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Farhangnia P, Khorramdelazad H, Nickho H, Delbandi AA. Current and future immunotherapeutic approaches in pancreatic cancer treatment. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:40. [PMID: 38835055 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01561-6] [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: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a major cause of cancer-related death, but despondently, the outlook and prognosis for this resistant type of tumor have remained grim for a long time. Currently, it is extremely challenging to prevent or detect it early enough for effective treatment because patients rarely exhibit symptoms and there are no reliable indicators for detection. Most patients have advanced or spreading cancer that is difficult to treat, and treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy can only slightly prolong their life by a few months. Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of pancreatic cancer, yet its effectiveness is limited by the tumor's immunosuppressive and hard-to-reach microenvironment. First, this article explains the immunosuppressive microenvironment of pancreatic cancer and highlights a wide range of immunotherapy options, including therapies involving oncolytic viruses, modified T cells (T-cell receptor [TCR]-engineered and chimeric antigen receptor [CAR] T-cell therapy), CAR natural killer cell therapy, cytokine-induced killer cells, immune checkpoint inhibitors, immunomodulators, cancer vaccines, and strategies targeting myeloid cells in the context of contemporary knowledge and future trends. Lastly, it discusses the main challenges ahead of pancreatic cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooya Farhangnia
- Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Board for Transplantation and Cell-Based Therapeutics (ImmunoTACT), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Khorramdelazad
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Hamid Nickho
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali-Akbar Delbandi
- Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Deshpande NU, Bianchi A, Amirian H, De Castro Silva I, Rafie CI, Surnar B, Rajkumar K, Ogobuiro IC, Patel M, Mehra S, Nagathihalli NS, Merchant NB, Dhar S, Datta J. Cell-specific nanoengineering strategy disrupts tolerogenic signaling from myeloid-derived suppressor cells to invigorate antitumor immunity in pancreatic cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.25.594901. [PMID: 38854120 PMCID: PMC11160608 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.25.594901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by intratumoral abundance of neutrophilic/polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSC) which inhibit T-cell function through JAK2/STAT3-regulated arginase activity. To overcome limitations of systemic inhibition of PMN-MDSCs in cancer-bearing patients-i.e., neutropenia and compensatory myelopoietic adaptations-we develop a nanoengineering strategy to target cell-specific signaling exclusively in PMN-MDSCs without provoking neutropenia. We conjugate a chemically modified small-molecule inhibitor of MDSC-surface receptor CXCR2 (AZD5069) with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and chemically graft AZD5069-PEG constructs onto amphiphilic polysaccharide derivatives to engineer CXCR2-homing nanoparticles (CXCR2-NP). Cy5.5 dye-loaded CXCR2-NP showed near-exclusive uptake in PMN-MDSCs compared with PDAC tumor-cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and macrophages. Encapsulation of JAK2/STAT3i Ruxolitinib (CXCR2-NP Ruxo ) resulted in more durable attenuation in STAT3-regulated arginase activity from PMN-MDSCs and induction of cytolytic T-cell activity vs. free Ruxolitinib in-vitro and in-vivo . Cell-specific delivery of payloads via CXCR2-homing immunonanoparticles represents a novel strategy to disrupt MDSC-mediated immunosuppression and invigorate antitumor immunity in PDAC.
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Guo S, Wang Z. Unveiling the immunosuppressive landscape of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: implications for innovative immunotherapy strategies. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1349308. [PMID: 38590651 PMCID: PMC10999533 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1349308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer, particularly pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), stands as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, marked by challenging treatment and dismal prognoses. As immunotherapy emerges as a promising avenue for mitigating PDAC's malignant progression, a comprehensive understanding of the tumor's immunosuppressive characteristics becomes imperative. This paper systematically delves into the intricate immunosuppressive network within PDAC, spotlighting the significant crosstalk between immunosuppressive cells and factors in the hypoxic acidic pancreatic tumor microenvironment. By elucidating these mechanisms, we aim to provide insights into potential immunotherapy strategies and treatment targets, laying the groundwork for future studies on PDAC immunosuppression. Recognizing the profound impact of immunosuppression on PDAC invasion and metastasis, this discussion aims to catalyze the development of more effective and targeted immunotherapies for PDAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songyu Guo
- First Clinical Medical College, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
- Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Zhenxia Wang
- Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
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Lee S, Blanco T, Musayeva A, Dehghani S, Narimatsu A, Forouzanfar K, Ortiz G, Kahale F, Wang S, Chen Y, Dohlman TH, Chauhan SK, Dana R. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells promote allograft survival by suppressing regulatory T cell dysfunction in high-risk corneal transplantation. Am J Transplant 2024:S1600-6135(24)00218-1. [PMID: 38514014 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2024.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Highly inflamed and neovascularized corneal graft beds are known as high-risk (HR) environments for transplant survival. One of the primary factors leading to this rejection is reduction in the suppressive function of regulatory T cells (Treg). Our results show that myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) counteract interleukin-6-mediated Treg dysfunction by expressing interleukin-10. Additionally, MDSC maintain forkhead box P3 stability and their ability to suppress IFN-γ+ Th1 cells. Administering MDSC to HR corneal transplant recipients demonstrates prolonged graft survival via promotion of Treg while concurrently suppressing IFN-γ+ Th1 cells. Moreover, MDSC-mediated donor-specific immune tolerance leads to long-term corneal graft survival as evidenced by the higher survival rate or delayed survival of a second-party C57BL/7 (B6) graft compared to those of third-party C3H grafts observed in contralateral low-risk or HR corneal transplantation of BALB/c recipient mice, respectively. Our study provides compelling preliminary evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of MDSC in preventing Treg dysfunction, significantly improving graft survival in HR corneal transplantation, and showing promising potential for immune tolerance induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seokjoo Lee
- Laboratory of Corneal Immunology, Transplantation, and Regeneration, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tomas Blanco
- Laboratory of Corneal Immunology, Transplantation, and Regeneration, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Aytan Musayeva
- Laboratory of Corneal Immunology, Transplantation, and Regeneration, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shima Dehghani
- Laboratory of Corneal Immunology, Transplantation, and Regeneration, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Akitomo Narimatsu
- Laboratory of Corneal Immunology, Transplantation, and Regeneration, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Katayoon Forouzanfar
- Laboratory of Corneal Immunology, Transplantation, and Regeneration, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gustavo Ortiz
- Laboratory of Corneal Immunology, Transplantation, and Regeneration, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Francesca Kahale
- Laboratory of Corneal Immunology, Transplantation, and Regeneration, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shudan Wang
- Laboratory of Corneal Immunology, Transplantation, and Regeneration, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yihe Chen
- Laboratory of Corneal Immunology, Transplantation, and Regeneration, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Thomas H Dohlman
- Laboratory of Corneal Immunology, Transplantation, and Regeneration, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sunil K Chauhan
- Laboratory of Corneal Immunology, Transplantation, and Regeneration, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Reza Dana
- Laboratory of Corneal Immunology, Transplantation, and Regeneration, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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Krumm J, Petrova E, Lechner S, Mergner J, Boehm HH, Prestipino A, Steinbrunn D, Deline ML, Koetzner L, Schindler C, Helming L, Fromme T, Klingenspor M, Hahne H, Pieck JC, Kuster B. High-Throughput Screening and Proteomic Characterization of Compounds Targeting Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells. Mol Cell Proteomics 2023; 22:100632. [PMID: 37586548 PMCID: PMC10518717 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2023.100632] [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: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are a heterogeneous cell population of incompletely differentiated immune cells. They are known to suppress T cell activity and are implicated in multiple chronic diseases, which make them an attractive cell population for drug discovery. Here, we characterized the baseline proteomes and phospho-proteomes of mouse MDSC differentiated from a progenitor cell line to a depth of 7000 proteins and phosphorylation sites. We also validated the cellular system for drug discovery by recapitulating and identifying known and novel molecular responses to the well-studied MDSC drugs entinostat and mocetinostat. We established a high-throughput drug screening platform using a MDSC/T cell coculture system and assessed the effects of ∼21,000 small molecule compounds on T cell proliferation and IFN-γ secretion to identify novel MDSC modulator. The most promising candidates were validated in a human MDSC system, and subsequent proteomic experiments showed significant upregulation of several proteins associated with the reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Proteome-wide solvent-induced protein stability assays identified Acyp1 and Cd74 as potential targets, and the ROS-reducing drug phenotype was validated by measuring ROS levels in cells in response to compound, suggesting a potential mode of action. We anticipate that the data and chemical tools developed in this study will be valuable for further research on MDSC and related drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Krumm
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Elissaveta Petrova
- Global Research & Development, Discovery and Development Technologies, Discovery Pharmacology, Healthcare Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Severin Lechner
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Julia Mergner
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany; Bavarian Center for Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry at Klinikum rechts der Isar (BayBioMS@MRI), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Hans-Henning Boehm
- Global Research & Development, TIP-Oncology & Immunooncology, Myeloid Cell Research, Healthcare Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Alessandro Prestipino
- Global Research & Development, Discovery and Development Technologies, Discovery Pharmacology, Healthcare Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | - Marshall L Deline
- Chair of Molecular Nutritional Medicine, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Lisa Koetzner
- Global Research & Development, Discovery and Development Technologies, Global Medicinal Chemistry, Healthcare Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Christina Schindler
- Global Research & Development, Discovery Technologies, Computational Chemistry & Biologics, Healthcare Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Laura Helming
- Global Research & Development, TIP-Oncology & Immunooncology, Myeloid Cell Research, Healthcare Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Tobias Fromme
- Chair of Molecular Nutritional Medicine, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany; Else Kröner Fresenius Center for Nutritional Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany; ZIEL Institute for Food & Health, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Martin Klingenspor
- Chair of Molecular Nutritional Medicine, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany; Else Kröner Fresenius Center for Nutritional Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany; ZIEL Institute for Food & Health, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | | | - Jan-Carsten Pieck
- Global Research & Development, Discovery and Development Technologies, Discovery Pharmacology, Healthcare Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Bernhard Kuster
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany; Bavarian Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry Center (BayBioMS), Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany.
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Nie Y, Xu L, Bai Z, Liu Y, Wang S, Zeng Q, Gao X, Xia X, Chang D. Prognostic utility of TME-associated genes in pancreatic cancer. Front Genet 2023; 14:1218774. [PMID: 37727377 PMCID: PMC10505756 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1218774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a deadly disease. The tumor microenvironment (TME) participates in PC oncogenesis. This study focuses on the assessment of the prognostic and treatment utility of TME-associated genes in PC. Methods: After obtaining the differentially expressed TME-related genes, univariate and multivariate Cox analyses and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) were performed to identify genes related to prognosis, and a risk model was established to evaluate risk scores, based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data set, and it was validated by external data sets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC). Multiomics analyses were adopted to explore the potential mechanisms, discover novel treatment targets, and assess the sensitivities of immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Results: Five TME-associated genes, namely, FERMT1, CARD9, IL20RB, MET, and MMP3, were identified and a risk score formula constructed. Next, their mRNA expressions were verified in cancer and normal pancreatic cells. Multiple algorithms confirmed that the risk model displayed a reliable ability of prognosis prediction and was an independent prognostic factor, indicating that high-risk patients had poor outcomes. Immunocyte infiltration, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and single-cell analysis all showed a strong relationship between immune mechanism and low-risk samples. The risk score could predict the sensitivity of immunotherapy and some chemotherapy regimens, which included oxaliplatin and irinotecan. Various latent treatment targets (LAG3, TIGIT, and ARID1A) were addressed by mutation landscape based on the risk model. Conclusion: The risk model based on TME-related genes can reflect the prognosis of PC patients and functions as a novel set of biomarkers for PC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanhua Nie
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Longwen Xu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zilong Bai
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yaoyao Liu
- Geneplus-Beijing, Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Shilong Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qingnuo Zeng
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xuan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- GenePlus- Shenzhen Clinical Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Dongmin Chang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
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Ozbay Kurt FG, Lasser S, Arkhypov I, Utikal J, Umansky V. Enhancing immunotherapy response in melanoma: myeloid-derived suppressor cells as a therapeutic target. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e170762. [PMID: 37395271 DOI: 10.1172/jci170762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the remarkable success of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in melanoma treatment, resistance to them remains a substantial clinical challenge. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) represent a heterogeneous population of myeloid cells that can suppress antitumor immune responses mediated by T and natural killer cells and promote tumor growth. They are major contributors to ICI resistance and play a crucial role in creating an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Therefore, targeting MDSCs is considered a promising strategy to improve the therapeutic efficacy of ICIs. This Review describes the mechanism of MDSC-mediated immune suppression, preclinical and clinical studies on MDSC targeting, and potential strategies for inhibiting MDSC functions to improve melanoma immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feyza Gul Ozbay Kurt
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
- Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Samantha Lasser
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
- Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ihor Arkhypov
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
- Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jochen Utikal
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Viktor Umansky
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
- Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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Laface C, Memeo R, Maselli FM, Santoro AN, Iaia ML, Ambrogio F, Laterza M, Cazzato G, Guarini C, De Santis P, Perrone M, Fedele P. Immunotherapy and Pancreatic Cancer: A Lost Challenge? Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1482. [PMID: 37511856 PMCID: PMC10381818 DOI: 10.3390/life13071482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Although immunotherapy has proved to be a very efficient therapeutic strategy for many types of tumors, the results for pancreatic cancer (PC) have been very poor. Indeed, chemotherapy remains the standard treatment for this tumor in the advanced stage. Clinical data showed that only a small portion of PC patients with high microsatellite instability/mismatch repair deficiency benefit from immunotherapy. However, the low prevalence of these alterations was not sufficient to lead to a practice change in the treatment strategy of this tumor. The main reasons for the poor efficacy of immunotherapy probably lie in the peculiar features of the pancreatic tumor microenvironment in comparison with other malignancies. In addition, the biomarkers usually evaluated to define immunotherapy efficacy in other cancers appear to be useless in PC. This review aims to describe the main features of the pancreatic tumor microenvironment from an immunological point of view and to summarize the current data on immunotherapy efficacy and immune biomarkers in PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmelo Laface
- Medical Oncology, Dario Camberlingo Hospital, 72021 Francavilla Fontana, Italy
| | - Riccardo Memeo
- Unit of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery, "F. Miulli" General Regional Hospital, 70021 Acquaviva Delle Fonti, Italy
| | | | | | - Maria Laura Iaia
- Medical Oncology, Dario Camberlingo Hospital, 72021 Francavilla Fontana, Italy
| | - Francesca Ambrogio
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Marigia Laterza
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Gerardo Cazzato
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Pathology Section, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Chiara Guarini
- Medical Oncology, Dario Camberlingo Hospital, 72021 Francavilla Fontana, Italy
| | - Pierluigi De Santis
- Medical Oncology, Dario Camberlingo Hospital, 72021 Francavilla Fontana, Italy
| | - Martina Perrone
- Medical Oncology, Dario Camberlingo Hospital, 72021 Francavilla Fontana, Italy
| | - Palma Fedele
- Medical Oncology, Dario Camberlingo Hospital, 72021 Francavilla Fontana, Italy
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Ott LC, Cuenca AG. Innate immune cellular therapeutics in transplantation. FRONTIERS IN TRANSPLANTATION 2023; 2:1067512. [PMID: 37994308 PMCID: PMC10664839 DOI: 10.3389/frtra.2023.1067512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Successful organ transplantation provides an opportunity to extend the lives of patients with end-stage organ failure. Selectively suppressing the donor-specific alloimmune response, however, remains challenging without the continuous use of non-specific immunosuppressive medications, which have multiple adverse effects including elevated risks of infection, chronic kidney injury, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Efforts to promote allograft tolerance have focused on manipulating the adaptive immune response, but long-term allograft survival rates remain disappointing. In recent years, the innate immune system has become an attractive therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of transplant organ rejection. Indeed, contemporary studies demonstrate that innate immune cells participate in both the initial alloimmune response and chronic allograft rejection and undergo non-permanent functional reprogramming in a phenomenon termed "trained immunity." Several types of innate immune cells are currently under investigation as potential therapeutics in transplantation, including myeloid-derived suppressor cells, dendritic cells, regulatory macrophages, natural killer cells, and innate lymphoid cells. In this review, we discuss the features and functions of these cell types, with a focus on their role in the alloimmune response. We examine their potential application as therapeutics to prevent or treat allograft rejection, as well as challenges in their clinical translation and future directions for investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah C Ott
- Department of General Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Alex G Cuenca
- Department of General Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
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Varela VA, da Silva Heinen LB, Marti LC, Caraciolo VB, Datoguia TS, Amano MT, Pereira WO. In vitro differentiation of myeloid suppressor cells (MDSC-like) from an immature myelomonocytic precursor THP-1. J Immunol Methods 2023; 515:113441. [PMID: 36848984 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2023.113441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population with a potent suppressor profile that regulates immune responses. These cells are one of the main components of the microenvironment of several diseases, including solid and hematologic tumors, autoimmunities, and chronic inflammation. However, their wide use in studies is limited due to they comprehend a rare population, which is difficult to isolate, expand, differentiate, and maintain in culture. Additionally, this population has a complex phenotypic and functional characterization. OBJECTIVE To develop a protocol for the in vitro production of MDSC-like population from the differentiation of the immature myeloid cell line THP-1. METHODS We stimulated THP-1 with G-CSF (100 ng/mL) and IL-4 (20 ng/mL) for seven days to differentiate into the MDSC-like profile. At the end of the protocol, we characterized these cells phenotypically and functionally by immunophenotyping, gene expression analysis, cytokine release dosage, lymphocyte proliferation, and NK-mediated killing essays. RESULTS We differentiate THP-1 cells in an MDSC-like population, named THP1-MDSC-like, which presented immunophenotyping and gene expression profiles compatible with that described in the literature. Furthermore, we verified that this phenotypic and functional differentiation did not deviate to a macrophage profile of M1 or M2. These THP1-MDSC-like cells secreted several immunoregulatory cytokines into the microenvironment, consistent with the suppressor profile related to MDSC. In addition, the supernatant of these cells decreased the proliferation of activated lymphocytes and impaired the apoptosis of leukemic cells induced by NK cells. CONCLUSIONS We developed an effective protocol for MDSC in vitro production from the differentiation of the immature myeloid cell line THP-1 induced by G-CSF and IL-4. Furthermore, we demonstrated that THP1-MDSC-like suppressor cells contribute to the immune escape of AML cells. Potentially, these THP1-MDSC-like cells can be applied on a large-scale platform, thus being able to impact the course of several studies and models such as cancer, immunodeficiencies, autoimmunity, and chronic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Araújo Varela
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein (FICSAE), Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Luciana Cavalheiro Marti
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein (FICSAE), Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Victória Bulcão Caraciolo
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein (FICSAE), Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Tarcila Santos Datoguia
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein (FICSAE), Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariane Tami Amano
- Hospital Sírio Libanês, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Clinical and Experimental Oncology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Welbert Oliveira Pereira
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein (FICSAE), Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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11
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Velasco RM, García AG, Sánchez PJ, Sellart IM, Sánchez-Arévalo Lobo VJ. Tumour microenvironment and heterotypic interactions in pancreatic cancer. J Physiol Biochem 2023; 79:179-192. [PMID: 35102531 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-022-00875-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is a disease with a survival rate of 9%; this is due to its chemoresistance and the large tumour stroma that occupies most of the tumour mass. It is composed of a large number of cells of the immune system, such as Treg cells, tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs), myeloid suppressor cells (MDCs) and tumour-associated neutrophiles (TANs) that generate an immunosuppressive environment by the release of inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, cancer-associated fibroblast (CAFs) provide a protective coverage that would difficult the access of chemotherapy to the tumour. According to this, new therapies that could remodel this heterogeneous tumour microenvironment, such as adoptive T cell therapies (ACT), immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), and CD40 agonists, should be developed for targeting PDA. This review organizes the different cell populations found in the tumour stroma involved in tumour progression in addition to the different therapies that are being studied to counteract the tumour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Muñoz Velasco
- Molecular Oncology Group, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Biosanitary Research Institute, Francisco de Vitoria University, 28223, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, UFV, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre, Pathology Department, Av. Córdoba, s/n, 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana García García
- Molecular Oncology Group, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Biosanitary Research Institute, Francisco de Vitoria University, 28223, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, UFV, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre, Pathology Department, Av. Córdoba, s/n, 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula Jiménez Sánchez
- Molecular Oncology Group, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Biosanitary Research Institute, Francisco de Vitoria University, 28223, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, UFV, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre, Pathology Department, Av. Córdoba, s/n, 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Montanuy Sellart
- Molecular Oncology Group, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Biosanitary Research Institute, Francisco de Vitoria University, 28223, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, UFV, Spain
| | - Víctor Javier Sánchez-Arévalo Lobo
- Molecular Oncology Group, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Biosanitary Research Institute, Francisco de Vitoria University, 28223, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, UFV, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre, Pathology Department, Av. Córdoba, s/n, 28041, Madrid, Spain.
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12
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Myeloid-derived suppressor cells: A new emerging player in endometriosis. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 375:191-220. [PMID: 36967153 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common gynecological disorder defined by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. This is commonly associated with chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and dysmenorrhea, which occurs in approximately 10% of women of reproductive age. Although the exact mechanism remains uncertain, it has been widely accepted to be an estrogen-dependent and inflammatory disease. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous group of immune cells with immunosuppressive capacity and non-immunological functions. They have been found to be aggressively involved in the pathologies of various disorders. In regards to tumors, the functions of MDSCs have been profoundly shown to inhibit tumor immune response and to promote angiogenesis, tumor metastasis, fibrosis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In recent years, the elevation of MDSCs in endometriosis was reported by several studies that provoke the assumption that MDSCs might exert similar roles to promote the development of endometriosis. Such that, precision treatments targeting MDSCs might be a promising direction for future study. Herein, we will review the research progress of MDSCs in endometriosis and its potential relevance to the pathogenesis, progression, and therapeutics strategy of endometriosis.
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13
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Borgna E, Prochetto E, Gamba JC, Marcipar I, Cabrera G. Role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells during Trypanosoma cruzi infection. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 375:117-163. [PMID: 36967151 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD), caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is the third largest parasitic disease burden globally. Currently, more than 6 million people are infected, mainly in Latin America, but international migration has turned CD into an emerging health problem in many nonendemic countries. Despite intense research, a vaccine is still not available. A complex parasite life cycle, together with numerous immune system manipulation strategies, may account for the lack of a prophylactic or therapeutic vaccine. There is substantial experimental evidence supporting that T. cruzi acute infection generates a strong immunosuppression state that involves numerous immune populations with regulatory/suppressive capacity. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), regulatory dendritic cells and B regulatory cells are some of the regulatory populations that have been involved in the acute immune response elicited by the parasite. The fact that, during acute infection, MDSCs increase notably in several organs, such as spleen, liver and heart, together with the observation that depletion of those cells can decrease mouse survival to 0%, strongly suggests that MDSCs play a major role during acute T. cruzi infection. Accumulating evidence gained in different settings supports the capacity of MDSCs to interact with cells from both the effector and the regulatory arms of the immune system, shaping the outcome of the response in a very wide range of scenarios that include pathological and physiological processes. In this sense, the aim of the present review is to describe the main knowledge about MDSCs acquired so far, including several crosstalk with other immune populations, which could be useful to gain insight into their role during T. cruzi infection.
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14
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Magri S, Musca B, Pinton L, Orecchini E, Belladonna ML, Orabona C, Bonaudo C, Volpin F, Ciccarino P, Baro V, Della Puppa A, Mandruzzato S. The immunosuppression pathway of tumor-associated macrophages is controlled by heme oxygenase-1 in glioblastoma patients. Int J Cancer 2022; 151:2265-2277. [PMID: 36054818 PMCID: PMC9825884 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) in glioblastoma (GBM) is mainly driven by tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). We explored whether their sustained iron metabolism and immunosuppressive activity were correlated, and whether blocking the central enzyme of the heme catabolism pathway, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), could reverse their tolerogenic activity. To this end, we investigated iron metabolism in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) isolated from GBM specimens and in in vitro-derived macrophages (Mφ) from healthy donor (HD) blood monocytes. We found that HO-1 inhibition abrogated the immunosuppressive activity of both BMDMs and Mφ, and that immunosuppression requires both cell-to-cell contact and soluble factors, as HO-1 inhibition abolished IL-10 release, and significantly reduced STAT3 activation as well as PD-L1 expression. Interestingly, not only did HO-1 inhibition downregulate IDO1 and ARG-2 gene expression, but also reduced IDO1 enzymatic activity. Moreover, T cell activation status affected PD-L1 expression and IDO1 activity, which were upregulated in the presence of activated, but not resting, T cells. Our results highlight the crucial role of HO-1 in the immunosuppressive activity of macrophages in the GBM TME and demonstrate the feasibility of reprogramming them as an alternative therapeutic strategy for restoring immune surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Magri
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and GastroenterologyUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - Beatrice Musca
- Immunology and Molecular OncologyVeneto Institute of Oncology IOV—IRCCSPadovaItaly
| | - Laura Pinton
- Immunology and Molecular OncologyVeneto Institute of Oncology IOV—IRCCSPadovaItaly
| | - Elena Orecchini
- Department of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of PerugiaPerugiaItaly
| | | | - Ciriana Orabona
- Department of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of PerugiaPerugiaItaly
| | - Camilla Bonaudo
- Neurosurgery, Department of NEUROFARBAUniversity of Florence, University Hospital of CareggiFlorenceItaly
| | | | | | - Valentina Baro
- Academic Neurosurgery, Department of NeurosciencesUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - Alessandro Della Puppa
- Neurosurgery, Department of NEUROFARBAUniversity of Florence, University Hospital of CareggiFlorenceItaly
| | - Susanna Mandruzzato
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and GastroenterologyUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly,Immunology and Molecular OncologyVeneto Institute of Oncology IOV—IRCCSPadovaItaly
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15
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Pollini T, Adsay V, Capurso G, Molin MD, Esposito I, Hruban R, Luchini C, Maggino L, Matthaei H, Marchegiani G, Scarpa A, Wood LD, Bassi C, Salvia R, Mino-Kenudson M, Maker AV. The tumour immune microenvironment and microbiome of pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 7:1141-1150. [PMID: 36057265 PMCID: PMC9844533 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(22)00235-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) have gained substantial attention because they represent one of the only radiographically identifiable precursors of invasive pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Although most of these neoplasms have low-grade dysplasia and will remain indolent, a subset of IPMNs will progress to invasive cancer. The role of the immune system in the progression of IPMNs is unclear, but understanding its role could reveal the mechanism of neoplastic progression and targets for immunotherapy to inhibit progression or treat invasive disease. The available evidence supports a shift in the immune composition of IPMNs during neoplastic progression. Although low-grade lesions contain a high proportion of effector T cells, high-grade IPMNs, and IPMNs with an associated invasive carcinoma lose the T-cell infiltrate and are characterised by a predominance of immunosuppressive elements. Several possible therapeutic strategies emerge from this analysis that are unique to IPMNs and its microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Pollini
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA,Department of General and Pancreatic Surgery, The Pancreas Institute, Section of Pathology University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Volcan Adsay
- Department of Pathology, Koç University Hospital and Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gabriele Capurso
- Department of Pancreatobiliary Endoscopy and Endosonography, Pancreas Translational and Clinical Research Center, IRCCS San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Dal Molin
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Irene Esposito
- Department of Pathology, Heinrich Heine University and University Hospital of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ralph Hruban
- Department of Pathology, the Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MA, USA
| | - Claudio Luchini
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Laura Maggino
- Department of General and Pancreatic Surgery, The Pancreas Institute, Section of Pathology University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Hanno Matthaei
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Giovanni Marchegiani
- Department of General and Pancreatic Surgery, The Pancreas Institute, Section of Pathology University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Laura D Wood
- Department of Pathology, the Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MA, USA
| | - Claudio Bassi
- Department of General and Pancreatic Surgery, The Pancreas Institute, Section of Pathology University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Roberto Salvia
- Department of General and Pancreatic Surgery, The Pancreas Institute, Section of Pathology University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Mari Mino-Kenudson
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ajay V Maker
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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16
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Tumino N, Fiore PF, Pelosi A, Moretta L, Vacca P. Myeloid derived suppressor cells in tumor microenvironment: Interaction with innate lymphoid cells. Semin Immunol 2022; 61-64:101668. [PMID: 36370673 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2022.101668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Human myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) represent a stage of immature myeloid cells and two main subsets can be identified: monocytic and polymorphonuclear. MDSC contribute to the establishment of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The presence and the activity of MDSC in patients with different tumors correlate with poor prognosis. As previously reported, MDSC promote tumor growth and use different mechanisms to suppress the immune cell-mediated anti-tumor activity. Immunosuppression mechanisms used by MDSC are broad and depend on their differentiation stage and on the pathological context. It is known that some effector cells of the immune system can play an important role in the control of tumor progression and metastatic spread. In particular, innate lymphoid cells (ILC) contribute to control tumor growth representing a potential, versatile and, immunotherapeutic tool. Despite promising results obtained by using new cellular immunotherapeutic approaches, a relevant proportion of patients do not benefit from these therapies. Novel strategies have been investigated to overcome the detrimental effect exerted by the immunosuppressive component of TME (i.e. MDSC). In this review, we summarized the characteristics and the interactions occurring between MDSC and ILC in different tumors discussing how a deeper knowledge on MDSC biology could represent an important target for tumor immunotherapy capable of decreasing immunosuppression and enhancing anti-tumor activity exerted by immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Tumino
- Innate lymphoid cells Unit, Immunology Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Andrea Pelosi
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Vacca
- Innate lymphoid cells Unit, Immunology Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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17
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Nicolini A, Ferrari P, Carpi A. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Other Immune Therapies in Breast Cancer: A New Paradigm for Prolonged Adjuvant Immunotherapy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102511. [PMID: 36289773 PMCID: PMC9599105 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women worldwide. Advances in the early diagnosis and treatment of cancer in the last decade have progressively decreased the cancer mortality rate, and in recent years, immunotherapy has emerged as a relevant tool against cancer. HER2+ and triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are considered more immunogenic and suitable for this kind of treatment due to the higher rate of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression. In TNBC, genetic aberrations further favor immunogenicity due to more neo-antigens in cancer cells. Methods: This review summarizes the principal ongoing conventional and investigational immunotherapies in breast cancer. Particularly, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and their use alone or combined with DNA damage repair inhibitors (DDRis) are described. Then, the issue on immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies against HER-2 family receptors is updated. Other investigational immunotherapies include a new schedule based on the interferon beta-interleukin-2 sequence that was given in ER+ metastatic breast cancer patients concomitant with anti-estrogen therapy, which surprisingly showed promising results. Results: Based on the scientific literature and our own findings, the current evaluation of tumor immunogenicity and the conventional model of adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) are questioned. Conclusions: A novel strategy based on additional prolonged adjuvant immunotherapy combined with hormone therapy or alternated with CT is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Nicolini
- Department of Oncology, Transplantations and New Technologies in Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Paola Ferrari
- Unit of Oncology, Department of Medical and Oncological Area, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Pisana, 56125 Pisa, Italy
| | - Angelo Carpi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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18
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Liu C, He D, Li L, Zhang S, Wang L, Fan Z, Wang Y. Extracellular vesicles in pancreatic cancer immune escape: Emerging roles and mechanisms. Pharmacol Res 2022; 183:106364. [PMID: 35901939 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the most lethal malignancy worldwide due to its delayed diagnosis and limited treatment options. Despite great progress in clinical trials of immunotherapies for various cancers, their effectiveness in PC is very low, indicating that immune evasion is still a major obstacle to immunotherapy in PC. However, the mechanism of immune escape in PC is not fully understood, which substantially restricts the development of immunotherapy. As an important component of intercellular communication networks, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have attracted increasing attention in relation to immune escape. This review aims to provide a better understanding of the roles of EVs in tumor immune escape and the potential to expand their application in cancer immunotherapy. The relationship between PC and the tumor immune microenvironment is briefly introduced. Then, the mechanism by which EVs are involved in immune regulation is summarized, and the latest progress in determining the role of EVs in regulating PC immune escape is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunping Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.
| | - Dongyue He
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Longmei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shihui Zhang
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhijin Fan
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yichao Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Tai Zhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), No.999 Donghai Road, Jiaojiang District, Taizhou, Zhejiang 318000, China.
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19
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Cioccarelli C, Molon B. MDSCs and T cells in solid tumors and non-Hodgkin lymphomas: an immunosuppressive speech. Clin Exp Immunol 2022; 208:147-157. [PMID: 35348617 PMCID: PMC9188344 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxac025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous subset of cells expanded during multiple pathological settings, including cancers. In tumors, MDSCs are dominant drivers of T-cell immunosuppression. To accomplish their job, they exploit multiple mechanisms ultimately leading to the paralysis of anti-tumor immunity. Among the variety of MDSC-ways of working within the tumor microenvironment, the generation of reactive species and the metabolic reprogramming have emerged as pivotal determinants of their immunosuppressive power. In this review we will overview integral mechanisms of MDSC-mediated immunosuppression in solid tumors, with a particular focus on Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Cioccarelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica (IRP), Fondazione Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy
| | - Barbara Molon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica (IRP), Fondazione Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy
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20
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Agostini A, Orlacchio A, Carbone C, Guerriero I. Understanding Tricky Cellular and Molecular Interactions in Pancreatic Tumor Microenvironment: New Food for Thought. Front Immunol 2022; 13:876291. [PMID: 35711414 PMCID: PMC9193393 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.876291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) represents 90% of all pancreatic cancer cases and shows a high mortality rate among all solid tumors. PDAC is often associated with poor prognosis, due to the late diagnosis that leads to metastasis development, and limited efficacy of available treatments. The tumor microenvironment (TME) represents a reliable source of novel targets for therapy, and even if many of the biological interactions among stromal, immune, and cancer cells that populate the TME have been studied, much more needs to be clarified. The great limitation in the efficacy of current standard chemoterapy is due to both the dense fibrotic inaccessible TME barrier surrounding cancer cells and the immunological evolution from a tumor-suppressor to an immunosuppressive environment. Nevertheless, combinatorial therapies may prove more effective at overcoming resistance mechanisms and achieving tumor cell killing. To achieve this result, a deeper understanding of the pathological mechanisms driving tumor progression and immune escape is required in order to design rationale-based therapeutic strategies. This review aims to summarize the present knowledge about cellular interactions in the TME, with much attention on immunosuppressive functioning and a specific focus on extracellular matrix (ECM) contribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Agostini
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Arturo Orlacchio
- NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Carmine Carbone
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Guerriero
- Biogem, Biology and Molecular Genetics Institute, Ariano Irpino, Italy
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21
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Di Federico A, Mosca M, Pagani R, Carloni R, Frega G, De Giglio A, Rizzo A, Ricci D, Tavolari S, Di Marco M, Palloni A, Brandi G. Immunotherapy in Pancreatic Cancer: Why Do We Keep Failing? A Focus on Tumor Immune Microenvironment, Predictive Biomarkers and Treatment Outcomes. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102429. [PMID: 35626033 PMCID: PMC9139656 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In pancreatic cancer, immunotherapy and targeted therapies have not brought about the therapeutic revolution that has been observed in other malignancies. Among the reasons to explain this difference is the possibly crucial role played by the pancreatic tumor microenvironment, which has unique features and is different from that of other neoplasms. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the distinctive tumor immune microenvironment of pancreatic cancer and to summarize existing data about the use of immunotherapy and immune biomarkers in this cancer. Abstract The advent of immunotherapy and targeted therapies has dramatically changed the outcomes of patients affected by many malignancies. Pancreatic cancer (PC) remains one the few tumors that is not treated with new generation therapies, as chemotherapy still represents the only effective therapeutic strategy in advanced-stage disease. Agents aiming to reactivate the host immune system against cancer cells, such as those targeting immune checkpoints, failed to demonstrate significant activity, despite the success of these treatments in other tumors. In many cases, the proportion of patients who derived benefits in early-phase trials was too small and unpredictable to justify larger studies. The population of PC patients with high microsatellite instability/mismatch repair deficiency is currently the only population that may benefit from immunotherapy; nevertheless, the prevalence of these alterations is too low to determine a real change in the treatment scenario of this tumor. The reasons for the unsuccess of immunotherapy may lie in the extremely peculiar tumor microenvironment, including distinctive immune composition and cross talk between different cells. These unique features may also explain why the biomarkers commonly used to predict immunotherapy efficacy in other tumors seem to be useless in PC. In the current paper, we provide a comprehensive and up-to-date review of immunotherapy in PC, from the analysis of the tumor immune microenvironment to immune biomarkers and treatment outcomes, with the aim to highlight that simply transferring the knowledge acquired on immunotherapy in other tumors might not be a successful strategy in patients affected by PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Di Federico
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni, 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.M.); (R.P.); (R.C.); (A.D.G.); (M.D.M.); (A.P.); (G.B.)
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti, 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Mirta Mosca
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni, 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.M.); (R.P.); (R.C.); (A.D.G.); (M.D.M.); (A.P.); (G.B.)
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti, 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Rachele Pagani
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni, 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.M.); (R.P.); (R.C.); (A.D.G.); (M.D.M.); (A.P.); (G.B.)
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti, 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Riccardo Carloni
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni, 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.M.); (R.P.); (R.C.); (A.D.G.); (M.D.M.); (A.P.); (G.B.)
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti, 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Giorgio Frega
- Osteoncology, Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas, and Innovative Therapies, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Andrea De Giglio
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni, 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.M.); (R.P.); (R.C.); (A.D.G.); (M.D.M.); (A.P.); (G.B.)
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti, 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Rizzo
- Struttura Semplice Dipartimentale di Oncologia Medica per la Presa in Carico Globale del Paziente Oncologico “Don Tonino Bello”, I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, Viale Orazio Flacco 65, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Dalia Ricci
- Departmental Unit of Medical Oncology, ASL BA, 20142 Milan, Italy;
| | - Simona Tavolari
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti, 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Mariacristina Di Marco
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni, 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.M.); (R.P.); (R.C.); (A.D.G.); (M.D.M.); (A.P.); (G.B.)
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti, 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Andrea Palloni
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni, 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.M.); (R.P.); (R.C.); (A.D.G.); (M.D.M.); (A.P.); (G.B.)
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti, 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Brandi
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni, 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.M.); (R.P.); (R.C.); (A.D.G.); (M.D.M.); (A.P.); (G.B.)
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti, 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
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22
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Bazhin AV, von Ahn K, Fritz J, Bunge H, Maier C, Isayev O, Neff F, Siveke JT, Karakhanova S. Pivotal antitumor role of the immune checkpoint molecule B7-H1 in pancreatic cancer. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2043037. [PMID: 35251770 PMCID: PMC8890402 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2043037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint molecule B7-H1 plays a decisive immune regulatory role in different pathologies including cancer, and manipulation of B7-H1 expression became an attractive approach in cancer immunotherapy. Pancreatic cancer (PDAC) is characterized by pronounced immunosuppressive environment and B7-H1 expression correlates with PDAC prognosis. However, the first attempts to diminish B7-H1 expression in patients were not so successful. This points the complicity of PDAC immunosuppressive network and requires further examinations. We investigated the effect of B7-H1 deficiency in PDAC. Our results clearly show that partial or complete B7-H1 inhibition in vivo let to reduced tumor volume and improved survival of PDAC-bearing mice. This oncological benefit is due to the abrogation of immunosuppression provided by MDSC, macrophages, DC and Treg, which resulted in simultaneous restoration of anti-tumor immune response, namely improved accumulation and functionality of effector-memory CD4 and CD8 T cells. Our results underline the potential of B7-H1 molecule to control immunosuppressive network in PDAC and provide new issues for further clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandr V. Bazhin
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katharina von Ahn
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jasmin Fritz
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Henriette Bunge
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Caroline Maier
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Orkhan Isayev
- Department of Cytology, Embryology and Histology, Azerbaijan Medical University, Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Florian Neff
- Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site University Hospital Essen, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jens T. Siveke
- Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site University Hospital Essen, Heidelberg, Germany
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumor Therapy, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Svetlana Karakhanova
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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23
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Current Limitations and Novel Perspectives in Pancreatic Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040985. [PMID: 35205732 PMCID: PMC8870068 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This review article presents a synopsis of the key clinical developments, their limitations, and future perspectives in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. In the first part, we summarize the available treatments for pancreatic cancer patients according to tumor stage, as well as the most relevant clinical trials over the past two decades. Despite this progress, there is still much to be improved in terms of patient survival. Therefore, in the second part, we consider various components of the tumor microenvironment in pancreatic cancer, looking for the key drivers of therapy resistance and tumor progression, which may lead to the discovery of new potential targets. We also discuss the most prominent molecules targeting the stroma and immune compartment that are being investigated in either preclinical or clinical trials. Finally, we also outline interesting venues for further research, such as possible combinations of therapies that may have the potential for clinical application. Abstract Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide, largely due to its aggressive development. Consequently, treatment options are often palliative, as only one-fifth of patients present with potentially curable tumors. The only available treatment with curative intent is surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. However, even for patients that are eligible for surgery, the 5-year OS remains below 10%. Hence, there is an urgent need to find new therapeutic regimens. In the first part of this review, we discuss the tumor staging method and its impact on the corresponding current standard-of-care treatments for PDAC. We also consider the key clinical trials over the last 20 years that have improved patient survival. In the second part, we provide an overview of the major components and cell types involved in PDAC, as well as their respective roles and interactions with each other. A deeper knowledge of the interactions taking place in the TME may lead to the discovery of potential new therapeutic targets. Finally, we discuss promising treatment strategies targeting specific components of the TME and potential combinations thereof. Overall, this review provides an overview of the current challenges and future perspectives in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Ma T, Renz BW, Ilmer M, Koch D, Yang Y, Werner J, Bazhin AV. Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Solid Tumors. Cells 2022; 11:cells11020310. [PMID: 35053426 PMCID: PMC8774531 DOI: 10.3390/cells11020310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are one of the main suppressive cell population of the immune system. They play a pivotal role in the establishment of the tumor microenvironment (TME). In the context of cancers or other pathological conditions, MDSCs can differentiate, expand, and migrate in large quantities during circulation, inhibiting the cytotoxic functions of T cells and NK cells. This process is regulated by ROS, iNOS/NO, arginase-1, and multiple soluble cytokines. The definition of MDSCs and their phenotypes in humans are not as well represented as in other organisms such as mice, owing to the absence of the cognate molecule. However, a comprehensive understanding of the differences between different species and subsets will be beneficial for clarifying the immunosuppressive properties and potential clinical values of these cells during tumor progression. Recently, experimental evidence and clinical investigations have demonstrated that MDSCs have a close relationship with poor prognosis and drug resistance, which is considered to be a leading marker for practical applications and therapeutic methods. In this review, we summarize the remarkable position of MDSCs in solid tumors, explain their classifications in different models, and introduce new treatment approaches to target MDSCs to better understand the advancement of new approaches to cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianmiao Ma
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (T.M.); (B.W.R.); (M.I.); (D.K.); (J.W.)
| | - Bernhard W. Renz
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (T.M.); (B.W.R.); (M.I.); (D.K.); (J.W.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Ilmer
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (T.M.); (B.W.R.); (M.I.); (D.K.); (J.W.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Dominik Koch
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (T.M.); (B.W.R.); (M.I.); (D.K.); (J.W.)
| | - Yuhui Yang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430022, China;
| | - Jens Werner
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (T.M.); (B.W.R.); (M.I.); (D.K.); (J.W.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alexandr V. Bazhin
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (T.M.); (B.W.R.); (M.I.); (D.K.); (J.W.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Correspondence:
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25
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Zhang W, Xing J, Liu T, Zhang J, Dai Z, Zhang H, Wang D, Tang D. Small extracellular vesicles: from mediating cancer cell metastasis to therapeutic value in pancreatic cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:1. [PMID: 34980146 PMCID: PMC8722298 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-021-00806-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant tumor and, is extremely difficult to diagnose and treat. Metastasis is one of the critical steps in the development of cancer and uses cell to cell communication to mediate changes in the microenvironment. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs)-carry proteins, nucleic acids and other bioactive substances, and are important medium for communication between cells. There are two primary steps in sVEs-mediated metastasis: communication between pancreatic cancer cells and their surrounding microenvironment; and the communication between primary tumor cells and distant organ cells in distant organs that promotes angiogenesis, reshaping extracellular matrix, forming immunosuppressive environment and other ways to form appropriate pre-metastasis niche. Here, we explore the mechanism of localization and metastasis of pancreatic cancer and use sEVs as early biomarkers for the detection and treatment of pancreatic cancer. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Zhang
- grid.268415.cClinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province China
| | - Juan Xing
- grid.268415.cClinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province China
| | - Tian Liu
- grid.268415.cClinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province China
| | - Jie Zhang
- grid.268415.cClinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province China
| | - Zhujiang Dai
- grid.268415.cClinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province China
| | - Huan Zhang
- grid.268415.cClinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province China
| | - Daorong Wang
- grid.268415.cDepartment of General Surgery, Institute of General Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Northern Jiangsu Province Hospital, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001 China
| | - Dong Tang
- grid.268415.cDepartment of General Surgery, Institute of General Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Northern Jiangsu Province Hospital, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001 China
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Wan M, Ding Y, Li Z, Wang X, Xu M. Metabolic manipulation of the tumour immune microenvironment. Immunology 2021; 165:290-300. [PMID: 34962655 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past few years, the evolution of immunotherapy has resulted in a shift in cancer treatment models. However, with immunosuppressive effects of the tumour microenvironment continue to limit advances in tumour immunotherapy. The tumour microenvironment induces metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells, which results in competition for nutrients between tumour cells and host immunocytes. Metabolic and waste products originating in tumour cells can influence the activation and effector properties of immunocytes in numerous ways and ultimately promote the survival and propagation of tumour cells. In this paper, we discuss metabolic reprogramming in tumour cells and the influence of metabolite byproducts on the immune microenvironment, providing novel insights into tumour immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengtian Wan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yuzhu Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Min Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, Jiangsu Province, China
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27
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Bhat DK, Olkhanud PB, Gangaplara A, Seifuddin F, Pirooznia M, Biancotto A, Fantoni G, Pittman C, Francis B, Dagur PK, Saxena A, McCoy JP, Pfeiffer RM, Fitzhugh CD. Early Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells (eMDSCs) Are Associated With High Donor Myeloid Chimerism Following Haploidentical HSCT for Sickle Cell Disease. Front Immunol 2021; 12:757279. [PMID: 34917079 PMCID: PMC8669726 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.757279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT) is a widely available curative option for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Our original non-myeloablative haplo-HSCT trial employing post-transplant (PT) cyclophosphamide had a low incidence of GVHD but had high rejection rates. Here, we aimed to evaluate immune reconstitution following haplo-HSCT and identify cytokines and cells associated with graft rejection/engraftment. 50 cytokines and 10 immune cell subsets were screened using multiplex-ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively, at baseline and PT-Days 30, 60, 100, and 180. We observed the most significant differences in cytokine levels between the engrafted and rejected groups at PT-Day 60, corresponding with clinical findings of secondary graft rejection. Of the 44 cytokines evaluated, plasma concentrations of 19 cytokines were different between the two groups at PT-Day 60. Factor analysis suggested two independent factors. The first factor (IL-17A, IL-10, IL-7, G-CSF, IL-2, MIP-1a, VEGF, and TGFb1 contributed significantly) was strongly associated with engraftment with OR = 2.7 (95%CI of 1.4 to 5.4), whereas the second factor (GROa and IL-18 contributed significantly) was not significantly associated with engraftment. Sufficient donor myeloid chimerism (DMC) is critical for the success of HSCT; here, we evaluated immune cells among high (H) DMC (DMC≥20%) and low (L) DMC (DMC<20%) groups along with engrafted and rejected groups. We found that early myeloid-derived suppressor cell (eMDSC) frequencies were elevated in engrafted patients and patients with HDMC at PT-Day 30 (P< 0.04 & P< 0.003, respectively). 9 of 20 patients were evaluated for the source of eMDSCs. The HDMC group had high mixed chimeric eMDSCs as compared to the LDMC group (P< 0.00001). We found a positive correlation between the frequencies of eMDSCs and Tregs at PT-Day 100 (r=0.72, P <0.0007); eMDSCs at BSL and Tregs at PT-Day 100 (r=0.63, P <0.004). Of 10 immune regulatory cells and 50 cytokines, we observed mixed chimeric eMDSCs and IL-17A, IL-10, IL-7, G-CSF, IL-2, MIP-1a, VEGF, TGFb1 as potential hits which could serve as prognostic markers in predicting allograft outcome towards engraftment following haploidentical HSCT employing post-transplant cyclophosphamide. The current findings need to be replicated and further explored in a larger cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepali K Bhat
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Purevdorj B Olkhanud
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Arunakumar Gangaplara
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Fayaz Seifuddin
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Core Facility, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Mehdi Pirooznia
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Core Facility, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Angélique Biancotto
- Center for Human Immunology, Autoimmunity, and Inflammation, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Giovanna Fantoni
- Center for Human Immunology, Autoimmunity, and Inflammation, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Corinne Pittman
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Berline Francis
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Pradeep K Dagur
- Flow Cytometry Core, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda MD, United States
| | - Ankit Saxena
- Flow Cytometry Core, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda MD, United States
| | - J Philip McCoy
- Flow Cytometry Core, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda MD, United States
| | - Ruth M Pfeiffer
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Courtney D Fitzhugh
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
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Opitz FV, Haeberle L, Daum A, Esposito I. Tumor Microenvironment in Pancreatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246188. [PMID: 34944807 PMCID: PMC8699458 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a very aggressive neoplasm with a poor survival rate. This is mainly due to late detection, which substantially limits therapy options. A better understanding of the early phases of pancreatic carcinogenesis is fundamental for improving patient prognosis in the future. In this article, we focused on the tumor microenvironment (TME), which provides the biological niche for the development of PDAC from its most common precursor lesions, PanIN (pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias). Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive tumors with a poor prognosis. A characteristic of PDAC is the formation of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) that facilitates bypassing of the immune surveillance. The TME consists of a desmoplastic stroma, largely composed of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), immunosuppressive immune cells, immunoregulatory soluble factors, neural network cells, and endothelial cells with complex interactions. PDAC develops from various precursor lesions such as pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN), intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN), mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCN), and possibly, atypical flat lesions (AFL). In this review, we focus on the composition of the TME in PanINs to reveal detailed insights into the complex restructuring of the TME at early time points in PDAC progression and to explore ways of modifying the TME to slow or even halt tumor progression.
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Allam A, Yakou M, Pang L, Ernst M, Huynh J. Exploiting the STAT3 Nexus in Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts to Improve Cancer Therapy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:767939. [PMID: 34858425 PMCID: PMC8632218 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.767939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is composed of a heterogenous population of cells that exist alongside the extracellular matrix and soluble components. These components can shape an environment that is conducive to tumor growth and metastatic spread. It is well-established that stromal cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the TME play a pivotal role in creating and maintaining a growth-permissive environment for tumor cells. A growing body of work has uncovered that tumor cells recruit and educate CAFs to remodel the TME, however, the mechanisms by which this occurs remain incompletely understood. Recent studies suggest that the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a key transcription factor that regulates the function of CAFs, and their crosstalk with tumor and immune cells within the TME. CAF-intrinsic STAT3 activity within the TME correlates with tumor progression, immune suppression and eventually the establishment of metastases. In this review, we will focus on the roles of STAT3 in regulating CAF function and their crosstalk with other cells constituting the TME and discuss the utility of targeting STAT3 within the TME for therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr Allam
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute and La Trobe University School of Cancer Medicine, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Marina Yakou
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute and La Trobe University School of Cancer Medicine, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Lokman Pang
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute and La Trobe University School of Cancer Medicine, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthias Ernst
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute and La Trobe University School of Cancer Medicine, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Jennifer Huynh
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute and La Trobe University School of Cancer Medicine, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
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The Immune Landscape of Breast Cancer: Strategies for Overcoming Immunotherapy Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13236012. [PMID: 34885122 PMCID: PMC8657247 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Immunotherapy is a rapidly advancing field in breast cancer treatment, however, it encounters many obstacles that leave open gateways for breast cancer cells to resist novel immunotherapies. It is believed that the tumor microenvironment consisting of cancer, stromal, and immune cells as well as a plethora of tumor-promoting soluble factors, is responsible for the failure of therapeutic strategies in cancer, including breast tumors. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of key barriers to effective immunotherapy, focusing the research efforts on harnessing the power of the immune system, and thus, developing new strategies to overcome the resistance may contribute significantly to increase breast cancer patient survival. In this review, we discuss the latest reports regarding the strategies rendering the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment more sensitive to immunotherapy in breast cancers, HER2-positive and triple-negative types of breast cancer, which are attractive from an immunotherapeutic point of view. Abstract Breast cancer (BC) has traditionally been considered to be not inherently immunogenic and insufficiently represented by immune cell infiltrates. Therefore, for a long time, it was thought that the immunotherapies targeting this type of cancer and its microenvironment were not justified and would not bring benefits for breast cancer patients. Nevertheless, to date, a considerable number of reports have indicated tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) as a prognostic and clinically relevant biomarker in breast cancer. A high TILs expression has been demonstrated in primary tumors, of both, HER2-positive BC and triple-negative (TNBC), of patients before treatment, as well as after treatment with adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Another milestone was reached in advanced TNBC immunotherapy with the help of the immune checkpoint inhibitors directed against the PD-L1 molecule. Although those findings, together with the recent developments in chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapies, show immense promise for significant advancements in breast cancer treatments, there are still various obstacles to the optimal activity of immunotherapeutics in BC treatment. Of these, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment constitutes a key barrier that greatly hinders the success of immunotherapies in the most aggressive types of breast cancer, HER2-positive and TNBC. Therefore, the improvement of the current and the demand for the development of new immunotherapeutic strategies is strongly warranted.
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Li HB, Yang ZH, Guo QQ. Immune checkpoint inhibition for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: limitations and prospects: a systematic review. Cell Commun Signal 2021; 19:117. [PMID: 34819086 PMCID: PMC8611916 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-021-00789-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is an extremely malignant tumor with the lowest 5-year survival rate among all tumors. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), as the most common pathological subtype of pancreatic cancer, usually has poor therapeutic results. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can relieve failure of the tumor-killing effect of immune effector cells caused by immune checkpoints. Therefore, they have been used as a novel treatment for many solid tumors. However, PDAC is not sensitive to monotherapy with ICIs, which might be related to the inhibitory immune microenvironment of pancreatic cancer. Therefore, the way to improve the microenvironment has raised a heated discussion in recent years. Here, we elaborate on the relationship between different immune cellular components in this environment, list some current preclinical or clinical attempts to enhance the efficacy of ICIs by targeting the inhibitory tumor microenvironment of PDAC or in combination with other therapies. Such information offers a better understanding of the sophisticated tumor-microenvironment interactions, also providing insights on therapeutic guidance of PDAC targeting. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Bo Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang Province China
| | - Zi-Han Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang Province China
| | - Qing-Qu Guo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang Province China
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Ostios-Garcia L, Villamayor J, Garcia-Lorenzo E, Vinal D, Feliu J. Understanding the immune response and the current landscape of immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:6775-6793. [PMID: 34790007 PMCID: PMC8567475 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i40.6775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive tumor with high lethality. Even with surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and other locoregional or systemic therapies, the survival rates for PDAC are low and have not significantly changed in the past decades. The special characteristics of the PDAC's microenvironment and its complex immune escape mechanism need to be considered when designing novel therapeutic approaches in this disease. PDAC is characterized by chronic inflammation with a high rate of tumor-associated macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells and a low rate of natural killer and effector T cells. The pancreatic microenvironment is a fibrotic, microvascularized stroma that isolates the tumor from systemic vascularization. Immunotherapy, a novel approach that has demonstrated effectiveness in certain solid tumors, has failed to show any practice-changing results in pancreatic cancer, with the exception of PDACs with mismatch repair deficiency and high tumor mutational burden, which show prolonged survival rates with immunotherapy. Currently, numerous clinical trials are attempting to assess the efficacy of immunotherapeutic strategies in PDAC, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, cancer vaccines, and adoptive cell transfer, alone or in combination with other immunotherapeutic agents, chemoradiotherapy, and other targeted therapies. A deep understanding of the immune response will help in the development of new therapeutic strategies leading to improved clinical outcomes for patients with PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Ostios-Garcia
- Department of Oncology, La Paz University Hospital, IDIPAZ, CIBERONC, Cátedra UAM-AMGEN, Madrid 28046, Spain
| | - Julia Villamayor
- Department of Oncology, La Paz University Hospital, IDIPAZ, CIBERONC, Cátedra UAM-AMGEN, Madrid 28046, Spain
| | - Esther Garcia-Lorenzo
- Department of Oncology, La Paz University Hospital, IDIPAZ, CIBERONC, Cátedra UAM-AMGEN, Madrid 28046, Spain
| | - David Vinal
- Department of Oncology, La Paz University Hospital, IDIPAZ, CIBERONC, Cátedra UAM-AMGEN, Madrid 28046, Spain
| | - Jaime Feliu
- Department of Oncology, La Paz University Hospital, IDIPAZ, CIBERONC, Cátedra UAM-AMGEN, Madrid 28046, Spain
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Hofer F, Di Sario G, Musiu C, Sartoris S, De Sanctis F, Ugel S. A Complex Metabolic Network Confers Immunosuppressive Functions to Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs) within the Tumour Microenvironment. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102700. [PMID: 34685679 PMCID: PMC8534848 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) constitute a plastic and heterogeneous cell population among immune cells within the tumour microenvironment (TME) that support cancer progression and resistance to therapy. During tumour progression, cancer cells modify their metabolism to sustain an increased energy demand to cope with uncontrolled cell proliferation and differentiation. This metabolic reprogramming of cancer establishes competition for nutrients between tumour cells and leukocytes and most importantly, among tumour-infiltrating immune cells. Thus, MDSCs that have emerged as one of the most decisive immune regulators of TME exhibit an increase in glycolysis and fatty acid metabolism and also an upregulation of enzymes that catabolise essential metabolites. This complex metabolic network is not only crucial for MDSC survival and accumulation in the TME but also for enhancing immunosuppressive functions toward immune effectors. In this review, we discuss recent progress in the field of MDSC-associated metabolic pathways that could facilitate therapeutic targeting of these cells during cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Stefano Ugel
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-045-8126451; Fax: +39-045-8126455
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Palazón-Carrión N, Jiménez-Cortegana C, Sánchez-León ML, Henao-Carrasco F, Nogales-Fernández E, Chiesa M, Caballero R, Rojo F, Nieto-García MA, Sánchez-Margalet V, de la Cruz-Merino L. Circulating immune biomarkers in peripheral blood correlate with clinical outcomes in advanced breast cancer. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14426. [PMID: 34257359 PMCID: PMC8277895 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93838-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification of the different elements intervening at the tumor microenvironment seems key to explain clinical evolution in several tumor types. In this study, a set of immune biomarkers (myeloid derived suppressor cells, regulatory T cells, and OX40 + and PD-1 + T lymphocytes counts) in peripheral blood of patients diagnosed with advanced breast cancer were analyzed along of first line antineoplastic therapy. Subsequently, a comparison between groups with clinical benefit versus progression of disease and with a healthy women cohort was executed. Results reflected that patients showed higher basal levels of myeloid derived suppressor cells (35.43, IR = 180.73 vs 17.53, IR = 16.96 cells/μl; p = 0.001) and regulatory T cells (32.05, IR = 29.84 vs 22.61, IR = 13.57 cells/μl; p = 0.001) in comparison with healthy women. Furthermore, an increase in the number of activated T lymphocytes (expressing OX40), a decrease of immune inhibitory cells (MDSCs and Tregs) and inhibited T lymphocytes (expressing PD-1) were observed along the treatment in patients with clinical benefit (p ≤ 0.001). The opposite trend was observed in the case of disease progression. These findings suggest that some critical immune elements can be easily detected and measured in peripheral blood, which open a new opportunity for translational research, as they seem to be correlated with clinical evolution, at least in ABC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlos Jiménez-Cortegana
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - M Luisa Sánchez-León
- Clinical Oncology Department, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, Seville, Spain
| | | | | | - Massimo Chiesa
- GEICAM (Spanish Breast Cancer Research Group), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Federico Rojo
- Pathology Department, IIS-Fundación Jimenez Diaz-CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Víctor Sánchez-Margalet
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, University of Seville, Seville, Spain.
| | - Luis de la Cruz-Merino
- Clinical Oncology Department, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, Seville, Spain.
- GEICAM (Spanish Breast Cancer Research Group), Madrid, Spain.
- Medicine Department, University of Seville, Seville, Spain.
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Vanhaver C, van der Bruggen P, Bruger AM. MDSC in Mice and Men: Mechanisms of Immunosuppression in Cancer. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10132872. [PMID: 34203451 PMCID: PMC8268873 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10132872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) expand during pathological conditions in both humans and mice and their presence is linked to poor clinical outcomes for cancer patients. Studying MDSC immunosuppression is restricted by MDSCs’ rarity, short lifespan, heterogeneity, poor viability after freezing and the lack of MDSC-specific markers. In this review, we will compare identification and isolation strategies for human and murine MDSCs. We will also assess what direct and indirect immunosuppressive mechanisms have been attributed to MDSCs. While some immunosuppressive mechanisms are well-documented in mice, e.g., generation of ROS, direct evidence is still lacking in humans. In future, bulk or single-cell genomics could elucidate which phenotypic and functional phenotypes MDSCs adopt in particular microenvironments and help to identify potential targets for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Vanhaver
- De Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 74, 1200 Brussels, Belgium;
- Correspondence: (C.V.); (A.M.B.)
| | - Pierre van der Bruggen
- De Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 74, 1200 Brussels, Belgium;
- WELBIO, Avenue Hippocrate 74, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Annika M. Bruger
- De Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 74, 1200 Brussels, Belgium;
- Correspondence: (C.V.); (A.M.B.)
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Ge Y, Cheng D, Jia Q, Xiong H, Zhang J. Mechanisms Underlying the Role of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Clinical Diseases: Good or Bad. Immune Netw 2021; 21:e21. [PMID: 34277111 PMCID: PMC8263212 DOI: 10.4110/in.2021.21.e21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have strong immunosuppressive activity and are morphologically similar to conventional monocytes and granulocytes. The development and classification of these cells have, however, been controversial. The activation network of MDSCs is relatively complex, and their mechanism of action is poorly understood, creating an avenue for further research. In recent years, MDSCs have been found to play an important role in immune regulation and in effectively inhibiting the activity of effector lymphocytes. Under certain conditions, particularly in the case of tissue damage or inflammation, MDSCs play a leading role in the immune response of the central nervous system. In cancer, however, this can lead to tumor immune evasion and the development of related diseases. Under cancerous conditions, tumors often alter bone marrow formation, thus affecting progenitor cell differentiation, and ultimately, MDSC accumulation. MDSCs are important contributors to tumor progression and play a key role in promoting tumor growth and metastasis, and even reduce the efficacy of immunotherapy. Currently, a number of studies have demonstrated that MDSCs play a key regulatory role in many clinical diseases. In light of these studies, this review discusses the origin of MDSCs, the mechanisms underlying their activation, their role in a variety of clinical diseases, and their function in immune response regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongtong Ge
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Basic Medical School, Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
| | - Dalei Cheng
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Basic Medical School, Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
| | - Qingzhi Jia
- Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical College, Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
| | - Huabao Xiong
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Basic Medical School, Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
| | - Junfeng Zhang
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Basic Medical School, Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
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Hijacked Immune Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment: Molecular Mechanisms of Immunosuppression and Cues to Improve T Cell-Based Immunotherapy of Solid Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115736. [PMID: 34072260 PMCID: PMC8199456 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) has been expanding in recent years in the context of interactions among different cell types, through direct cell–cell communication as well as through soluble factors. It has become evident that the development of a successful antitumor response depends on several TME factors. In this context, the number, type, and subsets of immune cells, as well as the functionality, memory, and exhaustion state of leukocytes are key factors of the TME. Both the presence and functionality of immune cells, in particular T cells, are regulated by cellular and soluble factors of the TME. In this regard, one fundamental reason for failure of antitumor responses is hijacked immune cells, which contribute to the immunosuppressive TME in multiple ways. Specifically, reactive oxygen species (ROS), metabolites, and anti-inflammatory cytokines have central roles in generating an immunosuppressive TME. In this review, we focused on recent developments in the immune cell constituents of the TME, and the micromilieu control of antitumor responses. Furthermore, we highlighted the current challenges of T cell-based immunotherapies and potential future strategies to consider for strengthening their effectiveness.
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Morsia E, Gangat N. Myelofibrosis: challenges for preclinical models and emerging therapeutic targets. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:211-222. [PMID: 33844952 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1915992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Myelofibrosis (MF) is characterized by anemia, splenomegaly, constitutional symptoms and bone marrow fibrosis. MF has no curative treatment to date, except for a small subset of patients that are eligible for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. The discovery in recent years of the MF mutational landscape and the role of bone marrow microenvironment in disease pathogenesis has led to further insights into disease biology and consequentially rationally derived therapies.Areas covered: We searched PubMed/Medline/American Society of Hematology (ASH) abstracts until November 2020 using the following terms: myelofibrosis, mouse models, pre-clinical studies and clinical trials. The development of targeted therapies is aimed to modify the history of the disease. Although JAK inhibitors showed encouraging results in terms of spleen and symptoms response, long term remissions and disease modifying ability is lacking. Beyond JAK inhibitors, a range of agents targeting proliferative, metabolic, apoptotic pathways, the microenvironment, epigenetic modification and immunomodulation are in various stages of investigations. We review pre-clinical data, preliminary clinical results of these agents, and finally offer insights on the management of MF patients.Expert opinion: MF patients refractory or with suboptimal response to JAK inhibitors, may be managed by addition of agents with differing mechanisms, such as bromodomain (BET), lysine demethylase 1 (LSD1), MDM2, or Bcl-Xl inhibitors which could prevent emergence of resistance. Immunotherapies as long-acting interferons, and calreticulin directed antibodies or peptide vaccination are eagerly awaited. Historically, therapeutic challenges in MF have arisen due to the fact that rationally derived therapies that are based on murine models have limited impact on fibrosis and underlying disease biology in human studies, the latter illustrates the complex multi-faceted disease pathogenesis of MF. Together, we not only suggest individualized therapy in MF that is guided by genomic signature but also its early implementation potentially in prefibrotic MF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Morsia
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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39
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The diverse roles of myeloid derived suppressor cells in mucosal immunity. Cell Immunol 2021; 365:104361. [PMID: 33984533 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2021.104361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The mucosal immune system plays a vital role in protecting the host from the external environment. Its major challenge is to balance immune responses against harmful and harmless agents and serve as a 'homeostatic gate keeper'. Myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of undifferentiated cells that are characterized by an immunoregulatory and immunosuppressive phenotype. Herein we postulate that MDSCs may be involved in shaping immune responses related to mucosal immunity, due to their immunomodulatory and tissue remodeling functions. Until recently, MDSCs were investigated mainly in cancerous diseases, where they induce and contribute to an immunosuppressive and inflammatory environment that favors tumor development. However, it is now becoming clear that MDSCs participate in non-cancerous conditions such as chronic infections, autoimmune diseases, pregnancy, aging processes and immune tolerance to commensal microbiota at mucosal sites. Since MDSCs are found in the periphery only in small numbers under normal conditions, their role is highlighted during pathologies characterized by acute or chronic inflammation, when they accumulate and become activated. In this review, we describe several aspects of the current knowledge characterizing MDSCs and their involvement in the regulation of the mucosal epithelial barrier, their crosstalk with commensal microbiota and pathogenic microorganisms, and their complex interactions with a variety of surrounding regulatory and effector immune cells. Finally, we discuss the beneficial and harmful outcomes of the MDSC regulatory functions in diseases affecting mucosal tissues. We wish to illuminate the pivotal role of MDSCs in mucosal immunity, the limitations in our understanding of all the players and the intricate challenges stemming from the complex interactions of MDSCs with their environment.
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Lee YS, Saxena V, Bromberg JS, Scalea JR. G-CSF promotes alloregulatory function of MDSCs through a c-Kit dependent mechanism. Cell Immunol 2021; 364:104346. [PMID: 33848847 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2021.104346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are a heterogeneous population of immature myeloid cells that expand in inflammatory conditions including transplantation. MDSCs may be capable of controlling rejection. The critical mechanisms underlying MDSC mediated alloregulation remain unexplored. G-CSF potently stimulates MDSC expansion. We hypothesized that G-CSF-induced MDSCs use a novel mechanism to suppress T cell responses. G-CSF promoted expansion of MDSCs and enhanced their suppressive function against T cell proliferation. Gene expression analysis revealed MDSCs expanded with G-CSF upregulated immune-related genes, but downregulated proliferation-related genes when compared to naïve control MDSCs. The KIT oncogene, encoding the c-Kit (CD117) transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor, was the most significantly increased in MDSCs expanded with G-CSF. c-Kit inhibition with both imatinib and monoclonal blocking antibody reduced expression of ARG-1, iNOS, PD-L1, and SAA3. Further, imatinib also reduced MDSC-mediated T cell suppression in vitro. Modulation of c-Kit activity may represent a therapeutic target for alloregulatory MDSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young S Lee
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States; Center for Vascular and Inflammatory Diseases, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Vikas Saxena
- Center for Vascular and Inflammatory Diseases, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Jonathan S Bromberg
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States; Center for Vascular and Inflammatory Diseases, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Joseph R Scalea
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States; Center for Vascular and Inflammatory Diseases, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States.
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Oberholtzer N, Atkinson C, Nadig SN. Adoptive Transfer of Regulatory Immune Cells in Organ Transplantation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:631365. [PMID: 33737934 PMCID: PMC7960772 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.631365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic graft rejection remains a significant barrier to solid organ transplantation as a treatment for end-organ failure. Patients receiving organ transplants typically require systemic immunosuppression in the form of pharmacological immunosuppressants for the duration of their lives, leaving these patients vulnerable to opportunistic infections, malignancies, and other use-restricting side-effects. In recent years, a substantial amount of research has focused on the use of cell-based therapies for the induction of graft tolerance. Inducing or adoptively transferring regulatory cell types, including regulatory T cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and IL-10 secreting B cells, has the potential to produce graft-specific tolerance in transplant recipients. Significant progress has been made in the optimization of these cell-based therapeutic strategies as our understanding of their underlying mechanisms increases and new immunoengineering technologies become more widely available. Still, many questions remain to be answered regarding optimal cell types to use, appropriate dosage and timing, and adjuvant therapies. In this review, we summarize what is known about the cellular mechanisms that underly the current cell-based therapies being developed for the prevention of allograft rejection, the different strategies being explored to optimize these therapies, and all of the completed and ongoing clinical trials involving these therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel Oberholtzer
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Carl Atkinson
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Satish N Nadig
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
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Yung Y, Lee E, Chu HT, Yip PK, Gill H. Targeting Abnormal Hematopoietic Stem Cells in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia and Philadelphia Chromosome-Negative Classical Myeloproliferative Neoplasms. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020659. [PMID: 33440869 PMCID: PMC7827471 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are unique hematopoietic stem cell disorders sharing mutations that constitutively activate the signal-transduction pathways involved in haematopoiesis. They are characterized by stem cell-derived clonal myeloproliferation. The key MPNs comprise chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). CML is defined by the presence of the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome and BCR-ABL1 fusion gene. Despite effective cytoreductive agents and targeted therapy, complete CML/MPN stem cell eradication is rarely achieved. In this review article, we discuss the novel agents and combination therapy that can potentially abnormal hematopoietic stem cells in CML and MPNs and the CML/MPN stem cell-sustaining bone marrow microenvironment.
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MESH Headings
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/adverse effects
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
- Autophagy
- Biomarkers, Tumor
- Cell Survival/drug effects
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Disease Susceptibility
- Genetic Predisposition to Disease
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells/drug effects
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells/metabolism
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells/pathology
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/etiology
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/pathology
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/therapy
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Myeloproliferative Disorders/etiology
- Myeloproliferative Disorders/pathology
- Myeloproliferative Disorders/therapy
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/drug effects
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/metabolism
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/pathology
- Philadelphia Chromosome
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Stem Cell Niche
- Tumor Microenvironment
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Harinder Gill
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +852-2255-4542; Fax: +852-2816-2863
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The Functional Crosstalk between Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells and Regulatory T Cells within the Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020210. [PMID: 33430105 PMCID: PMC7827203 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/1970] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Immunotherapy improved the therapeutic landscape for patients with advanced cancer diseases. However, many patients do not benefit from immunotherapy. The bidirectional crosstalk between myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and regulatory T cells (Treg) contributes to immune evasion, limiting the success of immunotherapy by checkpoint inhibitors. This review aims to outline the current knowledge of the role and the immunosuppressive properties of MDSC and Treg within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Furthermore, we will discuss the importance of the functional crosstalk between MDSC and Treg for immunosuppression, issuing particularly the role of cell adhesion molecules. Lastly, we will depict the impact of this interaction for cancer research and discuss several strategies aimed to target these pathways for tumor therapy. Abstract Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have led to profound and durable tumor regression in some patients with metastatic cancer diseases. However, many patients still do not derive benefit from immunotherapy. Here, the accumulation of immunosuppressive cell populations within the tumor microenvironment (TME), such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), tumor-associated macrophages (TAM), and regulatory T cells (Treg), contributes to the development of immune resistance. MDSC and Treg expand systematically in tumor patients and inhibit T cell activation and T effector cell function. Numerous studies have shown that the immunosuppressive mechanisms exerted by those inhibitory cell populations comprise soluble immunomodulatory mediators and receptor interactions. The latter are also required for the crosstalk of MDSC and Treg, raising questions about the relevance of cell–cell contacts for the establishment of their inhibitory properties. This review aims to outline the current knowledge on the crosstalk between these two cell populations, issuing particularly the potential role of cell adhesion molecules. In this regard, we further discuss the relevance of β2 integrins, which are essential for the differentiation and function of leukocytes as well as for MDSC–Treg interaction. Lastly, we aim to describe the impact of such bidirectional crosstalk for basic and applied cancer research and discuss how the targeting of these pathways might pave the way for future approaches in immunotherapy.
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Moradpoor R, Salimi M. Crosstalk between Tumor Cells and Immune System Leads to Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Induction and Breast Cancer Progression. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2021; 25:1-7. [PMID: 33129234 PMCID: PMC7748115 DOI: 10.29252/ibj.25.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we review the current findings of how a variety of accessory cells could participate in shaping the tumor microenvironment and supporting the mechanisms by which cancer cells undertake the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT, a complex of phenotypic changes, promotes cancer cell invasion and creates resistance to chemotherapies. Among the accessory cells present in the EMT, immune cells (both native and adaptive) can reciprocally influence the tumor cells features, promote EMT and negatively regulate the anticancer immune response. In this review, we look over the role of EMT in crosstalk between tumor cells and the immune system, with specific emphasis on breast tumors. Finally, we suggest that understanding the role of immune cells in cancer progression could create new opportunities for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in cancer combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raheleh Moradpoor
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mona Salimi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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45
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Developmental pathways of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in neoplasia. Cell Immunol 2020; 360:104261. [PMID: 33373817 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2020.104261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has become a major weapon against the war on cancer. This has culminated from decades of seminal work that led to the discovery of innovative approaches to drive adaptive immunity. Notably, was the discovery of immune checkpoint inhibitory receptors on T cells, and the subsequent development of monoclonal antibodies that target those receptors, known as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Blocking those receptors using ICIs leads to sustained effector function, which has translated to enhanced antitumor responses across multiple human cancer types. However, these treatments are effective in subsets of patients, implicating significant barriers limiting therapeutic potential. While numerous mechanisms may hinder immunotherapy potency, one prominent mechanism is the production of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). MDSCs comprise monocytic and granulocytic cell types and mediate pro-tumorigenic and immune suppressive activities. Here, we summarize several pathways by which MDSCs arise in cancer, providing a conceptual framework for identifying unique combination therapeutic interventions.
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Yin K, Xia X, Rui K, Wang T, Wang S. Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells: A New and Pivotal Player in Colorectal Cancer Progression. Front Oncol 2020; 10:610104. [PMID: 33384962 PMCID: PMC7770157 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.610104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a devastating human malignancy with poor prognosis. Of the various factors, immune evasion mechanisms play pivotal roles in CRC progression and impede the effects of cancer therapy. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) constitute an immature population of myeloid cells that are typical during tumor progression. These cells have the ability to induce strong immunosuppressive effects within the tumor microenvironment (TME) and promote CRC development. Indeed, MDSCs have been shown to accumulate in both tumor-bearing mice and CRC patients, and may therefore become an obstacle for cancer immunotherapy. Consequently, numerous studies have focused on the characterization of MDSCs and their immunosuppressive capacity, as well as developing novel approaches to suppress MDSCs function with different approaches. Current therapeutic strategies that target MDSCs in CRC include inhibition of their recruitment and alteration of their function, alone or in combination with other therapies including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy. Herein, we summarize the recent roles and mechanisms of MDSCs in CRC progression. In addition, a brief review of MDSC-targeting approaches for potential CRC therapy is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Yin
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xueli Xia
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Ke Rui
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Children's Hospital, Wuxi, China
| | - Shengjun Wang
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
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Douglass SM, Fane ME, Sanseviero E, Ecker BL, Kugel CH, Behera R, Kumar V, Tcyganov EN, Yin X, Liu Q, Chhabra Y, Alicea GM, Kuruvilla R, Gabrilovich DI, Weeraratna AT. Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Are a Major Source of Wnt5A in the Melanoma Microenvironment and Depend on Wnt5A for Full Suppressive Activity. Cancer Res 2020; 81:658-670. [PMID: 33262126 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-1238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Metastatic dissemination remains a significant barrier to successful therapy for melanoma. Wnt5A is a potent driver of invasion in melanoma and is believed to be secreted from the tumor microenvironment (TME). Our data suggest that myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) in the TME are a major source of Wnt5A and are reliant upon Wnt5A for multiple actions. Knockdown of Wnt5A specifically in the myeloid cells demonstrated a clear decrease in Wnt5A expression within the TME in vivo as well as a decrease in intratumoral MDSC and regulatory T cell (Treg). Wnt5A knockdown also decreased the immunosuppressive nature of MDSC and decreased expression of TGFβ1 and arginase 1. In the presence of Wnt5A-depleted MDSC, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes expressed decreased PD-1 and LAG3, suggesting a less exhausted phenotype. Myeloid-specific Wnt5A knockdown also led to decreased lung metastasis. Tumor-infiltrating MDSC from control animals showed a strong positive correlation with Treg, which was completely ablated in animals with Wnt5A-negative MDSC. Overall, our data suggest that while MDSC contribute to an immunosuppressive and less immunogenic environment, they exhibit an additional function as the major source of Wnt5A in the TME. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings demonstrate that myeloid cells provide a major source of Wnt5A to facilitate metastatic potential in melanoma cells and rely on Wnt5A for their immunosuppressive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen M Douglass
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mitchell E Fane
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Brett L Ecker
- Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Reeti Behera
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Vinit Kumar
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Xiangfan Yin
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Qin Liu
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Yash Chhabra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gretchen M Alicea
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Rejji Kuruvilla
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Ashani T Weeraratna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland. .,Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Huber M, Brehm CU, Gress TM, Buchholz M, Alashkar Alhamwe B, Pogge von Strandmann E, Slater EP, Bartsch JW, Bauer C, Lauth M. The Immune Microenvironment in Pancreatic Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7307. [PMID: 33022971 PMCID: PMC7583843 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The biology of solid tumors is strongly determined by the interactions of cancer cells with their surrounding microenvironment. In this regard, pancreatic cancer (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, PDAC) represents a paradigmatic example for the multitude of possible tumor-stroma interactions. PDAC has proven particularly refractory to novel immunotherapies, which is a fact that is mediated by a unique assemblage of various immune cells creating a strongly immunosuppressive environment in which this cancer type thrives. In this review, we outline currently available knowledge on the cross-talk between tumor cells and the cellular immune microenvironment, highlighting the physiological and pathological cellular interactions, as well as the resulting therapeutic approaches derived thereof. Hopefully a better understanding of the complex tumor-stroma interactions will one day lead to a significant advancement in patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Huber
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany;
| | - Corinna U. Brehm
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Giessen-Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany;
| | - Thomas M. Gress
- Department of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Metabolism and Infectiology, Center for Tumor- and Immunology (ZTI), Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (T.M.G.); (M.B.); (C.B.)
| | - Malte Buchholz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Metabolism and Infectiology, Center for Tumor- and Immunology (ZTI), Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (T.M.G.); (M.B.); (C.B.)
| | - Bilal Alashkar Alhamwe
- Institute for Tumor Immunology, Clinic for Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology (ZTI), Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (E.P.v.S.); (B.A.A.)
| | - Elke Pogge von Strandmann
- Institute for Tumor Immunology, Clinic for Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology (ZTI), Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (E.P.v.S.); (B.A.A.)
| | - Emily P. Slater
- Department of Visceral-, Thoracic- and Vascular Surgery, Philipps University Marburg, Baldingerstrasse, 35043 Marburg, Germany;
| | - Jörg W. Bartsch
- Department of Neurosurgery, Philipps University Marburg, Baldingerstrasse, 35043 Marburg, Germany;
| | - Christian Bauer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Metabolism and Infectiology, Center for Tumor- and Immunology (ZTI), Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (T.M.G.); (M.B.); (C.B.)
| | - Matthias Lauth
- Department of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Metabolism and Infectiology, Center for Tumor- and Immunology (ZTI), Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (T.M.G.); (M.B.); (C.B.)
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Yaseen MM, Abuharfeil NM, Darmani H, Daoud A. Mechanisms of immune suppression by myeloid-derived suppressor cells: the role of interleukin-10 as a key immunoregulatory cytokine. Open Biol 2020; 10:200111. [PMID: 32931721 PMCID: PMC7536076 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic immune activation and inflammation are unwanted consequences of many pathological conditions, since they could lead to tissue damage and immune exhaustion, both of which can worsen the pathological condition status. In fact, the immune system is naturally equipped with immunoregulatory cells that can limit immune activation and inflammation. However, chronic activation of downregulatory immune responses is also associated with unwanted consequences that, in turn, could lead to disease progression as seen in the case of cancer and chronic infections. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are now considered to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of different inflammatory pathological conditions, including different types of cancer and chronic infections. As a potent immunosuppressor cell population, MDSCs can inhibit specific and non-specific immune responses via different mechanisms that, in turn, lead to disease persistence. One such mechanism by which MDSCs can activate their immunosuppressive effects is accomplished by secreting copious amounts of immunosuppressant molecules such as interleukin-10 (IL-10). In this article, we will focus on the pathological role of MDSC expansion in chronic inflammatory conditions including cancer, sepsis/infection, autoimmunity, asthma and ageing, as well as some of the mechanisms by which MDSCs/IL-10 contribute to the disease progression in such conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Mohammad Yaseen
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Nizar Mohammad Abuharfeil
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Homa Darmani
- Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Science and Arts, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Ammar Daoud
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
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Heat Shock Proteins and PD-1/PD-L1 as Potential Therapeutic Targets in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092592. [PMID: 32932806 PMCID: PMC7563255 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), which are a heterogeneous group of rare disorders that affect blood cell production in bone marrow, present many significant challenges for clinicians. Though considerable progress has been made, in particular with the JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib, more effective alternative therapeutic approaches are needed. In the search for new and more efficient therapies, heat shock proteins, also known as stress proteins, and the programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) immune checkpoint axis have been found to be of great interest in hematologic malignancies. Here, we review the therapeutic potential of stress protein inhibitors in the management of patients diagnosed with MPN and summarize the accumulating evidence of the role of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in MPN in order to provide perspectives on future therapeutic opportunities relative to the inhibition of these targets. Abstract Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are a group of clonal disorders that affect hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. These disorders are often caused by oncogenic driver mutations associated with persistent Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling. While JAK inhibitors, such as ruxolitinib, reduce MPN-related symptoms in myelofibrosis, they do not influence the underlying cause of the disease and are not curative. Due to these limitations, there is a need for alternative therapeutic strategies and targets. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are cytoprotective stress-response chaperones involved in protein homeostasis and in many critical pathways, including inflammation. Over the last decade, several research teams have unraveled the mechanistic connection between STAT signaling and several HSPs, showing that HSPs are potential therapeutic targets for MPN. These HSPs include HSP70, HSP90 (chaperoning JAK2) and both HSP110 and HSP27, which are key factors modulating STAT3 phosphorylation status. Like the HSPs, the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway has been widely studied in cancer, but the importance of PD-L1-mediated immune escape in MPN was only recently reported. In this review, we summarize the role of HSPs and PD-1/PD-L1 signaling, the modalities of their experimental blockade, and the effect in MPN. Finally, we discuss the potential of these emerging targeted approaches in MPN therapy.
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