsterol isoprenoids. T cells must tightly control metabolic flux through the branches of the mevalonate pathway to ensure sufficient isoprenoids and cholesterol are available to meet cellular demands. Unbalanced metabolite flux through the sterol or the nonsterol isoprenoid branch is metabolically inefficient and can have deleterious consequences for T cell fate and function. Accordingly, there is tight regulatory control over metabolic flux through the branches of this essential lipid synthetic pathway. In this review we provide an overview of how the branches of the mevalonate pathway are regulated in T cells and discuss our current understanding of the relationship between mevalonate metabolism, cholesterol homeostasis and T cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly T Kennewick
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Steven J Bensinger
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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3
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Xiao C, Xiong W, Xu Y, Zou J, Zeng Y, Liu J, Peng Y, Hu C, Wu F. Immunometabolism: a new dimension in immunotherapy resistance. Front Med 2023; 17:585-616. [PMID: 37725232 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-023-1012-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have demonstrated unparalleled clinical responses and revolutionized the paradigm of tumor treatment, while substantial patients remain unresponsive or develop resistance to ICIs as a single agent, which is traceable to cellular metabolic dysfunction. Although dysregulated metabolism has long been adjudged as a hallmark of tumor, it is now increasingly accepted that metabolic reprogramming is not exclusive to tumor cells but is also characteristic of immunocytes. Correspondingly, people used to pay more attention to the effect of tumor cell metabolism on immunocytes, but in practice immunocytes interact intimately with their own metabolic function in a way that has never been realized before during their activation and differentiation, which opens up a whole new frontier called immunometabolism. The metabolic intervention for tumor-infiltrating immunocytes could offer fresh opportunities to break the resistance and ameliorate existing ICI immunotherapy, whose crux might be to ascertain synergistic combinations of metabolic intervention with ICIs to reap synergic benefits and facilitate an adjusted anti-tumor immune response. Herein, we elaborate potential mechanisms underlying immunotherapy resistance from a novel dimension of metabolic reprogramming in diverse tumor-infiltrating immunocytes, and related metabolic intervention in the hope of offering a reference for targeting metabolic vulnerabilities to circumvent immunotherapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoyue Xiao
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Yiting Xu
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Ji'an Zou
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Yue Zeng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Junqi Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Yurong Peng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Chunhong Hu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
- Hunan Cancer Mega-Data Intelligent Application and Engineering Research Centre, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Fang Wu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China.
- Hunan Cancer Mega-Data Intelligent Application and Engineering Research Centre, Changsha, 410011, China.
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy in Lung Cancer, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China.
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China.
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Chiang CH, Chen YJ, See XY, Chang YC, Wang SS, Peng CY, Horng CS, Hsia YP, Chiang CH, Peng CM, Chiang CH. Efficacy of Lipophilic Statins on Outcomes of Patients Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Oncology 2023; 101:537-541. [PMID: 37245500 DOI: 10.1159/000529644] [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: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Statins are associated with improved survival outcomes in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), but the impact of lipophilic and hydrophilic statin properties on patient outcomes is unknown. OBJECTIVES We aim to investigate if statins with lipophilic properties are associated with clinical outcomes in patients receiving ICIs. METHOD We conducted a retrospective cohort study at two tertiary referral centers in Taiwan comprising patients receiving ICIs between January 2015 and December 2021. We compared the comparative effect of lipophilic and hydrophilic statins on patient outcomes. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS) and the secondary outcome was progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS Among 734 patients receiving ICIs, there were 51 lipophilic statin users, 25 hydrophilic statin users, and 658 nonusers. Lipophilic statin users had a longer median OS (38.0 [IQR, 16.7-not reached] vs. 15.2 [IQR, 8.2-not reached] months vs. 18.9 [IQR, 5.4 51.6] months) and PFS (13.0 [IQR, 4.7-41.5] vs. 8.2 [IQR, 2.2-14.7] months vs. 5.6 [2.3-18.7] months) than hydrophilic statin users and non-statin users. In Cox proportional hazard analyses, the use of lipophilic statins was associated with a 40-50% lower risk of mortality and disease progression compared with hydrophilic statin or non-statin users. CONCLUSIONS The use of lipophilic statins seems to be associated with survival benefits in patients undergoing immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cho-Han Chiang
- Department of Medicine, Mount Auburn Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Jen Chen
- Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Xin Ya See
- Department of Medicine, Unity Hospital, Rochester Regional Health, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Yu-Cheng Chang
- Da Vinci Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Syuan Wang
- Da Vinci Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yu Peng
- Department of Medicine, Danbury Hospital, Danbury, Connecticut, USA
| | - Chuan-Sheng Horng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yuan Ping Hsia
- Department of Family Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Cho-Hung Chiang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Ming Peng
- Da Vinci Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Cho-Hsien Chiang
- Department of Medical Education, Kuang Tien General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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Srichatrapimuk S, Wongsa A, Sungkanuparph S, Kiertiburanakul S, Tassaneetrithep B, Phuphuakrat A. Effects of pitavastatin on atherosclerotic-associated inflammatory biomarkers in people living with HIV with dyslipidemia and receiving ritonavir-boosted atazanavir: a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. AIDS Res Ther 2023; 20:13. [PMID: 36849967 PMCID: PMC9969700 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-023-00506-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic inflammation has been described in people living with HIV (PLHIV) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) despite viral suppression. Inflammation associated non-communicable diseases, including atherosclerosis, are becoming recognized complication of HIV infection. We studied the effect of pitavastatin on atherosclerotic-associated inflammatory biomarkers in PLHIV receiving ART. METHODS A randomized, double-blind, crossover study was conducted in HIV-infected persons with dyslipidemia and receiving atazanavir/ritonavir (ATV/r) to evaluate the effect of 2 mg/day pitavastatin treatment versus placebo. High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP), cytokines, and cellular markers in PLHIV receiving 12 weeks of pitavastatin or placebo were investigated. RESULTS A total of 24 HIV-infected individuals with a median (interquartile range) age of 46 (41-54) years were recruited, and the median CD4 T cell count was 662 (559-827) cells/mm3. The median duration of ATV/r use was 36 (24-48) months. Significant change in levels of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) between pitavastatin treatment and placebo at week 12 from baseline was observed (27.1 vs. 20.5 pg/mL; p=0.023). However, there were no significant changes from baseline of hs-CRP and other plasma cytokine levels at week 12 of pitavastatin or placebo. Regarding cellular markers, percentages of HLA-DR+CD38-CD4+ T cells and PD1+CD4+ T cells significantly decreased from baseline in PLHIV receiving pitavastatin for 12 weeks, as compared to placebo (- 0.27 vs. 0.02%; p=0.049 and - 0.23 vs. 0.23%; p=0.022, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Pitavastatin treatment increases basic FGF levels, and lowers HLA-DR+CD38-CD4+ T cells, and PD1+CD4+ T cells. Further study on the effects of pitavastatin on preventing cardiovascular diseases in PLHIV should be pursued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirawat Srichatrapimuk
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490 Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Samut Prakan, Thailand
| | - Artit Wongsa
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Center of Research Excellence in Immunoregulation, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Somnuek Sungkanuparph
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490 Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Samut Prakan, Thailand
| | - Sasisopin Kiertiburanakul
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 270 Rama VI Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
| | - Boonrat Tassaneetrithep
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Center of Research Excellence in Immunoregulation, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Angsana Phuphuakrat
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 270 Rama VI Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
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Kansal V, Burnham AJ, Kinney BLC, Saba NF, Paulos C, Lesinski GB, Buchwald ZS, Schmitt NC. Statin drugs enhance responses to immune checkpoint blockade in head and neck cancer models. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2022-005940. [PMID: 36650022 PMCID: PMC9853267 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade is approved for first-line treatment of recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), but few patients respond. Statin drugs (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) are associated with superior survival in several cancer types, including HNSCC. Emerging data suggest that manipulation of cholesterol may enhance some aspects of antitumor immunity. METHODS We used syngeneic murine models (mouse oral cancer, MOC1 and TC-1) to investigate our hypothesis that a subset of statin drugs would enhance antitumor immunity and delay tumor growth. RESULTS Using an ex vivo coculture assay of murine cancer cells and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, we discovered that all seven statin drugs inhibited tumor cell proliferation. Simvastatin and lovastatin also enhanced T-cell killing of tumor cells. In mice, daily oral simvastatin or lovastatin enhanced tumor control and extended survival when combined with PD-1 blockade, with rejection of MOC1 tumors in 30% of mice treated with lovastatin plus anti-PD-1. Results from flow cytometry of tumors and tumor-draining lymph nodes suggested T cell activation and shifts from M2 to M1 macrophage predominance as potential mechanisms of combination therapy. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that statins deserve further study as well-tolerated, inexpensive drugs that may enhance responses to PD-1 checkpoint blockade and other immunotherapies for HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikash Kansal
- Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA,Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Andre J Burnham
- Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA,Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Brendan L C Kinney
- Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA,Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nabil F Saba
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA,Department of Hematology and Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Chrystal Paulos
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA,Departments of Surgery and Microbiology/Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Gregory B Lesinski
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA,Department of Hematology and Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Nicole C Schmitt
- Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA,Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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7
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Reprograming immune microenvironment modulates CD47 cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 113:109475. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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8
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Ju SH, Ku BJ. Effects of rosuvastatin/ezetimibe on senescence of CD8+ T-cell in type 2 diabetic patients with hypercholesterolemia: A study protocol. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e31691. [PMID: 36451471 PMCID: PMC9704954 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000031691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A decade ago, systemic inflammation became widely recognized as an etiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and complications thereof. Senescent CD8 + T cells of T2DM patients exhibit increased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhanced expression of cytotoxic molecules, contributing to systemic inflammation. Recently, many anti-inflammatory roles played by statins and ezetimibe (cholesterol-lowering drugs) have been reported. We will explore the effects of statin/ezetimibe therapy on CD8 + T cell senescence in patients with T2DM and hypercholesterolemia. METHODS This 2-group, parallel, randomized, controlled clinical trial will recruit 108 subjects with T2DM and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels ≥100 mg/dL and randomly assign them to rosuvastatin/ezetimibe and rosuvastatin groups at a 1:1 ratio. Blood samples will be drawn at baseline and after 12 weeks of medication. The primary outcomes will be the LDL-C-lowering effects after 12 weeks. The secondary outcomes will be changes in the senescent (CD28 - CD57+) CD8 + T cell proportions; the levels of circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, cytotoxic molecules, interleukin-1, transforming growth factor-β, fasting glucose, and HbA1c; and biochemical indices of kidney, liver, and muscle function. Symptoms and signs of predictable adverse events (myopathy and hepatitis) will be routinely monitored. DISCUSSION We will evaluate the effects of statin/ezetimibe on CD8 + T cell senescence. Statin/ezetimibe may exert a beneficial immunomodulatory effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Hyeon Ju
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Bon Jeong Ku
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- * Correspondence: Bon Jeong Ku, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, 282 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea (e-mail: )
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Halimi H, Farjadian S. Cholesterol: An important actor on the cancer immune scene. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1057546. [PMID: 36479100 PMCID: PMC9719946 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1057546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on the structural and signaling roles of cholesterol, which are necessary for immune cell activity, high concentrations of cholesterol and its metabolites not only trigger malignant cell activities but also impede immune responses against cancer cells. To proliferate and evade immune responses, tumor cells overcome environmental restrictions by changing their metabolic and signaling pathways. Overexpression of mevalonate pathway enzymes and low-density lipoprotein receptor cause elevated cholesterol synthesis and uptake, respectively. Accordingly, cholesterol can be considered as both a cause and an effect of cancer. Variations in the effects of blood cholesterol levels on the outcome of different types of cancer may depend on the stage of cancer. However, positive effects of cholesterol-lowering drugs have been reported in the treatment of patients with some malignancies.
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10
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Zhang M, Wei T, Zhang X, Guo D. Targeting lipid metabolism reprogramming of immunocytes in response to the tumor microenvironment stressor: A potential approach for tumor therapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:937406. [PMID: 36131916 PMCID: PMC9483093 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.937406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) has become a major research focus in recent years. The TME differs from the normal extracellular environment in parameters such as nutrient supply, pH value, oxygen content, and metabolite abundance. Such changes may promote the initiation, growth, invasion, and metastasis of tumor cells, in addition to causing the malfunction of tumor-infiltrating immunocytes. As the neoplasm develops and nutrients become scarce, tumor cells transform their metabolic patterns by reprogramming glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism in response to various environmental stressors. Research on carcinoma metabolism reprogramming suggests that like tumor cells, immunocytes also switch their metabolic pathways, named “immunometabolism”, a phenomenon that has drawn increasing attention in the academic community. In this review, we focus on the recent progress in the study of lipid metabolism reprogramming in immunocytes within the TME and highlight the potential target molecules, pathways, and genes implicated. In addition, we discuss hypoxia, one of the vital altered components of the TME that partially contribute to the initiation of abnormal lipid metabolism in immune cells. Finally, we present the current immunotherapies that orchestrate a potent antitumor immune response by mediating the lipid metabolism of immunocytes, highlight the lipid metabolism reprogramming capacity of various immunocytes in the TME, and propose promising new strategies for use in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory for Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tingju Wei
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaodan Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory for Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Danfeng Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory for Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Danfeng Guo,
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11
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Choe EJ, Lee CH, Bae JH, Park JM, Park SS, Baek MC. Atorvastatin Enhances the Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Therapy and Suppresses the Cellular and Extracellular Vesicle PD-L1. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081660. [PMID: 36015287 PMCID: PMC9414447 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
According to clinical studies, statins improve the efficacy of programmed death-1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) blockade therapy for breast cancer; however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Herein, we showed that atorvastatin (ATO) decreased the content of PD-L1 in extracellular vesicles (EVs) by reducing cellular PD-L1 expression and inhibiting EV secretion in breast cancer cells, thereby enhancing the efficacy of anti-PD-L1 therapy. ATO reduced EV secretion by regulating the Rab proteins involved in EV biogenesis and secretion. ATO-mediated inhibition of the Ras-activated MAPK signaling pathway downregulated PD-L1 expression. In addition, ATO strongly promoted antitumor efficacy by inducing T cell-mediated tumor destruction when combined with an anti-PD-L1 antibody. Moreover, suppression of EV PD-L1 by ATO improved the reactivity of anti-PD-L1 therapy by enhancing T-cell activity in draining lymph nodes of EMT6-bearing immunocompetent mice. Therefore, ATO is a potential therapeutic drug that improves antitumor immunity by inhibiting EV PD-L1, particularly in response to immune escape during cancer.
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12
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Morana O, Nieto‐Garai JA, Björkholm P, Bernardino de la Serna J, Terrones O, Arboleya A, Ciceri D, Rojo‐Bartolomé I, Blouin CM, Lamaze C, Lorizate M, Contreras F. Identification of a New Cholesterol-Binding Site within the IFN-γ Receptor that is Required for Signal Transduction. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2105170. [PMID: 35166455 PMCID: PMC9008429 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202105170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The cytokine interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is a master regulator of innate and adaptive immunity involved in a broad array of human diseases that range from atherosclerosis to cancer. IFN-γ exerts it signaling action by binding to a specific cell surface receptor, the IFN-γ receptor (IFN-γR), whose activation critically depends on its partition into lipid nanodomains. However, little is known about the impact of specific lipids on IFN-γR signal transduction activity. Here, a new conserved cholesterol (chol) binding motif localized within its single transmembrane domain is identified. Through direct binding, chol drives the partition of IFN-γR2 chains into plasma membrane lipid nanodomains, orchestrating IFN-γR oligomerization and transmembrane signaling. Bioinformatics studies show that the signature sequence stands for a conserved chol-binding motif presented in many mammalian membrane proteins. The discovery of chol as the molecular switch governing IFN-γR transmembrane signaling represents a significant advance for understanding the mechanism of lipid selectivity by membrane proteins, but also for figuring out the role of lipids in modulating cell surface receptor function. Finally, this study suggests that inhibition of the chol-IFNγR2 interaction may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for various IFN-γ-dependent diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ornella Morana
- Instituto Biofisika (UPV/EHU, CSIC)University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)Barrio Sarriena s/nLeioaE‐48940Spain
- Fundación Biofísica Bizkaia/Biofisika Bizkaia Fundazioa (FBB)University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)Barrio Sarriena s/nLeioaE‐48940Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyFaculty of Science and TechnologyUniversity of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)Barrio Sarriena s/nLeioaE‐48940Spain
| | - Jon Ander Nieto‐Garai
- Instituto Biofisika (UPV/EHU, CSIC)University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)Barrio Sarriena s/nLeioaE‐48940Spain
- Fundación Biofísica Bizkaia/Biofisika Bizkaia Fundazioa (FBB)University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)Barrio Sarriena s/nLeioaE‐48940Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyFaculty of Science and TechnologyUniversity of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)Barrio Sarriena s/nLeioaE‐48940Spain
| | - Patrik Björkholm
- Center for Biomembrane ResearchDepartment of Biochemistry and BiophysicsStockholm UniversityStockholmSE‐106 91Sweden
- Science for Life LaboratoryStockholm UniversitySolnaSE‐171 21Sweden
| | - Jorge Bernardino de la Serna
- National Heart and Lung InstituteFaculty of MedicineImperial College LondonSouth KensingtonSir Alexander Fleming BuildingLondonSW7 2AZUK
- Central Laser FacilityRutherford Appleton LaboratoryMRC‐Research Complex at HarwellScience and Technology Facilities CouncilHarwellOX11 0QXUK
- NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research CentreLondonSW7 2AZUK
| | - Oihana Terrones
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyFaculty of Science and TechnologyUniversity of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)Barrio Sarriena s/nLeioaE‐48940Spain
| | - Aroa Arboleya
- Instituto Biofisika (UPV/EHU, CSIC)University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)Barrio Sarriena s/nLeioaE‐48940Spain
- Fundación Biofísica Bizkaia/Biofisika Bizkaia Fundazioa (FBB)University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)Barrio Sarriena s/nLeioaE‐48940Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyFaculty of Science and TechnologyUniversity of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)Barrio Sarriena s/nLeioaE‐48940Spain
| | - Dalila Ciceri
- Instituto Biofisika (UPV/EHU, CSIC)University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)Barrio Sarriena s/nLeioaE‐48940Spain
- Fundación Biofísica Bizkaia/Biofisika Bizkaia Fundazioa (FBB)University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)Barrio Sarriena s/nLeioaE‐48940Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyFaculty of Science and TechnologyUniversity of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)Barrio Sarriena s/nLeioaE‐48940Spain
| | - Iratxe Rojo‐Bartolomé
- Instituto Biofisika (UPV/EHU, CSIC)University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)Barrio Sarriena s/nLeioaE‐48940Spain
- Fundación Biofísica Bizkaia/Biofisika Bizkaia Fundazioa (FBB)University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)Barrio Sarriena s/nLeioaE‐48940Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyFaculty of Science and TechnologyUniversity of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)Barrio Sarriena s/nLeioaE‐48940Spain
| | - Cédric M. Blouin
- Institut Curie ‐ Centre de RecherchePSL Research UniversityMembrane Mechanics and Dynamics of Intracellular Signaling LaboratoryParis75248France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM)ParisU1143France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)UMR 3666Paris75248France
| | - Christophe Lamaze
- Institut Curie ‐ Centre de RecherchePSL Research UniversityMembrane Mechanics and Dynamics of Intracellular Signaling LaboratoryParis75248France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM)ParisU1143France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)UMR 3666Paris75248France
| | - Maier Lorizate
- Instituto Biofisika (UPV/EHU, CSIC)University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)Barrio Sarriena s/nLeioaE‐48940Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyFaculty of Science and TechnologyUniversity of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)Barrio Sarriena s/nLeioaE‐48940Spain
| | - Francesc‐Xabier Contreras
- Instituto Biofisika (UPV/EHU, CSIC)University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)Barrio Sarriena s/nLeioaE‐48940Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyFaculty of Science and TechnologyUniversity of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)Barrio Sarriena s/nLeioaE‐48940Spain
- IKERBASQUEBasque Foundation for ScienceBilbao48011Spain
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13
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King RJ, Singh PK, Mehla K. The cholesterol pathway: impact on immunity and cancer. Trends Immunol 2022; 43:78-92. [PMID: 34942082 PMCID: PMC8812650 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2021.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Cholesterol is a multifaceted metabolite that is known to modulate processes in cancer, atherosclerosis, and autoimmunity. A common denominator between these diseases appears to be the immune system, in which many cholesterol-associated metabolites impact both adaptive and innate immunity. Many cancers display altered cholesterol metabolism, and recent studies demonstrate that manipulating systemic cholesterol metabolism may be useful in improving immunotherapy responses. However, cholesterol can have both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory roles in mammals, acting via multiple immune cell types, and depending on context. Gaining mechanistic insights into various cholesterol-related metabolites can improve our understanding of their functions and extensive effects on the immune system, and ideally will inform the design of future therapeutic strategies against cancer and/or other pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J. King
- The Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA. 68198
| | - Pankaj K. Singh
- The Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA. 68198,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA. 68198,Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA. 68198,Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA. 68198,Correspondence: Pankaj K. Singh, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 987696 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6805, , Phone: 402.559.2726, FAX: 402-559-2813 and Kamiya Mehla, Ph.D., Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 987696 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6805, , Phone: 402.836.9117, FAX: 402-559-2813
| | - Kamiya Mehla
- The Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA. 68198,Correspondence: Pankaj K. Singh, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 987696 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6805, , Phone: 402.559.2726, FAX: 402-559-2813 and Kamiya Mehla, Ph.D., Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 987696 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6805, , Phone: 402.836.9117, FAX: 402-559-2813
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14
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Zhang L, Wang H, Tian J, Sui L, Chen X. Concomitant Statins and the Survival of Patients with Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Meta-Analysis. Int J Clin Pract 2022; 2022:3429462. [PMID: 35855055 PMCID: PMC9276478 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3429462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Statins are suggested to improve cancer survival by possible anti-inflammatory effect. However, it remains unclear if concomitant use of statins could improve the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Accordingly, a meta-analysis was performed to systematically evaluate the effect of concomitant statins in NSCLC patients receiving ICIs. Relevant studies were obtained by literature search in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. A conservative random-effect model was used to combine the results. Eight cohorts including 2382 patients were included. The programmed death-1/ligand-1 inhibitors were used in seven studies; while the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 inhibitors were used in the other study. It was shown that concomitant use of statin did not significantly affect the progression-free survival (PFS, hazard ratio (HR): 0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.70 to 1.07, P=0.17; I 2 = 62%) or overall survival (OS, HR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.74 to 1.01, P=0.07; I 2 = 29%) of NSCLC patients receiving ICIs. Subgroup analyses showed consistent results in studies with univariate or multivariate analytic models (P for subgroup analysis = 0.97 and 0.38 for the outcome of PFS and OS, respectively). In conclusion, concomitant use of statin seemed to have no significant influence on the survival of patients with NSCLC who were treated with ICIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Hospital of Shunyi District of Beijing, Beijing 101300, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Hospital of Shunyi District of Beijing, Beijing 101300, China
| | - Jizheng Tian
- Department of Oncology, The Hospital of Shunyi District of Beijing, Beijing 101300, China
| | - Lili Sui
- Department of Oncology, The Hospital of Shunyi District of Beijing, Beijing 101300, China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Hospital of Shunyi District of Beijing, Beijing 101300, China
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15
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Xu Y, He L, Fu Q, Hu J. Metabolic Reprogramming in the Tumor Microenvironment With Immunocytes and Immune Checkpoints. Front Oncol 2021; 11:759015. [PMID: 34858835 PMCID: PMC8632143 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.759015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), Ipilimumab, Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab and Atezolizumab, have been applied in anti-tumor therapy and demonstrated exciting performance compared to conventional treatments. However, the unsatisfactory response rates, high recurrence and adaptive resistance limit their benefits. Metabolic reprogramming appears to be one of the crucial barriers to immunotherapy. The deprivation of required nutrients and altered metabolites not only promote tumor progression but also confer dysfunction on immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Glycolysis plays a central role in metabolic reprogramming and immunoregulation in the TME, and many therapies targeting glycolysis have been developed, and their combinations with ICIs are in preclinical and clinical trials. Additional attention has been paid to the role of amino acids, lipids, nucleotides and mitochondrial biogenesis in metabolic reprogramming and clinical anti-tumor therapy. This review attempts to describe reprogramming metabolisms within tumor cells and immune cells, from the aspects of glycolysis, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis and their impact on immunity in the TME, as well as the significance of targeting metabolism in anti-tumor therapy, especially in combination with ICIs. In particular, we highlight the expression mechanism of programmed cell death (ligand) 1 [PD-(L)1] in tumor cells and immune cells under reprogramming metabolism, and discuss in detail the potential of targeting key metabolic pathways to break resistance and improve the efficacy of ICIs based on results from current preclinical and clinical trials. Besides, we draw out biomarkers of potential predictive value in ICIs treatment from a metabolic perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaolin Xu
- Department of Oncology, The People's Hospital of China Medical University/The People's Hospital of LiaoNing Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Lijie He
- Department of Oncology, The People's Hospital of China Medical University/The People's Hospital of LiaoNing Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- Department of Cardiology, The People's Hospital of China Medical University/The People's Hospital of LiaoNing Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Junzhe Hu
- The Second Clinic Medical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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16
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Dunsmore G, Rosero EP, Shahbaz S, Santer DM, Jovel J, Lacy P, Houston S, Elahi S. Neutrophils promote T-cell activation through the regulated release of CD44-bound Galectin-9 from the cell surface during HIV infection. PLoS Biol 2021; 19:e3001387. [PMID: 34411088 PMCID: PMC8407585 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The interaction of neutrophils with T cells has been the subject of debate and controversies. Previous studies have suggested that neutrophils may suppress or activate T cells. Despite these studies, the interaction between neutrophils and T cells has remained a largely unexplored field. Here, based on our RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis, we found that neutrophils have differential transcriptional and functional profiling depending on the CD4 T-cell count of the HIV-infected individual. In particular, we identified that neutrophils in healthy individuals express surface Galectin-9 (Gal-9), which is down-regulated upon activation, and is consistently down-regulated in HIV-infected individuals. However, down-regulation of Gal-9 was associated with CD4 T-cell count of patients. Unstimulated neutrophils express high levels of surface Gal-9 that is bound to CD44, and, upon stimulation, neutrophils depalmitoylate CD44 and induce its movement out of the lipid raft. This process causes the release of Gal-9 from the surface of neutrophils. In addition, we found that neutrophil-derived exogenous Gal-9 binds to cell surface CD44 on T cells, which promotes LCK activation and subsequently enhances T-cell activation. Furthermore, this process was regulated by glycolysis and can be inhibited by interleukin (IL)-10. Together, our data reveal a novel mechanism of Gal-9 shedding from the surface of neutrophils. This could explain elevated plasma Gal-9 levels in HIV-infected individuals as an underlying mechanism of the well-characterized chronic immune activation in HIV infection. This study provides a novel role for the Gal-9 shedding from neutrophils. We anticipate that our results will spark renewed investigation into the role of neutrophils in T-cell activation in other acute and chronic conditions, as well as improved strategies for modulating Gal-9 shedding. This study shows that HIV-infected individuals have different neutrophil profiles depending on their CD4 T cell count. In particular, neutrophils express high levels of surface Gal-9 but this is shed upon stimulation; this exogenous Gal-9 binds to CD44 on T cells, which promotes LCK activation and subsequently enhances T cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garett Dunsmore
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Eliana Perez Rosero
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Shima Shahbaz
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Deanna M. Santer
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Juan Jovel
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Paige Lacy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Stan Houston
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- * E-mail:
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17
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Shwe TH, Pothacharoen P, Phitak T, Wudtiwai B, Kongtawelert P. Atorvastatin Attenuates Programmed Death Ligand-1 (PD-L1) Induction in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168755. [PMID: 34445462 PMCID: PMC8395726 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide with high morbidity and mortality. Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a major ligand of programmed death 1 receptor (PD1), and PD1/PD-L1 checkpoint acts as a negative regulator of the immune system. Cancers evade the host’s immune defense via PD-L1 expression. This study aimed to investigate the effects of tumor-related cytokines, interferon gamma (IFNγ), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) on PD-L1 expression in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells, HepG2. Furthermore, as atorvastatin, a cholesterol-lowering agent, is documented for its immunomodulatory properties, its effect on PD-L1 expression was investigated. In this study, through real-time RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunocytochemistry methods, PD-L1 expression in both mRNA and protein levels was found to be synergistically upregulated in HepG2 by a combination of IFNγ and TNFα, and STAT1 activation was mainly responsible for that synergistic effect. Next, atorvastatin can inhibit the induction of PD-L1 by either IFNγ alone or IFNγ/TNFα combination treatment in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, in HepG2 cells, expression of PD-L1 was augmented by cytokines in the tumor microenvironment, and the effect of atorvastatin on tumor immune response through inhibition of PD-L1 induction should be taken into consideration in cancer patients who have been prescribed atorvastatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuzar Hla Shwe
- Thailand Excellence Center for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (T.H.S.); (P.P.); (T.P.); (B.W.)
- Department of Medical Research, Ministry of Health, Yangon P.O. Box 11191, Myanmar
| | - Peraphan Pothacharoen
- Thailand Excellence Center for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (T.H.S.); (P.P.); (T.P.); (B.W.)
| | - Thanyaluck Phitak
- Thailand Excellence Center for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (T.H.S.); (P.P.); (T.P.); (B.W.)
| | - Benjawan Wudtiwai
- Thailand Excellence Center for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (T.H.S.); (P.P.); (T.P.); (B.W.)
| | - Prachya Kongtawelert
- Thailand Excellence Center for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (T.H.S.); (P.P.); (T.P.); (B.W.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +66-53-94-5325 (ext. 217)
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18
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Zhang Y, Chen H, Chen S, Li Z, Chen J, Li W. The effect of concomitant use of statins, NSAIDs, low-dose aspirin, metformin and beta-blockers on outcomes in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Oncoimmunology 2021; 10:1957605. [PMID: 34377596 PMCID: PMC8331004 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.1957605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy shows promising therapeutic efficacy against various types of cancer, but most fail to respond. Preclinical studies have suggested that concomitant medications, such as statins, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, metformin and beta-blockers, might affect clinical outcomes if used with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), but their clinical roles are conflicting. This meta-analysis investigates the effect of these concomitant medications on outcomes in patients treated with ICIs. A search was conducted for all reports published until 31 March 2021 in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE and conference proceedings. Studies were included if they investigated the association between the concomitant use of these medications and progression-free survival (PFS) or overall survival (OS) during ICI treatment. A total of 3331 patients from 13 eligible studies were included. Among them, five articles on statins, six studies evaluating NSAIDs, five studies employing low-dose aspirin, eight studies on metformin and four articles on beta-blockers were included. The concomitant use of statins during ICI treatment was correlated with improved OS and PFS. Low-dose aspirin was associated with better PFS instead of OS. No significant association was demonstrated between the concurrent use of NSAIDs, beta-blockers and metformin and OS or PFS. The concomitant use of statins and low-dose aspirin during ICI treatment showed a positive impact on treatment outcomes. The concurrent use of NSAIDs, beta-blockers and metformin is not significantly associated with clinical benefits. The effect of these medications in different cancer patients treated with ICI is needed to be further validated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongchao Zhang
- Cancer Center, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hualei Chen
- Cancer Center, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shanshan Chen
- Cancer Center, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Emergency Department, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinglong Chen
- Cancer Center, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Li
- Cancer Center, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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19
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Shahbaz S, Xu L, Sligl W, Osman M, Bozorgmehr N, Mashhouri S, Redmond D, Perez Rosero E, Walker J, Elahi S. The Quality of SARS-CoV-2-Specific T Cell Functions Differs in Patients with Mild/Moderate versus Severe Disease, and T Cells Expressing Coinhibitory Receptors Are Highly Activated. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 207:1099-1111. [PMID: 34312258 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the function of SARS-CoV-2 Ag-specific T cells is crucial for the monitoring of antiviral immunity and vaccine design. Currently, both impaired and robust T cell immunity is described in COVID-19 patients. In this study, we explored and compared the effector functions of SARS-CoV-2-reactive T cells expressing coinhibitory receptors and examine the immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 S, M, and N peptide pools in regard to specific effector T cell responses, Th1/Th2/Th17, in COVID-19 patients. Analyzing a cohort of 108 COVID-19 patients with mild, moderate, and severe disease, we observed that coinhibitory receptors (e.g., PD-1, CTLA-4, TIM-3, VISTA, CD39, CD160, 2B4, TIGIT, Gal-9, and NKG2A) were upregulated on both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Importantly, the expression of coinhibitory receptors on T cells recognizing SARS-CoV-2 peptide pools (M/N/S) was associated with increased frequencies of cytokine-producing T cells. Thus, our data refute the concept of pathological T cell exhaustion in COVID-19 patients. Despite interindividual variations in the T cell response to viral peptide pools, a Th2 phenotype was associated with asymptomatic and milder disease, whereas a robust Th17 was associated with severe disease, which may potentiate the hyperinflammatory response in patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Our data demonstrate that T cells may either play a protective or detrimental role in COVID-19 patients. This finding could have important implications for immune correlates of protection, diagnostic, and prophylaxis with respect to COVID-19 management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Shahbaz
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lai Xu
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Wendy Sligl
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mohammed Osman
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Najmeh Bozorgmehr
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Siavash Mashhouri
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Desiree Redmond
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Eliana Perez Rosero
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - John Walker
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; .,Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; and.,Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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20
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Okoye I, Xu L, Oyegbami O, Shahbaz S, Pink D, Gao P, Sun X, Elahi S. Plasma Extracellular Vesicles Enhance HIV-1 Infection of Activated CD4 + T Cells and Promote the Activation of Latently Infected J-Lat10.6 Cells via miR-139-5p Transfer. Front Immunol 2021; 12:697604. [PMID: 34249000 PMCID: PMC8264662 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.697604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV latency is a challenge to the success of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Hence patients may benefit from interventions that efficiently reactivate the latent virus to be eliminated by ARTs. Here we show that plasma extracellular vesicles (pEVs) can enhance HIV infection of activated CD4+ T cells and reactivate the virus in latently infected J-Lat 10.6 cells. Evaluation of the extravesicular miRNA cargo by a PCR array revealed that pEVs from HIV patients express miR-139-5p. Furthermore, we found that increased levels of miR-139-5p in J-Lat 10.6 cells incubated with pEVs corresponded with reduced expression of the transcription factor, FOXO1. pEV treatment also corresponded with increased miR-139-5p expression in stimulated PD1+ Jurkat cells, but with concomitant upregulation of FOXO1, Fos, Jun, PD-1 and PD-L1. However, J-Lat 10.6 cells incubated with miR-139-5p inhibitor-transfected pEVs from HIV ART-naïve and on-ART patients expressed reduced levels of miR-139-5p than cells treated with pEVs from healthy controls (HC). Collectively, our results indicate that pEV miR-139-5p belongs to a network of miRNAs that can promote cell activation, including latent HIV-infected cells by regulating the expression of FOXO1 and the PD1/PD-L1 promoters, Fos and Jun.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isobel Okoye
- Division of Foundational Sciences, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lai Xu
- Division of Foundational Sciences, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Olaide Oyegbami
- Division of Foundational Sciences, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shima Shahbaz
- Division of Foundational Sciences, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Desmond Pink
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Priscilla Gao
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Xuejun Sun
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- Division of Foundational Sciences, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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21
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Zhang H, Zhao W, Li X, He Y. Cholesterol Metabolism as a Potential Therapeutic Target and a Prognostic Biomarker for Cancer Immunotherapy. Onco Targets Ther 2021; 14:3803-3812. [PMID: 34188488 PMCID: PMC8232957 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s315998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Checkpoint-based immunotherapies, such as programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) inhibitors, have shown promising clinical outcomes in many types of cancers. Unfortunately, the response rate of immune checkpoint inhibitors is low. It is very important to discover novel therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers. Cholesterol metabolism has been demonstrated to be related to the occurrence and development of a variety of tumors and may provide a new breakthrough in the development of immunotherapy. First of all, cholesterol metabolism in the tumor microenvironment affects the function of tumor-infiltrating immune cells. In addition, intracellular cholesterol homeostasis is an important regulator of immune cell function. Furthermore, drugs that act on cholesterol metabolism affect the efficacy of immunotherapy. What is more, peripheral blood cholesterol level can be a biomarker to predict the efficacy of immunotherapy. In this review, we aimed to explore the potential role of cholesterol metabolism on immunotherapy. By summarizing the major findings of recent preclinical and clinical studies on cholesterol metabolism in immunotherapy, we suggested that cholesterol metabolism could be a potential therapeutic target and a prognostic biomarker for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huixian Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Tongji University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, 450052, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wencheng Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Tongji University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xingya Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, 450052, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yayi He
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Tongji University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
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Shahbaz S, Xu L, Osman M, Sligl W, Shields J, Joyce M, Tyrrell DL, Oyegbami O, Elahi S. Erythroid precursors and progenitors suppress adaptive immunity and get invaded by SARS-CoV-2. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:1165-1181. [PMID: 33979601 PMCID: PMC8111797 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with lower blood oxygen levels, even in patients without hypoxia requiring hospitalization. This discordance illustrates the need for a more unifying explanation as to whether SARS-CoV-2 directly or indirectly affects erythropoiesis. Here, we show significantly enriched CD71+ erythroid precursors/progenitors in the blood circulation of COVID-19 patients. We found that these cells have distinctive immunosuppressive properties. In agreement, we observed a strong negative correlation between the frequency of these cells with T and B cell proportions in COVID-19 patients. The expansion of these CD71+ erythroid precursors/progenitors was negatively correlated with the hemoglobin levels. A subpopulation of abundant erythroid cells, CD45+ CD71+ cells, co-express ACE2, TMPRSS2, CD147, and CD26, and these can be infected with SARS-CoV-2. In turn, pre-treatment of erythroid cells with dexamethasone significantly diminished ACE2/TMPRSS2 expression and subsequently reduced their infectivity with SARS-CoV-2. This provides a novel insight into the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on erythropoiesis and hypoxia seen in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Shahbaz
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G2E1, AB, Canada
| | - Lai Xu
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G2E1, AB, Canada
| | - Mohammed Osman
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G2E1, AB, Canada
| | - Wendy Sligl
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G2E1, AB, Canada; Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G2E1, AB, Canada; Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G2E1, AB, Canada
| | - Justin Shields
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G2E1, AB, Canada; Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G2E1, AB, Canada
| | - Michael Joyce
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G2E1, AB, Canada; Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G2E1, AB, Canada
| | - D Lorne Tyrrell
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G2E1, AB, Canada; Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G2E1, AB, Canada
| | - Olaide Oyegbami
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G2E1, AB, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G2E1, AB, Canada; Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G2E1, AB, Canada; Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G2E1, AB, Canada; Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G2E1, AB, Canada.
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Okoye I, Xu L, Motamedi M, Parashar P, Walker JW, Elahi S. Galectin-9 expression defines exhausted T cells and impaired cytotoxic NK cells in patients with virus-associated solid tumors. J Immunother Cancer 2020; 8:e001849. [PMID: 33310773 PMCID: PMC7735134 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have previously reported that the upregulation of galectin-9 (Gal-9) on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in HIV patients was associated with impaired T cell effector functions. Gal-9 is a ligand for T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-3, and its expression on T cells in cancer has not been investigated. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the expression level and effects of Gal-9 on T cell functions in patients with virus-associated solid tumors (VASTs). METHODS 40 patients with VASTs through a non-randomized and biomarker-driven phase II LATENT trial were investigated. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells and tumor biopsies were obtained and subjected to immunophenotyping. In this trial, the effects of oral valproate and avelumab (anti-PD-L1) was investigated in regards to the expression of Gal-9 on T cells. RESULTS We report the upregulation of Gal-9 expression by peripheral and tumor-infiltrating CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in patients with VASTs. Our results indicate that Gal-9 expression is associated with dysfunctional T cell effector functions in the periphery and tumor microenvironment (TME). Coexpression of Gal-9 with PD-1 or T cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT) exhibited a synergistic inhibitory effect and enhanced an exhausted T cell phenotype. Besides, responding patients to treatment had lower Gal-9 mRNA expression in the TME. Translocation of Gal-9 from the cytosol to the cell membrane of T cells following stimulation suggests persistent T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation as a potential contributing factor in Gal-9 upregulation in patients with VASTs. Moreover, partial colocalization of Gal-9 with CD3 on T cells likely impacts the initiation of signal transduction via TCR as shown by the upregulation of ZAP70 in Gal-9+ T cells. Also, we found an expansion of Gal-9+ but not TIGIT+ NK cells in patients with VASTs; however, dichotomous to TIGIT+ NK cells, Gal-9+ NK cells exhibited impaired cytotoxic molecules but higher Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) expression. CONCLUSION Our data indicate that higher Gal-9-expressing CD8+ T cells were associated with poor prognosis following immunotherapy with anti-Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) (avelumab) in our patients' cohort. Therefore, for the very first time to our knowledge, we report Gal-9 as a novel marker of T cell exhaustion and the potential target of immunotherapy in patients with VASTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isobel Okoye
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistrty, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lai Xu
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistrty, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Melika Motamedi
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Pallavi Parashar
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistrty, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - John W Walker
- Medical Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistrty, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Medical Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Elahi S, Shahbaz S, Houston S. Selective Upregulation of CTLA-4 on CD8+ T Cells Restricted by HLA-B*35Px Renders them to an Exhausted Phenotype in HIV-1 infection. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008696. [PMID: 32760139 PMCID: PMC7410205 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
HLA-B*35Px is associated with HIV-1 disease rapid progression to AIDS. However, the mechanism(s) underlying this deleterious effect of this HLA allele on HIV-1 infection outcome has not fully understood. CD8+ T cells play a crucial role to control the viral replication but impaired CD8+ T cells represent a major hallmark of HIV-1 infection. Here, we examined the effector functions of CD8+ T cells restricted by HLA-B*35Px (HLA-B*35:03 and HLA-B*35:02), HLA-B*27/B57 and non-HLA-B*27/B57 (e.g. HLA-A*01, A*02, A*03, A*11, A*24, A*26, B*40, B*08, B*38, B*44). CD8+ T cells restricted by HLA-B*35Px exhibited an impaired phenotype compared with those restricted by HLA-B*27/B57 and even non-HLA-B*27/B57. CD8+ T cells restricted by non-HLA-B*27/B57 when encountered their cognate epitopes upregulated TIM-3 and thus became suppressed by regulatory T cells (Tregs) via TIM-3: Galectin-9 (Gal-9). Strikingly, CD8+ T cells restricted by HLA-B*35Px expressed fewer TIM-3 and therefore did not get suppressed by Tregs, which was similar to CD8+ T cells restricted by HLA-B*27/B57. Instead, CD8+ T cells restricted by HLA-B*35Px upon recognition of their cognate epitopes upregulated CTLA-4. The transcriptional and impaired phenotype (e.g. poor effector functions) of HIV-specific CD8+ T cells restricted by HLA-B*35 was related to persistent CTLA-4, elevated Eomes and blimp-1 but poor T-bet expression. As such, anti-CTLA-4 antibody, Ipilimumab, reversed the impaired proliferative capacity of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells restricted by HLA-B*35Px but not others. This study supports the concept that CD8+ T resistance to Tregs-mediated suppression is related to allele restriction rather than the epitope specificity. Our results aid to explain a novel mechanism for the inability of HIV-specific CD8+ T cells restricted by HLA-B*35Px to control viral replication. A rare group of HIV-infected individuals with HLA-B*35Px rapidly progress to AIDS but those with HLA-B*27 and HLA-B*57 spare disease progression. Previous studies have suggested that viral mutation may prevent a robust immune response against the virus in these with HLA-B*35Px. However, the functionality of HIV-specific CD8+ T cells restricted by HLA-B*35Px remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that HIV-specific CD8+ T cells restricted by HLA-B*35Px (HLA-B*35:03 and HLA-B*35:02) exhibit an impaired phenotype (e.g. low proliferative capacity, poor cytotoxic molecules expression and, poor cytokine production ability). Interestingly, CD8+ T cells restricted by HLA-B*27/B*57 evade regulatory T cells (Tregs) suppression but not those restricted by non-HLA-B*27/B*57. CD8+ T cells restricted by non-HLA-B*27/B*57 when encountering their epitopes upregulate TIM-3 but not those restricted by HLA-B*27/B*57 and HLA-B*35Px. As a result, CD8+ T cells restricted by non-HLA-B*27/B*57 become suppressed by Tregs via TIM-3: Galectin-9 interactions. Strikingly, CD8+ T cells restricted by HLA-B*35Px upregulate CTLA-4 when encountering their epitopes, which render them to an exhausted phenotype. This differential response is linked to the up-regulation of Eomes, Blimp-1 but low T-bet expression in CD8+ T cells restricted by HLA-B*35Px. These results implicate that reinvigoration of these cells might be feasible using an anti-CTLA-4 antibody.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shokrollah Elahi
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Shima Shahbaz
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Stan Houston
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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The glucocorticoids prednisone and dexamethasone differentially modulate T cell function in response to anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 immune checkpoint blockade. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2020; 69:1423-1436. [PMID: 32246174 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-020-02555-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
On-treatment steroids for countering immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced inflammatory responses (irAEs) are a hallmark of cancer immunotherapy. However, the suppressive nature of steroids has raised questions regarding their ability to compromise the function of the 'proliferative burst' of effector T cells induced by immune checkpoint antibodies. We investigated the effector functions and the co-inhibitory receptor profile of stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) pre-treated with prednisone and dexamethasone alone or in the presence of anti-PD-1/CTLA-4 antibodies. Also, clinical analysis of a patient who exhibited irAEs following combination (anti-PD-1/CTLA-4) in the presence of glucocorticoids was done. We found that prednisone in contrast to dexamethasone did not compromise T cell cytokine production (IL-2, IFN-γ and TNF-α) and proliferation in the absence or presence of anti-PD-1/CTLA-4 antibodies, when a physiological concentration was used. Neither single prednisone treatment nor co-treatment with checkpoint inhibitors impacted the expression of co-inhibitory receptors PD-1, CTLA-4, TIM-3 and LAG-3. In contrast, dexamethasone treatment promoted downregulation of LAG-3 expression by T cells. In addition, co-treatment of PD-1 + Jurkat cells with prednisone and/or dexamethasone with anti-PD-1 before stimulation significantly reduced SHP-2 phosphorylation, indicative of increased T cell function. Our findings hereby demonstrate a differential steroid effect on T cell function, which should be taken into consideration for patients undergoing immunotherapy. Also, the clinical analysis of a patient who exhibited irAEs following combination (anti-PD-1/CTLA-4) therapy indicated complete metabolic response in the presence of glucocorticoids. Therefore, concomitant use of prednisone does not appear to interfere with the function of immune checkpoint blockade.
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Ma X, Bi E, Lu Y, Su P, Huang C, Liu L, Wang Q, Yang M, Kalady MF, Qian J, Zhang A, Gupte AA, Hamilton DJ, Zheng C, Yi Q. Cholesterol Induces CD8 + T Cell Exhaustion in the Tumor Microenvironment. Cell Metab 2019; 30:143-156.e5. [PMID: 31031094 PMCID: PMC7061417 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 485] [Impact Index Per Article: 97.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating T cells often lose their effector function; however, the mechanisms are incompletely understood. We report that cholesterol in the tumor microenvironment induces CD8+ T cell expression of immune checkpoints and exhaustion. Tumor tissues enriched with cholesterol and cholesterol content in tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells were positively and progressively associated with upregulated T cell expression of PD-1, 2B4, TIM-3, and LAG-3. Adoptively transferred CD8+ T cells acquired cholesterol, expressed high levels of immune checkpoints, and became exhausted upon entering a tumor. Tumor culture supernatant or cholesterol induced immune checkpoint expression by increasing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in CD8+ T cells. Consequently, the ER stress sensor XBP1 was activated and regulated PD-1 and 2B4 transcription. Inhibiting XBP1 or reducing cholesterol in CD8+ T cells effectively restored antitumor activity. This study reveals a mechanism underlying T cell exhaustion and suggests a new strategy for restoring T cell function by reducing cholesterol to enhance T cell-based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingzhe Ma
- Center for Translational Research in Hematologic Malignancies, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Enguang Bi
- Center for Translational Research in Hematologic Malignancies, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yong Lu
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27109, USA
| | - Pan Su
- Center for Translational Research in Hematologic Malignancies, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chunjian Huang
- Center for Translational Research in Hematologic Malignancies, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lintao Liu
- Center for Translational Research in Hematologic Malignancies, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Qiang Wang
- Center for Translational Research in Hematologic Malignancies, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Maojie Yang
- Center for Translational Research in Hematologic Malignancies, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Matthew F Kalady
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Jianfei Qian
- Center for Translational Research in Hematologic Malignancies, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Aijun Zhang
- Center for Bioenergetics, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Anisha A Gupte
- Center for Bioenergetics, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Dale J Hamilton
- Center for Bioenergetics, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chengyun Zheng
- Department of Hematology, Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250033, China
| | - Qing Yi
- Center for Translational Research in Hematologic Malignancies, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Li X, Dardik A, Guo R, Zhang W, Xiang Y, Li S, Liu D, Shu C. Atorvastatin regulates pericardial patch healing via the microRNA140-ADAM10-ephrinB2 pathway. Am J Transl Res 2018; 10:4054-4064. [PMID: 30662650 PMCID: PMC6325491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Background: Pericardial patches are frequently used in vascular surgery to close arteriotomies. The early healing of these patches is mediated by attraction of CD34 and ephrinB2-positive cells. Atorvastatin is a commonly used statin drug that promotes healing of cardiovascular injury. We hypothesized that atorvastatin attracts ephrinB2-positive cells by regulating the microRNA140-ADAM10-ephrinB2 pathway during patch healing in the arterial environment. Methods: Pericardial patches were used to close an infra-renal aortic arteriotomy in Wistar rats (male, 200-400 g). Atorvastatin was given to rats at a daily dose of 0 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg or 10 mg. Patches were harvested at 1 or 4 weeks and analyzed by histology, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, western blot and qPCR. Result: Animals treated with atorvastatin showed a higher number of infiltrating cells and a thicker patch neointima than the control animals. Furthermore, ADAM10 protein expression decreased (P<0.01) and ephrinB2 expression increased (P<0.01) in time- and atorvastatin dose-dependent manner. Similarly, ADAM10 mRNA expression decreased (P<0.01), while the expression of ephrinB2 mRNA and miR-140 mRNA expression increased (P<0.01; P<0.01) in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: Atorvastatin regulates neointimal growth after pericardial patch angioplasty; atorvastatin is associated with infiltration of ephrinB2-positive cells, diminished ADAM10 expression, and increased ephrinB2 and miR-140 expression. These results suggest new mechanisms for regulating neointimal formation after vascular procedures. Clinical relevance: This study may help physicians to know more healing mechanism after pericardial patch angioplasty. Further, it may reveal some mechanism that how atorvastatin play roles in endothelium repair of the cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha 410011, Hunan, PR China
- Vascular Disease Institute, Central South UniversityChangsha 410011, Hunan, PR China
| | - Alan Dardik
- Department of Surgery and The Interdepartmental Program in Vascular Biology & Therapeutics, Yale University School of MedicineNew Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Ren Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha 410013, Hunan, P R China
| | - Weichang Zhang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha 410011, Hunan, PR China
- Vascular Disease Institute, Central South UniversityChangsha 410011, Hunan, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Xiang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha 410013, Hunan, P R China
- Department of Scientific Research, Hospital of Somatological, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou 510055, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha 410011, Hunan, PR China
- Vascular Disease Institute, Central South UniversityChangsha 410011, Hunan, PR China
| | - Dingxiao Liu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha 410011, Hunan, PR China
- Vascular Disease Institute, Central South UniversityChangsha 410011, Hunan, PR China
| | - Chang Shu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha 410011, Hunan, PR China
- Vascular Disease Institute, Central South UniversityChangsha 410011, Hunan, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Center of Vascular Surgery, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijing 10037, PR China
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Shahbaz S, Bozorgmehr N, Koleva P, Namdar A, Jovel J, Fava RA, Elahi S. CD71+VISTA+ erythroid cells promote the development and function of regulatory T cells through TGF-β. PLoS Biol 2018; 16:e2006649. [PMID: 30550561 PMCID: PMC6310287 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2006649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2018] [Revised: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-surface transferrin receptor (CD71+) erythroid cells are abundant in newborns with immunomodulatory properties. Here, we show that neonatal CD71+ erythroid cells express significant levels of V-domain Immunoglobulin (Ig) Suppressor of T Cell Activation (VISTA) and, via constitutive production of transforming growth factor (TGF)- β, play a pivotal role in promotion of naïve CD4+ T cells into regulatory T cells (Tregs). Interestingly, we discovered that CD71+VISTA+ erythroid cells produce significantly higher levels of TGF-β compared to CD71+VISTA− erythroid cells and CD71+ erythroid cells from the VISTA knock-out (KO) mice. As a result, CD71+VISTA+ erythroid cells—compared to CD71+VISTA− and CD71+ erythroid cells from the VISTA KO mice—significantly exceed promotion of naïve CD4+ T cells into induced Tregs (iTreg) via TGF-β in vitro. However, depletion of CD71+ erythroid cells had no significant effects on the frequency of Tregs in vivo. Surprisingly, we observed that the remaining and/or newly generated CD71+ erythroid cells following anti-CD71 antibody administration exhibit a different gene expression profile, evidenced by the up-regulation of VISTA, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and program death ligand-1 (PDL-1), which may account as a compensatory mechanism for the maintenance of Treg population. We also observed that iTreg development by CD71+ erythroid cells is mediated through the inhibition of key signaling molecules phosphorylated protein kinase B (phospho-Akt) and phosphorylated mechanistic target of rapamycin (phospho-mTOR). Finally, we found that elimination of Tregs using forkhead box P3 (FOXP3)-diptheria toxin receptor (DTR) mice resulted in a significant expansion in the frequency of CD71+ erythroid cells in vivo. Collectively, these studies provide a novel, to our knowledge, insight into the cross-talk between CD71+ erythroid cells and Tregs in newborns. Our results highlight the biological role of CD71+ erythroid cells in the neonatal period and possibly beyond. The primary role of the red blood cells is to transport oxygen, but we know relatively little about the other functions they perform. Following maturation, red blood cells exit the bone marrow and enter blood circulation. Their immature counterparts are normally absent or in very low frequency in the blood of healthy adults. However, we showed previously that immature red blood cells are abundant in the spleens of neonatal mice and in human umbilical cord blood and that these cells possess immunological properties. In this report, we studied a subset of neonatal immature red blood cells that express a protein called V-domain Immunoglobulin (Ig) Suppressor of T Cell Activation (VISTA) on their surface. We found that the presence of VISTA enables the cells to repeatedly produce the regulatory cytokine TGF-β. TGF-β induces a subset of naïve lymphocytes—the CD4+ T cells—and converts them into regulatory T cells, also known as Tregs. Tregs modulate and suppress other immune cells. Our studies provide novel insights, to our knowledge, into the immunological role of immature red blood cells in newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Shahbaz
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Najmeh Bozorgmehr
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Petya Koleva
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Afshin Namdar
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Juan Jovel
- The Applied Genomics Core, Office of Research, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Roy A. Fava
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Research Service, White River Junction, Vermont, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Dunsmore G, Koleva P, Sutton RT, Ambrosio L, Huang V, Elahi S. Mode of delivery by an ulcerative colitis mother in a case of twins: Immunological differences in cord blood and placenta. World J Gastroenterol 2018; 24:4787-4797. [PMID: 30479465 PMCID: PMC6235805 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i42.4787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To understand the effects of delivery mode on the immune cells frequency and function in cord blood and placenta.
METHODS We evaluated immunological differences in cord blood and placental tissues for a case of twins one of which delivered vaginally while the other delivered by caesarian section (C-section). Cord blood mononuclear cells were isolated and placenta tissues were processed for cell isolation. Immune phenotyping was performed by flow cytometry methods following staining for T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, monocytes, neutrophils and CD71+ erythroid cells in both cord blood and placenta tissues. In addition, fetal calprotectin of twins was measured 12 wk after birth.
RESULTS We found lower percentages of immune cells (e.g. T cells, monocytes and neutrophils) in the cord blood of C-section delivered compared to vaginally delivered newborn. In contrast, percentages of monocytes and neutrophils were > 2 folds higher in the placental tissues of C-section delivered newborn. More importantly, we observed lower percentages of CD71+ erythroid cells in both cord blood and placental tissues of C-section delivered case. Lower CD71+ erythroid cells were associated with a more pro-inflammatory milieu at the fetomaternal interface reflected by higher expression of inhibitory receptors on CD4+ T cells, higher frequency of monocytes and neutrophils. Furthermore, type of delivery impacted the gene expression profile in CD71+ erythroid cells. Finally, we found that C-section delivered child had > 20-fold higher FCP in his fecal sample at 12 wk of age.
CONCLUSION Mode of delivery impacted immune cells profile in cord blood/placenta. In particular frequency of immunosuppressive CD71+ erythroid cells was reduced in C-section delivered newborn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garett Dunsmore
- Department of Dentistry and Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G2E1, Alberta, Canada
| | - Petya Koleva
- Department of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G2E1 Alberta, Canada
| | - Reed Taylor Sutton
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G2E1, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lindsy Ambrosio
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G2E1, Alberta, Canada
| | - Vivian Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E1, Alberta, Canada and Division of Gastroenterology, University of Toronto, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, M5G 1X5, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- Department of Dentistry and Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G2E1, Alberta, Canada
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