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Bidan N, Dunsmore G, Ugrinic M, Bied M, Moreira M, Deloménie C, Ginhoux F, Blériot C, de la Fuente M, Mura S. Multicellular tumor spheroid model to study the multifaceted role of tumor-associated macrophages in PDAC. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024; 14:2085-2099. [PMID: 38062286 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01479-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
While considerable efforts have been made to develop new therapies, progress in the treatment of pancreatic cancer has so far fallen short of patients' expectations. This is due in part to the lack of predictive in vitro models capable of accounting for the heterogeneity of this tumor and its low immunogenicity. To address this point, we have established and characterized a 3D spheroid model of pancreatic cancer composed of tumor cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and blood-derived monocytes. The fate of the latter has been followed from their recruitment into the tumor spheroid to their polarization into a tumor-associated macrophage (TAM)-like population, providing evidence for the formation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment.This 3D model well reproduced the multiple roles of TAMs and their influence on drug sensitivity and cell migration. Furthermore, we observed that lipid-based nanosystems consisting of sphingomyelin and vitamin E could affect the phenotype of macrophages, causing a reduction of characteristic markers of TAMs. Overall, this optimized triple coculture model gives a valuable tool that could find useful application for a more comprehensive understanding of TAM plasticity as well as for more predictive drug screening. This could increase the relevance of preclinical studies and help identify effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadège Bidan
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, 91400, Orsay, France
| | | | - Martina Ugrinic
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, 91400, Orsay, France
| | - Mathilde Bied
- Inserm U1015, Gustave Roussy, 94800, Villejuif, France
| | - Marco Moreira
- Inserm U1015, Gustave Roussy, 94800, Villejuif, France
| | - Claudine Deloménie
- Inserm US31, CNRS UAR3679, Ingénierie Et Plateformes Au Service de L'Innovation Thérapeutique (UMS-IPSIT), Université Paris-Saclay, 91400, Orsay, France
| | | | - Camille Blériot
- Inserm U1015, Gustave Roussy, 94800, Villejuif, France
- CNRS UMR8253, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Maria de la Fuente
- Nano-Oncology and Translational Therapeutics Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela SERGAS, 15706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center On Oncology (CIBERONC), 28029, Madrid, Spain
- DIVERSA Technologies SL, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Simona Mura
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, 91400, Orsay, France.
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2
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Ascheid D, Baumann M, Pinnecker J, Friedrich M, Szi-Marton D, Medved C, Bundalo M, Ortmann V, Öztürk A, Nandigama R, Hemmen K, Ergün S, Zernecke A, Hirth M, Heinze KG, Henke E. A vascularized breast cancer spheroid platform for the ranked evaluation of tumor microenvironment-targeted drugs by light sheet fluorescence microscopy. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3599. [PMID: 38678014 PMCID: PMC11055956 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48010-z] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeting the supportive tumor microenvironment (TME) is an approach of high interest in cancer drug development. However, assessing TME-targeted drug candidates presents a unique set of challenges. We develop a comprehensive screening platform that allows monitoring, quantifying, and ranking drug-induced effects in self-organizing, vascularized tumor spheroids (VTSs). The confrontation of four human-derived cell populations makes it possible to recreate and study complex changes in TME composition and cell-cell interaction. The platform is modular and adaptable for tumor entity or genetic manipulation. Treatment effects are recorded by light sheet fluorescence microscopy and translated by an advanced image analysis routine in processable multi-parametric datasets. The system proved to be robust, with strong interassay reliability. We demonstrate the platform's utility for evaluating TME-targeted antifibrotic and antiangiogenic drugs side-by-side. The platform's output enabled the differential evaluation of even closely related drug candidates according to projected therapeutic needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Ascheid
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Magdalena Baumann
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Pinnecker
- Chair of Molecular Microscopy, Rudolf-Virchow-Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mike Friedrich
- Chair of Molecular Microscopy, Rudolf-Virchow-Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Szi-Marton
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Cornelia Medved
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Maja Bundalo
- Institute of Experimental Biomedicine, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Vanessa Ortmann
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Asli Öztürk
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Rajender Nandigama
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Max Planck Institute of Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Katherina Hemmen
- Chair of Molecular Microscopy, Rudolf-Virchow-Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Süleymann Ergün
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alma Zernecke
- Institute of Experimental Biomedicine, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Hirth
- Institut für Medientechnik, Technische Universität Illmenau, Illmenau, Germany
| | - Katrin G Heinze
- Chair of Molecular Microscopy, Rudolf-Virchow-Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Erik Henke
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
- Graduate School for Life Sciences, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
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3
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Yu X, Wang L, Niu Z, Zhu L. Controversial role of γδ T cells in colorectal cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2024; 14:1482-1500. [PMID: 38726287 PMCID: PMC11076236 DOI: 10.62347/hwmb1163] [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: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequent type of cancer, and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Current treatments for patients with CRC do not substantially improve the survival and quality of life of patients with advanced CRC, thus necessitating the development of new treatment strategies. The emergence of immunotherapy has revitalized the field, showing great potential in advanced CRC treatment. Owing to the ability of tumor cells to evade the immune system through major histocompatibility complex shedding and heterogeneous and low antigen spreading, only a few patients respond to immunotherapy. γδ T cells have heterogeneous structures and functions, and their key roles in immune regulation, tumor immunosurveillance, and specific primary immune responses have increasingly been recognized. γδ T cells recognize and kill CRC cells efficiently, thus inhibiting tumor progress through various mechanisms. However, γδ T cells can potentially promote tumor development and metastasis. Thus, given this dual role in prognosis, these cells can act as either a "friend" or "foe" of CRC. In this review, we explore the characteristics of γδ T cells and their functions in CRC, highlighting their application in immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianzhe Yu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and Lung Cancer Center/Lung Cancer Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengdu, Sichuan, The People’s Republic of China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Chengdu Second People’s HospitalNo. 10 Qinyun Nan Street, Chengdu, Sichuan, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Leibo Wang
- Department of Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital Guizhou HospitalGuiyang, Guizhou, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhongxi Niu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Medical Center of PLA General HospitalBeijing, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Lingling Zhu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and Lung Cancer Center/Lung Cancer Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengdu, Sichuan, The People’s Republic of China
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4
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Pisheh L, Matis S, Taglieri M, Di Gregorio L, Benelli R, Poggi A. EGFR-Targeted Antibody-Drug Conjugate to Different Aminobisphosphonates: Direct and Indirect Antitumor Effects on Colorectal Carcinoma Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1256. [PMID: 38610932 PMCID: PMC11011001 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071256] [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: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Antibody--drug conjugates (ADCs) are a promising delivery system that involves linking a monoclonal antibody (mAb) to a specific drug, such as a cytotoxic agent, to target tumor cells. This new class of antitumor therapy acts as a "biological missile" that can destroy tumor cells while increasing the therapeutic index and decreasing toxicity. One of the most critical factors in ADC design is selecting a target antigen that is highly expressed on the surface of cancer cells. In this study, we conjugated Cetuximab (Cet), a monoclonal antibody that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), to aminobisphosphonates (N-BPs) such as ibandronate (IBA) or risedronate (RIS) or zoledronate (ZA). Cetuximab is administered to patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma (mCRC) with a wild-type (WT) EGFR transduction pathway. Also, it is well established that N-BPs can trigger the antitumor activity of Vδ2 T cells in both in vitro and in vivo experimental models. The resulting ADCs were added in co-culture to assess the effect on CRC cell line proliferation and sensitivity to Vδ2 T antitumor lymphocytes in comparison with the native antibody. These assays have been performed both in conventional and 3D spheroid cultures. We found that all three ADCs can increase the inhibitory effect on cell proliferation of the WT-EGFR cell line Caco-2 while only Cet-RIS and Cet-ZA can increase the cytotoxicity mediated by Vδ2 T cells against both WT and EGFR-mutated CRC cell lines (Caco-2, DLD-1, and HCT-116). Also, the ADCs can trigger the cell proliferation of Vδ2 T cells present in peripheral blood and tumor specimens. Our findings indicate that anti-EGFR antibodies bound to N-BPs can improve the antitumor effects of the native antibody possibly increasing the therapeutic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Pisheh
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy; (L.P.); (S.M.); (M.T.); (L.D.G.); (R.B.)
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Serena Matis
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy; (L.P.); (S.M.); (M.T.); (L.D.G.); (R.B.)
| | - Martina Taglieri
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy; (L.P.); (S.M.); (M.T.); (L.D.G.); (R.B.)
| | - Linda Di Gregorio
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy; (L.P.); (S.M.); (M.T.); (L.D.G.); (R.B.)
| | - Roberto Benelli
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy; (L.P.); (S.M.); (M.T.); (L.D.G.); (R.B.)
| | - Alessandro Poggi
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy; (L.P.); (S.M.); (M.T.); (L.D.G.); (R.B.)
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5
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Azimnasab-Sorkhabi P, Soltani-Asl M, Soleiman Ekhtiyari M, Kfoury Junior JR. Landscape of unconventional γδ T cell subsets in cancer. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:238. [PMID: 38289417 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09267-1] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
T cells are broadly categorized into two groups, namely conventional and unconventional T cells. Conventional T cells are the most prevalent and well-studied subset of T cells. On the other hand, unconventional T cells exhibit diverse functions shared between innate and adaptive immune cells. During recent decades, γδ T cells have received attention for their roles in cancer immunity. These cells can detect various molecules, such as lipids and metabolites. Also, they are known for their distinctive ability to recognize and target cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). This feature of γδ T cells could provide a unique therapeutic tool to fight against cancer. Understanding the role of γδ T cells in TME is essential to prepare the groundwork to use γδ T cells for clinical purposes. Here, we provide recent knowledge regarding the role γδ T cell subsets in different cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parviz Azimnasab-Sorkhabi
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Maryam Soltani-Asl
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Jose Roberto Kfoury Junior
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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6
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Xu H, Jia Z, Liu F, Li J, Huang Y, Jiang Y, Pu P, Shang T, Tang P, Zhou Y, Yang Y, Su J, Liu J. Biomarkers and experimental models for cancer immunology investigation. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e437. [PMID: 38045830 PMCID: PMC10693314 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.437] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid advancement of tumor immunotherapies poses challenges for the tools used in cancer immunology research, highlighting the need for highly effective biomarkers and reproducible experimental models. Current immunotherapy biomarkers encompass surface protein markers such as PD-L1, genetic features such as microsatellite instability, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and biomarkers in liquid biopsy such as circulating tumor DNAs. Experimental models, ranging from 3D in vitro cultures (spheroids, submerged models, air-liquid interface models, organ-on-a-chips) to advanced 3D bioprinting techniques, have emerged as valuable platforms for cancer immunology investigations and immunotherapy biomarker research. By preserving native immune components or coculturing with exogenous immune cells, these models replicate the tumor microenvironment in vitro. Animal models like syngeneic models, genetically engineered models, and patient-derived xenografts provide opportunities to study in vivo tumor-immune interactions. Humanized animal models further enable the simulation of the human-specific tumor microenvironment. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the advantages, limitations, and prospects of different biomarkers and experimental models, specifically focusing on the role of biomarkers in predicting immunotherapy outcomes and the ability of experimental models to replicate the tumor microenvironment. By integrating cutting-edge biomarkers and experimental models, this review serves as a valuable resource for accessing the forefront of cancer immunology investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengyi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular OncologyNational Cancer Center /National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Ziqi Jia
- Department of Breast Surgical OncologyNational Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Fengshuo Liu
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Jiayi Li
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Department of Breast Surgical OncologyNational Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yansong Huang
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Department of Breast Surgical OncologyNational Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yiwen Jiang
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Pengming Pu
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Tongxuan Shang
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Pengrui Tang
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yongxin Zhou
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yufan Yang
- School of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jianzhong Su
- Oujiang LaboratoryZhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain HealthWenzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular OncologyNational Cancer Center /National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Department of Breast Surgical OncologyNational Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
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7
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Lin P, Yan Y, Zhang Z, Dong Q, Yi J, Li Q, Zhang A, Kong X. The γδ T cells dual function and crosstalk with intestinal flora in treating colorectal cancer is a promising area of study. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 123:110733. [PMID: 37579540 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110733] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is highly prevalent and severely affects human health, with the third-greatest occurrence and the second-greatest rate of death globally. Current CRC treatments, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, do not significantly improve CRC patients' survival rate and quality of life, so it is essential to develop new treatment strategies. Adoptive cell therapy and other immunotherapy came into being. Currently, there has been an especially significant emphasis on γδ T cells as being the primary recipient of adoptive cell therapy. The present investigation found that γδ T cells possess the capability to trigger cytotoxicity in CRC cells, secrete cytokines, recruit immune cells for the purpose of destroying cancer cells, and inhibit the progress of CRC indirectly. Nevertheless, It is possible for γδ T cells to initiate a storm of inflammatory factors and inhibit the immune response to promote the advancement of CRC. This review demonstrates a close association between the γδ T cell initiation pathway and their close association with the intestinal flora. It has been observed that the intestinal flora performs a vital function in facilitating the stimulation and functioning of γδ T cells. The tumor-fighting effect is mainly regulated by desulphurizing Vibrio and lactic acid bacteria. In contrast, the regulation of tumor-promoting impact is closely related to Clostridia and ETBF. This review systematically combs γδ T cell dual function and their relationship to intestinal flora, which offers a conceptual framework for the γδ T cell application for CRC therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peizhe Lin
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yijing Yan
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Ze Zhang
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Qiutong Dong
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jia Yi
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Qingbo Li
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Ao Zhang
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Xianbin Kong
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
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8
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Tartagni O, Borók A, Mensà E, Bonyár A, Monti B, Hofkens J, Porcelli AM, Zuccheri G. Microstructured soft devices for the growth and analysis of populations of homogenous multicellular tumor spheroids. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:93. [PMID: 36929461 PMCID: PMC10020259 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04748-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Multicellular tumor spheroids are rapidly emerging as an improved in vitro model with respect to more traditional 2D culturing. Microwell culturing is a simple and accessible method for generating a large number of uniformly sized spheroids, but commercially available systems often do not enable researchers to perform complete culturing and analysis pipelines and the mechanical properties of their culture environment are not commonly matching those of the target tissue. We herein report a simple method to obtain custom-designed self-built microwell arrays made of polydimethylsiloxane or agarose for uniform 3D cell structure generation. Such materials can provide an environment of tunable mechanical flexibility. We developed protocols to culture a variety of cancer and non-cancer cell lines in such devices and to perform molecular and imaging characterizations of the spheroid growth, viability, and response to pharmacological treatments. Hundreds of tumor spheroids grow (in scaffolded or scaffold-free conditions) at homogeneous rates and can be harvested at will. Microscopy imaging can be performed in situ during or at the end of the culture. Fluorescence (confocal) microscopy can be performed after in situ staining while retaining the geographic arrangement of spheroids in the plate wells. This platform can enable statistically robust investigations on cancer biology and screening of drug treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ottavia Tartagni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via San Donato, 19/2, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alexandra Borók
- Department of Electronics Technology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Emanuela Mensà
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via San Donato, 19/2, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Attila Bonyár
- Department of Electronics Technology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Barbara Monti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via San Donato, 19/2, 40127, Bologna, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research on Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Johan Hofkens
- Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anna Maria Porcelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via San Donato, 19/2, 40127, Bologna, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research on Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Zuccheri
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via San Donato, 19/2, 40127, Bologna, Italy.
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research on Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
- S3 Center, Institute of Nanoscience, Italian National Research Council, Modena, Italy.
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9
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Priming of Colorectal Tumor-Associated Fibroblasts with Zoledronic Acid Conjugated to the Anti-Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Antibody Cetuximab Elicits Anti-Tumor Vδ2 T Lymphocytes. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030610. [PMID: 36765569 PMCID: PMC9913507 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030610] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAF) exert immunosuppressive effects in colorectal carcinoma (CRC), impairing the recognition of tumor cells by effector lymphocytes, including Vδ2 T cells. Herein, we show that CRC-derived TAF can be turned by zoledronic acid (ZA), in soluble form or as antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), into efficient stimulators of Vδ2 T cells. CRC-TAF, obtained from patients, express the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the butyrophilin family members BTN3A1/BTN2A1. These butyrophilins mediate the presentation of the phosphoantigens, accumulated in the cells due to ZA effect, to Vδ2 T cells. CRC-TAF exposed to soluble ZA acquired the ability to trigger the proliferation of Vδ2 T cells, in part represented by effector memory cells lacking CD45RA and CD27. In turn, expanded Vδ2 T cells exerted relevant cytotoxic activity towards CRC cells and CRC-TAF when primed with soluble ZA. Of note, also the ADC made of the anti-EGFR cetuximab (Cet) and ZA (Cet-ZA), that we recently described, induced the proliferation of anti-tumor Vδ2 T lymphocytes and their activation against CRC-TAF. These findings indicate that ZA can educate TAF to stimulate effector memory Vδ2 T cells; the Cet-ZA ADC formulation can lead to the precise delivery of ZA to EGFR+ cells, with a double targeting of TAF and tumor cells.
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10
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Selective Eradication of Colon Cancer Cells Harboring PI3K and/or MAPK Pathway Mutations in 3D Culture by Combined PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway and MEK Inhibition. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021668. [PMID: 36675180 PMCID: PMC9863259 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second deadliest cancer in the world. Besides APC and p53 alterations, the PI3K/AKT/MTOR and MAPK pathway are most commonly mutated in CRC. So far, no treatment options targeting these pathways are available in routine clinics for CRC patients. We systematically analyzed the response of CRC cells to the combination of small molecular inhibitors targeting the PI3K and MAPK pathways. We used CRC cells in 2D, 3D spheroid, collagen gel cultures and freshly isolated organoids for drug response studies. Readout for drug response was spheroid or organoid growth, spheroid outgrowth, metabolic activity, Western blotting and immunofluorescence. We found profound tumor cell destruction under treatment with a combination of Torin 1 (inhibiting mTOR), MK2206 (targeting AKT) and selumetinib (inhibiting MEK) in 3D but not in 2D. Induction of cell death was due to apoptosis. Western blot analysis revealed efficient drug action. Gedatolisib, a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, could replace Torin1/MK2206 with similar efficiency. The presence of PI3K and/or RAS-RAF-MAPK pathway mutations accounted for treatment responsiveness. Here, we identified a novel, efficient therapy, which induced proliferation stop and tumor cell destruction in vitro based on the genetic background. These preclinical findings show promise to further test this combi-treatment in vivo in mice and to potentially develop a mutation specific targeted therapy for CRC patients.
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11
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Corsale AM, Di Simone M, Lo Presti E, Dieli F, Meraviglia S. γδ T cells and their clinical application in colon cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1098847. [PMID: 36793708 PMCID: PMC9923022 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1098847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, research has focused on colorectal cancer to implement modern treatment approaches to improve patient survival. In this new era, γδ T cells constitute a new and promising candidate to treat many types of cancer because of their potent killing activity and their ability to recognize tumor antigens independently of HLA molecules. Here, we focus on the roles that γδ T cells play in antitumor immunity, especially in colorectal cancer. Furthermore, we provide an overview of small-scale clinical trials in patients with colorectal cancer employing either in vivo activation or adoptive transfer of ex vivo expanded γδ T cells and suggest possible combinatorial approaches to treat colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Corsale
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research (CLADIBIOR), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (ProMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnosis (Bi.N.D.) University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Marta Di Simone
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research (CLADIBIOR), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (ProMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnosis (Bi.N.D.) University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Elena Lo Presti
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council (CNR)I, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Dieli
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research (CLADIBIOR), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnosis (Bi.N.D.) University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Serena Meraviglia
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research (CLADIBIOR), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnosis (Bi.N.D.) University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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12
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Manduca N, Maccafeo E, De Maria R, Sistigu A, Musella M. 3D cancer models: One step closer to in vitro human studies. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1175503. [PMID: 37114038 PMCID: PMC10126361 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1175503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is the great breakthrough in cancer treatment as it displayed prolonged progression-free survival over conventional therapies, yet, to date, in only a minority of patients. In order to broad cancer immunotherapy clinical applicability some roadblocks need to be overcome, first among all the lack of preclinical models that faithfully depict the local tumor microenvironment (TME), which is known to dramatically affect disease onset, progression and response to therapy. In this review, we provide the reader with a detailed overview of current 3D models developed to mimick the complexity and the dynamics of the TME, with a focus on understanding why the TME is a major target in anticancer therapy. We highlight the advantages and translational potentials of tumor spheroids, organoids and immune Tumor-on-a-Chip models in disease modeling and therapeutic response, while outlining pending challenges and limitations. Thinking forward, we focus on the possibility to integrate the know-hows of micro-engineers, cancer immunologists, pharmaceutical researchers and bioinformaticians to meet the needs of cancer researchers and clinicians interested in using these platforms with high fidelity for patient-tailored disease modeling and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Manduca
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Ester Maccafeo
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Ruggero De Maria
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario ‘A. Gemelli’ - Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Sistigu
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Martina Musella, ; ; Antonella Sistigu, ;
| | - Martina Musella
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Martina Musella, ; ; Antonella Sistigu, ;
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Padmaraju V, Sankla Y, Malla RR. Role of γδ T Cells in Cancer Progression and Therapy. Crit Rev Oncog 2023; 28:59-70. [PMID: 38050982 DOI: 10.1615/critrevoncog.2023050067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
γδ T cells signify a foundational group of immune cells that infiltrate tumors early on, engaging in combat against cancer cells. The buildup of γδ T cells as cancer advances underscores their significance. Initially, these cells infiltrate and enact cytotoxic effects within the tumor tissue. However, in later stages, the predominant phenotype of γδ T cells undergoes changes in numerous cancers, fostering tumor growth and metastasis. Different mechanisms induced by cancer cell suppress effector action of γδ T cells and even sometimes promote cancer progression. In the early stages, stopping this mechanism clears this challenge and enables γδ T cells to effectively remove cancer cells. Given this context, it becomes imperative to delve into the mechanisms of how γδ T cells function in tumor microenvironment. This review discusses γδ T cells' role across different cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasudevaraju Padmaraju
- Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, GITAM School of Science, Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, GITAM School of Science (GSS), GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, 530045, India
| | - Yogitha Sankla
- Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, GITAM School of Science, Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, GITAM School of Science (GSS), GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, 530045, India
| | - Rama Rao Malla
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, School of Science, Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (GITAM) (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam-530045, Andhra Pradesh, India; Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam-530045, Andhra Pradesh, India
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14
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Benelli R, Costa D, Salvini L, Tardito S, Tosetti F, Villa F, Zocchi MR, Poggi A. Targeting of colorectal cancer organoids with zoledronic acid conjugated to the anti-EGFR antibody cetuximab. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-005660. [PMID: 36543375 PMCID: PMC9772689 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005660] [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] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) are essential therapeutic options to treat solid and hematological cancers. The anti-epidermal growth factor-receptor (EGFR) antibody cetuximab (Cet) is used for the therapy of colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Anti-CRC Vδ2 cytolytic T lymphocytes can be elicited by the priming of tumor cells with the aminobisphosphonate zoledronic acid (ZA) and consequent presentation of isopentenyl pyrophosphates through butyrophilin (BTN) family members such as BTN3A1 and BTN2A1. A major drawback that impairs the targeting of ZA to CRC is the bone tropism of aminobisphosphonates. METHODS The phosphoric group of ZA was linked to free amino groups of Cet in the presence of imidazole following the labeling of phosphoric groups of DNA to amino groups of proteins. The generation of Cet-ZA ADC was confirmed by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry analysis. Thirteen CRC organoids were obtained with a chemically defined serum-free medium in Geltrex domes. Proliferation and activation of cytolytic activity against CRC organoids by Vδ2 T cells was detected with flow cytometry, crystal violet and cytotoxic probe assays and image analysis. Immunohistochemistry and quantification of BTN3A1 or BTN2A1 expression and the number of tumor infiltrating Vδ2 T cells in CRC were performed by automatic immunostaining, whole slide scanning and computerized analysis of digital pathology imaging. RESULTS The novel ADC Cet-ZA was generated with a drug antibody ratio of 4.3 and displayed a reactivity similar to the unconjugated antibody. More importantly, patient-derived CRC organoids, or CRC tumor cell suspensions, could trigger the expansion of Vδ2 T cells from peripheral blood and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes when primed with Cet-ZA. Furthermore, Cet-ZA triggered Vδ2 T cell-mediated killing of CRC organoids. The expression of BTN3A1 and BTN2A1 was detected not only in CRC organoids but also in CRC specimens, together with a considerable amount of tumor infiltrating Vδ2 T cells. CONCLUSIONS These findings are proof of concept that the Cet-ZA ADC can be used to target specifically CRC organoids and may suggest a new experimental approach to deliver aminobisphosphonates to EGFR+ solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Benelli
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Delfina Costa
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Laura Salvini
- Technologies Facilities, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, Siena, Italy
| | - Samuele Tardito
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Francesca Tosetti
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Federico Villa
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Raffaella Zocchi
- Division of Immunology, Transplants and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Poggi
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
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Jubelin C, Muñoz-Garcia J, Griscom L, Cochonneau D, Ollivier E, Heymann MF, Vallette FM, Oliver L, Heymann D. Three-dimensional in vitro culture models in oncology research. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:155. [PMID: 36089610 PMCID: PMC9465969 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00887-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractCancer is a multifactorial disease that is responsible for 10 million deaths per year. The intra- and inter-heterogeneity of malignant tumors make it difficult to develop single targeted approaches. Similarly, their diversity requires various models to investigate the mechanisms involved in cancer initiation, progression, drug resistance and recurrence. Of the in vitro cell-based models, monolayer adherent (also known as 2D culture) cell cultures have been used for the longest time. However, it appears that they are often less appropriate than the three-dimensional (3D) cell culture approach for mimicking the biological behavior of tumor cells, in particular the mechanisms leading to therapeutic escape and drug resistance. Multicellular tumor spheroids are widely used to study cancers in 3D, and can be generated by a multiplicity of techniques, such as liquid-based and scaffold-based 3D cultures, microfluidics and bioprinting. Organoids are more complex 3D models than multicellular tumor spheroids because they are generated from stem cells isolated from patients and are considered as powerful tools to reproduce the disease development in vitro. The present review provides an overview of the various 3D culture models that have been set up to study cancer development and drug response. The advantages of 3D models compared to 2D cell cultures, the limitations, and the fields of application of these models and their techniques of production are also discussed.
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16
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Guzzeloni V, Veschini L, Pedica F, Ferrero E, Ferrarini M. 3D Models as a Tool to Assess the Anti-Tumor Efficacy of Therapeutic Antibodies: Advantages and Limitations. Antibodies (Basel) 2022; 11:antib11030046. [PMID: 35892706 PMCID: PMC9326665 DOI: 10.3390/antib11030046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are an emerging and very active frontier in clinical oncology, with hundred molecules currently in use or being tested. These treatments have already revolutionized clinical outcomes in both solid and hematological malignancies. However, identifying patients who are most likely to benefit from mAbs treatment is currently challenging and limiting the impact of such therapies. To overcome this issue, and to fulfill the expectations of mAbs therapies, it is urgently required to develop proper culture models capable of faithfully reproducing the interactions between tumor and its surrounding native microenvironment (TME). Three-dimensional (3D) models which allow the assessment of the impact of drugs on tumors within its TME in a patient-specific context are promising avenues to progressively fill the gap between conventional 2D cultures and animal models, substantially contributing to the achievement of personalized medicine. This review aims to give a brief overview of the currently available 3D models, together with their specific exploitation for therapeutic mAbs testing, underlying advantages and current limitations to a broader use in preclinical oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Guzzeloni
- B-Cell Neoplasia Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy; (V.G.); (E.F.)
| | - Lorenzo Veschini
- Academic Centre of Reconstructive Science, Faculty of Dentistry Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK;
| | - Federica Pedica
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Elisabetta Ferrero
- B-Cell Neoplasia Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy; (V.G.); (E.F.)
| | - Marina Ferrarini
- B-Cell Neoplasia Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy; (V.G.); (E.F.)
- Correspondence:
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17
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Ou L, Wang H, Huang H, Zhou Z, Lin Q, Guo Y, Mitchell T, Huang AC, Karakousis G, Schuchter L, Amaravadi R, Guo W, Salvino J, Herlyn M, Xu X. Preclinical platforms to study therapeutic efficacy of human γδ T cells. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e814. [PMID: 35731974 PMCID: PMC9217106 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gamma delta (γδ) T lymphocytes are promising candidate for adoptive T cell therapy, however, their treatment efficacy is not satisfactory. Vδ2 T cells are unique to primates and few suitable models are available to assay their anti-tumour function. METHODS We tested human γδ T cell activation, tumour infiltration, and tumour-killing in four three-dimensional (3D) models, including unicellular, bicellular and multicellular melanoma spheroids, and patient-derived melanoma organoids. We studied the effects of checkpoint inhibitors on γδ T cells and performed a small molecule screen using these platforms. RESULTS γδ T cells rapidly responded to melanoma cells and infiltrated melanoma spheroids better than αβ T cells in PBMCs. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in bicellular spheroids, stroma cells in multicellular melanoma spheroids and inhibitory immune cells in organoids significantly inhibited immune cell infiltrates including γδ T cells and lessened their cytotoxicity to tumour cells. Tumour-infiltrating γδ T cells showed exhausted immunophenotypes with high checkpoints expression (CTLA-4, PD-1 and PD-L1). Immune checkpoint inhibitors increased γδ T cell infiltration of 3D models and killing of melanoma cells in all four 3D models. Our small molecule screen assay and subsequent mechanistic studies demonstrated that epigenetic modifiers enhanced the chemotaxis and cytotoxicity of γδ T cells through upregulating MICA/B, inhibiting HDAC6/7 pathway and downregulating the levels of PD-L1 and PD-L2 in CAFs and tumour cells. These compounds increased CXCR4 and CD107a expression, IFN-γ production and decreased PD-1 expression of γδ T cells. CONCLUSIONS Tumour-infiltrating γδ T cells show exhausted immunophenotypes and limited anti-tumour capacity in melanoma 3D models. Checkpoint inhibitors and epigenetic modifiers enhance anti-tumour functions of γδ T cells. These four 3D models provided valuable preclinical platforms to test γδ T cell functions for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Ou
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Stomatological HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Huaishan Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Hui Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Zhiyan Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Qiang Lin
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yeye Guo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Tara Mitchell
- Department of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Alexander C. Huang
- Department of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Giorgos Karakousis
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Lynn Schuchter
- Department of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Ravi Amaravadi
- Department of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of BiologyUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Joseph Salvino
- Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis ProgramThe Wistar InstitutePhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Meenhard Herlyn
- Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis ProgramThe Wistar InstitutePhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Xiaowei Xu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
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Allegra A, Casciaro M, Lo Presti E, Musolino C, Gangemi S. Harnessing Unconventional T Cells and Innate Lymphoid Cells to Prevent and Treat Hematological Malignancies: Prospects for New Immunotherapy. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12060754. [PMID: 35740879 PMCID: PMC9221132 DOI: 10.3390/biom12060754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Unconventional T cells and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) make up a heterogeneous set of cells that characteristically show prompt responses toward specific antigens. Unconventional T cells recognize non-peptide antigens, which are bound and presented by diverse non-polymorphic antigen-presenting molecules and comprise γδ T cells, MR1-restricted mucosal-associated invariant T cells (MAITs), and natural killer T cells (NKTs). On the other hand, ILCs lack antigen-specific receptors and act as the innate counterpart to the T lymphocytes found in the adaptive immune response. The alteration of unconventional T cells and ILCs in frequency and functionality is correlated with the onset of several autoimmune diseases, allergy, inflammation, and tumor. However, depending on the physio-pathological framework, unconventional T cells may exhibit either protective or pathogenic activity in a range of neoplastic diseases. Nonetheless, experimental models and clinical studies have displayed that some unconventional T cells are potential therapeutic targets, as well as prognostic and diagnostic markers. In fact, cell-mediated immune response in tumors has become the focus in immunotherapy against neoplastic disease. This review concentrates on the present knowledge concerning the function of unconventional T cell sets in the antitumor immune response in hematological malignancies, such as acute and chronic leukemia, multiple myeloma, and lymphoproliferative disorders. Moreover, we discuss the possibility that modulating the activity of unconventional T cells could be useful in the treatment of hematological neoplasms, in the prevention of specific conditions (such as graft versus host disease), and in the formulation of an effective anticancer vaccine therapy. The exact knowledge of the role of these cells could represent the prerequisite for the creation of a new form of immunotherapy for hematological neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Allegra
- Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood “Gaetano Barresi”, Division of Hematology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.A.); (C.M.)
| | - Marco Casciaro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, School and Operative Unit of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-090-221-2013
| | - Elena Lo Presti
- National Research Council (CNR)—Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), 90146 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Caterina Musolino
- Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood “Gaetano Barresi”, Division of Hematology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.A.); (C.M.)
| | - Sebastiano Gangemi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, School and Operative Unit of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
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Jonus HC, Burnham RE, Ho A, Pilgrim AA, Shim J, Doering CB, Spencer HT, Goldsmith KC. Dissecting the cellular components of ex vivo γδ T cell expansions to optimize selection of potent cell therapy donors for neuroblastoma immunotherapy trials. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2057012. [PMID: 35371623 PMCID: PMC8966991 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2057012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
γδ T lymphocytes represent an emerging class of cellular immunotherapy with preclinical promise to treat cancer, notably neuroblastoma. The innate-like immune cell subset demonstrates inherent cytoxicity toward tumor cells independent of MHC recognition, enabling allogeneic administration of healthy donor-derived γδ T cell therapies. A current limitation is the substantial interindividual γδ T cell expansion variation among leukocyte collections. Overcoming this limitation will enable realization of the full potential of allogeneic γδ T-based cellular therapy. Here, we characterize γδ T cell expansions from healthy adult donors and observe that highly potent natural killer (NK) lymphocytes expand with γδ T cells under zoledronate and IL-2 stimulation. The presence of NK cells correlates with both the expansion potential of γδ T cells and the overall potency of the γδ T cell therapy. However, the potency of the cell therapy in combination with an antibody-based immunotherapeutic, dinutuximab, appears to be independent of γδ T/NK cell content both in vitro and in vivo, which minimizes the implication of interindividual expansion differences toward efficacy. Collectively, these studies highlight the utility of maintaining the NK cell population within expanded γδ T cell therapies and suggest a synergistic action of combined innate cell immunotherapy toward neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hunter C. Jonus
- Department of Pediatrics, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rebecca E. Burnham
- Department of Pediatrics, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Andrew Ho
- Department of Pediatrics, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Adeiye A. Pilgrim
- Department of Pediatrics, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jenny Shim
- Department of Pediatrics, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Christopher B. Doering
- Department of Pediatrics, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - H. Trent Spencer
- Department of Pediatrics, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kelly C. Goldsmith
- Department of Pediatrics, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
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20
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Tumor Microenvironment and Hydrogel-Based 3D Cancer Models for In Vitro Testing Immunotherapies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14041013. [PMID: 35205760 PMCID: PMC8870468 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14041013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Immunotherapies are emerging as promising strategies to cure cancer and extend patients’ survival. Efforts should be focused, however, on the development of preclinical tools better able to predict the therapeutic benefits in individual patients. In this context, the availability of reliable preclinical models capable of recapitulating the tumor milieu while overcoming the limitations of traditional systems is mandatory. Here, we review the tumor immune responses, escape mechanisms, and the most recent 3D biomaterial-based cancer in vitro models useful for investigating the effects of the different immunotherapeutic approaches. The main challenges and possible future trends are also discussed. Abstract In recent years, immunotherapy has emerged as a promising novel therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. In a relevant percentage of patients, however, clinical benefits are lower than expected, pushing researchers to deeply analyze the immune responses against tumors and find more reliable and efficient tools to predict the individual response to therapy. Novel tissue engineering strategies can be adopted to realize in vitro fully humanized matrix-based models, as a compromise between standard two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures and animal tests, which are costly and hardly usable in personalized medicine. In this review, we describe the main mechanisms allowing cancer cells to escape the immune surveillance, which may play a significant role in the failure of immunotherapies. In particular, we discuss the role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in the establishment of a milieu that greatly favors cancer malignant progression and impact on the interactions with immune cells. Then, we present an overview of the recent in vitro engineered preclinical three-dimensional (3D) models that have been adopted to resemble the interplays between cancer and immune cells and for testing current therapies and immunotherapeutic approaches. Specifically, we focus on 3D hydrogel-based tools based on different types of polymers, discussing the suitability of each of them in reproducing the TME key features based on their intrinsic or tunable characteristics. Finally, we introduce the possibility to combine the 3D models with technological fluid dynamics platforms, reproducing the dynamic complex interactions between tumor cells and immune effectors migrated in situ via the systemic circulation, pointing out the challenges that still have to be overcome for setting more predictive preclinical assays.
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Abstract
Tumor cell spheroids are one of the three-dimensional (3D) culture systems that can be used to study the features of tumor cells in a more physiologic condition. Indeed, this 3D culture system has been validated in preclinical studies to select anticancer drugs. Tumor cell spheroids can be obtained through employing different procedures, and here I describe in detail how to obtain spheroids from tumor cell lines of colorectal carcinoma (CRC). I analyze the procedures employed to evaluate the phenotype and growth of tumor cells in this 3D culture system. Also, interaction with immune cells is considered. Indeed, it is relevant to define whether the antitumor effects exerted by different cytotoxic lymphocyte subsets are similar when tumor cells are used either as cells adherent to a plastic substrate or floating spheroids. To obtain optimal results in this complex system, some parameters must be considered, such as those related to poorly defined experimental variables including biological and biophysical features of tumor cell lines and the quality (purity and time to use after generation) of antitumor effector lymphocyte subsets. Also, I describe in detail the methods to generate these lymphocyte subsets and to characterize their cytotoxic potential and effectiveness in killing tumor cells. Human natural killer cells and T lymphocytes expressing the γδ T cell receptor (in particular Vδ2 T cells) are considered among the cytotoxic lymphocyte populations. Eventually, it should be possible to obtain reliable and feasible results to study the molecular mechanisms involved in recognition and killing of CRC spheroids exerted by effector lymphocytes. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Generation of tumor cell spheroids Basic Protocol 2: Evaluation of ATP content of spheroids Basic Protocol 3: Evaluation of antigen expression by cell spheroids Basic Protocol 4: Generation of effector lymphocytes Basic Protocol 5: Coculture of spheroids and lymphocytes Basic Protocol 6: Evaluation of lymphocyte cytotoxicity using crystal violet staining.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Poggi
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
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22
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Lysyl-Oxidase Dependent Extracellular Matrix Stiffness in Hodgkin Lymphomas: Mechanical and Topographical Evidence. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14010259. [PMID: 35008423 PMCID: PMC8750937 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Alterations of the composition and architecture of the extracellular matrix (ECM), leading to increased stiffness, is known to condition development, invasiveness and severity of neoplasms. In this study, we report increased lymph node (LN) stiffness in human lymphomas, measured by LN elastometry or by computerized imaging of bioptic specimens. Stiffness matched to lymphoma histotype and grading. The enzyme lysyl oxidase (LOX) is involved in the rise of collagen cross-linking in Hodgkin lymphomas, while altered architecture, shown by scanning electron microscopy and polarized light microscopy is involved in advanced follicular lymphomas. Based on these data, digital pathology may help in the staging of lymphomas, and lysyl oxidase may represent a target for therapy in Hodgkin lymphomas. Abstract Purpose: The biochemical composition and architecture of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is known to condition development and invasiveness of neoplasms. To clarify this point, we analyzed ECM stiffness, collagen cross-linking and anisotropy in lymph nodes (LN) of Hodgkin lymphomas (HL), follicular lymphomas (FL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL), compared with non-neoplastic LN (LDN). Methods and Results: We found increased elastic (Young’s) modulus in HL and advanced FL (grade 3A) over LDN, FL grade 1–2 and DLBCL. Digital imaging evidenced larger stromal areas in HL, where increased collagen cross-linking was found; in turn, architectural modifications were documented in FL3A by scanning electron microscopy and enhanced anisotropy by polarized light microscopy. Interestingly, HL expressed high levels of lysyl oxidase (LOX), an enzyme responsible for collagen cross-linking. Using gelatin scaffolds fabricated with a low elastic modulus, comparable to that of non-neoplastic tissues, we demonstrated that HL LN-derived mesenchymal stromal cells and HL cells increased the Young’s modulus of the extracellular microenvironment through the expression of LOX. Indeed, LOX inhibition by β-aminopropionitrile prevented the gelatin stiffness increase. Conclusions: These data indicate that different mechanical, topographical and/or architectural modifications of ECM are detectable in human lymphomas and are related to their histotype and grading.
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Zhong F, Lin Y, Jing X, Ye Y, Wang S, Shen Z. Innate tumor killers in colorectal cancer. Cancer Lett 2021; 527:115-126. [PMID: 34952144 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Standard treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) improves the prognosis of CRC patients, but it is still intractable to control the progression of metastatic CRC. Immune microenvironment and immunotherapies of CRC have received extensive attention in recent years, but present immunotherapies of CRC have mainly focused on T cells and therapeutic response is only observed in a small proportion of patients. Innate immune cells are the first-line of defense in the development of malignancies. Natural killer (NK) cells, NKT cells and γδT cells are three types of innate cells of lymphoid origin and show cytotoxicity against various tumor cells including CRC. Besides, in the development of CRC, they can also be inhibited or express regulatory type, promoting tumor progression. Researches about anti-tumorigenic and pro-tumorigenic mechanisms of these cells are ongoing and regulation of these cells is also being unearthed. Meanwhile, immunotherapies using these cells more or less have shown efficacy in animal models and some of them are under exploration in clinical trials. This review provides an overview of intrinsic properties of NK cell, NKT cell and γδT cell, and summarizes current related promising treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyun Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China; Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.
| | - Yilin Lin
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China; Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.
| | - Xiangxiang Jing
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China; Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.
| | - Yingjiang Ye
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China; Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.
| | - Shan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China; Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.
| | - Zhanlong Shen
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China; Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.
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Three-Dimensional Culture Models to Study Innate Anti-Tumor Immune Response: Advantages and Disadvantages. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143417. [PMID: 34298630 PMCID: PMC8303518 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Several approaches have shown that the immune response against tumors strongly affects patients' clinical outcome. Thus, the study of anti-tumor immunity is critical to understand and potentiate the mechanisms underlying the elimination of tumor cells. Natural killer (NK) cells are members of innate immunity and represent powerful anti-tumor effectors, able to eliminate tumor cells without a previous sensitization. Thus, the study of their involvement in anti-tumor responses is critical for clinical translation. This analysis has been performed in vitro, co-incubating NK with tumor cells and quantifying the cytotoxic activity of NK cells. In vivo confirmation has been applied to overcome the limits of in vitro testing, however, the innate immunity of mice and humans is different, leading to discrepancies. Different activating receptors on NK cells and counter-ligands on tumor cells are involved in the antitumor response, and innate immunity is strictly dependent on the specific microenvironment where it takes place. Thus, three-dimensional (3D) culture systems, where NK and tumor cells can interact in a tissue-like architecture, have been created. For example, tumor cell spheroids and primary organoids derived from several tumor types, have been used so far to analyze innate immune response, replacing animal models. Herein, we briefly introduce NK cells and analyze and discuss in detail the properties of 3D tumor culture systems and their use for the study of tumor cell interactions with NK cells.
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25
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Sargenti A, Musmeci F, Bacchi F, Delprete C, Cristaldi DA, Cannas F, Bonetti S, Pasqua S, Gazzola D, Costa D, Villa F, Zocchi MR, Poggi A. Physical Characterization of Colorectal Cancer Spheroids and Evaluation of NK Cell Infiltration Through a Flow-Based Analysis. Front Immunol 2020; 11:564887. [PMID: 33424829 PMCID: PMC7786051 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.564887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
To improve pathogenetic studies in cancer development and reliable preclinical testing of anti-cancer treatments, three-dimensional (3D) cultures, including spheroids, have been widely recognized as more physiologically relevant in vitro models of in vivo tumor behavior. Currently, the generation of uniformly sized spheroids is still challenging: different 3D cell culture methods produce heterogeneous populations in dimensions and morphology, that may strongly influence readouts reliability correlated to tumor growth rate or antitumor natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity. In this context, an increasing consensus claims the integration of microfluidic technologies within 3D cell culture, as the physical characterization of tumor spheroids is unavoidably demanded to standardize protocols and assays for in vitro testing. In this paper, we employed a flow-based method specifically conceived to measure weight, size and focused onto mass density values of tumor spheroids. These measurements are combined with confocal and digital imaging of such samples. We tested the spheroids of four colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines that exhibit statistically relevant differences in their physical characteristics, even though starting from the same cell seeding density. These variations are seemingly cell line-dependent and associated with the number of growing cells and the degree of spheroid compaction as well, supported by different adenosine-triphosphate contents. We also showed that this technology can estimate the NK cell killing efficacy by measuring the weight loss and diameter shrinkage of tumor spheroids, alongside with the commonly used cell viability in vitro test. As the activity of NK cells relies on their infiltration rate, the in vitro sensitivity of CRC spheroids proved to be exposure time- and cell line-dependent with direct correlation to the cell viability reduction. All these functional aspects can be measured by the system and are documented by digital image analysis. In conclusion, this flow-based method potentially paves the way towards standardization of 3D cell cultures and its early adoption in cancer research to test antitumor immune response and set up new immunotherapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Cecilia Delprete
- Laboratory of Human and General Physiology, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Delfina Costa
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Federico Villa
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Raffaella Zocchi
- Division of Immunology, Transplants and Infectious Diseases, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Poggi
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
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26
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Boucherit N, Gorvel L, Olive D. 3D Tumor Models and Their Use for the Testing of Immunotherapies. Front Immunol 2020; 11:603640. [PMID: 33362787 PMCID: PMC7758240 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.603640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, immunotherapy has become a powerful and evident tool in the fight against cancers. Notably, the rise of checkpoint blockade using monoclonal antibodies (anti-CTLA4, anti-PD1) to avoid interaction between inhibitory molecules allowed the betterment of patient care. Indeed, immunotherapies led to increased overall survival in forms of cutaneous melanoma or lung cancer. However, the percentage of patients responding varies from 20 to 40% depending on the type of cancer and on the expression of the target molecules by the tumor. This is due to the tumor microenvironment which allows the acquisition of resistance mechanisms to immunotherapies by tumor cells. These are closely linked to the architecture and cellular composition of the tumor microenvironment. This one acts on different parameters such as the immune cells infiltrate its composition and therefore, favors the recruitment of immunosuppressive cells as well as the tumor expression of checkpoint inhibitors such as Programmed Death Ligand-1 (PD-L1). Therefore, the analysis and modeling of the complexity of the microenvironment is an important parameter to consider, not only in the search for new therapies but also for the identification and stratification of patients likely to respond to immunotherapy. This is why the use of 3D culture models, reflecting the architecture and cellular composition of a tumor, is essential in immuno-oncology studies. Nowadays, there are several 3-D culture methods such as spheroids and organoids, which are applicable to immuno-oncology. In this review we evaluate 3D culture models as tools for the development of treatments in the field of immuno-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Boucherit
- Cancer Research Center in Marseille, CRCM, Paoli Calmette Institute, Marseille, France
| | - Laurent Gorvel
- Cancer Research Center in Marseille, CRCM, Paoli Calmette Institute, Marseille, France
| | - Daniel Olive
- Cancer Research Center in Marseille, CRCM, Paoli Calmette Institute, Marseille, France
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27
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Ma R, Yuan D, Guo Y, Yan R, Li K. Immune Effects of γδ T Cells in Colorectal Cancer: A Review. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1600. [PMID: 33013819 PMCID: PMC7509400 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Gamma delta (γδ) T cells can effectively recognize and kill colorectal cancer (CRC) cells, thereby suppressing tumor progression via multiple mechanisms. They also have abilities to exert a protumor effect via secreting interleukin-17 (IL-17). γδ T cells have been selected as potential immunocytes for antitumor treatment because of their significant cytotoxic activity. Immunotherapy is another potential anti-CRC strategy after an operation, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. γδ T cell-based immunotherapy for CRC shows fewer side effects and better toleration. This review will outline the immune functions and the mechanisms of γδ T cells in the growth and progression of CRC in recent years, and summarize the immunotherapies based on γδ T cells, thus providing a direction for future γδ T cells in CRC research.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/immunology
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/metabolism
- Colorectal Neoplasms/etiology
- Colorectal Neoplasms/metabolism
- Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology
- Colorectal Neoplasms/therapy
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
- Disease Susceptibility/immunology
- Humans
- Immunotherapy/adverse effects
- Immunotherapy/methods
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/complications
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/etiology
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/metabolism
- Intraepithelial Lymphocytes/immunology
- Intraepithelial Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/metabolism
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/metabolism
- Treatment Outcome
- Tumor Escape/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Rulan Ma
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Dawei Yuan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yizhan Guo
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Rong Yan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Kang Li
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
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28
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Kabelitz D, Serrano R, Kouakanou L, Peters C, Kalyan S. Cancer immunotherapy with γδ T cells: many paths ahead of us. Cell Mol Immunol 2020; 17:925-939. [PMID: 32699351 PMCID: PMC7609273 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-020-0504-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
γδ T cells play uniquely important roles in stress surveillance and immunity for infections and carcinogenesis. Human γδ T cells recognize and kill transformed cells independently of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) restriction, which is an essential feature of conventional αβ T cells. Vγ9Vδ2 γδ T cells, which prevail in the peripheral blood of healthy adults, are activated by microbial or endogenous tumor-derived pyrophosphates by a mechanism dependent on butyrophilin molecules. γδ T cells expressing other T cell receptor variable genes, notably Vδ1, are more abundant in mucosal tissue. In addition to the T cell receptor, γδ T cells usually express activating natural killer (NK) receptors, such as NKp30, NKp44, or NKG2D which binds to stress-inducible surface molecules that are absent on healthy cells but are frequently expressed on malignant cells. Therefore, γδ T cells are endowed with at least two independent recognition systems to sense tumor cells and to initiate anticancer effector mechanisms, including cytokine production and cytotoxicity. In view of their HLA-independent potent antitumor activity, there has been increasing interest in translating the unique potential of γδ T cells into innovative cellular cancer immunotherapies. Here, we discuss recent developments to enhance the efficacy of γδ T cell-based immunotherapy. This includes strategies for in vivo activation and tumor-targeting of γδ T cells, the optimization of in vitro expansion protocols, and the development of gene-modified γδ T cells. It is equally important to consider potential synergisms with other therapeutic strategies, notably checkpoint inhibitors, chemotherapy, or the (local) activation of innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Kabelitz
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, D-24105, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Ruben Serrano
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, D-24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Léonce Kouakanou
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, D-24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Christian Peters
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, D-24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Shirin Kalyan
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
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New insights into molecular and cellular mechanisms of zoledronate in human osteosarcoma. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 214:107611. [PMID: 32565177 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant tumor of the skeleton in teenagers and young adults and continues to confer a generally poor prognosis in patients who do not respond to chemotherapy or who present with metastatic diseases at diagnosis. The nitrogen-containing zoledronate, the third generation bisphosphonate (BP), effectively inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption and is widely utilized in the treatment of metabolic and metastatic bone diseases nowadays. Owing to an acceptable safety profile and tolerability, zoledronate is the only BP currently approved for the prevention and treatment of skeletal relevant events in patients with metastatic bone lesions, especially bone metastases from advanced renal cell carcinoma and prostate cancer, and breast cancer, due to all solid malignancy. Moreover, zoledronate possesses diverse anti-osteosarcoma properties and may have potential to become an adjunctive treatment for high-grade osteosarcoma to enhance survival rates and to obliterate complications of the chemotherapy. Herein we highlighted the pharmacology of BPs and its underlying molecular mechanisms in osteoclasts and various cancer cells. We further provided the available literature on in vitro studies to illustrate the new insights into the intracellular molecular mechanisms of zoledronate in human osteosarcoma cell lines and in vivo animal models that led to the development and regulatory approval of zoledronate in patients with human osteosarcoma. This review also addresses clinical trials to focus on the efficacy of zoledronate on human osteosarcoma.
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30
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Devarasetty M, Forsythe SD, Shelkey E, Soker S. In Vitro Modeling of the Tumor Microenvironment in Tumor Organoids. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2020; 17:759-771. [PMID: 32399776 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-020-00258-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tumor microenvironment (TME) represents the many components occupying the space within and surrounding a tumor, including cells, signaling factors, extracellular matrix, and vasculature. Each component has the potential to assume many forms and functions which in turn contribute to the overall state of the TME, and further contribute to the progression and disposition of the tumor itself. The sum of these components can drive a tumor towards progression, keep a migratory tumor at bay, or even control chemotherapeutic response. The wide potential for interaction that the TME is an integral part of a tumor's ecosystem, and it is imperative to include it when studying and modeling cancer in vitro. Fortunately, the development of tissue engineering and biofabrication technologies and methodologies have allowed widespread inclusion of TME-based factors into in vitro tissue-equivalent models. METHODS In this review, we compiled contemporary literature sources to provide an overview of the field of TME models, ranging from simple to complex. RESULTS We have identified important components of the TME, how they can be included in in vitro study, and cover examples across a range of cancer types. CONCLUSION Our goal with this text is to provide a foundation for prospective research into the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh Devarasetty
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 391 Technology Way, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA
| | - Steven D Forsythe
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 391 Technology Way, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA
| | - Ethan Shelkey
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 391 Technology Way, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA
| | - Shay Soker
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 391 Technology Way, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA.
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31
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Di Mascolo D, Varesano S, Benelli R, Mollica H, Salis A, Zocchi MR, Decuzzi P, Poggi A. Nanoformulated Zoledronic Acid Boosts the Vδ2 T Cell Immunotherapeutic Potential in Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 12:E104. [PMID: 31906080 PMCID: PMC7017311 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aminobisphosphonates, such as zoledronic acid (ZA), have shown potential in the treatment of different malignancies, including colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Yet, their clinical exploitation is limited by their high bone affinity and modest bioavailability. Here, ZA is encapsulated into the aqueous core of spherical polymeric nanoparticles (SPNs), whose size and architecture resemble that of biological vesicles. On Vδ2 T cells, derived from the peripheral blood of healthy donors and CRC patients, ZA-SPNs induce proliferation and trigger activation up to three orders of magnitude more efficiently than soluble ZA. These activated Vδ2 T cells kill CRC cells and tumor spheroids, and are able to migrate toward CRC cells in a microfluidic system. Notably, ZA-SPNs can also stimulate the proliferation of Vδ2 T cells from the tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes of CRC patients and boost their cytotoxic activity against patients' autologous tumor organoids. These data represent a first step toward the use of nanoformulated ZA for immunotherapy in CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Di Mascolo
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16163 Genoa, Italy; (D.D.M.); (H.M.); (P.D.)
| | - Serena Varesano
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Roberto Benelli
- Immunology Unit, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Hilaria Mollica
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16163 Genoa, Italy; (D.D.M.); (H.M.); (P.D.)
| | | | - Maria Raffaella Zocchi
- Division of Immunology, Transplants and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Paolo Decuzzi
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16163 Genoa, Italy; (D.D.M.); (H.M.); (P.D.)
| | - Alessandro Poggi
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
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