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Lin J, Zhou Y, Li C, Li B, Hao H, Tian F, Li H, Liu Z, Wang G, Shen XC, Tang R, Wang X. Hydrogel activation of Mincle receptors for tumor cell processing: A novel approach in cancer immunotherapy. Biomaterials 2024; 311:122703. [PMID: 39002516 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122703] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
An obstacle in current tumor immunotherapies lies in the challenge of achieving sustained and tumor-targeting T cell immunity, impeded by the limited antigen processing and cross-presentation of tumor antigens. Here, we propose a hydrogel-based multicellular immune factory within the body that autonomously converts tumor cells into an antitumor vaccine. Within the body, the scaffold, formed by a calcium-containing chitosan hydrogel complex (ChitoCa) entraps tumor cells and attracts immune cells to establish a durable and multicellular microenvironment. Within this context, tumor cells are completely eliminated by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and processed for cross-antigen presentation. The regulatory mechanism relies on the Mincle receptor, a cell-phagocytosis-inducing C-type lectin receptor specifically activated on ChitoCa-recruited APCs, which serves as a recognition synapse, facilitating a tenfold increase in tumor cell engulfment and subsequent elimination. The ChitoCa-induced tumor cell processing further promotes the cross-presentation of tumor antigens to prime protective CD8+ T cell responses. Therefore, the ChitoCa treatment establishes an immune niche within the tumor microenvironment, resulting in effective tumor regression either used alone or in combination with other immunotherapies. This hydrogel-induced immune factory establishes a functional organ-like multicellular colony for tumor-specific immunotherapy, paving the way for innovative strategies in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiake Lin
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311113, China
| | - Yuemin Zhou
- Qiushi Academy for Advanced Studies, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China; Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Chen Li
- Qiushi Academy for Advanced Studies, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China; Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Benke Li
- Qiushi Academy for Advanced Studies, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China; Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Haibin Hao
- Qiushi Academy for Advanced Studies, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China; Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Fengchao Tian
- Qiushi Academy for Advanced Studies, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China; Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Huixin Li
- Qiushi Academy for Advanced Studies, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China; Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Zhenyu Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Guangchuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Xing-Can Shen
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, China
| | - Ruikang Tang
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311113, China; Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China.
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- Qiushi Academy for Advanced Studies, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311113, China; Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China.
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P P, Kumari S, Kumar S, Muthuswamy S. Comprehensive exploration on the role of base excision repair genes in modulating immune infiltration in low-grade glioma. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 262:155559. [PMID: 39216321 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 08/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Glioma is a brain tumour occurring in all age groups but common in adults. Despite advances in the understanding of tumours, we cannot improve the survival of the patients and do not have an appropriate biomarker for progression and prognosis prediction. The base excision repair mechanism maintains the integrity of the genome, preventing tumour formation. However, continuous chemical damage to the cells results in mutations that escape the repair mechanism and support tumour growth. The tumour microenvironment in cancer is crucial in determining the tumour growth, development, and response to treatments. The present study explored the significance of Base Excision Repair genes (BER) in modulating the tumour microenvironment. METHODS We used the publically available data sets from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) to explore the role of the base excision repair gene in the modulating tumour microenvironment. The data was analysed for the expression of base excision repair genes, their correlation with the immune markers, their prognostic potential, and enrichment analysis to understand the pathways they modulate in low-grade glioma (LGG) progression. RESULTS The analysis showed BER genes contribute an integral role in the overall and disease-free survival of LGG. Genes like MUTYH, PNKP, UNG and XRCC1 showed a correlation with the immune infiltration levels and a significant correlation with various immune markers associated with different immune cells, including tumour-associated macrophages. MUTYH, UNG and XRCC1 correlated with IDH1 mutation status, and functional enrichment analysis showed that these genes are enriched in several pathways like Wnt, PD-1 and Integrin signalling. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that the BER genes MUTYH, PNKP, UNG and XRCC1 can potentially be prognostic biomarkers and highly correlate with the immune cells of the tumour microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parthipan P
- Human Molecular Genetics Lab, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Odisha 769008, India
| | - Subhadra Kumari
- Human Molecular Genetics Lab, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Odisha 769008, India
| | - Santosh Kumar
- RNA Biology Lab, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Odisha 769008, India
| | - Srinivasan Muthuswamy
- Human Molecular Genetics Lab, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Odisha 769008, India.
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Meng H, Li L, Nan M, Ding Y, Li Y, Zhang M. ZG16 enhances the maturation of dendritic cells via induction of CD40 and contributes to the antitumor immunity in pancreatic cancer. Oncogene 2024:10.1038/s41388-024-03154-6. [PMID: 39261658 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03154-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are critical mediators of antigen priming and T-cell activation. Zymogen granule protein 16 (ZG16) is demonstrated as an anti-oncogene in T-cell mediated antitumor immunity, but its effect on DCs is largely unknown. Herein, we wonder whether ZG16 affects the activation of DCs in pancreatic cancer. Firstly, the increased ZG16 expression was observed during the maturation of DCs derived from mouse bone marrow or human peripheral blood. Then, overexpression of ZG16 or exogenous introduction of recombinant ZG16 protein induced the expression of MHC II, CD86, CD84, and CCR7 on the surface of DCs, thereby facilitating the secretion of proinflammatory mediators IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-12/p70, supporting the promoting effect of ZG16 on DC maturation. By establishing the subcutaneous and orthotopic mouse models of pancreatic cancer, we confirmed that intraperitoneal injection of recombinant ZG16 protein (Re-mZG16) could induce tumor regression by stimulating DC maturation and enhancing antitumor responses of CD4 + , CD8 + , PD-1 + , and Ctla4+ cells. Besides, Re-mZG16 in combination with gemcitabine showed a synergistic effect in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that ZG16 inhibited the ubiquitination and degradation of CD40, which depended on the lectin domain of ZG16. In conclusion, this study provided a novel insight into the role of ZG16-CD40 axis in DC-based immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Meng
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Manman Nan
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Ding
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yizhen Li
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingzhi Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China.
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Zewdie EY, Edwards GM, Hunter DM, Earp HS, Holtzhausen A. MerTK Induces Dysfunctional Dendritic Cells by Metabolic Reprogramming. Cancer Immunol Res 2024; 12:1268-1285. [PMID: 38976507 PMCID: PMC11371516 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Checkpoint inhibitors, specifically anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1), have shown success in treating metastatic melanoma; however, some patients develop resistance. Dendritic cells (DC) play a key role in initiating an immune response, but in certain circumstances they become ineffective. We investigated the role of MerTK, a receptor tyrosine kinase responsible for myeloid cell clearance of dead cells, in the regulation of DC function and metabolism in the tumor microenvironment. Tumors resistant to anti-PD1 exhibited increased levels of MerTK+ DCs. Treating wild-type DCs with apoptotic melanoma cells in vitro resulted in increased MerTK expression, elevated mitochondrial respiration and fatty acid oxidation, and reduced T-cell stimulatory capacity, all characteristics of dysfunctional DCs. In contrast, dead cells had only limited effect on the metabolism of MerTK-deficient DCs, which instead maintained an antigen-presenting, stimulatory phenotype. The efficacy of anti-PD1 to slow tumor progression and induce antigen specific T-cell infiltration was markedly increased in mice with selective ablation of MerTK in the DC compartment, suggesting the possibility of therapeutically targeting MerTK to modulate DC metabolism and function and enhance anti-PD1 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eden Y Zewdie
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - George M Edwards
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Debra M Hunter
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Henry Shelton Earp
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Alisha Holtzhausen
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Zheng Y, Lu Z, Zhu F, Zhao G, Shao Y, Lu B, Ding J, Wang G, Fang L, Zheng J, Chai D. Therapeutic vaccine targeting dual immune checkpoints induces potent multifunctional CD8 + T cell anti-tumor immunity. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 142:113004. [PMID: 39217885 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.113004] [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: 07/09/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaccines targeting immune checkpoints represent a promising immunotherapeutic approach for solid tumors. However, the therapeutic efficacy of dual targeting immune checkpoints is still unclear in renal carcinoma. METHODS An adenovirus (Ad) vaccine targeting B7H1 and B7H3 was developed and evaluated for its therapeutic efficacy in subcutaneous, lung metastasis or orthotopic renal carcinoma mouse and humanized models using flow cytometry, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISPOT), cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) killing, cell deletion, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays. RESULTS The Ad-B7H1/B7H3 immunization effectively inhibited tumor growth and increased the induction and percentages of CD8+ T cells in subcutaneous tumor models. The vaccine enhanced the induction and maturation of CD11c+ or CD8+CD11c+ cells, promoting tumor-specific CD8+ T cell immune responses. This was evidenced by increased proliferation of CD8+ T cells and enhanced CTL killing activity. Deletion of CD8+ T cells in vivo abolished the anti-tumor effect of the Ad-B7H1/B7H3 vaccine, highlighting the pivotal role of functional CD8+ T cell immune responses. Moreover, significant therapeutic efficacy of the Ad-B7H1/B7H3 vaccine was observed in lung metastasis, orthotopic, and humanized tumor models through multifunctional CD8+ T cell immune responses. CONCLUSIONS The Ad vaccine targeting dual immune checkpoints B7H1 and B7H3 exerts a potent therapeutic effect for renal carcinoma and holds promise for solid tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Zheng
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Zheng Lu
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Fei Zhu
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Guangya Zhao
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Yingxiang Shao
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Bowen Lu
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Jiage Ding
- Department of Oncology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221009, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Lin Fang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Junnian Zheng
- Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China.
| | - Dafei Chai
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Pan W, Wang Y, Chen G, Ma X, Min Y. A carrier-free nanovaccine combined with cancer immunotherapy overcomes gemcitabine resistance. Biomaterials 2024; 313:122788. [PMID: 39236628 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122788] [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: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Drug resistance is a significant challenge in cancer chemotherapy and is a primary factor contributing to poor recovery for cancer patients. Although drug-loaded nanoparticles have shown promise in overcoming chemotherapy resistance, they often carry a combination of drugs and require advanced design and manufacturing processes. Furthermore, they seldom approach chemotherapy-resistant tumors from an immunotherapy perspective. In this study, we developed a therapeutic nanovaccine composed solely of chemotherapy-induced resistant tumor antigens (CIRTAs) and the immune adjuvant Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7/8 agonist R848 (CIRTAs@R848). This nanovaccine does not require additional carriers and has a simple production process. It efficiently delivers antigens and immune stimulants to dendritic cells (DCs) simultaneously, promoting DCs maturation. CIRTAs@R848 demonstrated significant tumor suppression, particularly when used in combination with the immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) anti-PD-1 (αPD-1). The combined therapy increased the infiltration of T cells into the tumor while decreasing the proportion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and modulating the tumor microenvironment, resulting in long-term immune memory. Overall, this study introduces an innovative strategy for treating chemotherapy-resistant tumors from a novel perspective, with potential applications in personalized immunotherapy and precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Pan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China; The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China; Department of Bio-X Interdisciplinary Science at Hefei National Laboratory (HFNL) for Physical Science at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China; CAS Key Lab of Soft Matter Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Yangyi Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Guiyuan Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China; The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China; Department of Bio-X Interdisciplinary Science at Hefei National Laboratory (HFNL) for Physical Science at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China; CAS Key Lab of Soft Matter Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Xiaopeng Ma
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
| | - Yuanzeng Min
- Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China; The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China; Department of Bio-X Interdisciplinary Science at Hefei National Laboratory (HFNL) for Physical Science at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China; CAS Key Lab of Soft Matter Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
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Nourbakhsh NS, Naeimi S, Moghanibashi M, Baradaran B. Bicalutamide reveals immunomodulatory effects in prostate cancer by regulating immunogenic dendritic cell maturation. Tissue Cell 2024; 91:102530. [PMID: 39191051 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2024.102530] [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: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Prostate cancer poses a significant global health challenge, ranking as the second most prevalent and fifth most lethal malignancy among males. The intricate interplay between androgen signaling and the immune microenvironment underscores the complexity of prostate cancer progression. Notably, androgen receptor (AR) signaling has been shown to affect immune response mediated by tumor antigen-presenting dendritic cells (DCs). Therefore, this study aimed to explore the potential of Bicalutamide, a nonsteroidal anti-androgen, in modulating DCs-mediated immune responses. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated, and monocytes were extracted, followed by their differentiation into immature dendritic cells (iDCs) using GM-CSF and IL-4. Harvested tumor cell lysates from human prostate cancer cells were then utilized to induce the transformation of iDCs into mature dendritic cells (mDCs). Then, mDCs were treated with non-toxic concentration of Bicalutamide determined by annexin V/PI assay. The morphological characteristics of mDCs were investigated using an inverted light microscope. Flow cytometry was used to determine the cell surface expression of molecular markers of DC maturation, and qRT-PCR was employed to evaluate expression levels of proinflammatory genes involved in DC maturation. The obtained results indicated that Bicalutamide treatment of monocyte-derived mDCs induces an immunogenic and matured phenotype, marked by increased expression of CD86 and HLA-DR. Besides, qRT-PCR results evidenced that Bicalutamide decreased the expression of anti-inflammatory genes, including Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and TGF-beta, as an indication of immunogenic DCs. These findings suggest that beyond its established anti-androgen role, Bicalutamide may exert anti-tumor effects through the modulation of DCs-mediated immune responses. This novel immunomodulatory feature holds promise for the development of novel therapies, including combination therapies, in prostate cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sirous Naeimi
- Department of Biology, Zand Institute of Higher Education, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Moghanibashi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Kazerun Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kazerun, Iran.
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Mundhara N, Sadhukhan P. Cracking the Codes behind Cancer Cells' Immune Evasion. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8899. [PMID: 39201585 PMCID: PMC11354234 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168899] [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: 07/12/2024] [Revised: 08/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune evasion is a key phenomenon in understanding tumor recurrence, metastasis, and other critical steps in tumor progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is in constant flux due to the tumor's ability to release signals that affect it, while immune cells within it can impact cancer cell behavior. Cancer cells undergo several changes, which can change the enrichment of different immune cells and modulate the activity of existing immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Cancer cells can evade immune surveillance by downregulating antigen presentation or expressing immune checkpoint molecules. High levels of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) correlate with better outcomes, and robust immune responses can control tumor growth. On the contrary, increased enrichment of Tregs, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and M2-like anti-inflammatory macrophages can hinder effective immune surveillance and predict poor prognosis. Overall, understanding these immune evasion mechanisms guides therapeutic strategies. Researchers aim to modulate the TME to enhance immune surveillance and improve patient outcomes. In this review article, we strive to summarize the composition of the tumor immune microenvironment, factors affecting the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), and different therapeutic modalities targeting the immune cells. This review is a first-hand reference to understand the basics of immune surveillance and immune evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pritam Sadhukhan
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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9
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Tominaga M, Uto T, Fukaya T, Mitoma S, Riethmacher D, Umekita K, Yamashita Y, Sato K. Crucial role of dendritic cells in the generation of anti-tumor T-cell responses and immunogenic tumor microenvironment to suppress tumor development. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1200461. [PMID: 39206204 PMCID: PMC11349553 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1200461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are known as unique professional antigen (Ag)-presenting cells (APCs) to prime naïve T cells for the initiation of adaptive immunity. While DCs are believed to play a pivotal role in generating anti-tumor T-cell responses, the importance of DCs in the protection from the progression of tumors remains elusive. Here, we show how the constitutive deficiency of CD11chi DCs influences the progression of tumors with the use of binary transgenic mice with constitutive loss of CD11chi DCs. Constitutive loss of CD11chi DCs not only enhances the progression of tumors but also reduces the responses of Ag-specific T cells. Furthermore, the congenital deficiency of CD11chi DCs generates the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) that correlates with the marked accumulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and the prominent productions of immunosuppressive mediators. Thus, our findings suggest that CD11chi DCs are crucial for generating anti-tumor T-cell responses and immunogenic TME to suppress the development of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moe Tominaga
- Division of Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Tomofumi Uto
- Division of Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
- Project for Promotion of Cancer Research and Therapeutic Evolution (P-PROMOTE), Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Fukaya
- Division of Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
- Project for Promotion of Cancer Research and Therapeutic Evolution (P-PROMOTE), Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuya Mitoma
- Division of Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
- Project for Promotion of Cancer Research and Therapeutic Evolution (P-PROMOTE), Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Dieter Riethmacher
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Kunihiko Umekita
- Division of Respirology, Rheumatology, Infectious Diseases, and Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Yamashita
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Katsuaki Sato
- Division of Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
- Project for Promotion of Cancer Research and Therapeutic Evolution (P-PROMOTE), Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), Tokyo, Japan
- Frontier Science Research Center, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
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10
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Zhang R, Jiang Q, Zhuang Z, Zeng H, Li Y. A bibliometric analysis of drug resistance in immunotherapy for breast cancer: trends, themes, and research focus. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1452303. [PMID: 39188717 PMCID: PMC11345160 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1452303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
While breast cancer treatments have advanced significantly nowadays, yet metastatic, especially triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), remains challenging with low survival. Cancer immunotherapy, a promising approach for HER2-positive and TNBC, still faces resistance hurdles. Recently, numerous studies have set their sights on the resistance of immunotherapy for breast cancer. Our study provides a thorough comprehension of the current research landscape, hotspots, and emerging breakthroughs in this critical area through a meticulous bibliometric analysis. As of March 26, 2024, a total of 1341 articles on immunology resistance in breast cancer have been gathered from Web of Science Core Collection, including 765 articles and 576 reviews. Bibliometrix, CiteSpace and VOSviewer software were utilized to examine publications and citations per year, prolific countries, contributive institutions, high-level journals and scholars, as well as highly cited articles, references and keywords. The research of immunotherapy resistance in breast cancer has witnessed a remarkable surge over the past seven years. The United States and China have made significant contributions, with Harvard Medical School being the most prolific institution and actively engaging in collaborations. The most contributive author is Curigliano, G from the European Institute of Oncology in Italy, while Wucherpfennig, K. W. from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in the USA, had the highest citations. Journals highly productive primarily focus on clinical, immunology and oncology research. Common keywords include "resistance", "expression", "tumor microenvironment", "cancer", "T cell", "therapy", "chemotherapy" and "cell". Current research endeavors to unravel the mechanisms of immune resistance in breast cancer through the integration of bioinformatics, basic experiments, and clinical trials. Efforts are underway to develop strategies that improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy, including the exploration of combination therapies and advancements in drug delivery systems. Additionally, there is a strong focus on identifying novel biomarkers that can predict patient response to immunology. This study will provide researchers with an up-to-date overview of the present knowledge in drug resistance of immunology for breast cancer, serving as a valuable resource for informed decision-making and further research on innovative approaches to address immunotherapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rendong Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Qiongzhi Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Zhemin Zhuang
- Engineering College, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Huancheng Zeng
- Department of Breast Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Yaochen Li
- The Central Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
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11
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Li X, Jian J, Zhang A, Xiang JM, Huang J, Chen Y. The role of immune cells and immune related genes in the tumor microenvironment of papillary thyroid cancer and their significance for immunotherapy. Sci Rep 2024; 14:18125. [PMID: 39103463 PMCID: PMC11300445 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-69187-9] [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: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common pathological type of thyroid cancer (THCA) and shows a better prognosis than other types. However, further research is needed to determine the risk of PTC. We herein used the CIBERSORT algorithm to analyze the gene-expression profile obtained from TCGA, estimated the infiltration ratio of 22 immune cell types in tumor tissues and normal tissues, analyzed the differential expression of immune-related genes, and identified immune cells and immune-related genes related to clinical progress and prognosis. We uncovered 12 immune cell types and nine immune-related genes that were closely correlated with TNM staging, and two immune cell types (activated NK cells and γδT cells) and one immune-related gene (CD40LG) that were associated with prognosis. After evaluation, four immune cell types could be used to determine low-risk PTC, with six immune cell types and six immune-related genes closely associated with high-risk PTC. The type and quantity of infiltrating immune cells in the microenvironment of PTC, as well as immune-related genes, appear to be closely related to tumor progression and can therefore be used as important indicators for the evaluation of patient prognosis. We posit that the study of immune cells and immune-related genes in the tumor microenvironment will facilitate the determination of low-risk PTC more accurately, and that this will greatly promote the development of high-risk PTC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xumei Li
- Department of Pathology, Chongqing Changshou District Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Jian
- Department of Pathology, Chongqing Changshou District Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Anzhi Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Jiaxing University Affiliated Women and Children Hospital (Jiaxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Jiang Ming Xiang
- Department of Surgery, Chongqing Changshou District Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Jingjing Huang
- Department of Surgery, Chongqing Changshou District Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Yanlin Chen
- Department of Pathology, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children), Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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12
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Jin H, Zheng L, Wang J, Zheng B. Dendritic cell-related hub genes in head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma: implications for prognosis and immunotherapy. Transl Cancer Res 2024; 13:3620-3636. [PMID: 39145060 PMCID: PMC11319964 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-2360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Background In the context of head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), dendritic cells (DCs) assume pivotal responsibilities, acting as architects of antigen presentation and conductors of immune checkpoint modulation. In this study, we aimed to identify hub genes associated with DCs in HNSCC and explore their prognostic significance and implications for immunotherapy. Methods Integrated clinical datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-HNSCC and GSE65858 cohorts underwent meticulous analysis. Employing weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we delineated candidate genes pertinent to DCs. Through the application of random survival forest and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox's regression, we derived key genes of significance. Lisa (epigenetic Landscape In Silico deletion Analysis and the second descendent of MARGE) highlighted transcription factors, with Dual-luciferase assays confirming their regulatory role. Furthermore, immunotherapeutic sensitivity was assessed utilizing the Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion online tool. Results This study illuminated the functional intricacies of HNSCC DC subsets to tailor innovative therapeutic strategies. We leveraged clinical data from the TCGA-HNSCC and GSE65858 cohorts. We subjected the data to advanced analysis, including WGCNA, which revealed 222 DC-related candidate genes. Following this, a discerning approach utilizing random survival forest analysis and LASSO Cox's regression unveiled seven genes associated with the prognostic impact of DCs, notably ACP2 and CPVL, associated with poor overall survival. Differential gene expression analysis between ACP2 + and ACP2 - DC cells revealed 208 differential expressed genes. Lisa analysis identified the top five significant transcription factors as STAT1, SPI1, SMAD1, CEBPB, and IRF1. The correlation between STAT1 and ACP2 was confirmed through quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Dual-luciferase assays in HEK293T cells. Additionally, TP53 and FAT1 mutations were more common in high-risk DC subgroups. Importantly, the sensitivity to immunotherapy differed among the risk clusters. The low-risk cohorts were anticipated to exhibit favorable responses to immunotherapy, marked by heightened expressions of immune system-related markers. In contrast, the high-risk group displayed augmented proportions of immunosuppressive cells, suggesting a less conducive environment for immunotherapeutic interventions. Conclusions Our research may yield a robust DC-based prognostic system for HNSCC; this will aid personalized treatment and improve clinical outcomes as the battle against this challenging cancer continues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyong Jin
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Lei Zheng
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Bo Zheng
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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13
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Zeng YY, Gu Q, Li D, Li AX, Liu RM, Liang JY, Liu JY. Immunocyte membrane-derived biomimetic nano-drug delivery system: a pioneering platform for tumour immunotherapy. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024:10.1038/s41401-024-01355-z. [PMID: 39085407 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-024-01355-z] [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: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor immunotherapy characterized by its high specificity and minimal side effects has achieved revolutionary progress in the field of cancer treatment. However, the complex mechanisms of tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and the individual variability of patients' immune system still present significant challenges to its clinical application. Immunocyte membrane-coated nanocarrier systems, as an innovative biomimetic drug delivery platform, exhibit remarkable advantages in tumor immunotherapy due to their high targeting capability, good biocompatibility and low immunogenicity. In this review we summarize the latest research advances in biomimetic delivery systems based on immune cells for tumor immunotherapy. We outline the existing methods of tumor immunotherapy including immune checkpoint therapy, adoptive cell transfer therapy and cancer vaccines etc. with a focus on the application of various immunocyte membranes in tumor immunotherapy and their prospects and challenges in drug delivery and immune modulation. We look forward to further exploring the application of biomimetic delivery systems based on immunocyte membrane-coated nanoparticles, aiming to provide a new framework for the clinical treatment of tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Ye Zeng
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qing Gu
- Department of Pharmacy, Jingan District Zhabei Central Hospital, Shanghai, 200070, China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ai-Xue Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Rong-Mei Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jian-Ying Liang
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Ji-Yong Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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14
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Hissong E, Bhinder B, Kim J, Ohara K, Ravichandran H, Assaad MA, Elsoukkary S, Shusterman M, Khan U, Eng KW, Bareja R, Manohar J, Sigouros M, Rendeiro AF, Jessurun J, Ocean AJ, Sboner A, Elemento O, Mosquera JM, Shah MA. Integrative Transcriptomic and Single-Cell Protein Characterization of Colorectal Carcinoma Delineates Distinct Tumor Immune Microenvironments Associated with Overall Survival. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4751101. [PMID: 39108491 PMCID: PMC11302706 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4751101/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is a heterogeneous group of tumors with varying therapeutic response and prognosis, and evidence suggests the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) plays a pivotal role. Using advanced molecular and spatial biology technologies, we aimed to evaluate the TIME in patients with CRC to determine whether specific alterations in the immune composition correlated with prognosis. We identified primary and metastatic tumor samples from 31 consented patients, which were profiled with whole-exome sequencing and bulk RNA-seq. Immune cell deconvolution followed by gene set enrichment analysis and unsupervised clustering was performed. A subset of tumors underwent in situ analysis of the TIME spatial composition at single-cell resolution through Imaging Mass Mass Cytometry. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed two distinct groups of advanced CRC, one with an immune activated phenotype and the other with a suppressed immune microenvironment. The activated TIME phenotype contained increased Th1 cells, activated dendritic cells, tertiary lymphoid structures, and higher counts of CD8+ T cells whereas the inactive or suppressed TIME contained increased macrophages and a higher M2/M1 ratio. Our findings were further supported by RNA-seq data analysis from the TCGA CRC database, in which unsupervised clustering also identified two separate groups. The immunosuppressed CRC TIME had a lower overall survival probability (HR 1.66, p=0.007). This study supports the pertinent role of the CRC immune microenvironment in tumor progression and patient prognosis. We characterized the immune cell composition to better understand the complexity and vital role that immune activity states of the TIME play in determining patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Hissong
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68th St, New York, NY 10065; Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine and New York Presbyterian, 413 E 69th St, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Bhavneet Bhinder
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine and New York Presbyterian, 413 E 69th St, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Junbum Kim
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine and New York Presbyterian, 413 E 69th St, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Kentaro Ohara
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68th St, New York, NY 10065; Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine and New York Presbyterian, 413 E 69th St, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Hiranmayi Ravichandran
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine and New York Presbyterian, 413 E 69th St, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Majd Al Assaad
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68th St, New York, NY 10065; Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine and New York Presbyterian, 413 E 69th St, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Sarah Elsoukkary
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68th St, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Michael Shusterman
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68th St New York, NY, USA
| | - Uqba Khan
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68th St New York, NY, USA
| | - Kenneth Wha Eng
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine and New York Presbyterian, 413 E 69th St, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Rohan Bareja
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine and New York Presbyterian, 413 E 69th St, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Jyothi Manohar
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine and New York Presbyterian, 413 E 69th St, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Michael Sigouros
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine and New York Presbyterian, 413 E 69th St, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Andre F Rendeiro
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine and New York Presbyterian, 413 E 69th St, New York, NY 10021, USA; CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse 14, AKH BT 25.3, 1090 Wien, Austria
| | - Jose Jessurun
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68th St, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Allyson J Ocean
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine and New York Presbyterian, 413 E 69th St, New York, NY 10021, USA; Department of Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68th St New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrea Sboner
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68th St, New York, NY 10065; Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine and New York Presbyterian, 413 E 69th St, New York, NY 10021, USA; Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68th St. New York, NY, USA
| | - Olivier Elemento
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine and New York Presbyterian, 413 E 69th St, New York, NY 10021, USA; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68th St. New York, NY, USA; Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68th St. New York, NY, USA
| | - Juan Miguel Mosquera
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68th St, New York, NY 10065; Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine and New York Presbyterian, 413 E 69th St, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Manish A Shah
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine and New York Presbyterian, 413 E 69th St, New York, NY 10021, USA; Department of Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68th St New York, NY, USA
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15
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Huang C, Tong T, Ren L, Wang H. STING-Activating Small Molecular Therapeutics for Cancer Immunotherapy. Chembiochem 2024:e202400255. [PMID: 38980259 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202400255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Immuno-oncology has become a revolutionary strategy for cancer treatment. Therapeutic interventions based on adaptive immunity through immune checkpoint therapy or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have received clinical approval for monotherapy and combination treatment in various cancers. Although these treatments have achieved clinical successes, only a minority of cancer patients show a response, highlighting the urgent need to discover new therapeutic molecules that could be exploited to improve clinical outcomes and pave the way for the next generation of immunotherapy. Given the critical role of the innate immune system against infection and cancer, substantial efforts have been dedicated to developing novel anticancer therapeutics that target these pathways. Targeting the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway is a powerful strategy to generate a durable antitumor response, and activation of the adaptor protein STING induces the initiation of transcriptional cascades, thereby producing type I interferons, pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Various STING agonists, including natural or synthetic cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs), have been developed as anticancer therapeutics. However, since most CDNs are confined to intratumoral administration, there has been a great interest in developing non-nucleotide agonists for systemic treatment. Here, we review the current development of STING-activating therapeutics in both preclinical and clinical stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuhan Huang
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Tianrui Tong
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, P. R. China
| | - Lulu Ren
- The First Affiliated Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310003, P. R. China
| | - Hangxiang Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310003, P. R. China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250117, P. R. China
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16
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Zhang Z, Huang C, Wu J, Cheng Q, Wang S. TICRR as a potential prognostic biomarker for lung adenocarcinoma: A comprehensive analysis using TCGA database. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e38660. [PMID: 38968480 PMCID: PMC11224840 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000038660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
To investigate the role of TopBP1-interacting checkpoint and replication regulator (TICRR) in the tumorigenesis and prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients. Wilcoxon signed-rank test and logistic regression were utilized to analyze the relationship between clinical characteristics and TICRR expression in LUAD from TCGA dataset. Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox regressions were used to assess the impact of TICRR impact on prognosis. ROC curves and nomograms were generated to further evaluate the relationship between TICRR expression and the risk of LUAD. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted on TCGA dataset, and ssGSEA was employed to investigate the association between TICRR and immune infiltrates. The results showed that high TICRR expression was significantly associated with various clinical factors including gender, age, pathological stage, T stage, N stage, M stage, outcome of primary therapy and smoking status. ROC curves also demonstrated that TICRR was a promising biomarker for molecular pathology diagnosis in LUAD patients (AUC = 0.952). Further analysis using gene ontology (GO) term enrichment and GSEA revealed an abnormal correlation between TICRR expression and cell division. Interestingly, ssGSEA analysis showed that TICRR expression correlated with multiple immune cell types, such as Th2 cell, TFH cell, mast cell, iDC, eosinophils, and dendritic cell. Lastly, the KM-plotters indicated that LUAD patients with high TICRR expression obtained worse life expectancy (P < .001). TICRR has proven to be a valuable tool in predicting disease progression and prognosis in patients with LUAD, thereby establishing itself as a fitting biomarker for forecasting overall survival (OS) of LUAD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Zhang
- Department of Breast Oncology, Hainan Cancer Hospital, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Congcong Huang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hainan Cancer Hospital, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hainan Cancer Hospital, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hainan Cancer Hospital, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Shangning Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hainan Cancer Hospital, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
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17
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Tang M, Xu M, Wang J, Liu Y, Liang K, Jin Y, Duan W, Xia S, Li G, Chu H, Liu W, Wang Q. Brain Metastasis from EGFR-Mutated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Secretion of IL11 from Astrocytes Up-Regulates PDL1 and Promotes Immune Escape. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306348. [PMID: 38696655 PMCID: PMC11234401 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Patients who have non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations are more prone to brain metastasis (BM) and poor prognosis. Previous studies showed that the tumor microenvironment of BM in these patients is immunosuppressed, as indicated by reduced T-cell abundance and activity, although the mechanism of this immunosuppression requires further study. This study shows that reactive astrocytes play a critical role in promoting the immune escape of BM from EGFR-mutated NSCLC by increasing the apoptosis of CD8+ T lymphocytes. The increased secretion of interleukin 11(IL11) by astrocytes promotes the expression of PDL1 in BM, and this is responsible for the increased apoptosis of T lymphocytes. IL11 functions as a ligand of EGFR, and this binding activates EGFR and downstream signaling to increase the expression of PDL1, culminating in the immune escape of tumor cells. IL11 also promotes immune escape by binding to its intrinsic receptor (IL11Rα/glycoprotein 130 [gp130]). Additional in vivo studies show that the targeted inhibition of gp130 and EGFR suppresses the growth of BM and prolongs the survival time of mice. These results suggest a novel therapeutic strategy for treatment of NSCLC patients with EGFR mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyi Tang
- the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116027, China
| | - Mingxin Xu
- the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116027, China
| | - Jian Wang
- the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116027, China
| | - Ye Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Design, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Kun Liang
- the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116027, China
| | - Yinuo Jin
- the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116027, China
| | - Wenzhe Duan
- the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116027, China
| | - Shengkai Xia
- the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116027, China
| | - Guohui Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Design, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Huiying Chu
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Design, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Wenwen Liu
- the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116027, China
- Cancer Translational Medicine Research Center, The Second Hospital, Dalian, Medical University, 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116027, China
| | - Qi Wang
- the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116027, China
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Fujiwara M, Shimada W, Yokoyama M, Koyanagi A, Shintaku H, Fukuda S, Waseda Y, Tanaka H, Yoshida S, Fujii Y. Durable response to nivolumab rechallenge in a patient with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma. IJU Case Rep 2024; 7:293-296. [PMID: 38966764 PMCID: PMC11221937 DOI: 10.1002/iju5.12727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction While immune checkpoint inhibitors represent the mainstream treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma, a standardized approach following immune checkpoint inhibitors remains unclear. We report a case of metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with nivolumab rechallenge. Case presentation A 60-year-old male with metastatic melanoma was referred to the urology division due to right renal cancer. He was undergoing nivolumab treatment for metastatic melanoma. Radical nephrectomy revealed clear cell renal cell carcinoma, pT3a. Two months post-surgery, multiple metastases were identified. Despite subsequent administration of interferon-α, axitinib, and temsirolimus, the metastases progressed. Consequently, nivolumab rechallenge and palliative radiotherapy were initiated, resulting in a durable response for 20 months. However, disease progression occurred, and he died of cancer 4 years after nephrectomy. Conclusion This is the first report of nivolumab rechallenge in metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Although the utility remains unclear, this case suggests that some patients may benefit from nivolumab rechallenge.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wataru Shimada
- Department of UrologyTokyo Medical and Dental UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Minato Yokoyama
- Department of UrologyTokyo Medical and Dental UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Anri Koyanagi
- Department of Comprehensive Pathology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental SciencesTokyo Medical and Dental UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Hiroshi Shintaku
- Division of Surgical PathologyTokyo Medical and Dental University HospitalTokyoJapan
| | - Shohei Fukuda
- Department of UrologyTokyo Medical and Dental UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Yuma Waseda
- Department of UrologyTokyo Medical and Dental UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Hajime Tanaka
- Department of UrologyTokyo Medical and Dental UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Soichiro Yoshida
- Department of UrologyTokyo Medical and Dental UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Yasuhisa Fujii
- Department of UrologyTokyo Medical and Dental UniversityTokyoJapan
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19
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Becker JC, Stang A, Schrama D, Ugurel S. Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Integrating Epidemiology, Immunology, and Therapeutic Updates. Am J Clin Dermatol 2024; 25:541-557. [PMID: 38649621 PMCID: PMC11193695 DOI: 10.1007/s40257-024-00858-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare skin cancer characterized by neuroendocrine differentiation. Its carcinogenesis is based either on the integration of the Merkel cell polyomavirus or on ultraviolet (UV) mutagenesis, both of which lead to high immunogenicity either through the expression of viral proteins or neoantigens. Despite this immunogenicity resulting from viral or UV-associated carcinogenesis, it exhibits highly aggressive behavior. However, owing to the rarity of MCC and the lack of epidemiologic registries with detailed clinical data, there is some uncertainty regarding the spontaneous course of the disease. Historically, advanced MCC patients were treated with conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy yielding a median response duration of only 3 months. Starting in 2017, four programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) immune checkpoint inhibitors-avelumab, pembrolizumab, nivolumab (utilized in both neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings), and retifanlimab-have demonstrated efficacy in treating patients with disseminated MCC on the basis of prospective clinical trials. However, generating clinical evidence for rare cancers, such as MCC, is challenging owing to difficulties in conducting large-scale trials, resulting in small sample sizes and therefore lacking statistical power. Thus, to comprehensively understand the available clinical evidence on various immunotherapy approaches for MCC, we also delve into the epidemiology and immune biology of this cancer. Nevertheless, while randomized studies directly comparing immune checkpoint inhibitors and chemotherapy in MCC are lacking, immunotherapy shows response rates comparable to those previously reported with chemotherapy but with more enduring responses. Notably, adjuvant nivolumab has proven superiority to the standard-of-care therapy (observation) in the adjuvant setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen C Becker
- Department of Translational Skin Cancer Research (TSCR), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstrasse 1, 45141, Essen, Germany.
- Department of Dermatology, University Medicine Essen, Essen, Germany.
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Andreas Stang
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- Cancer Registry of North Rhine-Westphalia, Bochum, Germany
| | - David Schrama
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Selma Ugurel
- Department of Dermatology, University Medicine Essen, Essen, Germany
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20
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Ahmad I, Altameemi KKA, Hani MM, Ali AM, Shareef HK, Hassan ZF, Alubiady MHS, Al-Abdeen SHZ, Shakier HG, Redhee AH. Shifting cold to hot tumors by nanoparticle-loaded drugs and products. Clin Transl Oncol 2024:10.1007/s12094-024-03577-3. [PMID: 38922537 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-024-03577-3] [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: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Cold tumors lack antitumor immunity and are resistant to therapy, representing a major challenge in cancer medicine. Because of the immunosuppressive spirit of the tumor microenvironment (TME), this form of tumor has a low response to immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and also chemotherapy. Cold tumors have low infiltration of immune cells and a high expression of co-inhibitory molecules, such as immune checkpoints and immunosuppressive molecules. Therefore, targeting TME and remodeling immunity in cold tumors can improve the chance of tumor repression after therapy. However, tumor stroma prevents the infiltration of inflammatory cells and hinders the penetration of diverse molecules and drugs. Nanoparticles are an intriguing tool for the delivery of immune modulatory agents and shifting cold to hot tumors. In this review article, we discuss the mechanisms underlying the ability of nanoparticles loaded with different drugs and products to modulate TME and enhance immune cell infiltration. We also focus on newest progresses in the design and development of nanoparticle-based strategies for changing cold to hot tumors. These include the use of nanoparticles for targeted delivery of immunomodulatory agents, such as cytokines, small molecules, and checkpoint inhibitors, and for co-delivery of chemotherapy drugs and immunomodulatory agents. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of nanoparticles for enhancing the efficacy of cancer vaccines and cell therapy for overcoming resistance to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irfan Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.
| | | | - Mohaned Mohammed Hani
- Department of Medical Instrumentation Engineering Techniques, Imam Ja'afar Al-Sadiq University, Al Muthanna, Iraq
| | - Afaq Mahdi Ali
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Al-Turath University College, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Hasanain Khaleel Shareef
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, College of Science, Al-Mustaqbal University, Hilla, Iraq
- Biology Department, College of Science for Women, University of Babylon, Hilla, Iraq
| | | | | | | | | | - Ahmed Huseen Redhee
- Medical Laboratory Technique College, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
- Medical Laboratory Technique College, The Islamic University of Al Diwaniyah, Al Diwaniyah, Iraq
- Medical Laboratory Technique College, The Islamic University of Babylon, Babylon, Iraq
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21
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Zhang Y, Feng B, Liang Y, Tang Q, Zhang S, Zhang Z, Xu L, Yin J. Prognostic significance of LRPPRC and its association with immune infiltration in liver hepatocellular carcinoma. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 13:105-116. [PMID: 39022790 PMCID: PMC11249856 DOI: 10.62347/xtlj1335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leucine rich pentatricopeptide repeat containing (LRPPRC) protein is a multifunctional protein involved in cell cycle progression and tumor development. However, its prognostic significance and association with immune infiltration in Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) remain unclear. METHODS We utilized transcriptomic and clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype Tissue Expression (GTEx) databases of LIHC patients to investigate the potential pro-cancer role of LRPPRC, including differential expression of LRPPRC in LIHC, prognostic value, clinicopathological features, immune cell infiltration relevance and function enrichment analysis. RESULTS Our findings suggest that LRPPRC is upregulated in LIHC and exhibits correlations with survival, clinical stage, and tumor grade in LIHC patients. Additionally, immune infiltration analysis revealed significant negative correlations between LRPPRC expression and multiple tumor-infiltrating immune cells, including CTLs, DCs, pDCs, B cells, Th17 cells, neutrophils, T cells, Mast cells, Th1 cells, Tregs, and NK cells, whereas a significant positive correlation was observed with infiltration of Th2 cells, T helper cells and Tcms. Furthermore, functional enrichment analysis indicated that LRPPRC may be involved in G2m checkpoint, mitotic spindle, E2f targets, Wnt Beta catenin signaling, spermatogenesis and other processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqiu Zhang
- Center for Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhou, Jiangsu, The People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune MedicineHefei, Anhui, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin Feng
- Center for Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhou, Jiangsu, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuting Liang
- Center for Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhou, Jiangsu, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Qingqin Tang
- Center for Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhou, Jiangsu, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Center for Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhou, Jiangsu, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Center for Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhou, Jiangsu, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhou, Jiangsu, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingping Yin
- Center for Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhou, Jiangsu, The People’s Republic of China
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22
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Qian J, Jiang Y, Hu H. Ginsenosides: an immunomodulator for the treatment of colorectal cancer. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1408993. [PMID: 38939839 PMCID: PMC11208871 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1408993] [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: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Ginsenosides, the primary bioactive ingredients derived from the root of Panax ginseng, are eagerly in demand for tumor patients as a complementary and alternative drug. Ginsenosides have increasingly become a "hot topic" in recent years due to their multifunctional role in treating colorectal cancer (CRC) and regulating tumor microenvironment (TME). Emerging experimental research on ginsenosides in the treatment and immune regulation of CRC has been published, while no review sums up its specific role in the CRC microenvironment. Therefore, this paper systematically introduces how ginsenosides affect the TME, specifically by enhancing immune response, inhibiting the activation of stromal cells, and altering the hallmarks of CRC cells. In addition, we discuss their impact on the physicochemical properties of the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, we discuss the application of ginsenosides in clinical treatment as their efficacy in enhancing tumor patient immunity and prolonging survival. The future perspectives of ginsenoside as a complementary and alternative drug of CRC are also provided. This review hopes to open up a new horizon for the cancer treatment of Traditional Chinese Medicine monomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianan Qian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanyu Jiang
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongyi Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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23
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Fang T, Chen G. Non-viral vector-based genome editing for cancer immunotherapy. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:3068-3085. [PMID: 38716572 DOI: 10.1039/d4bm00286e] [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: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Despite the exciting promise of cancer immunotherapy in the clinic, immune checkpoint blockade therapy and T cell-based therapies are often associated with low response rates, intrinsic and adaptive immune resistance, and systemic side effects. CRISPR-Cas-based genome editing appears to be an effective strategy to overcome these unmet clinical needs. As a safer delivery platform for the CRISPR-Cas system, non-viral nanoformulations have been recently explored to target tumor cells and immune cells, aiming to improve cancer immunotherapy on a gene level. In this review, we summarized the efforts of non-viral vector-based CRISPR-Cas-mediated genome editing in tumor cells and immune cells for cancer immunotherapy. Their design rationale and specific applications were highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianxu Fang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 0B1, Canada.
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 0B1, Canada
| | - Guojun Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 0B1, Canada.
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 0B1, Canada
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24
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Xin S, Su J, Li R, Cao Q, Wang H, Wei Z, Wang C, Zhang C. Identification of a risk model for prognostic and therapeutic prediction in renal cell carcinoma based on infiltrating M0 cells. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13390. [PMID: 38862642 PMCID: PMC11166996 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64207-0] [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: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) comprises immune-infiltrating cells that are closely linked to tumor development. By screening and analyzing genes associated with tumor-infiltrating M0 cells, we developed a risk model to provide therapeutic and prognostic guidance in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). First, the infiltration abundance of each immune cell type and its correlation with patient prognosis were analyzed. After assessing the potential link between the depth of immune cell infiltration and prognosis, we screened the infiltrating M0 cells to establish a risk model centered on three key genes (TMEN174, LRRC19, and SAA1). The correlation analysis indicated a positive correlation between the risk score and various stages of the tumor immune cycle, including B-cell recruitment. Furthermore, the risk score was positively correlated with CD8 expression and several popular immune checkpoints (ICs) (TIGIT, CTLA4, CD274, LAG3, and PDCD1). Additionally, the high-risk group (HRG) had higher scores for tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) and exclusion than the low-risk group (LRG). Importantly, the risk score was negatively correlated with the immunotherapy-related pathway enrichment scores, and the LRG showed a greater therapeutic benefit than the HRG. Differences in sensitivity to targeted drugs between the HRG and LRG were analyzed. For commonly used targeted drugs in RCC, including axitinib, pazopanib, temsirolimus, and sunitinib, LRG had lower IC50 values, indicating increased sensitivity. Finally, immunohistochemistry results of 66 paraffin-embedded specimens indicated that SAA1 was strongly expressed in the tumor samples and was associated with tumor metastasis, stage, and grade. SAA1 was found to have a significant pro-tumorigenic effect by experimental validation. In summary, these data confirmed that tumor-infiltrating M0 cells play a key role in the prognosis and treatment of patients with ccRCC. This discovery offers new insights and directions for the prognostic prediction and treatment of ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyong Xin
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, No. 636, Guan-lin Rd, Luo-long District, Luoyang, China.
| | - Junjie Su
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, No. 636, Guan-lin Rd, Luo-long District, Luoyang, China
| | - Ruixin Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, No. 636, Guan-lin Rd, Luo-long District, Luoyang, China
| | - Qiong Cao
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Haojie Wang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Zhengzhou University, Luoyang Central Hospital, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Zhihao Wei
- Department of Pathology, The Yiluo Hospital of Luoyang, The Teaching Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, China
| | - Chengliang Wang
- Department of Urology, Shangcheng County People's Hospital, Xinyang, 464000, China
| | - Chengdong Zhang
- Department of Urology, Xinxiang First People's Hospital, Xinxiang, 453000, China
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25
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Lu J, Gui W, Tang S, Shi Q, Wang X, Huang L, Shen Y, Yang S, Xiang J, Yuan J, Mo J, Kong X, Huang M, Li X, Lu C. Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase (NNMT) is Involved in Gastric Adenocarcinoma Immune Infiltration by Driving Amino Acid Metabolism. Nutr Cancer 2024; 76:745-759. [PMID: 38855943 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2024.2359741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Objectives: This study investigates the role of Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) in immune infiltration modulation through amino acid metabolism in gastric adenocarcinoma (STAD). Methods: Utilizing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and validated with clinical samples, we analyzed NNMT expression and its prognostic implications in STAD. Differential amino acid profiles between cancerous and adjacent normal tissues were assessed, along with their associations with NNMT. Results: NNMT exhibits heightened expression in STAD cancer tissues, positively correlating with tumor immune infiltration. Additionally, twenty-eight amino acids display differential expression in gastric tissue, with their metabolic enzymes showing connections to NNMT. Conclusions: Elevated NNMT expression in STAD tissues potentially influences amino acid metabolism, thereby affecting immune infiltration dynamics and tumorigenesis in gastric adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianyong Lu
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Wenliang Gui
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Shen Tang
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Qianqian Shi
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xinhang Wang
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Liyuan Huang
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yinghui Shen
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Shuting Yang
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Junni Xiang
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jianglang Yuan
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jiao Mo
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xingxing Kong
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Mingwei Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Xiyi Li
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Preclinical Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Cailing Lu
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Preclinical Medicine, Nanning, China
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26
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Chen MY, Zhang F, Goedegebuure SP, Gillanders WE. Dendritic cell subsets and implications for cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1393451. [PMID: 38903502 PMCID: PMC11188312 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1393451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) play a central role in the orchestration of effective T cell responses against tumors. However, their functional behavior is context-dependent. DC type, transcriptional program, location, intratumoral factors, and inflammatory milieu all impact DCs with regard to promoting or inhibiting tumor immunity. The following review introduces important facets of DC function, and how subset and phenotype can affect the interplay of DCs with other factors in the tumor microenvironment. It will also discuss how current cancer treatment relies on DC function, and survey the myriad ways with which immune therapy can more directly harness DCs to enact antitumor cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Y. Chen
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Felicia Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Simon Peter Goedegebuure
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - William E. Gillanders
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
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27
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Wang Z, Ji X, Zhang Y, Yang F, Su H, Zhang H, Li Z, Zhang W, Sun W. Interactions between LAMP3+ dendritic cells and T-cell subpopulations promote immune evasion in papillary thyroid carcinoma. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e008983. [PMID: 38816233 PMCID: PMC11141193 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2024-008983] [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: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) continues to rise all over the world, 10-15% of the patients have a poor prognosis. Although immunotherapy has been applied in clinical practice, its therapeutic efficacy remains far from satisfactory, necessitating further investigation of the mechanism of PTC immune remodeling and exploration of novel treatment targets. METHODS This study conducted a single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis using 18 surgical tissue specimens procured from 14 patients diagnosed with adjacent tissues, non-progressive PTC or progressive PTC. Key findings were authenticated through spatial transcriptomics RNA sequencing, immunohistochemistry, multiplex immunohistochemistry, and an independent bulk RNA-seq data set containing 502 samples. RESULTS A total of 151,238 individual cells derived from 18 adjacent tissues, non-progressive PTC and progressive PTC specimens underwent scRNA-seq analysis. We found that progressive PTC exhibits the following characteristics: a significant decrease in overall immune cells, enhanced immune evasion of tumor cells, and disrupted antigen presentation function. Moreover, we identified a subpopulation of lysosomal associated membrane protein 3 (LAMP3+) dendritic cells (DCs) exhibiting heightened infiltration in progressive PTC and associated with advanced T stage and poor prognosis of PTC. LAMP3+ DCs promote CD8+ T cells exhaustion (mediated by NECTIN2-TIGIT) and increase infiltration abundance of regulatory T cells (mediated by chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 17 (CCL17)-chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 4 (CCR4)) establishing an immune-suppressive microenvironment. Ultimately, we unveiled that progressive PTC tumor cells facilitate the retention of LAMP3+ DCs within the tumor microenvironment through NECTIN3-NECTIN2 interactions, thereby rendering tumor cells more susceptible to immune evasion. CONCLUSION Our findings expound valuable insights into the role of the interaction between LAMP3+ DCs and T-cell subpopulations and offer new and effective ideas and strategies for immunotherapy in patients with progressive PTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Wang
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Ji
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye Zhang
- The First Laboratory of Cancer Institute, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyue Su
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhendong Li
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenqian Zhang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
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28
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Li W, Zhang H, You Z, Guo B. LncRNAs in Immune and Stromal Cells Remodel Phenotype of Cancer Cell and Tumor Microenvironment. J Inflamm Res 2024; 17:3173-3185. [PMID: 38774447 PMCID: PMC11108079 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s460730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Emerging studies suggest that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in the mutual regulation of cells in tumor microenvironment, thereby affecting the anti-tumor immune activity of immune cells. Additionally, the intracellular pathways mediated by lncRNAs can affect the expression of immune checkpoints or change the cell functions, including cytokines secretion, of immune and stromal cells in tumor microenvironment, which further influences cancer patients' prognosis and treatment response. With the in-depth research, lncRNAs have shown great potency as a new immunotherapy target and predict immunotherapy response. The research on lncRNAs provides us with a new insight into developing new immunotherapy drugs and predicting the outcome of immunotherapy. With development of RNA sequencing technology, amounts of lncRNAs were found to be dysregulated in immune and stromal cells rather than tumor cells. These lncRNAs function through ceRNA network or regulating transcript factor activity, thus leading abnormal differentiation and activation of immune and stromal cells. Here, we review the function of lncRNAs in the immune microenvironment and focus on the alteration of lncRNAs in immune and stromal cells, and discuss how these alterations affect tumor growth, metastasis and treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbin Li
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Qianjiang Hospital Affiliated to Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Qianjiang, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Qianjiang Central Hospital of Hubei Province, Qianjiang, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haohan Zhang
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zuo You
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianfeng County People’s Hospital, Enshi, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Baozhu Guo
- Department of Pain, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
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29
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Liu X, Shen H, Zhang L, Huang W, Zhang S, Zhang B. Immunotherapy for recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:101. [PMID: 38755255 PMCID: PMC11099100 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00601-1] [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: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as anti-programmed death 1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) therapy, has emerged as a pivotal treatment modality for solid tumors, including recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (R/M-NPC). Despite the advancements in the utilization of ICIs, there is still room for further improving patient outcomes. Another promising approach to immunotherapy for R/M-NPC involves adoptive cell therapy (ACT), which aims to stimulate systemic anti-tumor immunity. However, individual agent therapies targeting dendritic cells (DCs) appear to still be in the clinical trial phase. This current review underscores the potential of immunotherapy as a valuable adjunct to the treatment paradigm for R/M-NPC patients. Further research is warranted to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy through the implementation of strategies such as combination therapies and overcoming immune suppression. Additionally, the development of a biomarker-based scoring system is essential for identifying suitable candidates for precision immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Graduate College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hui Shen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Graduate College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenhui Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuixing Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Bin Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Hosseini I, Fleisher B, Getz J, Decalf J, Kwong M, Ovacik M, Bainbridge TW, Moussion C, Rao GK, Gadkar K, Kamath AV, Ramanujan S. A Minimal PBPK/PD Model with Expansion-Enhanced Target-Mediated Drug Disposition to Support a First-in-Human Clinical Study Design for a FLT3L-Fc Molecule. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:660. [PMID: 38794321 PMCID: PMC11125320 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16050660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
FLT3L-Fc is a half-life extended, effectorless Fc-fusion of the native human FLT3-ligand. In cynomolgus monkeys, treatment with FLT3L-Fc leads to a complex pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) relationship, with observed nonlinear PK and expansion of different immune cell types across different dose levels. A minimal physiologically based PK/PD model with expansion-enhanced target-mediated drug disposition (TMDD) was developed to integrate the molecule's mechanism of action, as well as the complex preclinical and clinical PK/PD data, to support the preclinical-to-clinical translation of FLT3L-Fc. In addition to the preclinical PK data of FLT3L-Fc in cynomolgus monkeys, clinical PK and PD data from other FLT3-agonist molecules (GS-3583 and CDX-301) were used to inform the model and project the expansion profiles of conventional DC1s (cDC1s) and total DCs in peripheral blood. This work constitutes an essential part of our model-informed drug development (MIDD) strategy for clinical development of FLT3L-Fc by projecting PK/PD in healthy volunteers, determining the first-in-human (FIH) dose, and informing the efficacious dose in clinical settings. Model-generated results were incorporated in regulatory filings to support the rationale for the FIH dose selection.
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Gurrola TE, Effah SN, Sariyer IK, Dampier W, Nonnemacher MR, Wigdahl B. Delivering CRISPR to the HIV-1 reservoirs. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1393974. [PMID: 38812680 PMCID: PMC11133543 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1393974] [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: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection is well known as one of the most complex and difficult viral infections to cure. The difficulty in developing curative strategies arises in large part from the development of latent viral reservoirs (LVRs) within anatomical and cellular compartments of a host. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/ CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system shows remarkable potential for the inactivation and/or elimination of integrated proviral DNA within host cells, however, delivery of the CRISPR/Cas9 system to infected cells is still a challenge. In this review, the main factors impacting delivery, the challenges for delivery to each of the LVRs, and the current successes for delivery to each reservoir will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore E. Gurrola
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Samuel N. Effah
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ilker K. Sariyer
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Inflammation and Center for Neurovirology and Gene Editing, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Will Dampier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Michael R. Nonnemacher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Brian Wigdahl
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Chen X, Li Z, Feng Y, Yang Z, Zhao B. Identification of PDZD11 as a Potential Biomarker Associated with Immune Infiltration for Diagnosis and Prognosis in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer. Int J Gen Med 2024; 17:2113-2128. [PMID: 38766598 PMCID: PMC11102278 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s459418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Evidence has indicated that PDZD11 is involved in regulating adherens junction. However, the distinct effect of its aberrant expression on epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) awaits clarification. Methods In this study, public databases (Gene Expression Omnibus, The Cancer Genome Atlas, and The Genotype-Tissue Expression), online analysis tools (Kaplan-Meier plotter and TIMER), and data analysis methods (Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, and the CIBERSORT algorithm) were fully utilized to analyze the differential expression, diagnostic efficiency, prognostic significance, potential function, and correlation with immune infiltration of PDZD11. The differential expression of PDZD11 was tested by immunohistochemistry in EOC tissues (78 cases) and control tissues (37 cases). Results Our results indicate that PDZD11 was remarkably overexpressed in EOC, which was associated with advanced cancer stages, no lymphatic metastasis status, and poor prognosis. Moreover, PDZD11 played a role in cell adhesion, cell proliferation, and immune responses. Also, PDZD11 was significantly related to the abundances of infiltrating immune cells in EOC, including neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, CD8+ T cells, and CD4+ T cells, and its expression was positively co-expressed with well-known immune checkpoints, including TIGIT, TIM3, LAG3, CTLA4, and PD-1. Conclusion These results suggest that PDZD11 could be a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker associated with immune infiltration in EOC, and our findings might help elucidate the function of PDZD11 in carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqi Chen
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhuang Li
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanying Feng
- Department of Cardiopulmonary Center, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhijun Yang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bingbing Zhao
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People’s Republic of China
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Wang S, Zhang Y, Chen G, Zhao P, Wang X, Xu B, Yuan L. Expressions of CXCR3 and PD-1 on T cells and their clinical relevance in colorectal cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 132:111988. [PMID: 38583239 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111988] [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: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Clinical application of immunotherapy represented by Programmed Death-1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibody has changed the treatment paradigm for colorectal cancer (CRC), and tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes are critical for anti-PD-1 therapy in CRC. However, there are few studies on the relationship between the expression CXCR3 on T lymphocytes and the clinical aspects of CRC. In this study, we analyzed the expression levels of CXCR3 and PD-1 in CD8+ and CD4+ T lymphocytes in healthy donors (HDs) and patients with CRC. METHODS We detected the expressions of CXCR3 and PD-1 on T lymphocytes in peripheral blood of healthy donors as well as peripheral blood, tumor tissue and para-cancerous tissues of patients with CRC using flow cytometry. We also analyzed the relationship between the expressions of CXCR3 and PD-1 on T lymphocytes and the pathological characteristics of CRC using t test. RESULTS Expression of CXCR3 on tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes was lower, whereas the expression of PD-1 was higher than that on para-cancerous tissues and PB in patients with CRC. In patients with lymph node metastasis of CRC, the expressions levels of CXCR3+ PD-1+ on tumor-infiltrating CD8+ and CD4+ T lymphocytes were higher than those in patients without lymph node metastasis. The levels of CXCR3+ PD-1+ expressions differed depending on the primary tumor site. CONCLUSION Expressions of CXCR3 and PD-1 on tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes are related to the development of CRC and metastasis, providing clues for exploring the pathogenesis of CRC and developing new strategies for tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Wang
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital (Department of Surgery), Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yangyang Zhang
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital (Department of Surgery), Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guangyu Chen
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital (Department of Immunotherapy), Zhengzhou, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital (Department of Surgery), Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaoming Wang
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital (Department of Surgery), Zhengzhou, China
| | - Benling Xu
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital (Department of Immunotherapy), Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Long Yuan
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital (Department of Surgery), Zhengzhou, China.
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Wang X, Miao Y, Shen J, Li D, Deng X, Yang C, Ji Y, Dai Z, Ma Y. Unlocking PD-1 antibody resistance: The MUC1 DNA vaccine augments CD8 + T cell infiltration and attenuates tumour suppression. Scand J Immunol 2024; 99:e13356. [PMID: 38605549 DOI: 10.1111/sji.13356] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
In light of increasing resistance to PD1 antibody therapy among certain patient populations, there is a critical need for in-depth research. Our study assesses the synergistic effects of a MUC1 DNA vaccine and PD1 antibody for surmounting PD1 resistance, employing a murine CT26/MUC1 colon carcinoma model for this purpose. When given as a standalone treatment, PD1 antibodies showed no impact on tumour growth. Additionally, there was no change observed in the intra-tumoural T-cell ratios or in the functionality of T-cells. In contrast, the sole administration of a MUC1 DNA vaccine markedly boosted the cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells by elevating IFN-γ and granzyme B production. Our compelling evidence highlights that combination therapy more effectively inhibited tumour growth and prolonged survival compared to either monotherapy, thus mitigating the limitations intrinsic to single-agent therapies. This enhanced efficacy was driven by a significant alteration in the tumour microenvironment, skewing it towards pro-immunogenic conditions. This assertion is backed by a raised CD8+/CD4+ T-cell ratio and a decrease in immunosuppressive MDSC and Treg cell populations. On the mechanistic front, the synergistic therapy amplified expression levels of CXCL13 in tumours, subsequently facilitating T-cell ingress into the tumour setting. In summary, our findings advocate for integrated therapy as a potent mechanism for surmounting PD1 antibody resistance, capitalizing on improved T-cell functionality and infiltration. This investigation affords critical perspectives on enhancing anti-tumour immunity through the application of innovative therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
- The Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yinsha Miao
- Department of Clinical laboratory, Xi'an No. 3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | | | - Dandan Li
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Xinyue Deng
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chengcheng Yang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yanhong Ji
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - ZhiJun Dai
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yunfeng Ma
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
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Naseri B, Mardi A, Khosrojerdi A, Baghbani E, Aghebati-Maleki L, Hatami-Sadr A, Heris JA, Eskandarzadeh S, Kafshdouz M, Alizadeh N, Baradaran B. Everolimus treatment enhances inhibitory immune checkpoint molecules' expression in monocyte-derived dendritic cells. Hum Immunol 2024; 85:110798. [PMID: 38569354 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2024.110798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antigen-specific T-cell immunity is provided by dendritic cells (DCs), which are specialized antigen-presenting cells. Furthermore, they establish a link between innate and adaptive immune responses. Currently, DC modification is a new approach for the therapy of several disorders. During solid organ transplantation, Everolimus, which is a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, was initially utilized to suppress the immune system's functionality. Due to the intervention of Everolimus in various signaling pathways in cells and its modulatory properties on the immune system, this study aims to investigate the effect of treatment with Everolimus on the maturation and expression of immune checkpoint genes in monocyte-derived DCs. METHODS To isolate monocytes from PBMCs, the CD14 marker was used via the MACS method. Monocytes were cultured and induced to differentiate into monocyte-derived DCs by utilizing GM-CSF and IL-4 cytokines. On the fifth day, immature DCs were treated with Everolimus and incubated for 24 h. On the sixth day, the flow cytometry technique was used to investigate the effect of Everolimus on the phenotypic characteristics of DCs. In the end, the expression of immune checkpoint genes in both the Everolimus-treated and untreated DCs groups was assessed using the real-time PCR method. RESULTS The findings of this research demonstrated that the administration of Everolimus to DCs led to a notable rise in human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR expression and a decrease in CD11c expression. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in the expression of immune checkpoint molecules, namely CTLA-4, VISTA, PD-L1, and BTLA, in DCs treated with Everolimus. CONCLUSION The findings of this study show that Everolimus can target DCs and affect their phenotype and function in order to shift them toward a partially tolerogenic state. However, additional research is required to gain a comprehensive understanding of the precise impact of Everolimus on the activation status of DCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahar Naseri
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Mardi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Arezou Khosrojerdi
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Elham Baghbani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | | | | | | | - Mahshid Kafshdouz
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nazila Alizadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Kuncman Ł, Orzechowska M, Milecki T, Kucharz J, Fijuth J. High FLT3 expression increases immune-cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment and correlates with prolonged disease-free survival in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Mol Oncol 2024; 18:1316-1326. [PMID: 38327131 PMCID: PMC11076988 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13597] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Most of the currently used cancer immunotherapies inhibit the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1)-programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PDL1) axis of T-cells. However, dendritic cells (DCs) controlled by natural killer (NK) cells via the FMS-related tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) axis are necessary for activation of T-cells. The aim of the study was to evaluate FLT3 as a prognostic factor and determine its role in immune infiltration (with emphasis on NK cells and DCs). Using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we performed bioinformatic analysis of the gene expression datasets of 501 lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) and 515 lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patient who had corresponding clinical data [analysis was performed in R (version 4.2.0)]. Disease-free survival (DFS) differed between the FLT3-low and FLT3-high expression groups, respectively, in LUSC (61.0 vs 71.3 months P = 0.075) and LUAD (32.7 vs 47.5 months P = 0.045). A tumor microenvironment (TME) with high immune infiltration and rich in T-cell exhaustion markers was observed in the FLT3-high group. We showed overexpression of NK cell and DC gene signatures in the FLT3-high expression group as well as overexpression of key effector genes of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes protein (STING) pathway, which is crucial in response to radiotherapy. High expression of FLT3 in the TME was associated with immune cell infiltration (especially of NK cells and DCs), increased expression of T-cell exhaustion markers and expression of effector genes of the cGAS-STING pathway, which may consequently increase susceptibility to immunotherapy and radiotherapy. High FLT3 expression correlated with prolonged DFS in the LUSC and LUAD cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Kuncman
- Department of RadiotherapyMedical University of LodzPoland
- Department of External Beam RadiotherapyNicolaus Copernicus Multidisciplinary Centre for Oncology and TraumatologyŁódźPoland
| | | | - Tomasz Milecki
- Department of UrologyPoznan University of Medical SciencesPoland
| | - Jakub Kucharz
- Department of Genitourinary OncologyThe Maria Sklodowska‐Curie National Research Institute of Oncology in WarsawPoland
| | - Jacek Fijuth
- Department of RadiotherapyMedical University of LodzPoland
- Department of External Beam RadiotherapyNicolaus Copernicus Multidisciplinary Centre for Oncology and TraumatologyŁódźPoland
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Febriyanto T, Muhammad F, Wijaya W, Oey O, Simadibrata DM. Antibiotic use reduces the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with urothelial carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Urol Oncol 2024; 42:160.e11-160.e23. [PMID: 38101990 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2023.11.017] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Antibiotics have been suggested to diminish the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) by alterations of the gut microbiota. OBJECTIVE To perform a meta-analysis summarizing the effect of antibiotics on the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of urothelial cancer (UC) patients receiving ICI. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION PubMed, EMBASE (Ovid), and the Cochrane Library were searched to identify studies published up to July 14, 2023. Studies reporting the associations between antibiotics use and OS and PFS in UC patients treated with ICI were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The random-effect model was used to pool the Hazard Ratios (HRs) for OS and PFS with 95% confidence interval (95%CI). The ROBINS-I was used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies, while the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) framework was used to inform the quality of evidence. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Thirteen nonrandomized studies involving a total of 5,095 ICI-treated UC patients were included in this review, of which 1434 (28%) received antibiotics. Overall, compared to patients who did not receive antibiotics, the pooled HRs for OS and PFS in those who received antibiotics were 1.45 [95% CI 1.25-1.68] and 1.40 [95% CI 1.05-1.87], respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed that the types of ICI and timing of antibiotic initiation did not influence the effect of antibiotics on OS and PFS in UC patients (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Antibiotic use significantly reduced OS and PFS in UC patients receiving ICI. While antibiotics remain crucial for the treatment of infections in UC patients, antibiotics should be prescribed cautiously in UC patients receiving ICI. PATIENT SUMMARY Antibiotic use is associated with worsened survival in UC patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toni Febriyanto
- Department of Primary Health Care and Family Medicine, Mediway Clinic, Tanjung Balai Karimun, Indonesia
| | - Fajar Muhammad
- Department of Emergency, Kuala Kurun Regional Hospital, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
| | - Wynne Wijaya
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Oliver Oey
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Daniel Martin Simadibrata
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Toadere TM, Ţichindeleanu A, Bondor DA, Topor I, Trella ŞE, Nenu I. Bridging the divide: unveiling mutual immunological pathways of cancer and pregnancy. Inflamm Res 2024; 73:793-807. [PMID: 38492049 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-024-01866-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The juxtaposition of two seemingly disparate physiological phenomena within the human body-namely, cancer and pregnancy-may offer profound insights into the intricate interplay between malignancies and the immune system. Recent investigations have unveiled striking similarities between the pivotal processes underpinning fetal implantation and successful gestation and those governing tumor initiation and progression. Notably, a confluence of features has emerged, underscoring parallels between the microenvironment of tumors and the maternal-fetal interface. These shared attributes encompass establishing vascular networks, cellular mobilization, recruitment of auxiliary tissue components to facilitate continued growth, and, most significantly, the orchestration of immune-suppressive mechanisms.Our particular focus herein centers on the phenomenon of immune suppression and its protective utility in both of these contexts. In the context of pregnancy, immune suppression assumes a paramount role in shielding the semi-allogeneic fetus from the potentially hostile immune responses of the maternal host. In stark contrast, in the milieu of cancer, this very same immunological suppression fosters the transformation of the tumor microenvironment into a sanctuary personalized for the neoplastic cells.Thus, the striking parallels between the immunosuppressive strategies deployed during pregnancy and those co-opted by malignancies offer a tantalizing reservoir of insights. These insights promise to inform novel avenues in the realm of cancer immunotherapy. By harnessing our understanding of the immunological events that detrimentally impact fetal development, a knowledge grounded in the context of conditions such as preeclampsia or miscarriage, we may uncover innovative immunotherapeutic strategies to combat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teodora Maria Toadere
- Department of Physiology, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Andra Ţichindeleanu
- Department of Physiology, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Daniela Andreea Bondor
- Department of Physiology, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioan Topor
- Department of Physiology, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Şerban Ellias Trella
- Department of Physiology, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Iuliana Nenu
- Department of Physiology, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Fu C, Wang J, Ma T, Yin C, Zhou L, Clausen BE, Mi QS, Jiang A. β-Catenin in Dendritic Cells Negatively Regulates CD8 T Cell Immune Responses through the Immune Checkpoint Molecule Tim-3. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:460. [PMID: 38793711 PMCID: PMC11125945 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12050460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that β-catenin in dendritic cells (DCs) serves as a key mediator in promoting both CD4 and CD8 T cell tolerance, although the mechanisms underlying how β-catenin exerts its functions remain incompletely understood. Here, we report that activation of β-catenin leads to the up-regulation of inhibitory molecule T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (Tim-3) in type 1 conventional DCs (cDC1s). Using a cDC1-targeted vaccine model with anti-DEC-205 engineered to express the melanoma antigen human gp100 (anti-DEC-205-hgp100), we demonstrated that CD11c-β-cateninactive mice exhibited impaired cross-priming and memory responses of gp100-specific CD8 T (Pmel-1) cells upon immunization with anti-DEC-205-hgp100. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis revealed that β-catenin in DCs negatively regulated transcription programs for effector function and proliferation of primed Pmel-1 cells, correlating with suppressed CD8 T cell immunity in CD11c-β-cateninactive mice. Further experiments showed that treating CD11c-β-cateninactive mice with an anti-Tim-3 antibody upon anti-DEC-205-hgp100 vaccination led to restored cross-priming and memory responses of gp100-specific CD8 T cells, suggesting that anti-Tim-3 treatment likely synergizes with DC vaccines to improve their efficacy. Indeed, treating B16F10-bearing mice with DC vaccines using anti-DEC-205-hgp100 in combination with anti-Tim-3 treatment resulted in significantly reduced tumor growth compared with treatment with the DC vaccine alone. Taken together, we identified the β-catenin/Tim-3 axis as a potentially novel mechanism to inhibit anti-tumor CD8 T cell immunity and that combination immunotherapy of a DC-targeted vaccine with anti-Tim-3 treatment leads to improved anti-tumor efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunmei Fu
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (C.F.); (J.W.); (C.Y.); (L.Z.)
- Immunology Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Jie Wang
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (C.F.); (J.W.); (C.Y.); (L.Z.)
- Immunology Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Tianle Ma
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, School of Engineering and Computer Science, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA;
| | - Congcong Yin
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (C.F.); (J.W.); (C.Y.); (L.Z.)
- Immunology Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Li Zhou
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (C.F.); (J.W.); (C.Y.); (L.Z.)
- Immunology Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Björn E. Clausen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Paul Klein Center for Immune Intervention, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Qing-Sheng Mi
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (C.F.); (J.W.); (C.Y.); (L.Z.)
- Immunology Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Aimin Jiang
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (C.F.); (J.W.); (C.Y.); (L.Z.)
- Immunology Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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Sheikhlary S, Lopez DH, Moghimi S, Sun B. Recent Findings on Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines: An Updated Review. Biomolecules 2024; 14:503. [PMID: 38672519 PMCID: PMC11048403 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040503] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains one of the global leading causes of death and various vaccines have been developed over the years against it, including cell-based, nucleic acid-based, and viral-based cancer vaccines. Although many vaccines have been effective in in vivo and clinical studies and some have been FDA-approved, there are major limitations to overcome: (1) developing one universal vaccine for a specific cancer is difficult, as tumors with different antigens are different for different individuals, (2) the tumor antigens may be similar to the body's own antigens, and (3) there is the possibility of cancer recurrence. Therefore, developing personalized cancer vaccines with the ability to distinguish between the tumor and the body's antigens is indispensable. This paper provides a comprehensive review of different types of cancer vaccines and highlights important factors necessary for developing efficient cancer vaccines. Moreover, the application of other technologies in cancer therapy is discussed. Finally, several insights and conclusions are presented, such as the possibility of using cold plasma and cancer stem cells in developing future cancer vaccines, to tackle the major limitations in the cancer vaccine developmental process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Sheikhlary
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - David Humberto Lopez
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; (D.H.L.); (S.M.)
| | - Sophia Moghimi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; (D.H.L.); (S.M.)
| | - Bo Sun
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; (D.H.L.); (S.M.)
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Burton C, Bitaraf A, Snyder K, Zhang C, Yoder SJ, Avram D, Du D, Yu X, Lau EK. The functional role of L-fucose on dendritic cell function and polarization. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1353570. [PMID: 38646527 PMCID: PMC11026564 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1353570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite significant advances in the development and refinement of immunotherapies administered to combat cancer over the past decades, a number of barriers continue to limit their efficacy. One significant clinical barrier is the inability to mount initial immune responses towards the tumor. As dendritic cells are central initiators of immune responses in the body, the elucidation of mechanisms that can be therapeutically leveraged to enhance their functions to drive anti-tumor immune responses is urgently needed. Here, we report that the dietary sugar L-fucose can be used to enhance the immunostimulatory activity of dendritic cells (DCs). L-fucose polarizes immature myeloid cells towards specific DC subsets, specifically cDC1 and moDC subsets. In vitro, L-fucose treatment enhances antigen uptake and processing of DCs. Furthermore, our data suggests that L-fucose-treated DCs increase stimulation of T cell populations. Consistent with our functional assays, single-cell RNA sequencing of intratumoral DCs from melanoma- and breast tumor-bearing mice confirmed transcriptional regulation and antigen processing as pathways that are significantly altered by dietary L-fucose. Together, this study provides the first evidence of the ability of L-fucose to bolster DC functionality and provides rational to further investigate how L-fucose can be used to leverage DC function in order to enhance current immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chase Burton
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States
- Cancer Biology Ph.D. Program, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
- Immunology Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Amirreza Bitaraf
- Cancer Biology Ph.D. Program, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
- Molecular Medicine Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States
- Department of Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Kara Snyder
- Molecular Medicine Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States
- Department of Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Chaomei Zhang
- Molecular Genomics Core, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Sean J. Yoder
- Molecular Genomics Core, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Dorina Avram
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States
- Immunology Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Dongliang Du
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Xiaoqing Yu
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Eric K. Lau
- Molecular Medicine Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States
- Department of Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States
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Shen W, Li Y, Yang Z, Li W, Cao Y, Liu Y, Wang Z, Pei R, Xing C. Tumor microenvironment reprogramming combined with immunogenic enhancement by nanoemulsions potentiates immunotherapy. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:154. [PMID: 38581017 PMCID: PMC10996274 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02401-y] [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: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors and immunogenic cell death (ICD) inducers has become a promising strategy for the treatment of various cancers. However, its efficacy remains unmet because of the dense stroma and defective vasculatures in the tumor microenvironment (TME) that restricts the intratumoral infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Herein, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs)-targeted nanoemulsions are tailored to combine the ICD induction and the TME reprogramming to sensitize checkpoint blockade immunotherapy. Melittin, as an ICD inducer and an antifibrotic agent, is efficiently encapsulated into the nanoemulsion accompanied by a nitric oxide donor to improve its bioavailability and tumor targeting. The nanoemulsions exhibited dual functionality by directly inducing direct cancer cell death and enhancing the tumoral immunogenicity, while also synergistically reprogramming the TME through reversing the activated CAFs, decreasing collagen deposition and restoring tumor vessels. Consequently, these nanemulsions successfully facilitated the CTLs infiltration and suppressing the recruitment of immunosuppressive cells. A combination of AE-MGNPs and anti-CTLA-4 antibody greatly elicited a striking level of antitumor T-cell response to suppress tumor growth in CAFs-rich colorectal tumor models. Our work emphasized the integration of the ICD induction with simultaneous modulation of the TME to enhance the sensitivity of patients to checkpoint blockade immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqi Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, P. R. China
- Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, Jiangsu, China
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Yecheng Li
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, P. R. China
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Ziyi Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Wenjing Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Yi Cao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Yilin Liu
- School of Intelligent Finance and Business, Entrepreneur College, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Zheng Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China.
| | - Renjun Pei
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China.
| | - Chungen Xing
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, P. R. China.
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Liu R, Zhu J, Chen A, Fan Y, Li L, Mei Y, Wang Y, Wang X, Liu B, Liu Q. Intra-bone marrow injection with engineered Lactococcus lactis for the treatment of metastatic tumors: Primary report. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116384. [PMID: 38471270 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Bone marrow has the capacity to produce different types of immune cells, such as natural killer cells, macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells. Improving the activation of immune cells in the bone marrow can enhance the therapy of bone metastases. Previously, we designed an engineered probiotic Lactococcus lactis, capable of expressing a fusion protein of Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand and co-stimulator OX40 ligand (FOLactis), and proved that it can induce the activation and differentiation of several immune cells. In this research, we successfully establish mouse models of bone metastasis, lung metastasis and intraperitoneal dissemination, and we are the first to directly inject the probiotics into the bone marrow to inhibit tumor growth. We observe that injecting FOLactis into the bone marrow of mice can better regulate the immune microenvironment of tumor-bearing mice, resulting in a tumor-suppressive effect. Compared to subcutaneous (s.c.) injection, intra-bone marrow (IBM) injection is more effective in increasing mature DCs and CD8+ T cells and prolonging the survival of tumor-bearing mice. Our results confirm that IBM injection of FOLactis reprograms the immune microenvironment of bone marrow and has remarkable effectiveness in various metastatic tumor models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Liu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008, China; The Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; The Comprehensive Cancer Centre, China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Junmeng Zhu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008, China; The Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Aoxing Chen
- The Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yue Fan
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008, China; The Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; The Comprehensive Cancer Centre, China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008, China; Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yi Mei
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008, China; The Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Wang
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008, China; The Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaonan Wang
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008, China; The Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; The Comprehensive Cancer Centre, China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Baorui Liu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008, China; The Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qin Liu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008, China; The Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
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Rezaie J, Chodari L, Mohammadpour-Asl S, Jafari A, Niknam Z. Cell-mediated barriers in cancer immunosurveillance. Life Sci 2024; 342:122528. [PMID: 38408406 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122528] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
The immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) exert multifaceted functions ranging from tumor-antagonizing or tumor-promoting activities. During the initial phases of tumor development, the tumor-antagonizing immune cells in the TME combat cancer cells in an immune surveillance process. However, with time, cancer cells can evade detection and impede the immune cells' effectiveness through diverse mechanisms, such as decreasing immunogenic antigen presentation on their surfaces and/or secreting anti-immune factors that cause tolerance in TME. Moreover, some immune cells cause immunosuppressive situations and inhibit antitumoral immune responses. Physical and cellular-mediated barriers in the TME, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts, tumor endothelium, the altered lipid composition of tumor cells, and exosomes secreted from cancer cells, also mediate immunosuppression and prevent extravasation of immune cells. Due to successful clinical outcomes of cancer treatment strategies the potential barriers must be identified and addressed. We need to figure out how to optimize cancer immunotherapy strategies, and how to combine therapeutic approaches for maximum clinical benefit. This review provides a detailed overview of various cells and molecules in the TME, their association with escaping from immune surveillance, therapeutic targets, and future perspectives for improving cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jafar Rezaie
- Solid Tumor Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Leila Chodari
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran; Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Shadi Mohammadpour-Asl
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran; Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Abbas Jafari
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Zahra Niknam
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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45
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Wang M, Chen S, He X, Yuan Y, Wei X. Targeting inflammation as cancer therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:13. [PMID: 38520006 PMCID: PMC10960486 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01528-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammation has accompanied human beings since the emergence of wounds and infections. In the past decades, numerous efforts have been undertaken to explore the potential role of inflammation in cancer, from tumor development, invasion, and metastasis to the resistance of tumors to treatment. Inflammation-targeted agents not only demonstrate the potential to suppress cancer development, but also to improve the efficacy of other therapeutic modalities. In this review, we describe the highly dynamic and complex inflammatory tumor microenvironment, with discussion on key inflammation mediators in cancer including inflammatory cells, inflammatory cytokines, and their downstream intracellular pathways. In addition, we especially address the role of inflammation in cancer development and highlight the action mechanisms of inflammation-targeted therapies in antitumor response. Finally, we summarize the results from both preclinical and clinical studies up to date to illustrate the translation potential of inflammation-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manni Wang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, Block3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyuan Chen
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, Block3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemei He
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, Block3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Yuan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, Block3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
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46
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Li Y, Gao W, Yang Z, Hu Z, Li J. Multi-omics pan-cancer analyses identify MCM4 as a promising prognostic and diagnostic biomarker. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6517. [PMID: 38499612 PMCID: PMC10948783 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57299-1] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Minichromosome Maintenance Complex Component 4 (MCM4) is a vital component of the mini-chromosome maintenance complex family, crucial for initiating the replication of eukaryotic genomes. Recently, there has been a growing interest in investigating the significance of MCM4 in different types of cancer. Despite the existing research on this topic, a comprehensive analysis of MCM4 across various cancer types has been lacking. This study aims to bridge this knowledge gap by presenting a thorough pan-cancer analysis of MCM4, shedding light on its functional implications and potential clinical applications. The study utilized multi-omics samples from various databases. Bioinformatic tools were employed to explore the expression profiles, genetic alterations, phosphorylation states, immune cell infiltration patterns, immune subtypes, functional enrichment, disease prognosis, as well as the diagnostic potential of MCM4 and its responsiveness to drugs in a range of cancers. Our research demonstrates that MCM4 is closely associated with the oncogenesis, prognosis and diagnosis of various tumors and proposes that MCM4 may function as a potential biomarker in pan-cancer, providing a deeper understanding of its potential role in cancer development and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxing Li
- Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710000, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Wentao Gao
- Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710000, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Yang
- Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710000, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenwei Hu
- Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710000, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianjun Li
- Department of Cardiology, Jincheng People's Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Jincheng, Shanxi, People's Republic of China.
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47
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Huang Z, Liu X, Guo Q, Zhou Y, Shi L, Cai Q, Tang S, Ouyang Q, Zheng J. Extracellular vesicle-mediated communication between CD8 + cytotoxic T cells and tumor cells. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1376962. [PMID: 38562940 PMCID: PMC10982391 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1376962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumors pose a significant global public health challenge, resulting in numerous fatalities annually. CD8+ T cells play a crucial role in combating tumors; however, their effectiveness is compromised by the tumor itself and the tumor microenvironment (TME), resulting in reduced efficacy of immunotherapy. In this dynamic interplay, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as pivotal mediators, facilitating direct and indirect communication between tumors and CD8+ T cells. In this article, we provide an overview of how tumor-derived EVs directly regulate CD8+ T cell function by carrying bioactive molecules they carry internally and on their surface. Simultaneously, these EVs modulate the TME, indirectly influencing the efficiency of CD8+ T cell responses. Furthermore, EVs derived from CD8+ T cells exhibit a dual role: they promote tumor immune evasion while also enhancing antitumor activity. Finally, we briefly discuss current prevailing approaches that utilize functionalized EVs based on tumor-targeted therapy and tumor immunotherapy. These approaches aim to present novel perspectives for EV-based tumor treatment strategies, demonstrating potential for advancements in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyu Huang
- Department of Urology, Urologic Surgery Center, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Xuehui Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qinghao Guo
- Department of Urology, Urologic Surgery Center, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yihang Zhou
- Department of Urology, Urologic Surgery Center, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Linlin Shi
- Department of Urology, Urologic Surgery Center, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Qingjin Cai
- Department of Urology, Urologic Surgery Center, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Shupei Tang
- Department of Shigatse Branch, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Shigatse, China
| | - Qin Ouyang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ji Zheng
- Department of Urology, Urologic Surgery Center, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
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Zhou H, Baish JW, O'Melia MJ, Darragh LB, Specht E, Czapla J, Lei PJ, Menzel L, Rajotte JJ, Nikmaneshi MR, Razavi MS, Vander Heiden MG, Ubellacker JM, Munn LL, Boland GM, Cohen S, Karam SD, Padera TP. Cancer immunotherapy responses persist after lymph node resection. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.09.19.558262. [PMID: 37781599 PMCID: PMC10541098 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.19.558262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Surgical removal of lymph nodes (LNs) to prevent metastatic recurrence, including sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and completion lymph node dissection (CLND), are performed in routine practice. However, it remains controversial whether removing LNs which are critical for adaptive immune responses impairs immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) efficacy. Here, our retrospective analysis demonstrated that stage III melanoma patients retain robust response to anti-PD1 inhibition after CLND. Using orthotopic murine mammary carcinoma and melanoma models, we show that responses to ICB persist in mice after TDLN resection. Mechanistically, after TDLN resection, antigen can be re-directed to distant LNs, which extends the responsiveness to ICB. Strikingly, by evaluating head and neck cancer patients treated by neoadjuvant durvalumab and irradiation, we show that distant LNs (metastases-free) remain reactive in ICB responders after tumor and disease-related LN resection, hence, persistent anti-cancer immune reactions in distant LNs. Additionally, after TDLN dissection in murine models, ICB delivered to distant LNs generated greater survival benefit, compared to systemic administration. In complete responders, anti-tumor immune memory induced by ICB was systemic rather than confined within lymphoid organs. Based on these findings, we constructed a computational model to predict free antigen trafficking in patients that will undergo LN dissection.
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Brock VJ, Lory NC, Möckl F, Birus M, Stähler T, Woelk LM, Jaeckstein M, Heeren J, Koch-Nolte F, Rissiek B, Mittrücker HW, Guse AH, Werner R, Diercks BP. Time-resolved role of P2X4 and P2X7 during CD8 + T cell activation. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1258119. [PMID: 38426095 PMCID: PMC10902106 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1258119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
CD8+ T cells are a crucial part of the adaptive immune system, responsible for combating intracellular pathogens and tumor cells. The initial activation of T cells involves the formation of highly dynamic Ca2+ microdomains. Recently, purinergic signaling was shown to be involved in the formation of the initial Ca2+ microdomains in CD4+ T cells. In this study, the role of purinergic cation channels, particularly P2X4 and P2X7, in CD8+ T cell signaling from initial events to downstream responses was investigated, focusing on various aspects of T cell activation, including Ca2+ microdomains, global Ca2+ responses, NFAT-1 translocation, cytokine expression, and proliferation. While Ca2+ microdomain formation was significantly reduced in the first milliseconds to seconds in CD8+ T cells lacking P2X4 and P2X7 channels, global Ca2+ responses over minutes were comparable between wild-type (WT) and knockout cells. However, the onset velocity was reduced in P2X4-deficient cells, and P2X4, as well as P2X7-deficient cells, exhibited a delayed response to reach a certain level of free cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). NFAT-1 translocation, a crucial transcription factor in T cell activation, was also impaired in CD8+ T cells lacking P2X4 and P2X7. In addition, the expression of IFN-γ, a major pro-inflammatory cytokine produced by activated CD8+ T cells, and Nur77, a negative regulator of T cell activation, was significantly reduced 18h post-stimulation in the knockout cells. In line, the proliferation of T cells after 3 days was also impaired in the absence of P2X4 and P2X7 channels. In summary, the study demonstrates that purinergic signaling through P2X4 and P2X7 enhances initial Ca2+ events during CD8+ T cell activation and plays a crucial role in regulating downstream responses, including NFAT-1 translocation, cytokine expression, and proliferation on multiple timescales. These findings suggest that targeting purinergic signaling pathways may offer potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie J. Brock
- The Calcium Signalling Group, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Niels Christian Lory
- Department of Immunology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Möckl
- The Calcium Signalling Group, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Melina Birus
- Department of Immunology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Stähler
- Department of Immunology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lena-Marie Woelk
- Department of Applied Medical Informatics, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Computational Neuroscience, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michelle Jaeckstein
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Joerg Heeren
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Friedrich Koch-Nolte
- Department of Immunology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Björn Rissiek
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Willi Mittrücker
- Department of Immunology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas H. Guse
- The Calcium Signalling Group, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - René Werner
- Department of Applied Medical Informatics, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Computational Neuroscience, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Björn-Philipp Diercks
- The Calcium Signalling Group, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Xu J, Wu F, Zhu Y, Wu T, Cao T, Gao W, Liu M, Qian W, Feng G, Xi X, Hou S. ANGPTL4 regulates ovarian cancer progression by activating the ERK1/2 pathway. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:54. [PMID: 38311733 PMCID: PMC10838463 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03246-z] [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: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian cancer (OC) has the highest mortality rate among all gynecological malignancies. A hypoxic microenvironment is a common feature of solid tumors, including ovarian cancer, and an important driving factor of tumor cell survival and chemo- and radiotherapy resistance. Previous research identified the hypoxia-associated gene angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) as both a pro-angiogenic and pro-metastatic factor in tumors. Hence, this work aimed to further elucidate the contribution of ANGPTL4 to OC progression. METHODS The expression of hypoxia-associated ANGPTL4 in human ovarian cancer was examined by bioinformatics analysis of TCGA and GEO datasets. The CIBERSORT tool was used to analyze the distribution of tumor-infiltrating immune cells in ovarian cancer cases in TCGA. The effect of ANGPTL4 silencing and overexpression on the proliferation and migration of OVCAR3 and A2780 OC cells was studied in vitro, using CCK-8, colony formation, and Transwell assays, and in vivo, through subcutaneous tumorigenesis assays in nude mice. GO enrichment analysis and WGCNA were performed to explore biological processes and genetic networks associated with ANGPTL4. The results obtained were corroborated in OC cells in vitro by western blotting. RESULTS Screening of hypoxia-associated genes in OC-related TCGA and GEO datasets revealed a significant negative association between ANGPTL4 expression and patient survival. Based on CIBERSORT analysis, differential representation of 14 distinct tumor-infiltrating immune cell types was detected between low- and high-risk patient groups. Silencing of ANGPTL4 inhibited OVCAR3 and A2780 cell proliferation and migration in vitro and reduced the growth rate of xenografted OVCAR3 cells in vivo. Based on results from WGCNA and previous studies, western blot assays in cultured OC cells demonstrated that ANGPTL4 activates the Extracellular signal-related kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) pathway and this results in upregulation of c-Myc, Cyclin D1, and MMP2 expression. Suggesting that the above mechanism mediates the pro-oncogenic actions of ANGPTL4T in OC, the pro-survival effects of ANGPTL4 were largely abolished upon inhibition of ERK1/2 signaling with PD98059. CONCLUSIONS Our work suggests that the hypoxia-associated gene ANGPTL4 stimulates OC progression through activation of the ERK1/2 pathway. These findings may offer a new prospect for targeted therapies for the treatment of OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University; Suzhou Municipal Hospital, No.26, Daoqian Street, Suzhou, 215002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fei Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University; Suzhou Municipal Hospital, No.26, Daoqian Street, Suzhou, 215002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yue Zhu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University; Suzhou Municipal Hospital, No.26, Daoqian Street, Suzhou, 215002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tiantian Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tianyue Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University; Suzhou Municipal Hospital, No.26, Daoqian Street, Suzhou, 215002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenxin Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meng Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University; Suzhou Municipal Hospital, No.26, Daoqian Street, Suzhou, 215002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weifeng Qian
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University; Suzhou Municipal Hospital, No.26, Daoqian Street, Suzhou, 215002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guannan Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University; Suzhou Municipal Hospital, No.26, Daoqian Street, Suzhou, 215002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoxue Xi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University; Suzhou Municipal Hospital, No.26, Daoqian Street, Suzhou, 215002, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Shunyu Hou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University; Suzhou Municipal Hospital, No.26, Daoqian Street, Suzhou, 215002, Jiangsu, China.
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