1
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Li CC, Liu M, Lee HP, Wu W, Ma L. Heterogeneity in Liver Cancer Immune Microenvironment: Emerging Single-Cell and Spatial Perspectives. Semin Liver Dis 2024. [PMID: 38788780 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1787152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer is a solid malignancy with a high mortality rate. The success of immunotherapy has shown great promise in improving patient care and highlights a crucial need to understand the complexity of the liver tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Recent advances in single-cell and spatial omics technologies, coupled with the development of systems biology approaches, are rapidly transforming the landscape of tumor immunology. Here we review the cellular landscape of liver TIME from single-cell and spatial perspectives. We also discuss the cellular interaction networks within the tumor cell community in regulating immune responses. We further highlight the challenges and opportunities with implications for biomarker discovery, patient stratification, and combination immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caiyi Cherry Li
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Meng Liu
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Hsin-Pei Lee
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Wenqi Wu
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Lichun Ma
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
- Liver Cancer Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
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2
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Lu X, Chen X, Lin C, Yi Y, Zhao S, Zhu B, Deng W, Wang X, Xie Z, Rao S, Ni Z, You T, Li L, Huang Y, Xue X, Yu Y, Sun W, Shen X. Elesclomol Loaded Copper Oxide Nanoplatform Triggers Cuproptosis to Enhance Antitumor Immunotherapy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2309984. [PMID: 38430531 PMCID: PMC11095170 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/04/2024]
Abstract
The induction of cuproptosis, a recently identified form of copper-dependent immunogenic cell death, is a promising approach for antitumor therapy. However, sufficient accumulation of intracellular copper ions (Cu2+) in tumor cells is essential for inducing cuproptosis. Herein, an intelligent cuproptosis-inducing nanosystem is constructed by encapsulating copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles with the copper ionophore elesclomol (ES). After uptake by tumor cells, ES@CuO is degraded to release Cu2+ and ES to synergistically trigger cuproptosis, thereby significantly inhibiting the tumor growth of murine B16 melanoma cells. Moreover, ES@CuO further promoted cuproptosis-mediated immune responses and reprogrammed the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment by increasing the number of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and secreted inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, combining ES@CuO with programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) immunotherapy substantially increased the antitumor efficacy in murine melanoma. Overall, the findings of this study can lead to the use of a novel strategy for cuproptosis-mediated antitumor therapy, which may enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xufeng Lu
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryZhejiang International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Translational Cancer ResearchThe Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou325000China
- Research Center of Basic MedicineThe Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang325000China
| | - Xiaodong Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang325000China
- Wenzhou Collaborative Innovation Center of Gastrointestinal Cancer in Basic Research and Precision MedicineWenzhou Key Laboratory of Cancer‐related Pathogens and ImmunityDepartment of Microbiology and ImmunologyInstitute of Molecular Virology and ImmunologyInstitute of Tropical MedicineSchool of Basic Medical SciencesWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou325000China
| | - Chengyin Lin
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang325000China
| | - Yongdong Yi
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryZhejiang International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Translational Cancer ResearchThe Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou325000China
| | - Shengsheng Zhao
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryZhejiang International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Translational Cancer ResearchThe Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou325000China
| | - Bingzi Zhu
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryZhejiang International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Translational Cancer ResearchThe Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou325000China
| | - Wenhai Deng
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory MedicineMinistry of EducationSchool of Laboratory Medicine and Life SciencesWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang325000China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryZhejiang International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Translational Cancer ResearchThe Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou325000China
| | - Zuoliang Xie
- Research Center of Basic MedicineThe Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang325000China
| | - Shangrui Rao
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryZhejiang International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Translational Cancer ResearchThe Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou325000China
| | - Zhonglin Ni
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryZhejiang International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Translational Cancer ResearchThe Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou325000China
| | - Tao You
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryZhejiang International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Translational Cancer ResearchThe Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou325000China
| | - Liyi Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryZhejiang International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Translational Cancer ResearchThe Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou325000China
| | - Yingpeng Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryZhejiang International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Translational Cancer ResearchThe Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou325000China
| | - Xiangyang Xue
- Wenzhou Collaborative Innovation Center of Gastrointestinal Cancer in Basic Research and Precision MedicineWenzhou Key Laboratory of Cancer‐related Pathogens and ImmunityDepartment of Microbiology and ImmunologyInstitute of Molecular Virology and ImmunologyInstitute of Tropical MedicineSchool of Basic Medical SciencesWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou325000China
| | - Yaojun Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryZhejiang International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Translational Cancer ResearchThe Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou325000China
| | - Weijian Sun
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryZhejiang International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Translational Cancer ResearchThe Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou325000China
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang325000China
| | - Xian Shen
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryZhejiang International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Translational Cancer ResearchThe Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou325000China
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang325000China
- Wenzhou Collaborative Innovation Center of Gastrointestinal Cancer in Basic Research and Precision MedicineWenzhou Key Laboratory of Cancer‐related Pathogens and ImmunityDepartment of Microbiology and ImmunologyInstitute of Molecular Virology and ImmunologyInstitute of Tropical MedicineSchool of Basic Medical SciencesWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou325000China
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3
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Wu Y, Han W, Dong H, Liu X, Su X. The rising roles of exosomes in the tumor microenvironment reprogramming and cancer immunotherapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e541. [PMID: 38585234 PMCID: PMC10999178 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are indispensable for intercellular communications. Tumor microenvironment (TME) is the living environment of tumor cells, which is composed of various components, including immune cells. Based on TME, immunotherapy has been recently developed for eradicating cancer cells by reactivating antitumor effect of immune cells. The communications between tumor cells and TME are crucial for tumor development, metastasis, and drug resistance. Exosomes play an important role in mediating these communications and regulating the reprogramming of TME, which affects the sensitivity of immunotherapy. Therefore, it is imperative to investigate the role of exosomes in TME reprogramming and the impact of exosomes on immunotherapy. Here, we review the communication role of exosomes in regulating TME remodeling and the efficacy of immunotherapy, as well as summarize the underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, we also introduce the potential application of the artificially modified exosomes as the delivery systems of antitumor drugs. Further efforts in this field will provide new insights on the roles of exosomes in intercellular communications of TME and cancer progression, thus helping us to uncover effective strategies for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wu
- Clinical Medical Research Center of the Affiliated HospitalInner Mongolia Medical UniversityHohhotChina
| | - Wenyan Han
- Clinical Laboratorythe Second Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical UniversityHohhotChina
| | - Hairong Dong
- Clinical LaboratoryHohhot first hospitalHohhotChina
| | - Xiaofeng Liu
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Department IKey Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing)Peking University Cancer Hospital and InstituteBeijingChina
| | - Xiulan Su
- Clinical Medical Research Center of the Affiliated HospitalInner Mongolia Medical UniversityHohhotChina
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4
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Kellermann G, Leulliot N, Cherfils-Vicini J, Blaud M, Brest P. Activated B-Cells enhance epitope spreading to support successful cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1382236. [PMID: 38571942 PMCID: PMC10989059 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1382236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint therapies (ICT) have transformed the treatment of cancer over the past decade. However, many patients do not respond or suffer relapses. Successful immunotherapy requires epitope spreading, but the slow or inefficient induction of functional antitumoral immunity delays the benefit to patients or causes resistances. Therefore, understanding the key mechanisms that support epitope spreading is essential to improve immunotherapy. In this review, we highlight the major role played by B-cells in breaking immune tolerance by epitope spreading. Activated B-cells are key Antigen-Presenting Cells (APC) that diversify the T-cell response against self-antigens, such as ribonucleoproteins, in autoimmunity but also during successful cancer immunotherapy. This has important implications for the design of future cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicolas Leulliot
- Université Paris Cité, Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS), Cibles Thérapeutiques et Conception de Médicaments (CiTCoM), Paris, France
| | - Julien Cherfils-Vicini
- Université Côte d’Azur, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging, Nice (IRCAN), Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS), Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM), Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU), RESPIRera, Fédérations Hospitalo-Universitaires (FHU)OncoAge, Nice, France
| | - Magali Blaud
- Université Paris Cité, Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS), Cibles Thérapeutiques et Conception de Médicaments (CiTCoM), Paris, France
| | - Patrick Brest
- Université Côte d’Azur, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging, Nice (IRCAN), Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS), Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM), Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU), RESPIRera, Fédérations Hospitalo-Universitaires (FHU)OncoAge, Nice, France
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5
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Lee IH, Wang HY, Chen YY, Chen CY, Liao HF. Synergistic B and T lymphocyte interaction: prognostic implications in non-small cell lung cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2024; 14:1227-1242. [PMID: 38590414 PMCID: PMC10998741 DOI: 10.62347/tdiv2436] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
While T-cell-mediated immune responses in solid tumors have been well-established and have driven major therapeutic advances, our understanding of B-cell biology in cancer is comparatively less developed. A total of 60 lung cancer patients were included, of which 53% were diagnosed at an early stage while 47% were diagnosed at an advanced stage. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the proportion of T and B cells in all blood samples, and the levels of human serum cytokines were also assessed. Compared to the control group, cancer patients showed lower frequencies of IgD+CD27+ marginal B cells and CD32+ B cells, and higher frequencies of T cells with lower CD8+ T cells and higher central memory and naïve CD4+ T cells. Additionally, advanced-stage cancer patients exhibited higher levels of cytokines, a higher proportion of effector memory CD8+ T cells, and a lower frequency of CD27+CD28+CD4+/CD8+ T cells. Linear regression analysis revealed significant correlations between cancer stage and the frequency of B and T cell subsets, leukocyte count, and cytokine levels. Survival analysis demonstrated that patients with higher frequency of class-switched B cells had a worse prognosis, while patients with higher frequency of CD8+ effector T cells and lower frequency of CD4+57+ T cells appeared to have a better survival rate. These findings provide valuable insight into the immunological changes that occur during lung cancer progression and have the potential to inform the development of new immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- I-Hsien Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University HospitalNew Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yi Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin BranchYunlin, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, National Taiwan UniversityTaipei, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Yin Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin BranchYunlin, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, National Taiwan UniversityTaipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Yu Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin BranchYunlin, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, National Taiwan UniversityTaipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Fen Liao
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Chiayi UniversityChiayi, Taiwan
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6
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Akinsipe T, Mohamedelhassan R, Akinpelu A, Pondugula SR, Mistriotis P, Avila LA, Suryawanshi A. Cellular interactions in tumor microenvironment during breast cancer progression: new frontiers and implications for novel therapeutics. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1302587. [PMID: 38533507 PMCID: PMC10963559 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1302587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The breast cancer tumor microenvironment (TME) is dynamic, with various immune and non-immune cells interacting to regulate tumor progression and anti-tumor immunity. It is now evident that the cells within the TME significantly contribute to breast cancer progression and resistance to various conventional and newly developed anti-tumor therapies. Both immune and non-immune cells in the TME play critical roles in tumor onset, uncontrolled proliferation, metastasis, immune evasion, and resistance to anti-tumor therapies. Consequently, molecular and cellular components of breast TME have emerged as promising therapeutic targets for developing novel treatments. The breast TME primarily comprises cancer cells, stromal cells, vasculature, and infiltrating immune cells. Currently, numerous clinical trials targeting specific TME components of breast cancer are underway. However, the complexity of the TME and its impact on the evasion of anti-tumor immunity necessitate further research to develop novel and improved breast cancer therapies. The multifaceted nature of breast TME cells arises from their phenotypic and functional plasticity, which endows them with both pro and anti-tumor roles during tumor progression. In this review, we discuss current understanding and recent advances in the pro and anti-tumoral functions of TME cells and their implications for developing safe and effective therapies to control breast cancer progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tosin Akinsipe
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Rania Mohamedelhassan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Ayuba Akinpelu
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Satyanarayana R. Pondugula
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Panagiotis Mistriotis
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - L. Adriana Avila
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Amol Suryawanshi
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
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7
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Eich C, Vogt JF, Längst V, Clausen BE, Hövelmeyer N. Isolation and high-dimensional flow cytometric analysis of tumor-infiltrating leukocytes in a mouse model of colorectal cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1295863. [PMID: 38500875 PMCID: PMC10944955 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1295863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a complex and heterogeneous disease characterized by dysregulated interactions between tumor cells and the immune system. The tumor microenvironment plays a pivotal role in cancer initiation as well as progression, with myeloid immune cells such as dendritic cell and macrophage subsets playing diverse roles in cancer immunity. On one hand, they exert anti-tumor effects, but they can also contribute to tumor growth. The AOM/DSS colitis-associated cancer mouse model has emerged as a valuable tool to investigate inflammation-driven CRC. To understand the role of different leukocyte populations in tumor development, the preparation of single cell suspensions from tumors has become standard procedure for many types of cancer in recent years. However, in the case of AOM/DSS-induced colorectal tumors, this is still challenging and rarely described. For one, to be able to properly distinguish tumor-associated immune cells, separate processing of cancerous and surrounding colon tissue is essential. In addition, cell yield, due to the low tumor mass, viability, as well as preservation of cell surface epitopes are important for successful flow cytometric profiling of tumor-infiltrating leukocytes. Here we present a fast, simple, and economical step-by-step protocol for isolating colorectal tumor-associated leukocytes from AOM/DSS-treated mice. Furthermore, we demonstrate the feasibility of this protocol for high-dimensional flow cytometric identification of the different tumor-infiltrating leukocyte populations, with a specific focus on myeloid cell subsets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Eich
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Paul Klein Center for Immune Intervention, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Johannes F. Vogt
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Paul Klein Center for Immune Intervention, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Vivian Längst
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Paul Klein Center for Immune Intervention, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Björn E. Clausen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Paul Klein Center for Immune Intervention, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Nadine Hövelmeyer
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Paul Klein Center for Immune Intervention, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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8
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Chen C, Zhang Y, Wu X, Shen J. The role of tertiary lymphoid structure and B cells in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Based on bioinformatics and experimental verification. Transl Oncol 2024; 41:101885. [PMID: 38295746 PMCID: PMC10846412 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.101885] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Transcriptomic characteristics and prognosis of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) and infiltrating B cells in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remain unclear. Here, NPC transcriptomic data and clinical samples were used to investigate the role of infiltrating B cells and TLS in NPC. METHODS We investigated the gene expression and infiltrating immune cells of NPC patients and further investigated the clinical relevance of B cell and TLS signatures. Transcriptional features of infiltrating B cell subsets were revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis. Immunohistochemical (IHC) and HE staining were performed to validate the clinical relevance of infiltrating B cells and TLS in NPC samples. RESULTS 27 differentially expressed immune-related genes (IRGs) associated with prognosis were identified, including B cell marker genes CD19 and CD79B. The higher B cells and TLS signature scores were associated with better outcomes and early pathological staging in 88 NPC patients. ScRNA-seq identified five distinct B cell subsets in NPC, including the BC-4 cluster associated with poor outcomes and the BC-0 cluster associated with better outcomes. EBV infection was positively associated with the formation of TLS. Furthermore, experimental results showed that the infiltration of B cells in NPC tissues was higher than that of normal tissues, and the density of TLS in an early stage of NPC was higher than that in advanced-stage TLS. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate the functional importance of distinct B cell subsets in the prognosis of NPC. Additionally, we confirmed that B cells and TLS may serve as prognostic biomarkers of survival for NPC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chujun Chen
- Key Specialty of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Pathology Dept., The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Xiaoting Wu
- School of Bioscience and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Juan Shen
- School of Bioscience and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, PR China.
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Lee J, Kim D, Kong J, Ha D, Kim I, Park M, Lee K, Im SH, Kim S. Cell-cell communication network-based interpretable machine learning predicts cancer patient response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadj0785. [PMID: 38295179 PMCID: PMC10830106 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj0785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer treatment. However, only some patients respond to ICIs, and current biomarkers for ICI efficacy have limited performance. Here, we devised an interpretable machine learning (ML) model trained using patient-specific cell-cell communication networks (CCNs) decoded from the patient's bulk tumor transcriptome. The model could (i) predict ICI efficacy for patients across four cancer types (median AUROC: 0.79) and (ii) identify key communication pathways with crucial players responsible for patient response or resistance to ICIs by analyzing more than 700 ICI-treated patient samples from 11 cohorts. The model prioritized chemotaxis communication of immune-related cells and growth factor communication of structural cells as the key biological processes underlying response and resistance to ICIs, respectively. We confirmed the key communication pathways and players at the single-cell level in patients with melanoma. Our network-based ML approach can be used to expand ICIs' clinical benefits in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juhun Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Korea
| | - Donghyo Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Korea
| | - JungHo Kong
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Korea
| | - Doyeon Ha
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Korea
| | - Inhae Kim
- ImmunoBiome Inc., Pohang 166-20, Korea
| | - Minhyuk Park
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Korea
| | - Kwanghwan Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Korea
| | - Sin-Hyeog Im
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Korea
- ImmunoBiome Inc., Pohang 166-20, Korea
- Institute of Convergence Science, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Korea
| | - Sanguk Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Korea
- Institute of Convergence Science, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Korea
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10
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Soussan S, Pupier G, Cremer I, Joubert PE, Sautès-Fridman C, Fridman W, Sibéril S. Unraveling the complex interplay between anti-tumor immune response and autoimmunity mediated by B cells and autoantibodies in the era of anti-checkpoint monoclonal antibody therapies. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1343020. [PMID: 38318190 PMCID: PMC10838986 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1343020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The intricate relationship between anti-tumor immunity and autoimmunity is a complex yet crucial aspect of cancer biology. Tumor microenvironment often exhibits autoimmune features, a phenomenon that involves natural autoimmunity and the induction of humoral responses against self-antigens during tumorigenesis. This induction is facilitated by the orchestration of anti-tumor immunity, particularly within organized structures like tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS). Paradoxically, a significant number of cancer patients do not manifest autoimmune features during the course of their illness, with rare instances of paraneoplastic syndromes. This discrepancy can be attributed to various immune-mediated locks, including regulatory or suppressive immune cells, anergic autoreactive lymphocytes, or induction of effector cells exhaustion due to chronic stimulation. Overcoming these locks holds the risk to induce autoimmune mechanisms during cancer progression, a phenomenon notably observed with anti-immune checkpoint therapies, in contrast to more conventional treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Therefore, the challenge arises in managing immune-related adverse events (irAEs) induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors treatment, as decoupling them from the anti-tumor activity poses a significant clinical dilemma. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the link between B-cell driven anti-tumor responses and autoimmune reactions in cancer patients, and discusses the clinical implications of this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sophie Sibéril
- Centre de recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM U1138, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
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11
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Xiao L, Xian M, Zhang C, Guo Q, Yi Q. Lipid peroxidation of immune cells in cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1322746. [PMID: 38259464 PMCID: PMC10800824 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1322746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence indicates that cellular metabolism is a critical determinant of immune cell viability and function in antitumor immunity and lipid metabolism is important for immune cell activation and adaptation to the tumor microenvironment (TME). Lipid peroxidation is a process in which oxidants attack lipid-containing carbon-carbon double bonds and is an important part of lipid metabolism. In the past decades, studies have shown that lipid peroxidation participates in signal transduction to control cell proliferation, differentiation, and cell death, which is essential for cell function execution and human health. More importantly, recent studies have shown that lipid peroxidation affects immune cell function to modulate tumor immunity and antitumor ability. In this review, we briefly overview the effect of lipid peroxidation on the adaptive and innate immune cell activation and function in TME and discuss the effectiveness and sensitivity of the antitumor ability of immune cells by regulating lipid peroxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Qing Yi
- Center for Translational Research in Hematologic Malignancies, Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX, United States
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12
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Qu S, Gong M, Deng Y, Xiang Y, Ye D. Research progress and application of single-cell sequencing in head and neck malignant tumors. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:18-27. [PMID: 37968342 PMCID: PMC10794142 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00691-2] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Single-cell sequencing (SCS) is a technology that separates thousands of cells from the organism and accurately analyzes the genetic material expressed in each cell using high-throughput sequencing technology. Unlike the traditional bulk sequencing approach, which can only provide the average value of a cell population and cannot obtain specific single-cell data, single-cell sequencing can identify the gene sequence and expression changes of a single cell, and reflects the differences between genetic material and protein between cells, and ultimately the role played by the tumor microenvironment. single-cell sequencing can further explore the pathogenesis of head and neck malignancies from the single-cell biological level and provides a theoretical basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of head and neck malignancies. This article will systematically introduce the latest progress and application of single-cell sequencing in malignant head and neck tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Qu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengdan Gong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yongqin Deng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yizhen Xiang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dong Ye
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China.
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13
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Maslanka J, Torres G, Londregan J, Goldman N, Silberman D, Somerville J, Riggs JE. Loss of B1 and marginal zone B cells during ovarian cancer. Cell Immunol 2024; 395-396:104788. [PMID: 38000306 PMCID: PMC10842900 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2023.104788] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in immunotherapy have not addressed the challenge presented by ovarian cancer. Although the peritoneum is an "accessible" locus for this disease there has been limited characterization of the immunobiology therein. We investigated the ID8-C57BL/6J ovarian cancer model and found marked depletion of B1 cells from the ascites of the peritoneal cavity. There was also selective loss of the B1 and marginal zone B cell subsets from the spleen. Immunity to antigens that activate these subsets validated their loss rather than relocation. A marked influx of myeloid-derived suppressor cells correlated with B cell subset depletion. These observations are discussed in the context of the housekeeping burden placed on innate B cells during ovarian cancer and to foster consideration of B cell biology in therapeutic strategies to address this challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Maslanka
- Department of Biology, Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648, USA
| | - Gretel Torres
- Department of Biology, Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648, USA
| | | | - Naomi Goldman
- Department of Biology, Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648, USA
| | - Daniel Silberman
- Department of Biology, Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648, USA
| | - John Somerville
- Department of Biology, Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648, USA
| | - James E Riggs
- Department of Biology, Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648, USA.
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14
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Kang JY, Yang J, Lee H, Park S, Gil M, Kim KE. Systematic Multiomic Analysis of PKHD1L1 Gene Expression and Its Role as a Predicting Biomarker for Immune Cell Infiltration in Skin Cutaneous Melanoma and Lung Adenocarcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:359. [PMID: 38203530 PMCID: PMC10778817 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010359] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The identification of genetic factors that regulate the cancer immune microenvironment is important for understanding the mechanism of tumor progression and establishing an effective treatment strategy. Polycystic kidney and hepatic disease 1-like protein 1 (PKHD1L1) is a large transmembrane protein that is highly expressed in immune cells; however, its association with tumor progression remains unclear. Here, we systematically analyzed the clinical relevance of PKHD1L1 in the tumor microenvironment in multiple cancer types using various bioinformatic tools. We found that the PKHD1L1 mRNA expression levels were significantly lower in skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) than in normal tissues. The decreased expression of PKHD1L1 was significantly associated with unfavorable overall survival (OS) in SKCM and LUAD. Additionally, PKHD1L1 expression was positively correlated with the levels of infiltrating B cells, cluster of differentiation (CD)-8+ T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, suggesting that the infiltration of immune cells could be associated with a good prognosis due to increased PKHD1L1 expression. Gene ontology (GO) analysis also revealed the relationship between PKHD1L1-co-altered genes and the activation of lymphocytes, including B and T cells. Collectively, this study shows that PKHD1L1 expression is positively correlated with a good prognosis via the induction of immune infiltration, suggesting that PKHD1L1 has potential prognostic value in SKCM and LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Young Kang
- Department of Health Industry, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Republic of Korea; (J.Y.K.); (M.G.)
| | - Jisun Yang
- Department of Cosmetic Sciences, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Republic of Korea;
| | - Haeryung Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Republic of Korea; (H.L.); (S.P.)
| | - Soochul Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Republic of Korea; (H.L.); (S.P.)
| | - Minchan Gil
- Department of Health Industry, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Republic of Korea; (J.Y.K.); (M.G.)
| | - Kyung Eun Kim
- Department of Health Industry, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Republic of Korea; (J.Y.K.); (M.G.)
- Department of Cosmetic Sciences, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Republic of Korea;
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15
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Prokopeva AE, Emene CC, Gomzikova MO. Antitumor Immunity: Role of NK Cells and Extracellular Vesicles in Cancer Immunotherapy. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 46:140-152. [PMID: 38248313 PMCID: PMC10814167 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46010011] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The immune system plays a crucial role in recognizing and eliminating altered tumor cells. However, tumors develop mechanisms to evade the body's natural immune defenses. Therefore, methods for specifically recognizing/targeting tumor cells, for instance, through the activation, directed polarization, and training of immune cells, have been developed based on the body's immune cells. This strategy has been termed cellular immunotherapy. One promising strategy for treating tumor diseases is NK cell-based immunotherapy. NK cells have the ability to recognize and destroy transformed cells without prior activation as well as tumor cells with reduced MHC-I expression. A novel approach in immunotherapy is the use of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from NK cells. The main advantages of NK cell-derived EVs are their small size and better tissue penetration into a tumor. The aim of this review is to systematically present existing information on the mechanisms of antitumor immunity and the role of NK cells and extracellular vesicles in cancer immunotherapy. Clinical and preclinical studies utilizing NK cells and extracellular vesicles for anticancer therapy currently underway will provide valuable insights for researchers in the field of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina E. Prokopeva
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan 420111, Russia;
| | - Charles C. Emene
- Laboratory of Intercellular Communication, Kazan Federal University, Kazan 420111, Russia;
| | - Marina O. Gomzikova
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan 420111, Russia;
- Laboratory of Intercellular Communication, Kazan Federal University, Kazan 420111, Russia;
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16
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Papadas A, Huang Y, Cicala A, Dou Y, Fields M, Gibbons A, Hong D, Lagal DJ, Quintana V, Rizo A, Zomalan B, Asimakopoulos F. Emerging roles for tumor stroma in antigen presentation and anti-cancer immunity. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:2017-2028. [PMID: 38031753 PMCID: PMC10754280 DOI: 10.1042/bst20221083] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Advances in immunotherapy in the last decade have revolutionized treatment paradigms across multiple cancer diagnoses. However, only a minority of patients derive durable benefit and progress with traditional approaches, such as cancer vaccines, remains unsatisfactory. A key to overcoming these barriers resides with a deeper understanding of tumor antigen presentation and the complex and dynamic heterogeneity of tumor-infiltrating antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Reminiscent of the 'second touch' hypothesis proposed by Klaus Ley for CD4+ T cell differentiation, the acquisition of full effector potential by lymph node- primed CD8+ T cells requires a second round of co-stimulation at the site where the antigen originated, i.e. the tumor bed. The tumor stroma holds a prime role in this process by hosting specialized APC niches, apparently distinct from tertiary lymphoid structures, that support second antigenic touch encounters and CD8+ T cell effector proliferation and differentiation. We propose that APC within second-touch niches become licensed for co-stimulation through stromal-derived instructive signals emulating embryonic or wound-healing provisional matrix remodeling. These immunostimulatory roles of stroma contrast with its widely accepted view as a physical and functional 'immune barrier'. Stromal control of antigen presentation makes evolutionary sense as the host stroma-tumor interface constitutes the prime line of homeostatic 'defense' against the emerging tumor. In this review, we outline how stroma-derived signals and cells regulate tumor antigen presentation and T-cell effector differentiation in the tumor bed. The re-definition of tumor stroma as immune rheostat rather than as inflexible immune barrier harbors significant untapped therapeutic opportunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Papadas
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
| | - Yun Huang
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
| | - Alexander Cicala
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
| | - Yaling Dou
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
| | - Matteo Fields
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alicia Gibbons
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
| | - Duncan Hong
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
| | - Daniel J. Lagal
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
| | - Victoria Quintana
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
| | - Alejandro Rizo
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
| | - Brolyn Zomalan
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
| | - Fotis Asimakopoulos
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
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17
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Zhu Y, Zhu Y, Chen S, Cai Q. Identifying the cancer-associated fibroblast signature to predict the prognosis and immunotherapy response in patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma. Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin 2023:1-11. [PMID: 38015040 DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2023.2287418] [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: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are an important component of the tumor microenvironment that contribute toward the development of tumors. This study aimed to establish a new algorithm based on CAF scores to predict the prognosis and immunotherapy response in patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). The RNA-seq data of LUSC patients were obtained from two databases and merged after removing inter-batch differences. The CAF-related data for each sample were obtained through three different algorithms. Consistency cluster analysis was performed to obtain different CAF clusters, which were analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes. These were subjected to uniform cluster analysis to obtain different gene clusters. The Boruta algorithm was used to calculate the CAF score. Three CAF clusters and two gene clusters were obtained, all of which differed in their patient prognoses and the content of infiltrating immune cells. Patients with high CAF scores exhibited worse overall survival, higher expression of biomarkers related to immune checkpoints and immune activity, and lower tumor mutation burden. The CAF score could also predict the immunotherapy response of patients. This study suggests that the CAF score can accurately predict the prognosis and immunotherapy response of LUSC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinhui Zhu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Third Hospital of Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yingqun Zhu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Third Hospital of Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Sirui Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Third Hospital of Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qian Cai
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Third Hospital of Changsha, Hunan, China
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18
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Piroozkhah M, Gholinezhad Y, Piroozkhah M, Shams E, Nazemalhosseini-Mojarad E. The molecular mechanism of actions and clinical utilities of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in gastrointestinal cancers: a comprehensive review and future prospects toward personalized medicine. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1298891. [PMID: 38077386 PMCID: PMC10704251 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1298891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers remain a significant global health burden, accounting for a substantial number of cases and deaths. Regrettably, the inadequacy of dependable biomarkers hinders the precise forecasting of patient prognosis and the selection of appropriate therapeutic sequencing for individuals with GI cancers, leading to suboptimal outcomes for numerous patients. The intricate interplay between tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) has been shown to be a pivotal determinant of response to anti-cancer therapy and consequential clinical outcomes across a multitude of cancer types. Therefore, the assessment of TILs has garnered global interest as a promising prognostic biomarker in oncology, with the potential to improve clinical decision-making substantially. Moreover, recent discoveries in immunotherapy have progressively changed the landscape of cancer treatment and significantly prolonged the survival of patients with advanced cancers. Nonetheless, the response rate remains constrained within solid tumor sufferers, even when TIL landscapes appear comparable, which calls for the development of our understanding of cellular and molecular cross-talk between TIME and tumor. Hence, this comprehensive review encapsulates the extant literature elucidating the TILs' underlying molecular pathogenesis, prognostic significance, and their relevance in the realm of immunotherapy for patients afflicted by GI tract cancers. Within this review, we demonstrate that the type, density, and spatial distribution of distinct TIL subpopulations carries pivotal implications for the prediction of anti-cancer treatment responses and patient survival. Furthermore, this review underscores the indispensable role of TILs in modulating therapeutic responses within distinct molecular subtypes, such as those characterized by microsatellite stability or programmed cell death ligand-1 expression in GI tract cancers. The review concludes by outlining future directions in TIL-based personalized medicine, including integrating TIL-based approaches into existing treatment regimens and developing novel therapeutic strategies that exploit the unique properties of TILs and their potential as a promising avenue for personalized cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moein Piroozkhah
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yasaman Gholinezhad
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mobin Piroozkhah
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elahe Shams
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Nazemalhosseini-Mojarad
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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19
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Cao F, Liu Y, Cheng Y, Wang Y, He Y, Xu Y. Multi-omics characteristics of tumor-associated macrophages in the tumor microenvironment of gastric cancer and their exploration of immunotherapy potential. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18265. [PMID: 37880233 PMCID: PMC10600170 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38822-2] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence and mortality rate of gastric cancer (GC) have remained high worldwide. Although some progress has been made in immunotargeted therapy, the treatment effect remains limited. With more attention has been paid to the immune potential of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), but the specific mechanisms of tumor immunity are still unclear. Thus, we screened marker genes in TAMs differentiation (MDMs) through single-cell RNA sequencing, and combined with GC transcriptome data from TCGA and GEO databases, the clinical and TME characteristics, prognostic differences, immune infiltration, and drug sensitivity among different subtypes of patients with GC in different data sets were analyzed. A prognostic model of GC was constructed to evaluate the prognosis and immunotherapy response of patients with GC. In this study, we extensively studied the mutations in MDMs such as CGN, S100A6, and C1QA, and found differences in the infiltration of immune cells and immune checkpoints including M2 TAMs, T cells, CD274, and CTLA4 in different GC subtypes. In the model, we constructed a predictive scoring system with high accuracy and screened out key MDMs-related genes associated with prognosis and M2 TAMs, among which VKORC1 may be involved in GC progression and iron death in tumor cells. Therefore, this study explores the therapeutic strategy of TAMs reprogramming in-depth, providing new ideas for the clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis assessment of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Cao
- Department of General Surgery, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Yanwei Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Yunsheng Cheng
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.
| | - Yan He
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.
| | - Yanyan Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.
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20
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Baritaki S, Zaravinos A. Cross-Talks between RKIP and YY1 through a Multilevel Bioinformatics Pan-Cancer Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4932. [PMID: 37894300 PMCID: PMC10605344 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15204932] [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: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that PEBP1 (also known as RKIP) and YY1, despite having distinct molecular functions, may interact and mutually influence each other's activity. They exhibit reciprocal control over each other's expression through regulatory loops, prompting the hypothesis that their interplay could be pivotal in cancer advancement and resistance to drugs. To delve into this interplay's functional characteristics, we conducted a comprehensive analysis using bioinformatics tools across a range of cancers. Our results confirm the association between elevated YY1 mRNA levels and varying survival outcomes in diverse tumors. Furthermore, we observed differing degrees of inhibitory or activating effects of these two genes in apoptosis, cell cycle, DNA damage, and other cancer pathways, along with correlations between their mRNA expression and immune infiltration. Additionally, YY1/PEBP1 expression and methylation displayed connections with genomic alterations across different cancer types. Notably, we uncovered links between the two genes and different indicators of immunosuppression, such as immune checkpoint blockade response and T-cell dysfunction/exclusion levels, across different patient groups. Overall, our findings underscore the significant role of the interplay between YY1 and PEBP1 in cancer progression, influencing genomic changes, tumor immunity, or the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, these two gene products appear to impact the sensitivity of anticancer drugs, opening new avenues for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavroula Baritaki
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Division of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Apostolos Zaravinos
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, 2404 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cancer Genetics, Genomics and Systems Biology Group, Basic and Translational Cancer Research Center (BTCRC), 1516 Nicosia, Cyprus
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21
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Bao J, Betzler AC, Hess J, Brunner C. Exploring the dual role of B cells in solid tumors: implications for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1233085. [PMID: 37868967 PMCID: PMC10586314 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1233085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In the tumor milieu of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), distinct B cell subpopulations are present, which exert either pro- or anti-tumor activities. Multiple factors, including hypoxia, cytokines, interactions with tumor cells, and other immune infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), alter the equilibrium between the dual roles of B cells leading to cancerogenesis. Certain B cell subsets in the tumor microenvironment (TME) exhibit immunosuppressive function. These cells are known as regulatory B (Breg) cells. Breg cells suppress immune responses by secreting a series of immunosuppressive cytokines, including IL-10, IL-35, TGF-β, granzyme B, and adenosine or dampen effector TILs by intercellular contacts. Multiple Breg phenotypes have been discovered in human and mouse cancer models. However, when compartmentalized within a tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS), B cells predominantly play anti-tumor effects. A mature TLS contains a CD20+ B cell zone with several important types of B cells, including germinal-center like B cells, antibody-secreting plasma cells, and memory B cells. They kill tumor cells via antibody-dependent cytotoxicity and phagocytosis, and local complement activation effects. TLSs are also privileged sites for local T and B cell coordination and activation. Nonetheless, in some cases, TLSs may serve as a niche for hidden tumor cells and indicate a bad prognosis. Thus, TIL-B cells exhibit bidirectional immune-modulatory activity and are responsive to a variety of immunotherapies. In this review, we discuss the functional distinctions between immunosuppressive Breg cells and immunogenic effector B cells that mature within TLSs with the focus on tumors of HNSCC patients. Additionally, we review contemporary immunotherapies that aim to target TIL-B cells. For the development of innovative therapeutic approaches to complement T-cell-based immunotherapy, a full understanding of either effector B cells or Breg cells is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiantong Bao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Ulm, Head & Neck Cancer Center of the Comprehensive Cancer Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Annika C. Betzler
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Ulm, Head & Neck Cancer Center of the Comprehensive Cancer Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jochen Hess
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Mechanisms of Head and Neck Tumors, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Cornelia Brunner
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Ulm, Head & Neck Cancer Center of the Comprehensive Cancer Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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22
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Kinker GS, Vitiello GAF, Diniz AB, Cabral-Piccin MP, Pereira PHB, Carvalho MLR, Ferreira WAS, Chaves AS, Rondinelli A, Gusmão AF, Defelicibus A, Dos Santos GO, Nunes WA, Claro LCL, Bernardo TM, Nishio RT, Pacheco AM, Laus AC, Arantes LMRB, Fleck JL, de Jesus VHF, de Moricz A, Weinlich R, Coimbra FJF, de Lima VCC, Medina TDS. Mature tertiary lymphoid structures are key niches of tumour-specific immune responses in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas. Gut 2023; 72:1927-1941. [PMID: 37230755 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2022-328697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To better understand the immune microenvironment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs), here we explored the relevance of T and B cell compartmentalisation into tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) for the generation of local antitumour immunity. DESIGN We characterised the functional states and spatial organisation of PDAC-infiltrating T and B cells using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), flow cytometry, multicolour immunofluorescence, gene expression profiling of microdissected TLSs, as well as in vitro assays. In addition, we performed a pan-cancer analysis of tumour-infiltrating T cells using scRNA-seq and sc T cell receptor sequencing datasets from eight cancer types. To evaluate the clinical relevance of our findings, we used PDAC bulk RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the PRINCE chemoimmunotherapy trial. RESULTS We found that a subset of PDACs harbours fully developed TLSs where B cells proliferate and differentiate into plasma cells. These mature TLSs also support T cell activity and are enriched with tumour-reactive T cells. Importantly, we showed that chronically activated, tumour-reactive T cells exposed to fibroblast-derived TGF-β may act as TLS organisers by producing the B cell chemoattractant CXCL13. Identification of highly similar subsets of clonally expanded CXCL13 + tumour-infiltrating T cells across multiple cancer types further indicated a conserved link between tumour-antigen recognition and the allocation of B cells within sheltered hubs in the tumour microenvironment. Finally, we showed that the expression of a gene signature reflecting mature TLSs was enriched in pretreatment biopsies from PDAC patients with longer survival after receiving different chemoimmunotherapy regimens. CONCLUSION We provided a framework for understanding the biological role of PDAC-associated TLSs and revealed their potential to guide the selection of patients for future immunotherapy trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Wallax Augusto Silva Ferreira
- International Research Center, A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil
- Evandro Chagas Institute, Ananindeua, Brazil
| | | | - Amanda Rondinelli
- International Research Center, A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ricardo Tadashi Nishio
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Santa Casa de Misericórdia do Estado de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adhemar Monteiro Pacheco
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Santa Casa de Misericórdia do Estado de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Laus
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | | | - Julia Lima Fleck
- Mines Saint-Etienne, Univ Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, UMR 6158 LIMOS, Centre CIS, Saint-Etienne, France
| | | | - André de Moricz
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Santa Casa de Misericórdia do Estado de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Tiago da Silva Medina
- International Research Center, A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Oncogenomics and Therapeutic Innovation, São Paulo, Brazil
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23
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Liu Y, Liu Z, Yang Y, Cui J, Sun J, Liu Y. The prognostic and biology of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes in the immunotherapy of cancer. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:1041-1049. [PMID: 37452117 PMCID: PMC10539364 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02321-y] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumour immunotherapy has achieved remarkable clinical success in many different types of cancer in the past two decades. The outcome of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer patients has been linked to the quality and magnitude of T cell, NK cell, and more recently, B cell within the tumour microenvironment, suggesting that the immune landscape of a tumour is highly connected to patient response and prognosis. It is critical to understanding tumour immune microenvironments for identifying immune modifiers of cancer progression and developing cancer immunotherapies. The infiltration of solid tumours by immune cells with anti-tumour activity is both a strong prognostic factor and a therapeutic goal. Recent approaches and applications of new technologies, especially single-cell mRNA analysis in dissecting tumour microenvironments have brought important insights into the biology of tumour-infiltrating immune cells, revealed a remarkable degree of cellular heterogeneity and distinct patterns of immune response. In this review, we will discuss recent advances in the understanding of tumour infiltrated lymphocytes, their prognostic benefit, and predictive value for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanbin Liu
- Grit Biotechnology Ltd., Building 25, Area C, Sangtian Island Biological Industrial Park, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhenjiang Liu
- Grit Biotechnology Ltd., Building 24, 388 Shengrong Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China
| | - Yixiao Yang
- Grit Biotechnology Ltd., Building 24, 388 Shengrong Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Cui
- Grit Biotechnology Ltd., Building 24, 388 Shengrong Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingwei Sun
- Grit Biotechnology Ltd., Building 24, 388 Shengrong Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China
| | - Yarong Liu
- Grit Biotechnology Ltd., Building 24, 388 Shengrong Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China.
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24
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Zhang S, Yuan L, Danilova L, Mo G, Zhu Q, Deshpande A, Bell ATF, Elisseeff J, Popel AS, Anders RA, Jaffee EM, Yarchoan M, Fertig EJ, Kagohara LT. Spatial transcriptomics analysis of neoadjuvant cabozantinib and nivolumab in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma identifies independent mechanisms of resistance and recurrence. Genome Med 2023; 15:72. [PMID: 37723590 PMCID: PMC10506285 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-023-01218-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Novel immunotherapy combination therapies have improved outcomes for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but responses are limited to a subset of patients. Little is known about the inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity in cellular signaling networks within the HCC tumor microenvironment (TME) that underlie responses to modern systemic therapy. METHODS We applied spatial transcriptomics (ST) profiling to characterize the tumor microenvironment in HCC resection specimens from a prospective clinical trial of neoadjuvant cabozantinib, a multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor that primarily blocks VEGF, and nivolumab, a PD-1 inhibitor in which 5 out of 15 patients were found to have a pathologic response at the time of resection. RESULTS ST profiling demonstrated that the TME of responding tumors was enriched for immune cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) with pro-inflammatory signaling relative to the non-responders. The enriched cancer-immune interactions in responding tumors are characterized by activation of the PAX5 module, a known regulator of B cell maturation, which colocalized with spots with increased B cell marker expression suggesting strong activity of these cells. HCC-CAF interactions were also enriched in the responding tumors and were associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling as there was high activation of FOS and JUN in CAFs adjacent to the tumor. The ECM remodeling is consistent with proliferative fibrosis in association with immune-mediated tumor regression. Among the patients with major pathologic responses, a single patient experienced early HCC recurrence. ST analysis of this clinical outlier demonstrated marked tumor heterogeneity, with a distinctive immune-poor tumor region that resembles the non-responding TME across patients and was characterized by HCC-CAF interactions and expression of cancer stem cell markers, potentially mediating early tumor immune escape and recurrence in this patient. CONCLUSIONS These data show that responses to modern systemic therapy in HCC are associated with distinctive molecular and cellular landscapes and provide new targets to enhance and prolong responses to systemic therapy in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuming Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Long Yuan
- Department of Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Immunotherapy Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ludmila Danilova
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Immunotherapy Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Guanglan Mo
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Immunotherapy Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Qingfeng Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Atul Deshpande
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Immunotherapy Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alexander T F Bell
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer Elisseeff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Aleksander S Popel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Robert A Anders
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Jaffee
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Immunotherapy Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mark Yarchoan
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Immunotherapy Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elana J Fertig
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Immunotherapy Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Luciane T Kagohara
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Immunotherapy Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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25
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Yiong CS, Lin TP, Lim VY, Toh TB, Yang VS. Biomarkers for immune checkpoint inhibition in sarcomas - are we close to clinical implementation? Biomark Res 2023; 11:75. [PMID: 37612756 PMCID: PMC10463641 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00513-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas are a group of diverse and complex cancers of mesenchymal origin that remains poorly understood. Recent developments in cancer immunotherapy have demonstrated a potential for better outcomes with immune checkpoint inhibition in some sarcomas compared to conventional chemotherapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are key agents in cancer immunotherapy, demonstrating improved outcomes in many tumor types. However, most patients with sarcoma do not benefit from treatment, highlighting the need for identification and development of predictive biomarkers for response to ICIs. In this review, we first discuss United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved and European Medicines Agency (EMA)-approved biomarkers, as well as the limitations of their use in sarcomas. We then review eight potential predictive biomarkers and rationalize their utility in sarcomas. These include gene expression signatures (GES), circulating neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3), T cell immunoglobin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM-3), TP53 mutation status, B cells, and tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS). Finally, we discuss the potential for TLS as both a predictive and prognostic biomarker for ICI response in sarcomas to be implemented in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin Sern Yiong
- Translational Precision Oncology Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117544, Singapore
| | - Tzu Ping Lin
- Translational Precision Oncology Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117544, Singapore
| | - Vivian Yujing Lim
- Translational Precision Oncology Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Tan Boon Toh
- The N.1 Institute for Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- The Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Valerie Shiwen Yang
- Translational Precision Oncology Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore.
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, 169610, Singapore.
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Oncology Academic Clinical Program, Singapore, 169857, Singapore.
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26
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Ying H, Li ZQ, Li MP, Liu WC. Metabolism and senescence in the immune microenvironment of osteosarcoma: focus on new therapeutic strategies. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1217669. [PMID: 37497349 PMCID: PMC10366376 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1217669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is a highly aggressive and metastatic malignant tumor. It has the highest incidence of all malignant bone tumors and is one of the most common solid tumors in children and adolescents. Osteosarcoma tissues are often richly infiltrated with inflammatory cells, including tumor-associated macrophages, lymphocytes, and dendritic cells, forming a complex immune microenvironment. The expression of immune checkpoint molecules is also high in osteosarcoma tissues, which may be involved in the mechanism of anti-tumor immune escape. Metabolism and senescence are closely related to the immune microenvironment, and disturbances in metabolism and senescence may have important effects on the immune microenvironment, thereby affecting immune cell function and immune responses. Metabolic modulation and anti-senescence therapy are gaining the attention of researchers as emerging immunotherapeutic strategies for tumors. Through an in-depth study of the interconnection of metabolism and anti- senescence in the tumor immune microenvironment and its regulatory mechanism on immune cell function and immune response, more precise therapeutic strategies can be developed. Combined with the screening and application of biomarkers, personalized treatment can be achieved to improve therapeutic efficacy and provide a scientific basis for clinical decision-making. Metabolic modulation and anti- senescence therapy can also be combined with other immunotherapy approaches, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and tumor vaccines, to form a multi-level and multi-dimensional immunotherapy strategy, thus further enhancing the effect of immunotherapy. Multidisciplinary cooperation and integrated treatment can optimize the treatment plan and maximize the survival rate and quality of life of patients. Future research and clinical practice will further advance this field, promising more effective treatment options for patients with osteosarcoma. In this review, we reviewed metabolic and senescence characteristics in the immune microenvironment of osteosarcoma and related immunotherapies, and provide a reference for development of more personalized and effective therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ying
- Department of Emergency Trauma Surgery, Ganzhou People’s Hospital, Ganzhou, China
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganzhou People’s Hospital, Ganzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Li
- Department of Emergency Trauma Surgery, Ganzhou People’s Hospital, Ganzhou, China
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganzhou People’s Hospital, Ganzhou, China
| | - Meng-Pan Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wen-Cai Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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27
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Faget DV, Luo X, Inkman MJ, Ren Q, Su X, Ding K, Waters MR, Raut GK, Pandey G, Dodhiawala PB, Ramalho-Oliveira R, Ye J, Cole T, Murali B, Zheleznyak A, Shokeen M, Weiss KR, Monahan JB, DeSelm CJ, Lee AV, Oesterreich S, Weilbaecher KN, Zhang J, DeNardo DG, Stewart SA. p38MAPKα Stromal Reprogramming Sensitizes Metastatic Breast Cancer to Immunotherapy. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:1454-1477. [PMID: 36883955 PMCID: PMC10238649 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-22-0907] [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: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic breast cancer is an intractable disease that responds poorly to immunotherapy. We show that p38MAPKα inhibition (p38i) limits tumor growth by reprogramming the metastatic tumor microenvironment in a CD4+ T cell-, IFNγ-, and macrophage-dependent manner. To identify targets that further increased p38i efficacy, we utilized a stromal labeling approach and single-cell RNA sequencing. Thus, we combined p38i and an OX40 agonist that synergistically reduced metastatic growth and increased overall survival. Intriguingly, patients with a p38i metastatic stromal signature had better overall survival that was further improved by the presence of an increased mutational load, leading us to ask if our approach would be effective in antigenic breast cancer. The combination of p38i, anti-OX40, and cytotoxic T-cell engagement cured mice of metastatic disease and produced long-term immunologic memory. Our findings demonstrate that a detailed understanding of the stromal compartment can be used to design effective antimetastatic therapies. SIGNIFICANCE Immunotherapy is rarely effective in breast cancer. We dissected the metastatic tumor stroma, which revealed a novel therapeutic approach that targets the stromal p38MAPK pathway and creates an opportunity to unleash an immunologic response. Our work underscores the importance of understanding the tumor stromal compartment in therapeutic design. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1275.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas V. Faget
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Xianmin Luo
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Matthew J. Inkman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Qihao Ren
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Xinming Su
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Kai Ding
- Womens Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA
- Integrative Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Michael R. Waters
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Ganesh Kumar Raut
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Gaurav Pandey
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Paarth B. Dodhiawala
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN
- ICCE Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Renata Ramalho-Oliveira
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Jiayu Ye
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Thomas Cole
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Bhavna Murali
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Alexander Zheleznyak
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Monica Shokeen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Kurt R. Weiss
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | - Carl J. DeSelm
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Adrian V. Lee
- Womens Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology & Department of Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Steffi Oesterreich
- Womens Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology & Department of Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Katherine N. Weilbaecher
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
- Institute for Informatics (I), Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - David G. DeNardo
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
- ICCE Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Sheila A. Stewart
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
- ICCE Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
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28
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Zhang H, AbdulJabbar K, Moore DA, Akarca A, Enfield KS, Jamal-Hanjani M, Raza SEA, Veeriah S, Salgado R, McGranahan N, Le Quesne J, Swanton C, Marafioti T, Yuan Y. Spatial Positioning of Immune Hotspots Reflects the Interplay between B and T Cells in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancer Res 2023; 83:1410-1425. [PMID: 36853169 PMCID: PMC10152235 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-2589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Beyond tertiary lymphoid structures, a significant number of immune-rich areas without germinal center-like structures are observed in non-small cell lung cancer. Here, we integrated transcriptomic data and digital pathology images to study the prognostic implications, spatial locations, and constitution of immune rich areas (immune hotspots) in a cohort of 935 patients with lung cancer from The Cancer Genome Atlas. A high intratumoral immune hotspot score, which measures the proportion of immune hotspots interfacing with tumor islands, was correlated with poor overall survival in lung squamous cell carcinoma but not in lung adenocarcinoma. Lung squamous cell carcinomas with high intratumoral immune hotspot scores were characterized by consistent upregulation of B-cell signatures. Spatial statistical analyses conducted on serial multiplex IHC slides further revealed that only 4.87% of peritumoral immune hotspots and 0.26% of intratumoral immune hotspots were tertiary lymphoid structures. Significantly lower densities of CD20+CXCR5+ and CD79b+ B cells and less diverse immune cell interactions were found in intratumoral immune hotspots compared with peritumoral immune hotspots. Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between the percentages of CD8+ T cells and T regulatory cells in intratumoral but not in peritumoral immune hotspots, with tertiary lymphoid structures excluded. These findings suggest that the intratumoral immune hotspots reflect an immunosuppressive niche compared with peritumoral immune hotspots, independent of the distribution of tertiary lymphoid structures. A balance toward increased intratumoral immune hotspots is indicative of a compromised antitumor immune response and poor outcome in lung squamous cell carcinoma. SIGNIFICANCE Intratumoral immune hotspots beyond tertiary lymphoid structures reflect an immunosuppressive microenvironment, different from peritumoral immune hotspots, warranting further study in the context of immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanyun Zhang
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Khalid AbdulJabbar
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - David A. Moore
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Cellular Pathology, University College London Hospitals, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ayse Akarca
- Department of Cellular Pathology, University College London Hospitals, London, United Kingdom
| | - Katey S.S. Enfield
- Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mariam Jamal-Hanjani
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Oncology, University College London Hospitals, London, United Kingdom
- Cancer Metastasis Lab, University College London Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shan E. Ahmed Raza
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Selvaraju Veeriah
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nicholas McGranahan
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Cancer Genome Evolution Research Group, Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - John Le Quesne
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Pathology Department, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Charles Swanton
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Oncology, University College London Hospitals, London, United Kingdom
| | - Teresa Marafioti
- Department of Cellular Pathology, University College London Hospitals, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yinyin Yuan
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
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29
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Jiang M, Fiering S, Shao Q. Combining energy-based focal ablation and immune checkpoint inhibitors: preclinical research and clinical trials. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1153066. [PMID: 37251920 PMCID: PMC10211342 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1153066] [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: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Energy-based focal therapy (FT) uses targeted, minimally invasive procedures to destroy tumors while preserving normal tissue and function. There is strong emerging interest in understanding how systemic immunity against the tumor can occur with cancer immunotherapy, most notably immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). The motivation for combining FT and ICI in cancer management relies on the synergy between the two different therapies: FT complements ICI by reducing tumor burden, increasing objective response rate, and reducing side effects of ICI; ICI supplements FT by reducing local recurrence, controlling distal metastases, and providing long-term protection. This combinatorial strategy has shown promising results in preclinical study (since 2004) and the clinical trials (since 2011). Understanding the synergy calls for understanding the physics and biology behind the two different therapies with distinctive mechanisms of action. In this review, we introduce different types of energy-based FT by covering the biophysics of tissue-energy interaction and present the immunomodulatory properties of FT. We discuss the basis of cancer immunotherapy with the emphasis on ICI. We examine the approaches researchers have been using and the results from both preclinical models and clinical trials from our exhaustive literature research. Finally, the challenges of the combinatory strategy and opportunities of future research is discussed extensively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minhan Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Steven Fiering
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine and Dartmouth Health, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - Qi Shao
- Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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Sun Y, Khan MAAK, Mangiola S, Barrow AD. IL17RB and IL17REL Expression Are Associated with Improved Prognosis in HPV-Infected Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12040572. [PMID: 37111458 PMCID: PMC10143491 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12040572] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Changes in the cellular secretome are implicated in virus infection, malignancy, and anti-tumor immunity. We analyzed the association between transcriptional signatures (TS) from 24 different immune and stromal cell types on the prognosis of HPV-infected and HPV-free head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSCC) patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort. We found that HPV-positive HNSCC patients have tumors with elevated immune cell TS and improved prognosis, which was specifically associated with an increased tumor abundance of memory B and activated natural killer (NK) cell TS, compared to HPV-free HNSCC patients. HPV-infected patients upregulated many transcripts encoding secreted factors, such as growth factors, hormones, chemokines and cytokines, and their cognate receptors. Analysis of secretome transcripts and cognate receptors revealed that tumor expression of IL17RB and IL17REL are associated with a higher viral load and memory B and activated NK cell TS, as well as improved prognosis in HPV-infected HNSCC patients. The transcriptional parameters that we describe may be optimized to improve prognosis and risk stratification in the clinic and provide insights into gene and cellular targets that may potentially enhance anti-tumor immunity mediated by NK cells and memory B cells in HPV-infected HNSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Sun
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3000, Australia
| | - Md Abdullah Al Kamran Khan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3000, Australia
| | - Stefano Mangiola
- Division of Bioinformatics, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia
| | - Alexander David Barrow
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3000, Australia
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31
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Milardi G, Lleo A. Tumor-Infiltrating B Lymphocytes: Promising Immunotherapeutic Targets for Primary Liver Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072182. [PMID: 37046842 PMCID: PMC10093314 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma are the fourth most lethal primary cancers worldwide. Therefore, there is an urgent need for therapeutic strategies, including immune cell targeting therapies. The heterogeneity of liver cancer is partially explained by the characteristics of the tumor microenvironment (TME), where adaptive and innate immune system cells are the main components. Pioneering studies of primary liver cancers revealed that tumor-infiltrating immune cells and their dynamic interaction with cancer cells significantly impacted carcinogenesis, playing an important role in cancer immune evasion and responses to immunotherapy treatment. In particular, B cells may play a prominent role and have a controversial function in the TME. In this work, we highlight the effect of B lymphocytes as tumor infiltrates in relation to primary liver cancers and their potential prognostic value. We also present the key pathways underlying B-cell interactions within the TME, as well as the way that a comprehensive characterization of B-cell biology can be exploited to develop novel immune-based therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Milardi
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Labaratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Ana Lleo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072 Milan, Italy
- Department of Gastroenterology, Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
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Visalakshan RM, Lowrey MK, Sousa MGC, Helms HR, Samiea A, Schutt CE, Moreau JM, Bertassoni LE. Opportunities and challenges to engineer 3D models of tumor-adaptive immune interactions. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1162905. [PMID: 37081897 PMCID: PMC10110941 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1162905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Augmenting adaptive immunity is a critical goal for developing next-generation cancer therapies. T and B cells infiltrating the tumor dramatically influence cancer progression through complex interactions with the local microenvironment. Cancer cells evade and limit these immune responses by hijacking normal immunologic pathways. Current experimental models using conventional primary cells, cell lines, or animals have limitations for studying cancer-immune interactions directly relevant to human biology and clinical translation. Therefore, engineering methods to emulate such interplay at local and systemic levels are crucial to expedite the development of better therapies and diagnostic tools. In this review, we discuss the challenges, recent advances, and future directions toward engineering the tumor-immune microenvironment (TME), including key elements of adaptive immunity. We first offer an overview of the recent research that has advanced our understanding of the role of the adaptive immune system in the tumor microenvironment. Next, we discuss recent developments in 3D in-vitro models and engineering approaches that have been used to study the interaction of cancer and stromal cells with B and T lymphocytes. We summarize recent advancement in 3D bioengineering and discuss the need for 3D tumor models that better incorporate elements of the complex interplay of adaptive immunity and the tumor microenvironment. Finally, we provide a perspective on current challenges and future directions for modeling cancer-immune interactions aimed at identifying new biological targets for diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Laumont CM, Nelson BH. B cells in the tumor microenvironment: Multi-faceted organizers, regulators, and effectors of anti-tumor immunity. Cancer Cell 2023; 41:466-489. [PMID: 36917951 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2023.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Our understanding of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) is rapidly expanding beyond T cell-centric perspectives to include B cells and plasma cells, collectively referred to as TIL-Bs. In many cancers, TIL-Bs carry strong prognostic significance and are emerging as key predictors of response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. TIL-Bs can perform multiple functions, including antigen presentation and antibody production, which allow them to focus immune responses on cognate antigen to support both T cell responses and innate mechanisms involving complement, macrophages, and natural killer cells. In the stroma of the most immunologically "hot" tumors, TIL-Bs are prominent components of tertiary lymphoid structures, which resemble lymph nodes structurally and functionally. Additionally, TIL-Bs participate in a variety of other lympho-myeloid aggregates and engage in dynamic interactions with the tumor stroma. Here, we summarize our current understanding of TIL-Bs in human cancer, highlighting the compelling therapeutic opportunities offered by their unique tumor recognition and effector mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline M Laumont
- Deeley Research Centre, BC Cancer, Victoria, BC V8R 6V5, Canada; Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Brad H Nelson
- Deeley Research Centre, BC Cancer, Victoria, BC V8R 6V5, Canada; Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 3E6, Canada.
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Cai H, Ren Y, Chen S, Wang Y, Chu L. Ferroptosis and tumor immunotherapy: A promising combination therapy for tumors. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1119369. [PMID: 36845720 PMCID: PMC9945274 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1119369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Low response rate and treatment resistance are frequent problems in the immunotherapy of tumors, resulting in the unsatisfactory therapeutic effects. Ferroptosis is a form of cell death characterized by the accumulation of lipid peroxides. In recent years, it has been found that ferroptosis may be related to the treatment of cancer. Various immune cells (including macrophages and CD8+ T cells) can induce ferroptosis of tumor cells, and synergistically enhance the anti-tumor immune effects. However, the mechanisms are different for each cell types. DAMP released in vitro by cancer cells undergoing ferroptosis lead to the maturation of dendritic cells, cross-induction of CD8+ T cells, IFN-γ production and M1 macrophage production. Thus, it activates the adaptability of the tumor microenvironment and forms positive feedback of the immune response. It suggests that induction of ferroptosis may contribute to reducing resistance of cancer immunotherapy and has great potential in cancer therapy. Further research into the link between ferroptosis and tumor immunotherapy may offer hope for those cancers that are difficult to treat. In this review, we focus on the role of ferroptosis in tumor immunotherapy, explore the role of ferroptosis in various immune cells, and discuss potential applications of ferroptosis in tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huazhong Cai
- Department of Emergency, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China,*Correspondence: Huazhong Cai,
| | - Yongfei Ren
- Department of Emergency, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Shuangwei Chen
- Department of Emergency, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Emergency, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Liangmei Chu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
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35
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Kendal JK, Shehata MS, Lofftus SY, Crompton JG. Cancer-Associated B Cells in Sarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030622. [PMID: 36765578 PMCID: PMC9913500 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030622] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite being one of the first types of cancers studied that hinted at a major role of the immune system in pro- and anti-tumor biology, little is known about the immune microenvironment in sarcoma. Few types of sarcoma have shown major responses to immunotherapy, and its rarity and heterogeneity makes it challenging to study. With limited systemic treatment options, further understanding of the underlying mechanisms in sarcoma immunity may prove crucial in advancing sarcoma care. While great strides have been made in the field of immunotherapy over the last few decades, most of these efforts have focused on harnessing the T cell response, with little attention on the role B cells may play in the tumor microenvironment. A growing body of evidence suggests that B cells have both pro- and anti-tumoral effects in a large variety of cancers, and in the age of bioinformatics and multi-omic analysis, the complexity of the humoral response is just being appreciated. This review explores what is currently known about the role of B cells in sarcoma, including understanding the various B cell populations associated with sarcoma, the organization of intra-tumoral B cells in tertiary lymphoid structures, recent trials in immunotherapy in sarcoma, intra-tumoral immunoglobulin, the pro-tumor effects of B cells, and exciting future areas for research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph K. Kendal
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90404, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| | - Michael S. Shehata
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| | - Serena Y. Lofftus
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Joseph G. Crompton
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-310-825-2644
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Zhang S, Yuan L, Danilova L, Mo G, Zhu Q, Deshpande A, Bell AT, Elisseeff J, Popel AS, Anders RA, Jaffee EM, Yarchoan M, Fertig EJ, Kagohara LT. Spatial transcriptomics analysis of neoadjuvant cabozantinib and nivolumab in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma identifies independent mechanisms of resistance and recurrence. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.10.523481. [PMID: 36712023 PMCID: PMC9882076 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.10.523481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Novel immunotherapy combination therapies have improved outcomes for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but responses are limited to a subset of patients and recurrence can also occur. Little is known about the inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity in cellular signaling networks within the HCC tumor microenvironment (TME) that underlie responses to modern systemic therapy. We applied spatial transcriptomics (ST) profiling to characterize the tumor microenvironment in HCC resection specimens from a clinical trial of neoadjuvant cabozantinib, a multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor that primarily blocks VEGF, and nivolumab, a PD-1 inhibitor in which 5 out of 15 patients were found to have a pathologic response. ST profiling demonstrated that the TME of responding tumors was enriched for immune cells and cancer associated fibroblasts (CAF) with pro-inflammatory signaling relative to the non-responders. The enriched cancer-immune interactions in responding tumors are characterized by activation of the PAX5 module, a known regulator of B cell maturation, which colocalized with spots with increased B cell markers expression suggesting strong activity of these cells. Cancer-CAF interactions were also enriched in the responding tumors and were associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling as there was high activation of FOS and JUN in CAFs adjacent to tumor. The ECM remodeling is consistent with proliferative fibrosis in association with immune-mediated tumor regression. Among the patients with major pathologic response, a single patient experienced early HCC recurrence. ST analysis of this clinical outlier demonstrated marked tumor heterogeneity, with a distinctive immune-poor tumor region that resembles the non-responding TME across patients and was characterized by cancer-CAF interactions and expression of cancer stem cell markers, potentially mediating early tumor immune escape and recurrence in this patient. These data show that responses to modern systemic therapy in HCC are associated with distinctive molecular and cellular landscapes and provide new targets to enhance and prolong responses to systemic therapy in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuming Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Long Yuan
- Department of Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Immunotherapy Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ludmila Danilova
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Immunotherapy Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Guanglan Mo
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Immunotherapy Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Qingfeng Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Atul Deshpande
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Immunotherapy Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alexander T.F. Bell
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer Elisseeff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Aleksander S. Popel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Robert A. Anders
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elizabeth M. Jaffee
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Immunotherapy Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mark Yarchoan
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Immunotherapy Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elana J. Fertig
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Immunotherapy Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Luciane T. Kagohara
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Immunotherapy Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Liang H, Zhang Z, Guan Z, Zheng S, Lou J, Liu W, Cai Q, Si Y. Follicle-like tertiary lymphoid structures: A potential biomarker for prognosis and immunotherapy response in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1096220. [PMID: 36776859 PMCID: PMC9912937 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1096220] [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: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The maturity and spatial distribution of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) vary dynamically within and between cancers, leading to a controversial role in cancer. We aimed to develop a simple morphology-based approach to identify the maturity of TLSs in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and examine their clinically relevant functional role. Methods TLSs were identified based on morphological features via hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and the accuracy was verified by multi-immunohistochemical analysis. The density, maturity, spatial distribution and prognostic value of TLSs were separately analyzed in two human laryngeal cancer cohorts. The TLS profile was linked to RNA-seq data from the TCGA database to perform bioinformatics analysis. Results TLSs can be classified as early TLSs (E-TLSs), primary follicle-like TLSs (PFL-TLSs) and secondary follicle-like TLSs (SFL-TLSs). The three types of TLSs showed higher infiltration in the extratumoral region. XCL2 is a vital chemokine in the maturation and infiltration of TLSs. FL-TLS was an independent positive prognostic indicator in laryngeal cancer. The FL-TLS group had more abundant immune cell infiltration and a better response to immunotherapies than the non-FL-TLS group. Functional analysis showed that the non-FL-TLS group was enriched in tumor invasion, metastasis and immunosuppression pathways. Conclusion The maturity of TLSs can be accurately classified by H&E staining. FL-TLS is a potential mediator of antitumor immunity in human laryngeal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifeng Liang
- Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhigang Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhong Guan
- Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shibie Zheng
- Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jintao Lou
- Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Cai
- Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Si
- Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Sei S, Ahadova A, Keskin DB, Bohaumilitzky L, Gebert J, von Knebel Doeberitz M, Lipkin SM, Kloor M. Lynch syndrome cancer vaccines: A roadmap for the development of precision immunoprevention strategies. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1147590. [PMID: 37035178 PMCID: PMC10073468 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1147590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Hereditary cancer syndromes (HCS) account for 5~10% of all cancer diagnosis. Lynch syndrome (LS) is one of the most common HCS, caused by germline mutations in the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes. Even with prospective cancer surveillance, LS is associated with up to 50% lifetime risk of colorectal, endometrial, and other cancers. While significant progress has been made in the timely identification of germline pathogenic variant carriers and monitoring and early detection of precancerous lesions, cancer-risk reduction strategies are still centered around endoscopic or surgical removal of neoplastic lesions and susceptible organs. Safe and effective cancer prevention strategies are critically needed to improve the life quality and longevity of LS and other HCS carriers. The era of precision oncology driven by recent technological advances in tumor molecular profiling and a better understanding of genetic risk factors has transformed cancer prevention approaches for at-risk individuals, including LS carriers. MMR deficiency leads to the accumulation of insertion and deletion mutations in microsatellites (MS), which are particularly prone to DNA polymerase slippage during DNA replication. Mutations in coding MS give rise to frameshift peptides (FSP) that are recognized by the immune system as neoantigens. Due to clonal evolution, LS tumors share a set of recurrent and predictable FSP neoantigens in the same and in different LS patients. Cancer vaccines composed of commonly recurring FSP neoantigens selected through prediction algorithms have been clinically evaluated in LS carriers and proven safe and immunogenic. Preclinically analogous FSP vaccines have been shown to elicit FSP-directed immune responses and exert tumor-preventive efficacy in murine models of LS. While the immunopreventive efficacy of "off-the-shelf" vaccines consisting of commonly recurring FSP antigens is currently investigated in LS clinical trials, the feasibility and utility of personalized FSP vaccines with individual HLA-restricted epitopes are being explored for more precise targeting. Here, we discuss recent advances in precision cancer immunoprevention approaches, emerging enabling technologies, research gaps, and implementation barriers toward clinical translation of risk-tailored prevention strategies for LS carriers. We will also discuss the feasibility and practicality of next-generation cancer vaccines that are based on personalized immunogenic epitopes for precision cancer immunoprevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shizuko Sei
- Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Shizuko Sei, ; Steven M. Lipkin, ; Matthias Kloor,
| | - Aysel Ahadova
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Derin B. Keskin
- Translational Immunogenomics Laboratory, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
- Broad Institute of The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Department of Computer Science, Metropolitan College, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Section for Bioinformatics, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Lena Bohaumilitzky
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Johannes Gebert
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Magnus von Knebel Doeberitz
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Steven M. Lipkin
- Joan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Shizuko Sei, ; Steven M. Lipkin, ; Matthias Kloor,
| | - Matthias Kloor
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Shizuko Sei, ; Steven M. Lipkin, ; Matthias Kloor,
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Missale F, Bugatti M, Marchi F, Mandelli GE, Bruni M, Palmerini G, Monti M, Bozzola AM, Arena G, Guastini L, Boggio M, Parrinello G, Peretti G, Vermi W. The prometastatic relevance of tumor-infiltrating B lymphocytes in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Clin Transl Immunology 2023; 12:e1445. [PMID: 37122496 PMCID: PMC10131296 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1445] [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: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas (LSCCs) typically have an excellent prognosis for stage I tumors but a significant risk of locoregional and distant recurrence for intermediate to advanced disease. This study will investigate the clinical relevance of the tumor microenvironment in a large cohort of treatment-naïve patients affected by stage II-IV LSCC. Methods Whole slide-based digital pathology analysis was applied to measure six immune cell populations identified by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining for CD3, CD8, CD20, CD66b, CD163 and CD38. Survival analysis was performed by Cox proportional hazards models and unsupervised hierarchical clustering using the k-means method. Double IHC staining and in-situ hybridisation by RNAscope allowed further analysis of a protumoral B cell population. Results A cohort of 98 patients was enrolled and analysed. The cluster of immune-infiltrated LSCCs demonstrated a significantly worse disease-specific survival rate. We also discovered a new association between high CD20+ B cells and a greater risk of distant recurrence. The phenotypic analysis of infiltrating CD20+ B cells showed a naïve (BCL6-CD27-Mum1-) regulatory phenotype, producing TGFβ but not IL10, according to an active TGFβ pathway, as proved by positive pSMAD2 staining. Conclusion The identification of regulatory B cells in the context of LSCC, along with the activation of the TGFβ pathway, could provide the basis for new trials investigating the efficacy of already available molecules targeting the TGFβ pathway in the treatment of LSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Missale
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San MartinoGenoaItaly
- Department of Molecular and Translational MedicineUniversity of BresciaBresciaItaly
- Department of Head & Neck Oncology & Surgery Otorhinolaryngology, Antoni Van LeeuwenhoekNederlands Kanker InstituutAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Mattia Bugatti
- Department of Molecular and Translational MedicineUniversity of BresciaBresciaItaly
- Unit of PathologyASST Spedali Civili di BresciaBresciaItaly
| | - Filippo Marchi
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San MartinoGenoaItaly
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC)University of GenoaGenoaItaly
| | | | - Maria Bruni
- Unit of PathologyASST Spedali Civili di BresciaBresciaItaly
| | | | - Matilde Monti
- Department of Molecular and Translational MedicineUniversity of BresciaBresciaItaly
| | - Anna M Bozzola
- Unit of PathologyASST Spedali Civili di BresciaBresciaItaly
| | - Giorgio Arena
- ENT DivisionUniversity of Easter Pidmont – AOU Maggiore della Carità di NovaraNovaraItaly
| | - Luca Guastini
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San MartinoGenoaItaly
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC)University of GenoaGenoaItaly
| | | | | | - Giorgio Peretti
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San MartinoGenoaItaly
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC)University of GenoaGenoaItaly
| | - William Vermi
- Department of Molecular and Translational MedicineUniversity of BresciaBresciaItaly
- Unit of PathologyASST Spedali Civili di BresciaBresciaItaly
- Department of Pathology and ImmunologyWashington University School of MedicineMOSt. LouisUSA
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40
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Fridman WH, Sibéril S, Pupier G, Soussan S, Sautès-Fridman C. Activation of B cells in Tertiary Lymphoid Structures in cancer: Anti-tumor or anti-self? Semin Immunol 2023; 65:101703. [PMID: 36481358 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2022.101703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Whereas T cells in the tumor microenvironment have been the main focus as cancer controlling cells and targets of immunotherapies, B cells have recently gained strong attention. Being associated to Tertiary Lymphoid Structures (TLS) located at the vicinity of tumor nests, the fate of B cell depends on TLS maturity. In immature TLS they may evolve as regulatory B cells producing immunosuppressive cytokines and promote tumor growth. In mature TLS with a germinal center, B cells are selected, amplified, undergo affinity maturation and isotypic switching, resulting in plasma cell generation and production of anti-tumor antibodies. In that case, they are associated with longer patient's survival and therapeutic response to immunotherapy. Identification of tumor specific, or tumor overexpressed, antigens recognized by "in situ" produced antibodies and their discrimination from self-antigens induced by ICI treatments is a major challenge to develop novel antibody-based immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolf H Fridman
- Centre de recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, F-75006 Paris, France; Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, 75006 Paris, France.
| | - Sophie Sibéril
- Centre de recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Guilhem Pupier
- Centre de recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, F-75006 Paris, France; Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Sarah Soussan
- Centre de recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Catherine Sautès-Fridman
- Centre de recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, F-75006 Paris, France; Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, 75006 Paris, France
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41
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Li X, Gulati M, Larson AC, Solheim JC, Jain M, Kumar S, Batra SK. Immune checkpoint blockade in pancreatic cancer: Trudging through the immune desert. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:14-27. [PMID: 36041672 PMCID: PMC9713834 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) has exceptionally high mortality due to ineffective treatment strategies. Immunotherapy, which mobilizes the immune system to fight against cancer, has been proven successful in multiple cancers; however, its application in PC has met with limited success. In this review, we articulated that the pancreatic tumor microenvironment is immuno-suppressive with extensive infiltration by M2-macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressive cells but low numbers of cytotoxic T-cells. In addition, low mutational load and poor antigen processing, presentation, and recognition contribute to the limited response to immunotherapy in PC. Immune checkpoints, the critical targets for immunotherapy, have high expression in PC and stromal cells, regulated by tumor microenvironmental milieu (cytokine and metabolites) and cell-intrinsic mechanisms (epigenetic regulation, oncogenic signaling, and post-translational modifications). Combining immunotherapy with modulators of the tumor microenvironment may facilitate the development of novel therapeutic regimens to manage PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqi Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Mansi Gulati
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Alaina C Larson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Joyce C Solheim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Maneesh Jain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
| | - Sushil Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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CHEN J, CHEN J, WANG L. Tertiary lymphoid structures as unique constructions associated with the organization, education, and function of tumor-infiltrating immunocytes. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2022; 23:812-822. [PMID: 36226536 PMCID: PMC9561406 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b2200174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) are formations at sites with persistent inflammatory stimulation, including tumors. These ectopic lymphoid organs mainly consist of chemo-attracting B cells, T cells, and supporting dendritic cells (DCs). Mature TLSs exhibit functional organization for the optimal development and collaboration of adaptive immune response, delivering an augmented effect on the tumor microenvironment (TME). The description of the positive correlation between TLSs and tumor prognosis is reliable only under a certain condition involving the localization and maturation of TLSs. Emerging evidence suggests that underlying mechanisms of the anti-tumor effect of TLSs pave the way for novel immunotherapies. Several approaches have been developed to take advantage of intratumoral TLSs, either by combining it with therapeutic agents or by inducing the neogenesis of TLSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing CHEN
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310009, China,Institute of Immunology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310003, China
| | - Jian CHEN
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310009, China,Jian CHEN,
| | - Lie WANG
- Institute of Immunology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310003, China,Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou311121, China,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, China,Lie WANG,
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Senserrich J, Guallar-Garrido S, Gomez-Mora E, Urrea V, Clotet B, Julián E, Cabrera C. Remodeling the bladder tumor immune microenvironment by mycobacterial species with changes in their cell envelope composition. Front Immunol 2022; 13:993401. [PMID: 36304456 PMCID: PMC9593704 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.993401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Intravesical BCG instillation after bladder tumor resection is the standard treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer; however, it is not always effective and frequently has undesirable side effects. Therefore, new strategies that improve the clinical management of patients are urgently needed. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the bladder tumor immune microenvironment profile after intravesical treatment with a panel of mycobacteria with variation in their cell envelope composition and its impact on survival using an orthotopic murine model to identify more effective and safer therapeutic strategies. tumor-bearing mice were intravesically treated with a panel of BCG and M. brumae cultured under different conditions. Untreated tumor-bearing mice and healthy mice were also included as controls. After mycobacterial treatments, the infiltrating immune cell populations in the bladder were analysed by flow cytometry. We provide evidence that mycobacterial treatment triggered a strong immune infiltration into the bladder, with BCG inducing higher global absolute infiltration than M. brumae. The induced global immune microenvironment was strikingly different between the two mycobacterial species, affecting both innate and adaptive immunity. Compared with M. brumae, BCG treated mice exhibited a more robust infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells skewed toward an effector memory phenotype, with higher frequencies of NKT cells, neutrophils/gMDSCs and monocytes, especially the inflammatory subset, and higher CD4+ TEM/CD4+ Treg and CD8+ TEM/CD4+ Treg ratios. Conversely, M. brumae treatment triggered higher proportions of total activated immune cells and activated CD4+ and CD8+ TEM cells and lower ratios of CD4+ TEM cells/CD4+ Tregs, CD8+ TEM cells/CD4+ Tregs and inflammatory/reparative monocytes. Notably, the mycobacterial cell envelope composition in M. brumae had a strong impact on the immune microenvironment, shaping the B and myeloid cell compartment and T-cell maturation profile and thus improving survival. Overall, we demonstrate that the bladder immune microenvironment induced by mycobacterial treatment is species specific and shaped by mycobacterial cell envelope composition. Therefore, the global bladder immune microenvironment can be remodelled, improving the quality of infiltrating immune cells, the balance between inflammatory and regulatory/suppressive responses and increasing survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Senserrich
- AIDS Research Institute IrsiCaixa, Institut de Recerca en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra Guallar-Garrido
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisabet Gomez-Mora
- AIDS Research Institute IrsiCaixa, Institut de Recerca en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Victor Urrea
- AIDS Research Institute IrsiCaixa, Institut de Recerca en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bonaventura Clotet
- AIDS Research Institute IrsiCaixa, Institut de Recerca en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Fundació lluita contra la SIDA, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Catalonia, Spain
- University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic - UCC), Vic, Spain
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Julián
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cecilia Cabrera
- AIDS Research Institute IrsiCaixa, Institut de Recerca en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- *Correspondence: Cecilia Cabrera, ; Esther Julián,
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Daly RJ, Scott AM, Klein O, Ernst M. Enhancing therapeutic anti-cancer responses by combining immune checkpoint and tyrosine kinase inhibition. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:189. [PMID: 36175961 PMCID: PMC9523960 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01656-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has been established as the standard of care for many types of cancer, but the strategies employed have continued to evolve. Recently, much clinical focus has been on combining targeted therapies with ICI for the purpose of manipulating the immune setpoint. The latter concept describes the equilibrium between factors that promote and those that suppress anti-cancer immunity. Besides tumor mutational load and other cancer cell-intrinsic determinants, the immune setpoint is also governed by the cells of the tumor microenvironment and how they are coerced by cancer cells to support the survival and growth of the tumor. These regulatory mechanisms provide therapeutic opportunities to intervene and reduce immune suppression via application of small molecule inhibitors and antibody-based therapies against (receptor) tyrosine kinases and thereby improve the response to ICIs. This article reviews how tyrosine kinase signaling in the tumor microenvironment can promote immune suppression and highlights how therapeutic strategies directed against specific tyrosine kinases can be used to lower the immune setpoint and elicit more effective anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger J Daly
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 23 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia. .,Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Monash University, 23 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.
| | - Andrew M Scott
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Monash University, 23 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.,Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute and La Trobe University School of Cancer Medicine, 145 Studley Rd, Melbourne-Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia.,Department of Molecular Imaging & Therapy, Austin Health, and Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, 145 Studley Rd, Melbourne-Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia
| | - Oliver Klein
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute and La Trobe University School of Cancer Medicine, 145 Studley Rd, Melbourne-Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia
| | - Matthias Ernst
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Monash University, 23 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia. .,Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute and La Trobe University School of Cancer Medicine, 145 Studley Rd, Melbourne-Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia.
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Yaping W, Zhe W, Zhuling C, Ruolei L, Pengyu F, Lili G, Cheng J, Bo Z, Liuyin L, Guangdong H, Yaoling W, Niuniu H, Rui L. The soldiers needed to be awakened: Tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Front Genet 2022; 13:988703. [PMID: 36246629 PMCID: PMC9558824 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.988703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the tumor microenvironment, tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) are a key component. Different types of TIICs play distinct roles. CD8+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells could secrete soluble factors to hinder tumor cell growth, whereas regulatory T cells (Tregs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) release inhibitory factors to promote tumor growth and progression. In the meantime, a growing body of evidence illustrates that the balance between pro- and anti-tumor responses of TIICs is associated with the prognosis in the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, in order to boost anti-tumor response and improve the clinical outcome of tumor patients, a variety of anti-tumor strategies for targeting TIICs based on their respective functions have been developed and obtained good treatment benefits, including mainly immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), adoptive cell therapies (ACT), chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, and various monoclonal antibodies. In recent years, the tumor-specific features of immune cells are further investigated by various methods, such as using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), and the results indicate that these cells have diverse phenotypes in different types of tumors and emerge inconsistent therapeutic responses. Hence, we concluded the recent advances in tumor-infiltrating immune cells, including functions, prognostic values, and various immunotherapy strategies for each immune cell in different tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Yaping
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wang Zhe
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Chu Zhuling
- Department of General Surgery, Eastern Theater Air Force Hospital of PLA, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Ruolei
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Fan Pengyu
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Guo Lili
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ji Cheng
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhang Bo
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Liu Liuyin
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Hou Guangdong
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wang Yaoling
- Department of Geriatrics, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hou Niuniu
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of General Surgery, Eastern Theater Air Force Hospital of PLA, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Hou Niuniu, ; Ling Rui,
| | - Ling Rui
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Hou Niuniu, ; Ling Rui,
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Wall I, Boulat V, Shah A, Blenman KRM, Wu Y, Alberts E, Calado DP, Salgado R, Grigoriadis A. Leveraging the Dynamic Immune Environment Triad in Patients with Breast Cancer: Tumour, Lymph Node, and Peripheral Blood. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:4505. [PMID: 36139665 PMCID: PMC9496983 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
During the anti-tumour response to breast cancer, the primary tumour, the peripheral blood, and the lymph nodes each play unique roles. Immunological features at each site reveal evidence of continuous immune cross-talk between them before, during and after treatment. As such, immune responses to breast cancer are found to be highly dynamic and truly systemic, integrating three distinct immune sites, complex cell-migration highways, as well as the temporal dimension of disease progression and treatment. In this review, we provide a connective summary of the dynamic immune environment triad of breast cancer. It is critical that future studies seek to establish dynamic immune profiles, constituting multiple sites, that capture the systemic immune response to breast cancer and define patient-selection parameters resulting in more significant overall responses and survival rates for breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isobelle Wall
- Cancer Bioinformatics, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Victoire Boulat
- Cancer Bioinformatics, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
- Immunity and Cancer Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Aekta Shah
- Cancer Bioinformatics, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
- Department of Pathology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai 400012, India
| | - Kim R. M. Blenman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Department of Computer Science, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Yin Wu
- Breast Cancer Now Research Unit, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
- Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
- Centre for Inflammation Biology and Cancer Immunology, School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Elena Alberts
- Cancer Bioinformatics, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
- Immunity and Cancer Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Dinis Pedro Calado
- Immunity and Cancer Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Roberto Salgado
- Department of Pathology, GZA-ZNA Hospitals, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
- Division of Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Anita Grigoriadis
- Cancer Bioinformatics, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
- Breast Cancer Now Research Unit, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
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Rocconi RP, Stanbery L, Tang M, Madeira da Silva L, Walter A, Monk BJ, Herzog TJ, Coleman RL, Manning L, Wallraven G, Horvath S, Bognar E, Senzer N, Brun S, Nemunaitis J. ENTPD1/CD39 as a predictive marker of treatment response to gemogenovatucel-T as maintenance therapy in newly diagnosed ovarian cancer. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2022; 2:106. [PMID: 36051466 PMCID: PMC9424215 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-022-00163-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Broadened use of predictive molecular and phenotypic profiling amongst oncologists has facilitated optimal integration of targeted- and immuno-therapeutics into clinical care. However, the use of predictive immunomarkers in ovarian cancer (OC) has not consistently translated into clinical benefit. Vigil (gemogenovatucel-T) is a novel plasmid engineered autologous tumor cell immunotherapy designed to knock down the tumor suppressor cytokines, TGFβ1 and TGFβ2, augment local immune function via increased GMCSF expression and enhance presentation of clonal neoantigen epitopes. Methods: All patients enrolled in the VITAL trial (NCT02346747) of maintenance Vigil vs. placebo as front-line therapy with homologous recombination proficient (HRP) stage IIIB-IV newly diagnosed ovarian cancer underwent NanoString gene expression analysis. Tissue was obtained from surgically resected ovarian tumor tissue following surgical debulking. A statistical algorithm was used to analyze the NanoString gene expression data. Results Using the NanoString Statistical Algorithm (NSA), we identify high expression of ENTPD1/CD39 (which functions as the rate-limiting step in the production of the immune suppressor adenosine from ATP to ADP) as a presumptive predictor of response to Vigil versus placebo regardless of HRP status on the basis of relapse free survival (median not achieved vs 8.1 months, p = 0.00007) and overall survival (median not achieved vs 41.4 months, p = 0.013) extension. Conclusion NSA should be considered for application to investigational targeted therapies in order to identify populations most likely to benefit from treatment, in preparation for efficacy conclusive trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodney P. Rocconi
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Mobile, USA
| | | | - Min Tang
- Stat-Beyond Consulting, Irvine, USA
| | - Luciana Madeira da Silva
- Mitchell Cancer Institute, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, USA
| | - Adam Walter
- Gradalis, Inc, Carrollton, USA
- Promedica, Toledo, USA
| | - Bradley J. Monk
- Arizona Oncology, (US Oncology Network), University of Arizona, Creighton University, Phoenix, USA
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Talaat IM, Elemam NM, Zaher S, Saber-Ayad M. Checkpoint molecules on infiltrating immune cells in colorectal tumor microenvironment. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:955599. [PMID: 36072957 PMCID: PMC9441912 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.955599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent cancer types worldwide, with a high mortality rate due to metastasis. The tumor microenvironment (TME) contains multiple interactions between the tumor and the host, thus determining CRC initiation and progression. Various immune cells exist within the TME, such as tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs). The immunotherapy approach provides novel opportunities to treat solid tumors, especially toward immune checkpoints. Despite the advances in the immunotherapy of CRC, there are still obstacles to successful treatment. In this review, we highlighted the role of these immune cells in CRC, with a particular emphasis on immune checkpoint molecules involved in CRC pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman M. Talaat
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Noha M. Elemam
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- *Correspondence: Noha M. Elemam,
| | - Shroque Zaher
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Maha Saber-Ayad
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Maha Saber-Ayad,
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High IGKC-Expressing Intratumoral Plasma Cells Predict Response to Immune Checkpoint Blockade. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169124. [PMID: 36012390 PMCID: PMC9408876 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Blockade (ICB) constitutes the current limiting factor for the optimal implementation of this novel therapy, which otherwise demonstrates durable responses with acceptable toxicity scores. This limitation is exacerbated by a lack of robust biomarkers. In this study, we have dissected the basal TME composition at the gene expression and cellular levels that predict response to Nivolumab and prognosis. BCR, TCR and HLA profiling were employed for further characterization of the molecular variables associated with response. The findings were validated using a single-cell RNA-seq data of metastatic melanoma patients treated with ICB, and by multispectral immunofluorescence. Finally, machine learning was employed to construct a prediction algorithm that was validated across eight metastatic melanoma cohorts treated with ICB. Using this strategy, we have unmasked a major role played by basal intratumoral Plasma cells expressing high levels of IGKC in efficacy. IGKC, differentially expressed in good responders, was also identified within the Top response-related BCR clonotypes, together with IGK variants. These results were validated at gene, cellular and protein levels; CD138+ Plasma-like and Plasma cells were more abundant in good responders and correlated with the same RNA-seq-defined fraction. Finally, we generated a 15-gene prediction model that outperformed the current reference score in eight ICB-treated metastatic melanoma cohorts. The evidenced major contribution of basal intratumoral IGKC and Plasma cells in good response and outcome in ICB in metastatic melanoma is a groundbreaking finding in the field beyond the role of T lymphocytes.
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Prognostic value, DNA variation and immunologic features of a tertiary lymphoid structure-related chemokine signature in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2022; 71:1923-1935. [PMID: 35043231 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-03123-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tumor microenvironment (TME) and tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) affect the occurrence and development of cancers. How the immune contexture interacts with the phenotype of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remains unclear. METHODS We identified and evaluated TLS clusters in ccRCC using machine learning algorithms and the 12-chemokine gene signature for TLS. Analyses for functional enrichment, DNA variation, immune cell distribution, association with independent clinicopathological features and predictive value of CXCL13 in ccRCC were performed. RESULTS We found a prominently enrichment of the 12-chemokine gene signature for TLS in patients with ccRCC compared with other types of renal cell carcinoma. We identified a prognostic value of CCL4, CCL5, CCL8, CCL19 and CXCL13 expression in ccRCC. DNA deletion of the TLS gene signature significantly predicted poor outcome in ccRCC compared with amplification and wild-type gene signature. We established TLS clusters (C1-4) and observed distinct differences in survival, stem cell-like characteristics, immune cell distribution, response to immunotherapies and VEGF-targeted therapies among the clusters. We found that elevated CXCL13 expression significantly predicted aggressive progression and poor prognosis in 232 patients with ccRCC in a real-world validation cohort. CONCLUSION This study described a 12-chemokine gene signature for TLS in ccRCC and established TLS clusters that reflected different TME immune status and corresponded to prognosis of ccRCC. We confirmed the dense presence of TILs aggregation and TLS in ccRCC and demonstrated an oncogenic role of CXCL13 expression of ccRCC, which help develop immunotherapies and provide novel insights on the long-term management of ccRCC.
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