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Liu J, Qin J, Liang L, Zhang X, Gao J, Hao Y, Zhao P. Novel insights into the regulation of exosomal PD-L1 in cancer: From generation to clinical application. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 979:176831. [PMID: 39047964 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176831] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) interacts with programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), leading to T cell exhaustion and promoting tumor cell survival, ultimately mediating immunosuppression. While FDA-approved monoclonal antibodies targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction have shown success in cancer treatment, some patients experience limited and short-lived therapeutic outcomes. Recent studies have identified PD-L1 expression not only on tumor cell surfaces but also on exosomes, with secretion pathways including both conventional and unconventional endocytosis routes, presenting a unique therapeutic opportunity. Emerging evidence suggests that exosomal PD-L1 contributes to systemic immunosuppression, potentially counteracting the effects of anti-PD-1 checkpoint therapies. However, the significance of exosomal PD-L1 in clinical cancer patients unresponsive to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy, as well as the factors regulating its generation, remain unclear. Moreover, the mechanisms underlying PD-L1 expression on exosomes and its regulation in cancer are yet to be fully elucidated. This review primarily focuses on the mechanisms modulating exosomal PD-L1 generation in cancer, while also outlining its involvement in immunosuppression, tumor proliferation, and response to cancer immunotherapy. Additionally, we explore the potential of exosomal PD-L1 as a cancer biomarker and therapeutic target, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of this emerging field and its implications for cancer treatment and diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- The Dermatology Department of Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Five Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030012, China; Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Hartmannstraße 14, 91052, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Junxia Qin
- The Dermatology Department of Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Five Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030012, China
| | - Lili Liang
- The Dermatology Department of Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Five Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030012, China
| | - Xinzhong Zhang
- The Dermatology Department of Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Five Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030012, China
| | - Jie Gao
- The Dermatology Department of Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Five Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030012, China
| | - Youwei Hao
- Department of Cardiology, Taiyuan People's Hospital, Taiyuan, 030000, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- The Dermatology Department of Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Five Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030012, China.
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2
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Wu X, Cao J, Wan X, Du S. Programmed cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma: mechanisms and therapeutic prospects. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:356. [PMID: 39117626 PMCID: PMC11310460 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-02116-x] [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: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), the most common primary liver cancer, ranks as the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths globally. A deeper understanding of the cell death mechanisms in HCC is essential for developing more effective treatment strategies. This review explores programmed cell death (PCD) pathways involved in HCC, including apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and immunogenic cell death (ICD). These mechanisms trigger specific cell death cascades that influence the development and progression of HCC. Although multiple PCD pathways are involved in HCC, shared cellular factors suggest a possible interplay between the different forms of cell death. However, the exact roles of different cell death pathways in HCC and which cell death pathway plays a major role remain unclear. This review also highlights how disruptions in cell death pathways are related to drug resistance in cancer therapy, promoting a combined approach of cell death induction and anti-tumor treatment to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Further research is required to unravel the complex interplay between cell death modalities in HCC, which may lead to innovative therapeutic breakthroughs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang'an Wu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, PUMC and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Dongcheng, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Jingying Cao
- Zunyi Medical University, Zun Yi, Guizhou, 563000, China
| | - Xueshuai Wan
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, PUMC and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Dongcheng, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Shunda Du
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, PUMC and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Dongcheng, Beijing, 100730, China.
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Yang LJ, Han T, Liu RN, Shi SM, Luan SY, Meng SN. Plant-derived natural compounds: A new frontier in inducing immunogenic cell death for cancer treatment. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:117099. [PMID: 38981240 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117099] [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: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunogenic cell death (ICD) can activate adaptive immune response in the host with normal immune system. Some synthetic chemotherapeutic drugs and natural compounds have shown promising results in cancer treatment by triggering the release of damage-associated molecules (DAMPs) to trigger ICD. However, most chemotherapeutic drugs exhibit non-selective cytotoxicity and may also induce and promote metastasis, thereby significantly reducing their clinical efficacy. Among the natural compounds that can induce ICD, plant-derived compounds account for the largest proportion, which are of increasing value in the treatment of cancer. Understanding which plant-derived natural compounds can induce ICD and how they induce ICD is crucial for developing strategies to improve chemotherapy outcomes. In this review, we focus on the recent findings regarding plant-derived natural compounds that induce ICD according to the classification of flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids and discuss the potential mechanisms including endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, DNA damage, apoptosis, necroptosis autophagy, ferroptosis. In addition, plant-derived natural compounds that can enhance the ICD induction ability of conventional therapies for cancer treatment is also elaborated. The rational use of plant-derived natural compounds to induce ICD is helpful for the development of new cancer treatment methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Juan Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
| | - Ting Han
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
| | - Ruo-Nan Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
| | - Shu-Ming Shi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
| | - Shi-Yun Luan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
| | - Sheng-Nan Meng
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
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Smith EA, Belote RL, Cruz NM, Moustafa TE, Becker CA, Jiang A, Alizada S, Chan TY, Seasor TA, Balatico M, Cortes-Sanchez E, Lum DH, Hyngstrom JR, Zeng H, Deacon DC, Grossmann AH, White RM, Zangle TA, Judson-Torres RL. Receptor tyrosine kinase inhibition leads to regression of acral melanoma by targeting the tumor microenvironment. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.15.599116. [PMID: 38948879 PMCID: PMC11212935 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.15.599116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Acral melanoma (AM) is an aggressive melanoma variant that arises from palmar, plantar, and nail unit melanocytes. Compared to non-acral cutaneous melanoma (CM), AM is biologically distinct, has an equal incidence across genetic ancestries, typically presents in advanced stage disease, is less responsive to therapy, and has an overall worse prognosis. Independent analysis of published genomic and transcriptomic sequencing identified that receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands and adapter proteins are frequently amplified, translocated, and/or overexpressed in AM. To target these unique genetic changes, a zebrafish acral melanoma model was exposed to a panel of narrow and broad spectrum multi-RTK inhibitors, revealing that dual FGFR/VEGFR inhibitors decrease acral-analogous melanocyte proliferation and migration. The potent pan-FGFR/VEGFR inhibitor, Lenvatinib, uniformly induces tumor regression in AM patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumors but only slows tumor growth in CM models. Unlike other multi-RTK inhibitors, Lenvatinib is not directly cytotoxic to dissociated AM PDX tumor cells and instead disrupts tumor architecture and vascular networks. Considering the great difficulty in establishing AM cell culture lines, these findings suggest that AM may be more sensitive to microenvironment perturbations than CM. In conclusion, dual FGFR/VEGFR inhibition may be a viable therapeutic strategy that targets the unique biology of AM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric A Smith
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Rachel L Belote
- The Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Nelly M Cruz
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tarek E Moustafa
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Carly A Becker
- Department of Dermatology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Amanda Jiang
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Shukran Alizada
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Tsz Yin Chan
- Preclinical Research Resource, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Tori A Seasor
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Michael Balatico
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Emilio Cortes-Sanchez
- Immuno Oncology Network Core, The Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - David H Lum
- Preclinical Research Resource, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - John R Hyngstrom
- The Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Hanlin Zeng
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dekker C Deacon
- The Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Allie H Grossmann
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- The Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Richard M White
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Ludwig Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford UK
| | - Thomas A Zangle
- The Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Robert L Judson-Torres
- The Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Peng L, Xu S, Xu JL. Integration of Single-Cell RNA Sequencing and Bulk RNA Sequencing to Identify an Immunogenic Cell Death-Related 5-Gene Prognostic Signature in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2024; 11:879-900. [PMID: 38770169 PMCID: PMC11104445 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s449419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Immunogenic cell death (ICD) can enhance the potency of immunotherapy in cancer treatment. Nevertheless, it is ambiguous how ICD-related genes (ICDRGs) contribute to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data were used to distinguish malignant cells from normal cells in the HCC tumor microenvironment(TME). Bulk RNA sequencing data was employed to acquire the landscape of the 33 ICDRGs. Unsupervised clustering identified two ICD molecular subtypes. The cellular infiltration characteristics and biological behavior in different subtypes were analyzed by ssGSEA. Subsequently, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two subtypes were determined, based on which patients were classified into three gene clusters. Then, the prognostic model was constructed by Lasso-Cox analysis. Finally, we investigated the expression of risk genes in cancer cell line encyclopedia (CCLE) and validated the function of NKX3-2 in vitro experiments. Results ICD scores and ICDRGs expression in malignant cells were significantly lower than in normal cells by scRNA-seq analysis. ICD-high subtype was characterized by ICD-related gene overexpression and high levels of immune infiltration abundance and immune checkpoints; Three DEGs-related gene clusters were likewise strongly linked to stromal and immunological activation. In the ICD-related prognostic model consisting of NKX3-2, CHODL, MMP1, NR0B1, and CTSV, the low-risk group patients had a better endpoint and displayed increased susceptibility to immunotherapy and chemotherapeutic drugs like 5-Fluorouracil, afatinib, bortezomib, cediratinib, lapatinib, dasatinib, gefitinib and crizotinib. Moreover, NKX3-2 amplification in HCC samples has been verified by experiments, and its disruption suppressed the proliferation and invasion of tumor cells. Conclusion Our study highlighted the potential of the ICDRGs risk score as a prognostic indicator to aid in the accurate diagnosis and immunotherapy sensitivity of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqun Peng
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Clinical Medicine Research Center for Minimally Invasive Procedure of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases of Hubei Province, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shaohua Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Center for Gene Diagnosis & Program of Clinical Laboratory, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian-Liang Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
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Wang G, Jiang X, Torabian P, Yang Z. Investigating autophagy and intricate cellular mechanisms in hepatocellular carcinoma: Emphasis on cell death mechanism crosstalk. Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216744. [PMID: 38431037 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216744] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stands as a formidable global health challenge due to its prevalence, marked by high mortality and morbidity rates. This cancer type exhibits a multifaceted etiology, prominently linked to viral infections, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and genomic mutations. The inherent heterogeneity of HCC, coupled with its proclivity for developing drug resistance, presents formidable obstacles to effective therapeutic interventions. Autophagy, a fundamental catabolic process, plays a pivotal role in maintaining cellular homeostasis, responding to stressors such as nutrient deprivation. In the context of HCC, tumor cells exploit autophagy, either augmenting or impeding its activity, thereby influencing tumorigenesis. This comprehensive review underscores the dualistic role of autophagy in HCC, acting as both a pro-survival and pro-death mechanism, impacting the trajectory of tumorigenesis. The anti-carcinogenic potential of autophagy is evident in its ability to enhance apoptosis and ferroptosis in HCC cells. Pertinently, dysregulated autophagy fosters drug resistance in the carcinogenic context. Both genomic and epigenetic factors can regulate autophagy in HCC progression. Recognizing the paramount importance of autophagy in HCC progression, this review introduces pharmacological compounds capable of modulating autophagy-either inducing or inhibiting it, as promising avenues in HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wang
- Department of Interventional, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, PR China
| | - Xiaodi Jiang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110020, PR China
| | - Pedram Torabian
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada; Department of Medical Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada.
| | - Zhi Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, PR China.
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7
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Sun J, Zhao Z, Lu J, An W, Zhang Y, Li W, Yang L. The Tumor Microenvironment Mediates the HIF-1α/PD-L1 Pathway to Promote Immune Escape in Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3735. [PMID: 38612546 PMCID: PMC11011450 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The unsatisfactory efficacy of immunotherapy for colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major challenge for clinicians and patients. The tumor microenvironment may promote CRC progression by upregulating the expression of hypoxia-inducing factor (HIF) and PD-L1. Therefore, this study explored the expression and correlation of HIF-1α and PD-L1 in the CRC microenvironment. The expression and correlation of HIF-1α and PD-L1 in CRC were analyzed using bioinformatics and Western blotting (WB). The hypoxia and inflammation of the CRC microenvironment were established in the CT26 cell line. CT26 cells were stimulated with two hypoxia mimics, CoCl2 and DFO, which were used to induce the hypoxic environment. Western blotting was used to assess the expression and correlation of HIF-1α and PD-L1 in the hypoxic environment.LPS stimulated CT26 cells to induce the inflammatory environment. WB and bioinformatics were used to assess the expression and correlation of TLR4, HIF-1α, and PD-L1 in the inflammatory environment. Furthermore, the impact of curcumin on the inflammatory environment established by LPS-stimulated CT26 cells was demonstrated through MTT, Transwell, molecular docking, network pharmacology and Western blotting assays. In this study, we found that the HIF-1α/PD-L1 pathway was activated in the hypoxic and inflammatory environment and promoted immune escape in CRC. Meanwhile, curcumin suppressed tumor immune escape by inhibiting the TLR4/HIF-1α/PD-L1 pathway in the inflammatory environment of CRC. These results suggest that combination therapy based on the HIF-1α/PD-L1 pathway can be a promising therapeutic option and that curcumin can be used as a potent immunomodulatory agent in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2, Linggong Road, Ganjingzi District, Dalian 116024, China; (J.S.); (Z.Z.); (J.L.); (W.A.); (Y.Z.); (W.L.)
- Ningbo Institute of Dalian University of Technology, No. 26, Yucai Road, Jiangbei District, Ningbo 315016, China
| | - Zhengtian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2, Linggong Road, Ganjingzi District, Dalian 116024, China; (J.S.); (Z.Z.); (J.L.); (W.A.); (Y.Z.); (W.L.)
| | - Jiaqi Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2, Linggong Road, Ganjingzi District, Dalian 116024, China; (J.S.); (Z.Z.); (J.L.); (W.A.); (Y.Z.); (W.L.)
| | - Wen An
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2, Linggong Road, Ganjingzi District, Dalian 116024, China; (J.S.); (Z.Z.); (J.L.); (W.A.); (Y.Z.); (W.L.)
| | - Yiming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2, Linggong Road, Ganjingzi District, Dalian 116024, China; (J.S.); (Z.Z.); (J.L.); (W.A.); (Y.Z.); (W.L.)
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2, Linggong Road, Ganjingzi District, Dalian 116024, China; (J.S.); (Z.Z.); (J.L.); (W.A.); (Y.Z.); (W.L.)
| | - Li Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2, Linggong Road, Ganjingzi District, Dalian 116024, China; (J.S.); (Z.Z.); (J.L.); (W.A.); (Y.Z.); (W.L.)
- Ningbo Institute of Dalian University of Technology, No. 26, Yucai Road, Jiangbei District, Ningbo 315016, China
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Gao F, You X, Yang L, Zou X, Sui B. Boosting immune responses in lung tumor immune microenvironment: A comprehensive review of strategies and adjuvants. Int Rev Immunol 2024; 43:280-308. [PMID: 38525925 DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2024.2333275] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The immune system has a substantial impact on the growth and expansion of lung malignancies. Immune cells are encompassed by a stroma comprising an extracellular matrix (ECM) and different cells like stromal cells, which are known as the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). TME is marked by the presence of immunosuppressive factors, which inhibit the function of immune cells and expand tumor growth. In recent years, numerous strategies and adjuvants have been developed to extend immune responses in the TIME, to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy. In this comprehensive review, we outline the present knowledge of immune evasion mechanisms in lung TIME, explain the biology of immune cells and diverse effectors on these components, and discuss various approaches for overcoming suppressive barriers. We highlight the potential of novel adjuvants, including toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, cytokines, phytochemicals, nanocarriers, and oncolytic viruses, for enhancing immune responses in the TME. Ultimately, we provide a summary of ongoing clinical trials investigating these strategies and adjuvants in lung cancer patients. This review also provides a broad overview of the current state-of-the-art in boosting immune responses in the TIME and highlights the potential of these approaches for improving outcomes in lung cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Gao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xiaoqing You
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Oncology, Da Qing Long Nan Hospital, Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xiangni Zou
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Bowen Sui
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
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Xie Y, Wu H, He Y, Liu L, Huang IB, Zhou L, Lin CY, Leung RWH, Loh JJ, Lee TKW, Ding J, Man K, Ma S, Tong M. Targeting AXL induces tumor-intrinsic immunogenic response in tyrosine kinase inhibitor-resistant liver cancer. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:110. [PMID: 38310091 PMCID: PMC10838288 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06493-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive malignancy without effective therapeutic approaches. Here, we evaluate the tumor-intrinsic mechanisms that attenuate the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) that is observed in patients with advanced HCC who progress on first-line tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy. Upregulation of AXL observed in sorafenib- and lenvatinib-resistant HCCs is correlated with poor response towards TKI and ICI treatments. AXL upregulation protects sorafenib-resistant HCC cells from oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, and accompanying immunogenic cell death through suppressed tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and STING-type I interferon pathways. Pharmacological inhibition of AXL abrogates the protective effect and re-sensitizes TKI-resistant HCC tumors to anti-PD-1 treatment. We suggest that targeting AXL in combination with anti-PD-1 may provide an alternative treatment scheme for HCC patients who progress on TKI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunong Xie
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Haofeng Wu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yimiao He
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Linglin Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ianto Bosheng Huang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheuk-Yin Lin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Rainbow Wing-Hei Leung
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jia-Jian Loh
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Terence Kin-Wah Lee
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jin Ding
- Clinical Cancer Institute, Center for Translational Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kwan Man
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- Hong Kong University-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Man Tong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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10
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Becht R, Kiełbowski K, Wasilewicz MP. New Opportunities in the Systemic Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma-Today and Tomorrow. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1456. [PMID: 38338736 PMCID: PMC10855889 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031456] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer. Liver cirrhosis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease represent major risk factors of HCC. Multiple different treatment options are available, depending on the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) algorithm. Systemic treatment is reserved for certain patients in stages B and C, who will not benefit from regional treatment methods. In the last fifteen years, the arsenal of available therapeutics has largely expanded, which improved treatment outcomes. Nevertheless, not all patients respond to these agents and novel combinations and drugs are needed. In this review, we aim to summarize the pathway of trials investigating the safety and efficacy of targeted therapeutics and immunotherapies since the introduction of sorafenib. Furthermore, we discuss the current evidence regarding resistance mechanisms and potential novel targets in the treatment of advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafał Becht
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Chemotherapy and Cancer Immunotherapy, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland; (R.B.); (K.K.)
| | - Kajetan Kiełbowski
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Chemotherapy and Cancer Immunotherapy, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland; (R.B.); (K.K.)
| | - Michał P. Wasilewicz
- Liver Unit, Department of Gastroenterology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland
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