C-Kit receptor and tryptase expressing mast cells correlate with angiogenesis in breast cancer patients

Mast cells in oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid lesions related to dental amalgam contact

The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of mast cell markers toluidine blue, c-kit, and tryptase and presence of mononuclear inflammatory cells in oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral lichenoid lesions related to dental amalgam. Nineteen specimens of OLP, OLLC, and healthy oral mucosa were selected. Mononuclear inflammatory cells were analyzed. Histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses were performed using toluidine blue, anti-c-kit and anti-tryptase reagents, and the results were quantified in areas A and B of connective tissue. Mast cells of all OLP and OLLC samples were positive for toluidine blue, c-kit, and tryptase. The density of toluidine blue+, c-kit+ and tryptase+ mast cells was higher in tissue with OLP and OLLC compared with healthy controls (p < 0.05). No difference was noted in mast cells density between OLP and OLLC (p > 0.05). The density of tryptase+ mast cells was higher in the subepithelial region (area A) than the region below it (Area B) in OLLC (p = 0.047). The mononuclear inflammatory cell density was higher in OLLC compared to OLP, but without statistical significance (p > 0.05). A positive statistical correlation was found between mononuclear immune cells and density of c-kit+ and tryptase+ mast cells in OLP (r = 0.943 and r = 0.886, respectively). Our data demonstrate that the etiopathogenesis process of OLP and OLLC modulates the expansion and degranulation of mast cells; mast cells density, however, was similar between OLP and OLLC. The distribution of mast cells appears to vary along the lamina propria.

Interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RAP): A magic bullet candidate for immunotherapy of human malignancies

IL-1, plays a role in some pathological inflammatory conditions. This pro-inflammatory cytokine also has a crucial role in tumorigenesis and immune responses in the tumor microenvironment (TME). IL-1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RAP), combined with IL-1 receptor-1, provides a functional complex for binding and signaling. In addition to the direct role of IL-1, some studies demonstrated that IL1-RAP has essential roles in the progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis of solid tumors such as gastrointestinal tumors, lung carcinoma, glioma, breast and cervical cancers. This molecule also interacts with FLT-3 and c-Kit tyrosine kinases and is involved in the pathogenesis of hematological malignancies such as acute myeloid lymphoma. Additionally, IL-1RAP interacts with solute carrier family 3 member 2 (SLC3A2) and thereby increasing the resistance to anoikis and metastasis in Ewing sarcoma. This review summarizes the role of IL-1RAP in different types of cancers and discusses its targeting as a novel therapeutic approach for malignancies.

Role of mast cells activation in the tumor immune microenvironment and immunotherapy of cancers

The mast cell is an important cellular component that plays a crucial role in the crosstalk between innate and adaptive immune responses within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Recently, numerous studies have indicated that mast cells related to tumors play a dual role in regulating cancers, with conflicting results seemingly determined by the degranulation medium. As such, mast cells are an ignored but very promising potential target for cancer immunotherapy based on their immunomodulatory function. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the roles and mechanisms of mast cells in diverse cancer types. Firstly, we evaluated the infiltration density and location of mast cells on tumor progression. Secondly, mast cells are activated by the TME and subsequently release a range of inflammatory mediators, cytokines, chemokines, and lipid products that modulate their pro-or anti-tumor functions. Thirdly, activated mast cells engage in intercellular communication with other immune or stromal cells to modulate the immune status or promote tumor development. Finally, we deliberated on the clinical significance of targeting mast cells as a therapeutic approach to restrict tumor initiation and progression. Overall, our review aims to provide insights for future research on the role of mast cells in tumors and their potential as therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.

Masitinib Inhibits Hepatitis A Virus Replication

The hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection causes acute hepatitis. HAV also induces acute liver failure or acute-on-chronic liver failure; however, no potent anti-HAV drugs are currently available in clinical situations. For anti-HAV drug screening, more convenient and useful models that mimic HAV replication are needed. In the present study, we established HuhT7-HAV/Luc cells, which are HuhT7 cells stably expressing the HAV HM175-18f genotype IB subgenomic replicon RNA harboring the firefly luciferase gene. This system was made by using a PiggyBac-based gene transfer system that introduces nonviral transposon DNA into mammalian cells. Then, we investigated whether 1134 US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs exhibited in vitro anti-HAV activity. We further demonstrated that treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitor masitinib significantly reduced both HAV HM175-18f genotype IB replication and HAV HA11-1299 genotype IIIA replication. Masitinib also significantly inhibited HAV HM175 internal ribosomal entry-site (IRES) activity. In conclusion, HuhT7-HAV/Luc cells are adequate for anti-HAV drug screening, and masitinib may be useful for the treatment of severe HAV infection.

Targeted Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Old and New Opportunities

Simple Summary

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primitive cancer of the liver, accounting for 90% of all recorded cases. HCC is the third most common cause of cancer-related death, with a 5-year survival rate of just 3%. In terms of the advanced stages, systemic treatments have allowed patients to achieve clinical benefits, although the prognosis remains very poor. In the past few decades, new molecular targeted therapies have been developed and clinically evaluated with interesting results. However, on the basis of the poor prognoses and the meager benefits deriving from the available systemic therapies, research into new treatments is extremely necessary. In this review, we focus on the available systemic therapies for advanced HCC, with a look toward the future.

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primitive cancer of the liver, accounting for 90% of all recorded cases. HCC is the third most common cause of cancer-related death, with a 5-year survival rate of just 3%. In the advanced stages, systemic treatments allow doctors to obtain clinical benefits, although the prognosis remains very poor. In the past few decades, new molecular targeted therapies against receptor tyrosine kinases have been developed and clinically evaluated. Sorafenib was the first oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) approved for the treatment of advanced HCC in 2007. Subsequently, other TKIs, including Cabozantinib, Regorafenib, Lenvatinib, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) inhibitors such as Ramucirumab and VEGF inhibitors such as Bevacizumab have been approved as first- or second-line treatments. More recently, the combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors and VEGF inhibitors (Atezolizumab plus Bevacizumab) have been analyzed and approved for the treatment of advanced HCC. On the basis of the poor prognoses and the meager benefits deriving from the available systemic therapies, research into new treatments is extremely necessary. In this review, we focus on the available systemic therapies for advanced HCC, with a look toward the future.

The roles of interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein in certain inflammatory conditions

Interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RAcP) is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily proteins consisting of soluble and membranous isoforms. IL-1RAcP plays an essential role in the signaling of the IL-1 family cytokines such as IL-1, IL-33, and IL-36, as well as tyrosine kinases FLT3 and C-Kit. IL-1RAcP generally initiate inflammatory signaling pathway through the recruitment of signaling mediators, including MYD88 and IRAK. Chronic inflammation following prolonged signaling of cytokine receptors is a critical process in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory disorders, including autoimmunity, obesity, psoriasis, type 1 diabetes, endometriosis, preeclampsia and Alzheimer's disease. Recently IL-1RAcP aberrant signaling has been considered to play a central role in the pathogenesis of these chronic inflammatory diseases. Targeting IL-1RAcP signaling pathway that was recently considered in clinical trials related to malignancies, also indicates its potential as therapeutic target for the inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. This review summarizes the molecular structure, components associated with IL-1RAcP signaling pathways, and their involvement in the pathogenesis of different inflammatory diseases. We will also discuss the effect of IL-1RAcP inhibition for treatment proposes.

Mast Cells Positive for c-Kit Receptor and Tryptase Correlate with Angiogenesis in Cancerous and Adjacent Normal Pancreatic Tissue

Background: Mast cells (MCs) contain proangiogenic factors, in particular tryptase, associated with increased angiogenesis in several tumours. With special reference to pancreatic cancer, few data have been published on the role of MCs in angiogenesis in both pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tissue (PDAT) and adjacent normal tissue (ANT). In this study, density of mast cells positive for c-Kit receptor (MCDP-c-KitR), density of mast cells positive for tryptase (MCDPT), area of mast cells positive for tryptase (MCAPT), and angiogenesis in terms of microvascular density (MVD) and endothelial area (EA) were evaluated in a total of 45 PDAT patients with stage T_2–3N_0–1M₀. Results: For each analysed tissue parameter, the mean ± standard deviation was evaluated in both PDAT and ANT and differences were evaluated by Student’s t-test (p ranged from 0.001 to 0.005). Each analysed tissue parameter was then correlated to each other one by Pearson t-test analysis (p ranged from 0.01 to 0.03). No other correlation among MCDP-c-KitR, MCDPT, MCAPT, MVD, EA and the main clinical–pathological characteristics was found. Conclusions: Our results suggest that tissue parameters increased from ANT to PDAT and that mast cells are strongly associated with angiogenesis in PDAT. On this basis, the inhibition of MCs through tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as masitinib, or inhibition of tryptase by gabexate mesylate may become potential novel antiangiogenetic approaches in pancreatic cancer therapy.

Microvascular Density, Endothelial Area, and Ki-67 Proliferative Index Correlate Each Other in Cat Post-Injection Fibrosarcoma

Soft tissue sarcomas are a large group of different tumor types both in humans and in animals. Among them, fibrosarcoma is the most frequent malignant mesenchymal tumoral form in cats, representing up to 28% of all cat skin tumors, while human fibrosarcoma, fortunately, only represents 5% of all sarcomas and 0.025% of the world-wide burden of tumors. This low incidence in humans leads to consideration of this group of tumoral diseases as rare, so therapeutic options are few due to the difficulty of starting clinical trials. In this context, the identification of research models for fibrosarcomas could be of great interest to deepen knowledge in this field and recognize new or possible biological pathways involved in tumor progression and metastasis. Angiogenesis is considered a fundamental scattering cause of tumor aggressiveness and progression in all forms of cancer, but only a few research parameters were developed and reported to express them quantitatively and qualitatively. The role in angiogenesis of microenvironmental stromal cells, such as fibroblasts, lymphocytes, mast cells, and macrophages, was largely demonstrated since this topic was first approached, while quantification of new vessels and their blood capacity in tumoral area is a relatively recent approach that could be well developed thanks to expertise in immunohistochemistry and image analysis. In this paper, a crossing study evaluating microvascular density (MVD), endothelial area (EA), and Ki-67 proliferative index was reported for a series of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue samples from 99 cat patients, affected by cat post-injection fibrosarcoma, by using a till ×400 magnification light microscopy. We aim to demonstrate that cat pets may be considered a useful animal model for better studying the correspondent human diseases and we report, for the first time to our knowledge, experimental data in terms of correlation among MVD, EA, and Ki-67 strictly involved in aggressiveness and tumoral progression.

Identification of CFTR as a novel key gene in chromophobe renal cell carcinoma through bioinformatics analysis

Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (chRCC), the third most common histological subtype of RCC, comprises 5–7% of all RCC cases. The aim of the present study was to identify potential biomarkers for chRCC and to examine the underlying mechanisms. A total of 4 profile datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses of DEGs were performed with the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to predict hub genes. Hub gene expression within chRCC across multiple datasets, as well as overall survival, were investigated by utilizing the Oncomine platform and UALCAN dataset, separately. A total of 266 DEGs (88 upregulated genes and 168 downregulated genes) were identified from 4 profile datasets. Integrating the results from the PPI network, Oncomine platform and survival analysis, CFTR was screened as a key factor in the prognosis of chRCC. GO and KEGG analysis revealed that 266 DEGs were mainly enriched in 17 terms and 9 pathways. The present study identified key genes and potential molecular mechanisms underlying the development of chRCC, and CFTR may be a potential prognostic biomarker and novel therapeutic target for chRCC.

Tumor⁻Microenvironment Interaction: Analysis of Mast Cell Populations in Normal Tissue and Proliferative Disorders of the Canine Prostate

Mast cells (MCs) are involved in angiogenesis, tissue remodeling and immunomodulation in several human and animal tumors, although their exact role is still controversial. Since no information is available in canine prostate carcinoma (PC) and normal prostate tissues, the aims of this study were to evaluate the possible correlations between MC distribution, molecular expression and microvessel density (MVD) in normal prostatic tissue and proliferative disorders of the canine prostate. All samples (6 normal, 15 benign prostate hyperplasia-BPH, 8 PC) were stained with Toluidine Blue and immunohistochemically evaluated for tryptase, c-Kit (CD117) and CD31. Mast cell density (MCD) and MVD were quantified by the hot-spot method. MCD was significantly increased in periglandular/peritumoral areas, when compared with intraglandular/intratumoral areas, in all groups (p = 0.03). C-Kit expression was strongly associated with PC (ρ = 0.75 p = 0.03), whereas positive correlation between tryptase and c-Kit expression (ρ = 0.64 p = 0.01) was observed in periglandular areas of BPH. MVD showed a correlation with MCD in BPH (ρ = 0.54 p = 0.04). Our data support the importance of c-Kit in regulating MC proliferation. The predominant location of MCs in peritumoral areas of canine PC was similar to the human counterpart, in which PC cells are supposed to produce substances attracting MCs to the tumor microenvironment.

Prognostic significance of mast cell and microvascular densities in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor with and without neurofibromatosis type 1

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are rare and aggressive soft tissue sarcomas with a significant susceptibility to metastasize early in their course. Pathogenesis is yet to be fully elucidated. Recently, the essential role of mast cells in the tumor onset of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)‐associated neurofibromas and MPNSTs was confirmed in both experimental and human studies. In this study, we investigate mast cell density (MCD), microvascular density (MVD), and proliferation index (Ki‐67) in MPNST. A secondary aim was to correlate histological staining to clinical data and survival in patients with and without NF1. In total, 34 formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded MPNST tissues from 29 patients were eligible. MCD, MVD, and Ki‐67 labeling index (LI) were analyzed in all stained tissues by a computer‐based quantitative algorithm (Aperio ImageScope). In addition, chart review was performed for clinical data and survival analysis. Overall, MCD, MVD, and Ki‐67 LI were evenly distributed throughout tumor tissue. There was a negative correlation of NF1 status (affected, P = 0.037), tumor size (>10 cm, P = 0.023), and MVD in the tumor periphery (higher tercile, P = 0.002) to survival. Multivariate analysis confirmed the association of MVD in the tumor periphery (higher tercile, P = 0.019) with a decreased overall survival. Diverse mast cell and microvascular distributions suggest that angiogenesis in MPNST occurs independently. The role of mast cells in tumor progression is unclear and lacks prognostic value. Higher MVD has prognostic significance with possible therapeutic implications in MPNST.

Mast Cells and Angiogenesis in Human Plasma Cell Malignancies

Bone marrow angiogenesis plays an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of hematological malignancies. It is well known that tumor microenvironment promotes tumor angiogenesis, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, and also mediates mechanisms of therapeutic resistance. An increased number of mast cells has been demonstrated in angiogenesis associated with hematological tumors. In this review we focused on the role of mast cells in angiogenesis in human plasma cell malignancies. In this context, mast cells might act as a new target for the adjuvant treatment of these tumors through the selective inhibition of angiogenesis, tissue remodeling and tumor-promoting molecules, permitting the secretion of cytotoxic cytokines and preventing mast cell-mediated immune suppression.