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Sharma M, Alessandro P, Cheriyamundath S, Lopus M. Therapeutic and diagnostic applications of carbon nanotubes in cancer: recent advances and challenges. J Drug Target 2024; 32:287-299. [PMID: 38252035 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2024.2309575] [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: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are allotropes of carbon, composed of carbon atoms forming a tube-like structure. Their high surface area, chemical stability, and rich electronic polyaromatic structure facilitate their drug-carrying capacity. Therefore, CNTs have been intensively explored for several biomedical applications, including as a potential treatment option for cancer. By incorporating smart fabrication strategies, CNTs can be designed to specifically target cancer cells. This targeted drug delivery approach not only maximizes the therapeutic utility of CNTs but also minimizes any potential side effects of free drug molecules. CNTs can also be utilised for photothermal therapy (PTT) which uses photosensitizers to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) to kill cancer cells, and in immunotherapeutic applications. Regarding the latter, for example, CNT-based formulations can preferentially target intra-tumoural regulatory T-cells. CNTs also act as efficient antigen presenters. With their capabilities for photoacoustic, fluorescent and Raman imaging, CNTs are excellent diagnostic tools as well. Further, metallic nanoparticles, such as gold or silver nanoparticles, are combined with CNTs to create nanobiosensors to measure biological reactions. This review focuses on current knowledge about the theranostic potential of CNT, challenges associated with their large-scale production, their possible side effects and important parameters to consider when exploring their clinical usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muskan Sharma
- School of Biological Sciences, UM-DAE Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences, University of Mumbai, Vidyanagari, Mumbai, India
| | - Parodi Alessandro
- Department of Translational Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sirius, Russia
| | - Sanith Cheriyamundath
- School of Biological Sciences, UM-DAE Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences, University of Mumbai, Vidyanagari, Mumbai, India
| | - Manu Lopus
- School of Biological Sciences, UM-DAE Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences, University of Mumbai, Vidyanagari, Mumbai, India
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2
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Du Z, Sui D, Xin D, Tang X, Li M, Liu X, Deng Y, Song Y. Sialic acid-modified doxorubicin liposomes target tumor-related immune cells to relieve multiple inhibitions of CD8 + T cells. J Liposome Res 2024; 34:464-474. [PMID: 38196168 DOI: 10.1080/08982104.2023.2298901] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
In different types of cancer treatments, cancer-specific T cells are required for effective anticancer immunity, which has a central role in cancer immunotherapy. However, due to the multiple inhibitions of CD8+ T cells by tumor-related immune cells, CD8+ T-cell mediated antitumor immunotherapy has not achieved breakthrough progress in the treatment of solid tumors. Receptors for sialic acid (SA) are highly expressed in tumor-associated immune cells, so SA-modified nanoparticles are a drug delivery nanoplatform using tumor-associated immune cells as vehicles. To relieve the multiple inhibitions of CD8+ T cells by tumor-associated immune cells, we prepared SA-modified doxorubicin liposomes (SL-DOX, Scheme 1A). In our study, free SA decreased the toxicity of SL-DOX to tumor-associated immune cells. Compared with common liposomes, SL-DOX could inhibit tumor growth more effectively. It is worth noting that SL-DOX could not only kill tumor-related neutrophils and monocytes to relieve the multiple inhibitions of CD8+ T cells but also induce immunogenic death of tumor cells to promote the infiltration and differentiation of CD8+ T cells (Scheme 1B). Therefore, SL-DOX has potential value for the clinical therapeutic effect of CD8+ T cells mediating anti-tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhouchunxiao Du
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Dezhi Sui
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Dongzhe Xin
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xueying Tang
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Mingze Li
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xinrong Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yihui Deng
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yanzhi Song
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
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Zhou L, Fan S, Zhang W, Gong Z, Wang D, Tang D. The battle within: cell death by phagocytosis in cancer. Clin Transl Oncol 2024:10.1007/s12094-024-03650-x. [PMID: 39167272 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-024-03650-x] [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: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
The process by which living cells are phagocytosed and digested to death is called cell death by phagocytosis, a term that has just recently been generalized and redefined. It is characterized by the phagocytosis of living cells and the cessation of cell death by phagocytosis. Phagocytosis of dead cells is a widely discussed issue in cancer, cell death by phagocytosis can stimulate phagocytosis and stimulate adaptive immunity in tumors, and at the same time, do not-eat-me signaling is an important site for cancer cells to evade recognition by phagocytes. Therefore, we discuss in this review cell death by phagocytosis occurring in cancer tissues and emphasize the difference between this new concept and the phagocytosis of dead tumor cells. Immediately thereafter, we describe the mechanisms by which cell death by phagocytosis occurs and how tumors escape phagocytosis. Finally, we summarize the potential clinical uses of cell death by phagocytosis in tumor therapy and strive to provide ideas for tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lujia Zhou
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shiying Fan
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenjie Zhang
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Zhiyuan Gong
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Daorong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Institute of General Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, 225000, China
| | - Dong Tang
- Department of General Surgery, Institute of General Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, 225000, China.
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Liu C, Liu L. Identification and immunoassay of prognostic genes associated with the complement system in acute myeloid leukemia. J Formos Med Assoc 2024; 123:904-915. [PMID: 38341328 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2024.01.024] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Studies have associated the development of pulmonary leukemia with the activation of the complement system. However, the roles and mechanisms of complement system-related genes (CSRGs) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have not been investigated extensively. This study used The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-AML and GSE37642 datasets. Differentially expressed CSRGs (CSRDEGs) were identified by overlapping genes differentially expressed between the high and low CSRG score groups and key module genes identified in a weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses identified CSRG-related biomarkers, which were used to build a prognostic model. After gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), immune-related and drug-sensitivity analyses were performed in the high- and low-risk groups. Four prognosis-related biomarkers were identified and used to develop a prognostic model: MEOX2, IGFBP5, CH25H, and RAB3B. The model's performance was verified in a test cohort (a subset of samples from the TCGA-AML dataset) and a validation cohort (GSE37642). The GSEA revealed that the high-risk group was mainly enriched for Golgi organization and cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, and the low-risk group was mainly enriched in the hedgehog signaling pathway and spliceosome. Lastly, two immune cells were found to show differential infiltration between risk groups, which correlated with the risk scores. M1 macrophage infiltration was significantly positively correlated with RAB3B expression. Sensitivity to 36 drugs differed significantly between risk groups. This study screened four CSRG-related biomarkers (MEOX2, IGFBP5, CH25H, and RAB3B) to provide a basis for predicting AML prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Liu
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, ChongQing, 400016, China.
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, ChongQing, 400016, China.
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Cao X, Hu Z, Sheng X, Sun Z, Yang L, Shu H, Liu X, Yan G, Zhang L, Liu C, Zhang Y, Wang H, Lu H. Glyco-signatures in patients with advanced lung cancer during anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2024; 56:1099-1107. [PMID: 38952341 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2024110] [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] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting programmed cell death 1/programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) have significantly prolonged the survival of advanced/metastatic patients with lung cancer. However, only a small proportion of patients can benefit from ICIs, and clinical management of the treatment process remains challenging. Glycosylation has added a new dimension to advance our understanding of tumor immunity and immunotherapy. To systematically characterize anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy-related changes in serum glycoproteins, a series of serum samples from 12 patients with metastatic lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and lung adenocarcinoma (ADC), collected before and during ICIs treatment, are firstly analyzed with mass-spectrometry-based label-free quantification method. Second, a stratification analysis is performed among anti-PD-1/PD-L1 responders and non-responders, with serum levels of glycopeptides correlated with treatment response. In addition, in an independent validation cohort, a large-scale site-specific profiling strategy based on chemical labeling is employed to confirm the unusual characteristics of IgG N-glycosylation associated with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment. Unbiased label-free quantitative glycoproteomics reveals serum levels' alterations related to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment in 27 out of 337 quantified glycopeptides. The intact glycopeptide EEQFN 177STYR (H3N4) corresponding to IgG4 is significantly increased during anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment (FC=2.65, P=0.0083) and has the highest increase in anti-PD-1/PD-L1 responders (FC=5.84, P=0.0190). Quantitative glycoproteomics based on protein purification and chemical labeling confirms this observation. Furthermore, obvious associations between the two intact glycopeptides (EEQFN 177STYR (H3N4) of IgG4, EEQYN 227STFR (H3N4F1) of IgG3) and response to treatment are observed, which may play a guiding role in cancer immunotherapy. Our findings could benefit future clinical disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Cao
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences and Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Zhihuang Hu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiangying Sheng
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zhenyu Sun
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences and Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lijun Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Hong Shu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Xiaojing Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Guoquan Yan
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences and Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences and Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Precision Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences and Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugates Research, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Huijie Wang
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences and Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Haojie Lu
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences and Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugates Research, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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Du YJ, Jiang Y, Hou YM, Shi YB. Complement factor I knockdown inhibits colon cancer development by affecting Wnt/β-catenin/c-Myc signaling pathway and glycolysis. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:2634-2650. [DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i6.2634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colon cancer (CC) occurrence and progression are considerably influenced by the tumor microenvironment. However, the exact underlying regulatory mechanisms remain unclear.
AIM To investigate immune infiltration-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in CC and specifically explored the role and potential molecular mechanisms of complement factor I (CFI).
METHODS Immune infiltration-associated DEGs were screened for CC using bioinformatics. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to examine hub DEGs expression in the CC cell lines. Stable CFI-knockdown HT29 and HCT116 cell lines were constructed, and the diverse roles of CFI in vitro were assessed using CCK-8, 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine, wound healing, and transwell assays. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry staining were employed to evaluate the influence of CFI on the tumorigenesis of CC xenograft models constructed using BALB/c male nude mice. Key proteins associated with glycolysis and the Wnt pathway were measured using western blotting.
RESULTS Six key immune infiltration-related DEGs were screened, among which the expression of CFI, complement factor B, lymphoid enhancer binding factor 1, and SRY-related high-mobility-group box 4 was upregulated, whereas that of fatty acid-binding protein 1, and bone morphogenic protein-2 was downregulated. Furthermore, CFI could be used as a diagnostic biomarker for CC. Functionally, CFI silencing inhibited CC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor growth. Mechanistically, CFI knockdown downregulated the expression of key glycolysis-related proteins (glucose transporter type 1, hexokinase 2, lactate dehydrogenase A, and pyruvate kinase M2) and the Wnt pathway-related proteins (β-catenin and c-Myc). Further investigation indicated that CFI knockdown inhibited glycolysis in CC by blocking the Wnt/β-catenin/c-Myc pathway.
CONCLUSION The findings of the present study demonstrate that CFI plays a crucial role in CC development by influencing glycolysis and the Wnt/β-catenin/c-Myc pathway, indicating that it could serve as a promising target for therapeutic intervention in CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Jun Du
- Department of Proctology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yue Jiang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yan-Mei Hou
- Department of Proctology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yong-Bo Shi
- Department of Proctology, Zigong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zigong 643000, Sichuan Province, China
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Du YJ, Jiang Y, Hou YM, Shi YB. Complement factor I knockdown inhibits colon cancer development by affecting Wnt/β-catenin/c-Myc signaling pathway and glycolysis. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:2646-2662. [PMID: 38994157 PMCID: PMC11236223 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i6.2646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colon cancer (CC) occurrence and progression are considerably influenced by the tumor microenvironment. However, the exact underlying regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. AIM To investigate immune infiltration-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in CC and specifically explored the role and potential molecular mechanisms of complement factor I (CFI). METHODS Immune infiltration-associated DEGs were screened for CC using bioinformatics. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to examine hub DEGs expression in the CC cell lines. Stable CFI-knockdown HT29 and HCT116 cell lines were constructed, and the diverse roles of CFI in vitro were assessed using CCK-8, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine, wound healing, and transwell assays. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry staining were employed to evaluate the influence of CFI on the tumorigenesis of CC xenograft models constructed using BALB/c male nude mice. Key proteins associated with glycolysis and the Wnt pathway were measured using western blotting. RESULTS Six key immune infiltration-related DEGs were screened, among which the expression of CFI, complement factor B, lymphoid enhancer binding factor 1, and SRY-related high-mobility-group box 4 was upregulated, whereas that of fatty acid-binding protein 1, and bone morphogenic protein-2 was downregulated. Furthermore, CFI could be used as a diagnostic biomarker for CC. Functionally, CFI silencing inhibited CC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor growth. Mechanistically, CFI knockdown downregulated the expression of key glycolysis-related proteins (glucose transporter type 1, hexokinase 2, lactate dehydrogenase A, and pyruvate kinase M2) and the Wnt pathway-related proteins (β-catenin and c-Myc). Further investigation indicated that CFI knockdown inhibited glycolysis in CC by blocking the Wnt/β-catenin/c-Myc pathway. CONCLUSION The findings of the present study demonstrate that CFI plays a crucial role in CC development by influencing glycolysis and the Wnt/β-catenin/c-Myc pathway, indicating that it could serve as a promising target for therapeutic intervention in CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Jun Du
- Department of Proctology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yue Jiang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yan-Mei Hou
- Department of Proctology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yong-Bo Shi
- Department of Proctology, Zigong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zigong 643000, Sichuan Province, China
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Zhao ZX, Li S, Liu LX. Thymoquinone affects hypoxia-inducible factor-1α expression in pancreatic cancer cells via HSP90 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:2793-2816. [PMID: 38899332 PMCID: PMC11185293 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i21.2793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer (PC) is associated with some of the worst prognoses of all major cancers. Thymoquinone (TQ) has a long history in traditional medical practice and is known for its anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrosis and antioxidant pharmacological activities. Recent studies on hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and PC have shown that HIF-1α affects the occurrence and development of PC in many aspects. In addition, TQ could inhibit the development of renal cancer by decreasing the expression of HIF-1α. Therefore, we speculate whether TQ affects HIF-1α expression in PC cells and explore the mechanism. AIM To elucidate the effect of TQ in PC cells and the regulatory mechanism of HIF-1α expression. METHODS Cell counting kit-8 assay, Transwell assay and flow cytometry were performed to detect the effects of TQ on the proliferative activity, migration and invasion ability and apoptosis of PANC-1 cells and normal pancreatic duct epithelial (hTERT-HPNE) cells. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot assay were performed to detect the expression of HIF-1α mRNA and protein in PC cells. The effects of TQ on the HIF-1α protein initial expression pathway and ubiquitination degradation in PANC-1 cells were examined by western blot assay and co-immunoprecipitation. RESULTS TQ significantly inhibited proliferative activity, migration, and invasion ability and promoted apoptosis of PANC-1 cells; however, no significant effects on hTERT-HPNE cells were observed. TQ significantly reduced the mRNA and protein expression levels of HIF-1α in PANC-1, AsPC-1, and BxPC-3 cells. TQ significantly inhibited the expression of the HIF-1α initial expression pathway (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) related proteins, and promoted the ubiquitination degradation of the HIF-1α protein in PANC-1 cells. TQ had no effect on the hydroxylation and von Hippel Lindau protein mediated ubiquitination degradation of the HIF-1α protein but affected the stability of the HIF-1α protein by inhibiting the interaction between HIF-1α and HSP90, thus promoting its ubiquitination degradation. CONCLUSION The regulatory mechanism of TQ on HIF-1α protein expression in PC cells was mainly to promote the ubiquitination degradation of the HIF-1α protein by inhibiting the interaction between HIF-1α and HSP90; Secondly, TQ reduced the initial expression of HIF-1α protein by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhan-Xue Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital, Xining 810007, Qinghai Province, China
| | - Shuai Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining 810001, Qinghai Province, China
| | - Lin-Xun Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital, Xining 810007, Qinghai Province, China
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Huang Z, Wang Z, Xu C, Yan Y, Cao X, Zhang F, Shen B. FGL2 as a predictive biomarker for prognosis and immunotherapy in bladder cancer. Int J Med Sci 2024; 21:1447-1460. [PMID: 38903931 PMCID: PMC11186416 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.91874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Metastasis and immunosuppression result in unfavorable prognosis in bladder cancer (BLCA). FGL1 and FGL2 are two members of the fibrinogen-related proteins family, but their potential effects on BLCA remain elusive. Methods: The expression profile of FGL1 and FGL2 in BLCA was analyzed in multiple databases. Furthermore, the expression of FGL2 was validated in BLCA tissues. The predictive capability of FGL2 was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis, univariate analysis, and multivariate Cox regression. A nomogram model was constructed based on FGL2 expression and clinicopathological parameters for clinical practice. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Analyses (GSEA) were performed to investigate enrichment in the biological processes. In addition, the correlation between FGL2 and immunological characteristics in the BLCA tumor microenvironment (TME), including tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs), cancer-immunity cycles, immune checkpoint molecules (ICPs), immunophenoscores (IPS), and response to anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy was further analyzed. Results: FGL2 was found to be downregulated in BLCA due to hypermethylation of the FGL2 promoter region, which was associated with an unfavorable prognosis. Moreover, BLCA patients with high FGL2 expression exhibited better response to immunotherapy. Conclusions: Our research revealed that FGL2 was downregulated in BLCA and was negatively correlated with DNA methylation. High FGL2 expression was confirmed as an independent risk for prognosis. Moreover, FGL2 is a promising indicator for the response to immunotherapy in patients with BLCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengnan Huang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Zeyi Wang
- Department of Urology, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. 200040, China
| | - Chengdang Xu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Yilin Yan
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Xiangqian Cao
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Fang Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Bing Shen
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
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10
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Zhang X, Lan R, Liu Y, Pillarisetty VG, Li D, Zhao CL, Sarkar SA, Liu W, Hanna I, Gupta M, Hajdu C, Melamed J, Shusterman M, Widmer J, Allendorf J, Liu YZ. Enhanced Complement Expression in the Tumor Microenvironment Following Neoadjuvant Therapy: Implications for Immunomodulation and Survival in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4104258. [PMID: 38798691 PMCID: PMC11118688 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4104258/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Background Neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) is increasingly being used for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) treatment. However, its specific effects on carcinoma cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) are not fully understood. This study aims to investigate how NAT differentially impacts PDAC's carcinoma cells and TME. Methods Spatial transcriptomics was used to compare gene expression profiles in carcinoma cells and the TME between 23 NAT-treated and 13 NAT-naïve PDAC patients, correlating with their clinicopathologic features. Analysis of an online single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) dataset was performed for validation of the specific cell types responsible for NAT-induced gene expression alterations. Results NAT not only induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation in carcinoma cells but also significantly remodels the TME. Notably, NAT induces a coordinated upregulation of multiple key complement genes (C3, C1S, C1R, C4B and C7) in the TME, making the complement pathway one of the most significantly affected pathways by NAT. Patients with higher TME complement expression following NAT exhibit improved overall survival. These patients also exhibit increased immunomodulatory and neurotrophic cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs); more CD4+ T cells, monocytes, and mast cells; and reduced immune exhaustion gene expression. snRNA-seq analysis demonstrates C3 complement was specifically upregulated in CAFs but not in other stroma cell types. Conclusions NAT can enhance complement production and signaling within the TME, which is associated with reduced immunosuppression in PDAC. These findings suggest that local complement dynamics could serve as a novel biomarker for prognosis, evaluating treatment response and resistance, and guiding therapeutic strategies in NAT-treated PDAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, New York University Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, Long Island, NY
| | - Ruoxin Lan
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA
| | - Yongjun Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - Venu G Pillarisetty
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - Danting Li
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA
| | - Chaohui L Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, New York University Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, Long Island, NY
| | - Suparna A. Sarkar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Weiguo Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, New York University Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, Long Island, NY
| | - Iman Hanna
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, New York University Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, Long Island, NY
| | - Mala Gupta
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, New York University Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, Long Island, NY
| | - Cristina Hajdu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Jonathan Melamed
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, New York University Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, Long Island, NY
| | - Michael Shusterman
- Department of Oncology, New York University Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, Long Island, NY
| | - Jessica Widmer
- Department of Gastroenterology, New York University Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, Long Island, NY
| | - John Allendorf
- Department of Surgery, New York University Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, Long Island, NY
| | - Yao-Zhong Liu
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA
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11
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Zhong Z, Deng W, Wu J, Shang H, Tong Y, He Y, Huang Q, Ba X, Chen Z, Tang K. Cell membrane coated nanoparticles as a biomimetic drug delivery platform for enhancing cancer immunotherapy. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:8708-8738. [PMID: 38634521 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr00284a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy, a burgeoning modality for cancer treatment, operates by activating the autoimmune system to impede the growth of malignant cells. Although numerous immunotherapy strategies have been employed in clinical cancer therapy, the resistance of cancer cells to immunotherapeutic medications and other apprehensions impede the attainment of sustained advantages for most patients. Recent advancements in nanotechnology for drug delivery hold promise in augmenting the efficacy of immunotherapy. However, the efficacy is currently constrained by the inadequate specificity of delivery, low rate of response, and the intricate immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In this context, the investigation of cell membrane coated nanoparticles (CMNPs) has revealed their ability to perform targeted delivery, immune evasion, controlled release, and immunomodulation. By combining the advantageous features of natural cell membranes and nanoparticles, CMNPs have demonstrated their unique potential in the realm of cancer immunotherapy. This review aims to emphasize recent research progress and elucidate the underlying mechanisms of CMNPs as an innovative drug delivery platform for enhancing cancer immunotherapy. Additionally, it provides a comprehensive overview of the current immunotherapeutic strategies involving different cell membrane types of CMNPs, with the intention of further exploration and optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zichen Zhong
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji medical college, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.
| | - Wen Deng
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji medical college, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji medical college, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.
| | - Haojie Shang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji medical college, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.
| | - Yonghua Tong
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji medical college, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.
| | - Yu He
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji medical college, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.
| | - Qiu Huang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji medical college, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.
| | - Xiaozhuo Ba
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji medical college, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.
| | - Zhiqiang Chen
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji medical college, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.
| | - Kun Tang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji medical college, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.
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12
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Santiso A, Heinemann A, Kargl J. Prostaglandin E2 in the Tumor Microenvironment, a Convoluted Affair Mediated by EP Receptors 2 and 4. Pharmacol Rev 2024; 76:388-413. [PMID: 38697857 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.123.000901] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The involvement of the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) system in cancer progression has long been recognized. PGE2 functions as an autocrine and paracrine signaling molecule with pleiotropic effects in the human body. High levels of intratumoral PGE2 and overexpression of the key metabolic enzymes of PGE2 have been observed and suggested to contribute to tumor progression. This has been claimed for different types of solid tumors, including, but not limited to, lung, breast, and colon cancer. PGE2 has direct effects on tumor cells and angiogenesis that are known to promote tumor development. However, one of the main mechanisms behind PGE2 driving cancerogenesis is currently thought to be anchored in suppressed antitumor immunity, thus providing possible therapeutic targets to be used in cancer immunotherapies. EP2 and EP4, two receptors for PGE2, are emerging as being the most relevant for this purpose. This review aims to summarize the known roles of PGE2 in the immune system and its functions within the tumor microenvironment. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) has long been known to be a signaling molecule in cancer. Its presence in tumors has been repeatedly associated with disease progression. Elucidation of its effects on immunological components of the tumor microenvironment has highlighted the potential of PGE2 receptor antagonists in cancer treatment, particularly in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapeutics. Adjuvant treatment could increase the response rates and the efficacy of immune-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Santiso
- Division of Pharmacology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Akos Heinemann
- Division of Pharmacology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Julia Kargl
- Division of Pharmacology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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13
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Xiao H, Li X, Liang S, Yang S, Han S, Huang J, Shuai X, Ren J. Dual-Responsive Nanomedicine Activates Programmed Antitumor Immunity through Targeting Lymphatic System. ACS NANO 2024; 18:11070-11083. [PMID: 38639726 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c11464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Effective antitumor immunotherapy depends on evoking a cascade of cancer-immune cycles with lymph nodes (LNs) as the initial sites for activating antitumor immunity, making drug administration through the lymphatic system highly attractive. Here, we describe a nanomedicine with dual responsiveness to pH and enzyme for a programmed activation of antitumor immune through the lymphatic system. The proposed nanomedicine can release the STING agonist diABZI-C2-NH2 in the LNs' acidic environment to activate dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells. Then, the remaining nanomedicine hitchhikes on the activated T cells (PD-1+ T cells) through binding to PD-1, resulting in an effective delivery into tumor tissues owing to the tumor-homing capacity of PD-1+ T cells. The enzyme matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) being enriched in tumor tissue triggers the release of PD-1 antibody (aPD-1) which exerts immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. Eventually, the nanomedicine delivers a DNA methylation inhibitor GSK-3484862 (GSK) into tumor cells, and then the latter combines with granzyme B (GZMB) to trigger tumor cell pyroptosis. Consequently, the pyroptotic tumor cells induce robust immunogenic cell death (ICD) enhancing the DCs maturation and initiating the cascading antitumor immune response. Study on a 4T1 breast tumor mouse model demonstrates the prominent antitumor therapeutic outcome of this nanomedicine through creating a positive feedback loop of cancer-immunity cycles including immune activation in LNs, T cell-mediated drug delivery, ICB therapy, and tumor cell pyroptosis-featured ICD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Xiao
- Department of Medical Ultrasonic, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
- Nanomedicine Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Xiaoxia Li
- PCFM Lab of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Simin Liang
- Department of Medical Ultrasonic, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Shuguang Yang
- PCFM Lab of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Shisong Han
- Nanomedicine Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Jinsheng Huang
- Nanomedicine Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Xintao Shuai
- Nanomedicine Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Department of Medical Ultrasonic, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
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14
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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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15
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Xing A, Lv D, Wu C, Zhou K, Zhao T, Zhao L, Wang H, Feng H. Tertiary Lymphoid Structures Gene Signature Predicts Prognosis and Immune Infiltration Analysis in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Curr Genomics 2024; 25:88-104. [PMID: 38751598 PMCID: PMC11092909 DOI: 10.2174/0113892029278082240118053857] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aims to assess the prognostic implications of gene signature of the tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and scrutinize the influence of TLS on immune infiltration. Methods Patients with HNSCC from the Cancer Genome Atlas were categorized into high/low TLS signature groups based on the predetermined TLS signature threshold. The association of the TLS signature with the immune microenvironment, driver gene mutation status, and tumor mutational load was systematically analyzed. Validation was conducted using independent datasets (GSE41613 and GSE102349). Results Patients with a high TLS signature score exhibited better prognosis compared to those with a low TLS signature score. The group with a high TLS signature score had significantly higher immune cell subpopulations compared to the group with a low TLS signature score. Moreover, the major immune cell subpopulations and immune circulation characteristics in the tumor immune microenvironment were positively correlated with the TLS signature. Mutational differences in driver genes were observed between the TLS signature high/low groups, primarily in the cell cycle and NRF2 signaling pathways. Patients with TP53 mutations and high TLS signature scores demonstrated a better prognosis compared to those with TP53 wild-type. In the independent cohort, the relationship between TLS signatures and patient prognosis and immune infiltration was also confirmed. Additionally, immune-related biological processes and signaling pathways were activated with elevated TLS signature. Conclusion High TLS signature is a promising independent prognostic factor for HNSCC patients. Immunological analysis indicated a correlation between TLS and immune cell infiltration in HNSCC. These findings provide a theoretical basis for future applications of TLS signature in HNSCC prognosis and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiyan Xing
- Department of Pathology, Shandong University Qilu Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Dongxiao Lv
- Cancer Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
- Cancer Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Changshun Wu
- Department of Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
- Department of Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Kai Zhou
- Cancer Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
- Cancer Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Tianhui Zhao
- Department of Translational Medicine, Genecast Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214104, China
| | - Lihua Zhao
- Department of Translational Medicine, Genecast Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214104, China
| | - Huaqing Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Nankai University, Tianjin, 300000, China
| | - Hong Feng
- Cancer Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
- Cancer Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
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16
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Chen R, Wu J, Che Y, Jiao Y, Sun H, Zhao Y, Chen P, Meng L, Zhao T. Machine learning-driven prognostic analysis of cuproptosis and disulfidptosis-related lncRNAs in clear cell renal cell carcinoma: a step towards precision oncology. Eur J Med Res 2024; 29:176. [PMID: 38491523 PMCID: PMC10943875 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-024-01763-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Cuproptosis and disulfidptosis, recently discovered mechanisms of cell death, have demonstrated that differential expression of key genes and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) profoundly influences tumor development and affects their drug sensitivity. Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the most common subtype of kidney cancer, presently lacks research utilizing cuproptosis and disulfidptosis-related lncRNAs (CDRLRs) as prognostic markers. In this study, we analyzed RNA-seq data, clinical information, and mutation data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) on ccRCC and cross-referenced it with known cuproptosis and disulfidptosis-related genes (CDRGs). Using the LASSO machine learning algorithm, we identified four CDRLRs-ACVR2B-AS1, AC095055.1, AL161782.1, and MANEA-DT-that are strongly associated with prognosis and used them to construct a prognostic risk model. To verify the model's reliability and validate these four CDRLRs as significant prognostic factors, we performed dataset grouping validation, followed by RT-qPCR and external database validation for differential expression and prognosis of CDRLRs in ccRCC. Gene function and pathway analysis were conducted using Gene Ontology (GO) and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) for high- and low-risk groups. Additionally, we have analyzed the tumor mutation burden (TMB) and the immune microenvironment (TME), employing the oncoPredict and Immunophenoscore (IPS) algorithms to assess the sensitivity of diverse risk categories to targeted therapeutics and immunosuppressants. Our predominant objective is to refine prognostic predictions for patients with ccRCC and inform treatment decisions by conducting an exhaustive study on cuproptosis and disulfidptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronghui Chen
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, 261053, China
- Department of Oncology, People's Hospital of Rizhao, Rizhao, 276826, China
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Oncology, People's Hospital of Rizhao, Rizhao, 276826, China
| | - Yinwei Che
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Key Medical and Health Laboratory, Rizhao Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Anesthesia and Respiratory Intensive Care, The People's Hospital of Rizhao, Rizhao, 276826, Shandong, China
| | - Yuzhuo Jiao
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Key Medical and Health Laboratory, Rizhao Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Anesthesia and Respiratory Intensive Care, The People's Hospital of Rizhao, Rizhao, 276826, Shandong, China
| | - Huashan Sun
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Key Medical and Health Laboratory, Rizhao Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Anesthesia and Respiratory Intensive Care, The People's Hospital of Rizhao, Rizhao, 276826, Shandong, China
| | - Yinuo Zhao
- Department of Pathology, People's Hospital of Rizhao, Rizhao, 276826, China
| | - Pingping Chen
- Department of Pathology, People's Hospital of Rizhao, Rizhao, 276826, China
| | - Lingxin Meng
- Department of Oncology, People's Hospital of Rizhao, Rizhao, 276826, China.
| | - Tao Zhao
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Key Medical and Health Laboratory, Rizhao Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Anesthesia and Respiratory Intensive Care, The People's Hospital of Rizhao, Rizhao, 276826, Shandong, China
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17
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Krizova L, Benesova I, Zemanova P, Spacek J, Strizova Z, Humlova Z, Mikulova V, Petruzelka L, Vocka M. Immunophenotyping of peripheral blood in NSCLC patients discriminates responders to immune checkpoint inhibitors. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:99. [PMID: 38383923 PMCID: PMC10881622 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05628-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) dramatically changed the prognosis of patients with NSCLC. Unfortunately, a reliable predictive biomarker is still missing. Commonly used biomarkers, such as PD-L1, MSI, or TMB, are not quite accurate in predicting ICI efficacy. METHODS In this prospective observational cohort study, we investigated the predictive role of erythrocytes, thrombocytes, innate and adaptive immune cells, complement proteins (C3, C4), and cytokines from peripheral blood of 224 patients with stage III/IV NSCLC treated with ICI alone (pembrolizumab, nivolumab, and atezolizumab) or in combination (nivolumab + ipilimumab) with chemotherapy. These values were analyzed for associations with the response to the treatment and survival endpoints. RESULTS Higher baseline Tregs, MPV, hemoglobin, and lower monocyte levels were associated with favorable PFS and OS. Moreover, increased baseline basophils and lower levels of C3 predicted significantly improved PFS. The levels of the baseline immature granulocytes, C3, and monocytes were significantly associated with the occurrence of partial regression at the first restaging. Multiple studied parameters (n = 9) were related to PFS benefit at the time of first restaging as compared to baseline values. In addition, PFS nonbenefit group showed a decrease in lymphocyte count after three months of therapy. The OS benefit was associated with higher levels of lymphocytes, erythrocytes, hemoglobin, MCV, and MPV, and a lower value of NLR after three months of treatment. CONCLUSION Our work suggests that parameters from peripheral venous blood may be potential biomarkers in NSCLC patients on ICI. The baseline values of Tregs, C3, monocytes, and MPV are especially recommended for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludmila Krizova
- Department of Oncology, General University Hospital in Prague and First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, U Nemocnice 499/2, 128 00, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Iva Benesova
- Department of Immunology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and University Hospital in Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Zemanova
- Department of Oncology, General University Hospital in Prague and First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, U Nemocnice 499/2, 128 00, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Spacek
- Department of Oncology, General University Hospital in Prague and First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, U Nemocnice 499/2, 128 00, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Strizova
- Department of Immunology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and University Hospital in Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Humlova
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Mikulova
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Allergology, General University Hospital in Prague and First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lubos Petruzelka
- Department of Oncology, General University Hospital in Prague and First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, U Nemocnice 499/2, 128 00, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Vocka
- Department of Oncology, General University Hospital in Prague and First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, U Nemocnice 499/2, 128 00, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
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18
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Mastellos DC, Hajishengallis G, Lambris JD. A guide to complement biology, pathology and therapeutic opportunity. Nat Rev Immunol 2024; 24:118-141. [PMID: 37670180 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-023-00926-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Complement has long been considered a key innate immune effector system that mediates host defence and tissue homeostasis. Yet, growing evidence has illuminated a broader involvement of complement in fundamental biological processes extending far beyond its traditional realm in innate immunity. Complement engages in intricate crosstalk with multiple pattern-recognition and signalling pathways both in the extracellular and intracellular space. Besides modulating host-pathogen interactions, this crosstalk guides early developmental processes and distinct cell trajectories, shaping tissue immunometabolic and regenerative programmes in different physiological systems. This Review provides a guide to the system-wide functions of complement. It highlights illustrative paradigm shifts that have reshaped our understanding of complement pathobiology, drawing examples from evolution, development of the central nervous system, tissue regeneration and cancer immunity. Despite its tight spatiotemporal regulation, complement activation can be derailed, fuelling inflammatory tissue pathology. The pervasive contribution of complement to disease pathophysiology has inspired a resurgence of complement therapeutics with major clinical developments, some of which have challenged long-held dogmas. We thus highlight major therapeutic concepts and milestones in clinical complement intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - George Hajishengallis
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, Penn Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John D Lambris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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19
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Nicolini A, Rossi G, Ferrari P. Experimental and clinical evidence in favour of an effective immune stimulation in ER-positive, endocrine-dependent metastatic breast cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1225175. [PMID: 38332913 PMCID: PMC10850262 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1225175] [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: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
In ER+ breast cancer, usually seen as the low immunogenic type, the main mechanisms favouring the immune response or tumour growth and immune evasion in the tumour microenvironment (TME) have been examined. The principal implications of targeting the oestrogen-mediated pathways were also considered. Recent experimental findings point out that anti-oestrogens contribute to the reversion of the immunosuppressive TME. Moreover, some preliminary clinical data with the hormone-immunotherapy association in a metastatic setting support the notion that the reversion of immune suppression in TME is likely favoured by the G0-G1 state induced by anti-oestrogens. Following immune stimulation, the reverted immune suppression allows the boosting of the effector cells of the innate and adaptive immune response. This suggests that ER+ breast cancer is a molecular subtype where a successful active immune manipulation can be attained. If this is confirmed by a prospective multicentre trial, which is expected in light of the provided evidence, the proposed hormone immunotherapy can also be tested in the adjuvant setting. Furthermore, the different rationale suggests a synergistic activity of our proposed immunotherapy with the currently recommended regimen consisting of antioestrogens combined with cyclin kinase inhibitors. Overall, this lays the foundation for a shift in clinical practice within this most prevalent molecular subtype of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Nicolini
- Department of Oncology, Transplantations and New Technologies in Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Rossi
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council and Gabriele Monasterio Foundation, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Ferrari
- Department of Oncology, Transplantations and New Technologies in Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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20
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Yu B, Geng C, Wu Z, Zhang Z, Zhang A, Yang Z, Huang J, Xiong Y, Yang H, Chen Z. A CIC-related-epigenetic factors-based model associated with prediction, the tumor microenvironment and drug sensitivity in osteosarcoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1308. [PMID: 38225273 PMCID: PMC10789798 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49770-2] [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: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is generally considered a cold tumor and is characterized by epigenetic alterations. Although tumor cells are surrounded by many immune cells such as macrophages, T cells may be suppressed, be inactivated, or not be presented due to various mechanisms, which usually results in poor prognosis and insensitivity to immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is considered a promising anti-cancer therapy in osteosarcoma but requires more research, but osteosarcoma does not currently respond well to this therapy. The cancer immunity cycle (CIC) is essential for anti-tumor immunity, and is epigenetically regulated. Therefore, it is possible to modulate the immune microenvironment of osteosarcoma by targeting epigenetic factors. In this study, we explored the correlation between epigenetic modulation and CIC in osteosarcoma through bioinformatic methods. Based on the RNA data from TARGET and GSE21257 cohorts, we identified epigenetic related subtypes by NMF clustering and constructed a clinical prognostic model by the LASSO algorithm. ESTIMATE, Cibersort, and xCell algorithms were applied to analyze the tumor microenvironment. Based on eight epigenetic biomarkers (SFMBT2, SP140, CBX5, HMGN2, SMARCA4, PSIP1, ACTR6, and CHD2), two subtypes were identified, and they are mainly distinguished by immune response and cell cycle regulation. After excluding ACTR6 by LASSO regression, the prognostic model was established and it exhibited good predictive efficacy. The risk score showed a strong correlation with the tumor microenvironment, drug sensitivity and many immune checkpoints. In summary, our study sheds a new light on the CIC-related epigenetic modulation mechanism of osteosarcoma and helps search for potential drugs for osteosarcoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Chengkui Geng
- Department of Orthopedics of Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Zhongxiong Wu
- Department of Orthopedics of Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Zhongzi Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics of Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Aili Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics of Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Ze Yang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Jiazheng Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Ying Xiong
- Department of Orthopedics of Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Huiqin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China.
| | - Zhuoyuan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China.
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21
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Musella M, Manduca N, Maccafeo E, Ruggiero E, Sistigu A. In Vitro Evaluation of Cancer Cell Immunogenicity and Antigen-Specific T-Cell Cytotoxicity by Flow Cytometry. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2748:13-28. [PMID: 38070104 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3593-3_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
A cardinal principle of oncoimmunology is that cancer cells can be eliminated by tumor-infiltrating cytotoxic CD8 T lymphocytes. This has been widely demonstrated during the last 20 years and also recently harnessed for therapy. However, emerging evidence indicates that even neoplasms showing striking initial responses to conventional and targeted (immuno)therapies often acquire resistance, resulting in tumor relapse, increased aggressiveness, and metastatization. Indeed, tumors are complex ecosystems whose malignant and nonmalignant cells, constituting the tumor microenvironment, constantly interact and evolve in space and time. Together with patient's own genetic factors, such environmental interplays may curtail antitumor immune responses leading to cancer immune evasion and natural/acquired (immuno)therapy resistance. In this context, cancer stem cells (CSCs) are thought to be the roots of therapy failure. Flow cytometry is a powerful technology that finds extensive applications in cancer biology. It offers several unique advantages as it allows the rapid, quantitative, and multiparametric analysis of cell populations or functions at the single-cell level. In this chapter, we discuss a two-color flow cytometric protocol to evaluate cancer cell immunogenicity by analyzing the proliferative and tumor-killing potential of ovalbumin (OVA)-specific CD8 OT-1 T cells exposed to OVA-expressing MCA205 sarcoma cells and their CSC counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Musella
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
| | - Nicoletta Manduca
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Ester Maccafeo
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Eliana Ruggiero
- Experimental Hematology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Sistigu
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
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22
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Liu Z, Yang M, Shu H, Zhou J. A novel prognostic and therapeutic target biomarker based on complement-related gene signature in gastric cancer. Transl Cancer Res 2023; 12:3565-3580. [PMID: 38192986 PMCID: PMC10774048 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-628] [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: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Background Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most prevalent cancer types that reduce human life expectancy. The current tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging system is inadequate in identifying higher or lower risk of GC patients because of tumor heterogeneity. Research shows that complement plays a dual role in the tumor development and progression of GC. Methods We downloaded GC data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). A complement-related risk signature was constructed through bioinformatics analysis. Subsequently, the predictive ability of this signature was validated with GSE84437 dataset, and a nomogram integrating risk score and common clinical factors was established. Besides, we evaluated the association of risk score with the immune and stromal cell infiltration in TCGA. Furthermore, immunotherapy response prediction and drug susceptibility analysis were conducted to access the ability of the risk signature in predicting the therapeutic effect. Results A complement-related gene (CRG) signature, based on six genes (SPLG, C9, ITIH1, ZFPM2, CD36, and SERPINE1), was established. In both the training and validation sets, the overall survival of GC patients in the high-risk group was lower than that of the low-risk group, and the nomogram to predict the 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates of GC patients was developed. In addition, CIBERSORT algorithm showed the high-risk patients had higher levels of immune cell infiltration than low-risk patients, and the ESTIMATE results implied that the high-risk group had more stromal component in tumor microenvironment. Besides, compared to the low-risk group, there were higher expressions of most immune checkpoint genes and HLA genes in the high-risk group, and the high-risk patients showed higher sensitivity to the chemotherapy and targeted drugs (axitinib, dasatinib, pazopanib, saracatinib, sunitinib and temsirolimus). Conclusions The novel CRG signature may act as a reliable, efficient tool for prognostic prediction and treatment guidance in future clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuming Liu
- Digestive Department, Sinopharm Dongfeng General Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Mingwei Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hang Shu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jianmei Zhou
- Digestive Department, Sinopharm Dongfeng General Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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23
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Abizanda-Campo S, Virumbrales-Muñoz M, Humayun M, Marmol I, Beebe DJ, Ochoa I, Oliván S, Ayuso JM. Microphysiological systems for solid tumor immunotherapy: opportunities and challenges. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2023; 9:154. [PMID: 38106674 PMCID: PMC10724276 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-023-00616-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy remains more effective for hematologic tumors than for solid tumors. One of the main challenges to immunotherapy of solid tumors is the immunosuppressive microenvironment these tumors generate, which limits the cytotoxic capabilities of immune effector cells (e.g., cytotoxic T and natural killer cells). This microenvironment is characterized by hypoxia, nutrient starvation, accumulated waste products, and acidic pH. Tumor-hijacked cells, such as fibroblasts, macrophages, and T regulatory cells, also contribute to this inhospitable microenvironment for immune cells by secreting immunosuppressive cytokines that suppress the antitumor immune response and lead to immune evasion. Thus, there is a strong interest in developing new drugs and cell formulations that modulate the tumor microenvironment and reduce tumor cell immune evasion. Microphysiological systems (MPSs) are versatile tools that may accelerate the development and evaluation of these therapies, although specific examples showcasing the potential of MPSs remain rare. Advances in microtechnologies have led to the development of sophisticated microfluidic devices used to recapitulate tumor complexity. The resulting models, also known as microphysiological systems (MPSs), are versatile tools with which to decipher the molecular mechanisms driving immune cell antitumor cytotoxicity, immune cell exhaustion, and immune cell exclusion and to evaluate new targeted immunotherapies. Here, we review existing microphysiological platforms to study immuno-oncological applications and discuss challenges and opportunities in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Abizanda-Campo
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI USA
- Tissue Microenvironment Lab (TME lab), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IISA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red. Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Virumbrales-Muñoz
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Mouhita Humayun
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Ines Marmol
- Tissue Microenvironment Lab (TME lab), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IISA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - David J Beebe
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI USA
| | - Ignacio Ochoa
- Tissue Microenvironment Lab (TME lab), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IISA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red. Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sara Oliván
- Tissue Microenvironment Lab (TME lab), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IISA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jose M Ayuso
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI USA
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Yang X, Ren H, Li Z, Peng X, Fu J. Combinations of radiotherapy with immunotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 125:111094. [PMID: 37871379 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is currently based on concurrent chemoradiotherapy. The prognosis of early NPC is better, while the prognosis of advanced NPC is poor. Immunotherapy is becoming increasingly commonly employed in clinical practice as a new strategy for treating malignant tumors. It has shown promising results in the treatment of certain malignant tumors, making it a current clinical research hotspot. METHODS This review summarizes the current immunotherapy on NPC, highlighting the application of immunotherapy and radiotherapy in the treatment of NPC. RESULTS X-rays can either increase or suppress anti-tumor immune responses through various pathways and mechanisms. Immune checkpoint inhibitors can usually enhance X-ray-induced anti-tumor immune responses. Detecting the immune checkpoint markers and tumor mutation markers, and the functional status of effector cells in patients can aid in the development of individualized treatment that improves the treatment efficacy with reducing drug resistance and adverse reactions. The development of a multivalent vaccine for NPC will help improve the efficacy of the vaccine. Combining techniques that increase the tumor antigens release, such as radiotherapy and oncolytic virus vaccines, may enhance the ability of the immune response. CONCLUSIONS To shed further light on the application of immunotherapy in NPC, large pooled studies must accumulate sufficient cases with detailed exposure data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanru Ren
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University, Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue Peng
- Department of Breast Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Fu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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25
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James F, Lorger M. Immunotherapy in the context of immune-specialized environment of brain metastases. DISCOVERY IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 2:kyad023. [PMID: 38567052 PMCID: PMC10917168 DOI: 10.1093/discim/kyad023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Brain metastases (BrM) develop in 20-40% of patients with advanced cancer. They mainly originate from lung cancer, melanoma, breast cancer, and renal cell carcinoma, and are associated with a poor prognosis. While patients with BrM traditionally lack effective treatment options, immunotherapy is increasingly gaining in importance in this group of patients, with clinical trials in the past decade demonstrating the efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint blockade in BrM originating from specific tumor types, foremost melanoma. The brain is an immune-specialized environment with several unique molecular, cellular, and anatomical features that affect immune responses, including those against tumors. In this review we discuss the potential role that some of these unique characteristics may play in the efficacy of immunotherapy, mainly focusing on the lymphatic drainage in the brain and the role of systemic anti-tumor immunity that develops due to the presence of concurrent extracranial disease in addition to BrM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona James
- School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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26
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Zhang L, Guan M, Zhang X, Yu F, Lai F. Machine-learning and combined analysis of single-cell and bulk-RNA sequencing identified a DC gene signature to predict prognosis and immunotherapy response for patients with lung adenocarcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:13553-13574. [PMID: 37507593 PMCID: PMC10590321 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05151-w] [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: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Innate immune effectors, dendritic cells (DCs), influence cancer prognosis and immunotherapy significantly. As such, dendritic cells are important in killing tumors and influencing tumor microenvironment, whereas their roles in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) are largely unknown. METHODS In this study, 1658 LUAD patients from different cohorts were included. In addition, 724 cancer patients who received immunotherapy were also included. To identify DC marker genes in LUAD, we used single-cell RNAsequencing data for analysis and determined 83 genes as DC marker genes. Following that, integrative machine learning procedure was developed to construct a signature for DC marker genes. RESULTS Using TCGA bulk-RNA sequencing data as the training set, we developed a signature consisting of seven genes and classified patients by their risk status. Another six independent cohorts demonstrated the signature' s prognostic power, and multivariate analysis demonstrated it was an independent prognostic factor. LUAD patients in the high-risk group displayed more advanced features, discriminatory immune-cell infiltrations and immunosuppressive states. Cell-cell communication analysis indicates that tumor cells with lower risk scores communicate more actively with the tumor microenvironment. Eight independent immunotherapy cohorts revealed that patients with low-risk had better immunotherapy responses. Drug sensitivity analysis indicated that targeted therapy agents exhibited greater sensitivity to low-risk patients, while chemotherapy agents displayed greater sensitivity to high-risk patients. In vitro experiments confirmed that CTSH is a novel protective factor for LUAD. CONCLUSIONS An unique signature based on DC marker genes that is highly predictive of LUAD patients' prognosis and response to immunotherapy. CTSH is a new biomarker for LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangyu Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350212, China
| | - Maohao Guan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350212, China
| | - Xun Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350212, China
| | - Fengqiang Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China.
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350212, China.
| | - Fancai Lai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China.
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350212, China.
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27
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Hu Z, Jin X, Hong W, Sui Q, Zhao M, Huang Y, Li M, Wang Q, Zhan C, Chen Z. Dissecting the single-cell transcriptome network of macrophage and identifies a signature to predict prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2023; 46:1351-1368. [PMID: 37079186 PMCID: PMC10116118 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00816-7] [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] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The tumor immune microenvironment (TME) plays a vital role in tumorigenesis, progression, and treatment. Macrophages, as an important component of the tumor microenvironment, play an essential role in antitumor immunity and TME remodeling. In this study, we aimed to explore the different functions of different origins macrophages in TME and their value as potential predictive markers of prognosis and treatment. METHODS We performed single-cell analysis using 21 lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), 12 normal, and four peripheral blood samples from our data and public databases. A prognostic prediction model was then constructed using 502 TCGA patients and explored the potential factors affecting prognosis. The model was validated using data from 4 different GEO datasets with 544 patients after integration. RESULTS According to the source of macrophages, we classified macrophages into alveolar macrophages (AMs) and interstitial macrophages (IMs). AMs mainly infiltrated in normal lung tissue and expressed proliferative, antigen-presenting, scavenger receptors genes, while IMs occupied the majority in TME and expressed anti-inflammatory, lipid metabolism-related genes. Trajectory analysis revealed that AMs rely on self-renew, whereas IMs originated from monocytes in the blood. Cell-to-cell communication showed that AMs interacted mainly with T cells through the MHC I/II signaling pathway, while IMs mostly interacted with tumor-associated fibrocytes and tumor cells. We then constructed a risk model based on macrophage infiltration and showed an excellent predictive power. We further revealed the possible reasons for its potential prognosis prediction by differential genes, immune cell infiltration, and mutational differences. CONCLUSION In conclusion, we investigated the composition, expression differences, and phenotypic changes of macrophages from different origins in lung adenocarcinoma. In addition, we developed a prognostic prediction model based on different macrophage subtype infiltration, which can be used as a valid prognostic biomarker. New insights were provided into the role of macrophages in the prognosis and potential treatment of LUAD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyang Hu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180, Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xing Jin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180, Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Weifeng Hong
- Department of Radiotherapy, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180, Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qihai Sui
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180, Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Mengnan Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180, Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yiwei Huang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180, Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180, Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qun Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180, Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Cheng Zhan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180, Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Zhencong Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180, Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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28
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Wu Z, Yang Y, Zha Y. Radiomics Features on Magnetic Resonance Images Can Predict C5aR1 Expression Levels and Prognosis in High-Grade Glioma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4661. [PMID: 37760630 PMCID: PMC10527364 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The complement component C5a receptor 1 (C5aR1) regulates cancer immunity. This retrospective study aimed to assess its prognostic value in high-grade glioma (HGG) and predict C5aR1 expression using a radiomics approach. METHODS Among 298 patients with HGG, 182 with MRI data were randomly divided into training and test groups for radiomics analysis. We examined the association between C5aR1 expression and prognosis through Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses. We used maximum relevance-minimum redundancy and recursive feature elimination algorithms for radiomics feature selection. We then built a support vector machine (SVM) and a logistic regression model, investigating their performances using receiver operating characteristic, calibration curves, and decision curves. RESULTS C5aR1 expression was elevated in HGG and was an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio = 3.984, 95% CI: 2.834-5.607). Both models presented with >0.8 area under the curve values in the training and test datasets, indicating efficient discriminatory ability, with SVM performing marginally better. The radiomics score calculated using the SVM model correlated significantly with overall survival (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight C5aR1's role in HGG development and prognosis, supporting its potential as a prognostic biomarker. Our radiomics model can noninvasively and effectively predict C5aR1 expression and patient prognosis in HGG.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yunfei Zha
- Department of Radiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430000, China; (Z.W.); (Y.Y.)
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29
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Phung CD, Nguyen BL, Jeong J, Chang J, Jin SG, Choi H, Ku SK, Kim JO. Shaping the "hot" immunogenic tumor microenvironment by nanoparticles co-delivering oncolytic peptide and TGF-β1 siRNA for boosting checkpoint blockade therapy. Bioeng Transl Med 2023; 8:e10392. [PMID: 37693065 PMCID: PMC10487304 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Induction of potent immune responses toward tumors remains challenging in cancer immunotherapy, in which it only showed benefits in a minority of patients with "hot" tumors, which possess pre-existing effector immune cells within the tumor. In this study, we proposed a nanoparticle-based strategy to fire up the "cold" tumor by upregulating the components associated with T and NK cell recruitment and activation and suppressing TGF-β1 secretion by tumor cells. Specifically, LTX-315, a first-in-class oncolytic cationic peptide, and TGF-β1 siRNA were co-entrapped in a polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticle comprising PLGA, DSPE-mPEG, and DSPE-PEG-conjugated with cRGD peptide (LTX/siR-NPs). The LTX/siR-NPs showed significant inhibition of TGF-β1 expression, induction of type I interferon release, and triggering immunogenic cell death (ICD) in treated tumor cells, indicated via the increased levels of danger molecules, an in vitro setting. The in vivo data showed that the LTX/siR-NPs could effectively protect the LTX-315 peptide from degradation in serum, which highly accumulated in tumor tissue. Consequently, the LTX/siR-NPs robustly suppressed TGF-β1 production by tumor cells and created an immunologically active tumor with high infiltration of antitumor effector immune cells. As a result, the combination of LTX/siR-NP treatment with NKG2A checkpoint inhibitor therapy remarkably increased numbers of CD8+NKG2D+ and NK1.1+NKG2D+ within tumor masses, and importantly, inhibited the tumor growth and prolonged survival rate of treated mice. Taken together, this study suggests the potential of the LTX/siR-NPs for inflaming the "cold" tumor for potentiating the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cao Dai Phung
- College of PharmacyYeungnam UniversityGyeongsanRepublic of Korea
| | - Bao Loc Nguyen
- College of PharmacyYeungnam UniversityGyeongsanRepublic of Korea
| | - Jee‐Heon Jeong
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of MedicineSungkyunkwan UniversitySuwonRepublic of Korea
| | - Jae‐Hoon Chang
- College of PharmacyYeungnam UniversityGyeongsanRepublic of Korea
| | - Sung Giu Jin
- Department of Pharmaceutical EngineeringDankook UniversityCheonanRepublic of Korea
| | - Han‐Gon Choi
- College of Pharmacy & Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and TechnologyHanyang UniversityAnsanRepublic of Korea
| | - Sae Kwang Ku
- College of Korean MedicineDaegu Haany UniversityGyeongsanRepublic of Korea
| | - Jong Oh Kim
- College of PharmacyYeungnam UniversityGyeongsanRepublic of Korea
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30
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Yao M, Liu X, Qian Z, Fan D, Sun X, Zhong L, Wu P. Research progress of nanovaccine in anti-tumor immunotherapy. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1211262. [PMID: 37692854 PMCID: PMC10484753 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1211262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor vaccines aim to activate dormant or unresponsive tumor-specific T lymphocytes by using tumor-specific or tumor-associated antigens, thus enhancing the body's natural defense against cancer. However, the effectiveness of tumor vaccines is limited by the presence of tumor heterogeneity, low immunogenicity, and immune evasion mechanisms. Fortunately, multifunctional nanoparticles offer a unique chance to address these issues. With the advantages of their small size, high stability, efficient drug delivery, and controlled surface chemistry, nanomaterials can precisely target tumor sites, improve the delivery of tumor antigens and immune adjuvants, reshape the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and enhance the body's anti-tumor immune response, resulting in improved efficacy and reduced side effects. Nanovaccine, a type of vaccine that uses nanotechnology to deliver antigens and adjuvants to immune cells, has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy due to its ability to stimulate immune responses and induce tumor-specific immunity. In this review, we discussed the compositions and types of nanovaccine, and the mechanisms behind their anti-tumor effects based on the latest research. We hope that this will provide a more scientific basis for designing tumor vaccines and enhancing the effectiveness of tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhangbo Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Dianfa Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xinjun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Liping Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Pan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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Parry PI, Lefringhausen A, Turni C, Neil CJ, Cosford R, Hudson NJ, Gillespie J. 'Spikeopathy': COVID-19 Spike Protein Is Pathogenic, from Both Virus and Vaccine mRNA. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2287. [PMID: 37626783 PMCID: PMC10452662 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused much illness, many deaths, and profound disruption to society. The production of 'safe and effective' vaccines was a key public health target. Sadly, unprecedented high rates of adverse events have overshadowed the benefits. This two-part narrative review presents evidence for the widespread harms of novel product COVID-19 mRNA and adenovectorDNA vaccines and is novel in attempting to provide a thorough overview of harms arising from the new technology in vaccines that relied on human cells producing a foreign antigen that has evidence of pathogenicity. This first paper explores peer-reviewed data counter to the 'safe and effective' narrative attached to these new technologies. Spike protein pathogenicity, termed 'spikeopathy', whether from the SARS-CoV-2 virus or produced by vaccine gene codes, akin to a 'synthetic virus', is increasingly understood in terms of molecular biology and pathophysiology. Pharmacokinetic transfection through body tissues distant from the injection site by lipid-nanoparticles or viral-vector carriers means that 'spikeopathy' can affect many organs. The inflammatory properties of the nanoparticles used to ferry mRNA; N1-methylpseudouridine employed to prolong synthetic mRNA function; the widespread biodistribution of the mRNA and DNA codes and translated spike proteins, and autoimmunity via human production of foreign proteins, contribute to harmful effects. This paper reviews autoimmune, cardiovascular, neurological, potential oncological effects, and autopsy evidence for spikeopathy. With many gene-based therapeutic technologies planned, a re-evaluation is necessary and timely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter I. Parry
- Children’s Health Research Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Astrid Lefringhausen
- Children’s Health Defence (Australia Chapter), Huskisson, NSW 2540, Australia; (A.L.); (R.C.); (J.G.)
| | - Conny Turni
- Microbiology Research, QAAFI (Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation), The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Christopher J. Neil
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | - Robyn Cosford
- Children’s Health Defence (Australia Chapter), Huskisson, NSW 2540, Australia; (A.L.); (R.C.); (J.G.)
| | - Nicholas J. Hudson
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Julian Gillespie
- Children’s Health Defence (Australia Chapter), Huskisson, NSW 2540, Australia; (A.L.); (R.C.); (J.G.)
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32
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Fang D, He Y, Yi Y, Mei J, Liu C. Hub gene associated with prognosis in bladder cancer is a novel therapeutic target. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15670. [PMID: 37601252 PMCID: PMC10439716 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Bladder cancer is a clinical and social conundrum due to its high incidence and recurrence rate. It is urgent to find new targets for the diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer and improve the prognosis and survival rate of bladder cancer patients. We sought a prognosis-related gene, built related models of evaluated bladder cancer and identified the function of the hub gene in bladder cancer. Methods We downloaded the data of bladder cancer patients from the TCGA database, and used differentially expressed genes (DEGs), copy number variation (CNV) and survival analysis to scan the hub genes associated with prognosis in bladder cancer. Then, multi-factor cox regression was used to obtain the bladder cancer prognosis correlation model. Then, we analyzed the relationship between the expression of hub gene and immune microenvironment of bladder cancer. The relationship between the expression of hub gene and prognosis in bladder cancer patients was verified by immunohistochemistry. Cell proliferation assay and drug sensitivity test in vivo were used to verify the inhibition of bladder cancer by targeted inhibitors. Results In bladder cancer, we screened seven hub genes (ACLY, CNP, NKIRAS2, P3H4, PDIA6, VPS25 and XPO1) associated with survival. Moreover, the multifactor regression model constructed with hub gene can well distinguish the prognosis of bladder cancer. Hub gene is mostly associated with immune microenvironment. Immunohistochemical results basically confirmed the importance of XPO1 in bladder cancer. Selinexor (an inhibitor of XPO1) could effectively inhibit the proliferation of bladder cancer in the cell proliferation experiments by CCK-8 assays and it could suppress the growth of bladder cancer in mouse bladder cancer model. Conclusions In this study, a prognostic model with seven hub genes has provided great help for the prognosis prediction of bladder cancer patients. And XPO1 is an important target affecting the prognosis of bladder cancer, and inhibition of XPO1 can effectively inhibit bladder cancer proliferation and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengpan Fang
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Urology, The Sixth Hospital of Wuhan, Affiliated Hospital of Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuanqiao He
- Center of Laboratory Animal Science, Nanchang University,, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animal, Nanchang, China
- Nanchang Royo Biotechnology, Nanchang, China
| | - Yun Yi
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jiaqi Mei
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Cundong Liu
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Wu L, Yan J, Bai Y, Chen F, Zou X, Xu J, Huang A, Hou L, Zhong Y, Jing Z, Yu Q, Zhou X, Jiang Z, Wang C, Cheng M, Ji Y, Hou Y, Luo R, Li Q, Wu L, Cheng J, Wang P, Guo D, Huang W, Lei J, Liu S, Yan Y, Chen Y, Liao S, Li Y, Sun H, Yao N, Zhang X, Zhang S, Chen X, Yu Y, Li Y, Liu F, Wang Z, Zhou S, Yang H, Yang S, Xu X, Liu L, Gao Q, Tang Z, Wang X, Wang J, Fan J, Liu S, Yang X, Chen A, Zhou J. An invasive zone in human liver cancer identified by Stereo-seq promotes hepatocyte-tumor cell crosstalk, local immunosuppression and tumor progression. Cell Res 2023; 33:585-603. [PMID: 37337030 PMCID: PMC10397313 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-023-00831-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Dissecting and understanding the cancer ecosystem, especially that around the tumor margins, which have strong implications for tumor cell infiltration and invasion, are essential for exploring the mechanisms of tumor metastasis and developing effective new treatments. Using a novel tumor border scanning and digitization model enabled by nanoscale resolution-SpaTial Enhanced REsolution Omics-sequencing (Stereo-seq), we identified a 500 µm-wide zone centered around the tumor border in patients with liver cancer, referred to as "the invasive zone". We detected strong immunosuppression, metabolic reprogramming, and severely damaged hepatocytes in this zone. We also identified a subpopulation of damaged hepatocytes with increased expression of serum amyloid A1 and A2 (referred to collectively as SAAs) located close to the border on the paratumor side. Overexpression of CXCL6 in adjacent malignant cells could induce activation of the JAK-STAT3 pathway in nearby hepatocytes, which subsequently caused SAAs' overexpression in these hepatocytes. Furthermore, overexpression and secretion of SAAs by hepatocytes in the invasive zone could lead to the recruitment of macrophages and M2 polarization, further promoting local immunosuppression, potentially resulting in tumor progression. Clinical association analysis in additional five independent cohorts of patients with primary and secondary liver cancer (n = 423) showed that patients with overexpression of SAAs in the invasive zone had a worse prognosis. Further in vivo experiments using mouse liver tumor models in situ confirmed that the knockdown of genes encoding SAAs in hepatocytes decreased macrophage accumulation around the tumor border and delayed tumor growth. The identification and characterization of a novel invasive zone in human cancer patients not only add an important layer of understanding regarding the mechanisms of tumor invasion and metastasis, but may also pave the way for developing novel therapeutic strategies for advanced liver cancer and other solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Wu
- Zhongshan-BGI Precision Medical Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- BGI-Southwest, BGI-Shenzhen, Chongqing, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiayan Yan
- Zhongshan-BGI Precision Medical Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinqi Bai
- Zhongshan-BGI Precision Medical Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- BGI-Hangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Feiyu Chen
- Zhongshan-BGI Precision Medical Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuanxuan Zou
- BGI-Southwest, BGI-Shenzhen, Chongqing, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiangshan Xu
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ao Huang
- Zhongshan-BGI Precision Medical Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Liangzhen Hou
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Zhong
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zehua Jing
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qichao Yu
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaorui Zhou
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhifeng Jiang
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunqing Wang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mengnan Cheng
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Ji
- Zhongshan-BGI Precision Medical Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Pathology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingyong Hou
- Department of Pathology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rongkui Luo
- Department of Pathology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qinqin Li
- Department of Pathology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Wu
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianwen Cheng
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Pengxiang Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Dezhen Guo
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Waidong Huang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Junjie Lei
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shang Liu
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yizhen Yan
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yiling Chen
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Sha Liao
- BGI-Southwest, BGI-Shenzhen, Chongqing, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuxiang Li
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Haixiang Sun
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Na Yao
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiyu Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Chen
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yang Yu
- National Facility for Protein Science in Shanghai, Zhangjiang Lab, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Li
- National Facility for Protein Science in Shanghai, Zhangjiang Lab, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Fengming Liu
- National Facility for Protein Science in Shanghai, Zhangjiang Lab, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaolai Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Huanming Yang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuang Yang
- Zhongshan-BGI Precision Medical Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xun Xu
- Zhongshan-BGI Precision Medical Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Genome Read and Write, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Longqi Liu
- Zhongshan-BGI Precision Medical Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- BGI-Hangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiang Gao
- Zhongshan-BGI Precision Medical Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaoyou Tang
- Zhongshan-BGI Precision Medical Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangdong Wang
- Zhongshan-BGI Precision Medical Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Zhongshan-BGI Precision Medical Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- James D. Watson Institute of Genome Science, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jia Fan
- Zhongshan-BGI Precision Medical Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiping Liu
- Zhongshan-BGI Precision Medical Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Single-Cell Omics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xinrong Yang
- Zhongshan-BGI Precision Medical Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ao Chen
- Zhongshan-BGI Precision Medical Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- BGI-Southwest, BGI-Shenzhen, Chongqing, China.
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
- JFL-BGI STOmics Center, Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, China.
| | - Jian Zhou
- Zhongshan-BGI Precision Medical Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Li F, Zhang XQ, Ho W, Tang M, Li Z, Bu L, Xu X. mRNA lipid nanoparticle-mediated pyroptosis sensitizes immunologically cold tumors to checkpoint immunotherapy. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4223. [PMID: 37454146 PMCID: PMC10349854 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39938-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Synergistically improving T-cell responsiveness is promising for favorable therapeutic outcomes in immunologically cold tumors, yet current treatments often fail to induce a cascade of cancer-immunity cycle for effective antitumor immunity. Gasdermin-mediated pyroptosis is a newly discovered mechanism in cancer immunotherapy; however, cleavage in the N terminus is required to activate pyroptosis. Here, we report a single-agent mRNA nanomedicine-based strategy that utilizes mRNA lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) encoding only the N-terminus of gasdermin to trigger pyroptosis, eliciting robust antitumor immunity. In multiple female mouse models, we show that pyroptosis-triggering mRNA/LNPs turn cold tumors into hot ones and create a positive feedback loop to promote antitumor immunity. Additionally, mRNA/LNP-induced pyroptosis sensitizes tumors to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, facilitating tumor growth inhibition. Antitumor activity extends beyond the treated lesions and suppresses the growth of distant tumors. We implement a strategy for inducing potent antitumor immunity, enhancing immunotherapy responses in immunologically cold tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengqiao Li
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Xue-Qing Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China.
- National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China.
| | - William Ho
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Maoping Tang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China
- National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Zhongyu Li
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Lei Bu
- Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiaoyang Xu
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, USA.
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Tang L, Zhang Z, Fan J, Xu J, Xiong J, Tang L, Jiang Y, Zhang S, Zhang G, Luo W, Xu Y. Comprehensively analysis of immunophenotyping signature in triple-negative breast cancer patients based on machine learning. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1195864. [PMID: 37426809 PMCID: PMC10328722 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1195864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a promising strategy for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients, however, the overall survival (OS) of 5-years is still not satisfactory. Hence, developing more valuable prognostic signature is urgently needed for clinical practice. This study established and verified an effective risk model based on machine learning methods through a series of publicly available datasets. Furthermore, the correlation between risk signature and chemotherapy drug sensitivity were also performed. The findings showed that comprehensive immune typing is highly effective and accurate in assessing prognosis of TNBC patients. Analysis showed that IL18R1, BTN3A1, CD160, CD226, IL12B, GNLY and PDCD1LG2 are key genes that may affect immune typing of TNBC patients. The risk signature plays a robust ability in prognosis prediction compared with other clinicopathological features in TNBC patients. In addition, the effect of our constructed risk model on immunotherapy response was superior to TIDE results. Finally, high-risk groups were more sensitive to MR-1220, GSK2110183 and temsirolimus, indicating that risk characteristics could predict drug sensitivity in TNBC patients to a certain extent. This study proposes an immunophenotype-based risk assessment model that provides a more accurate prognostic assessment tool for patients with TNBC and also predicts new potential compounds by performing machine learning algorithms.
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He C, Zhou P, Nie Q. exFINDER: identify external communication signals using single-cell transcriptomics data. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:e58. [PMID: 37026478 PMCID: PMC10250247 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells make decisions through their communication with other cells and receiving signals from their environment. Using single-cell transcriptomics, computational tools have been developed to infer cell-cell communication through ligands and receptors. However, the existing methods only deal with signals sent by the measured cells in the data, the received signals from the external system are missing in the inference. Here, we present exFINDER, a method that identifies such external signals received by the cells in the single-cell transcriptomics datasets by utilizing the prior knowledge of signaling pathways. In particular, exFINDER can uncover external signals that activate the given target genes, infer the external signal-target signaling network (exSigNet), and perform quantitative analysis on exSigNets. The applications of exFINDER to scRNA-seq datasets from different species demonstrate the accuracy and robustness of identifying external signals, revealing critical transition-related signaling activities, inferring critical external signals and targets, clustering signal-target paths, and evaluating relevant biological events. Overall, exFINDER can be applied to scRNA-seq data to reveal the external signal-associated activities and maybe novel cells that send such signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhan He
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Peijie Zhou
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Qing Nie
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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Naletova I, Tomasello B, Attanasio F, Pleshkan VV. Prospects for the Use of Metal-Based Nanoparticles as Adjuvants for Local Cancer Immunotherapy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15051346. [PMID: 37242588 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15051346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is among the most effective approaches for treating cancer. One of the key aspects for successful immunotherapy is to achieve a strong and stable antitumor immune response. Modern immune checkpoint therapy demonstrates that cancer can be defeated. However, it also points out the weaknesses of immunotherapy, as not all tumors respond to therapy and the co-administration of different immunomodulators may be severely limited due to their systemic toxicity. Nevertheless, there is an established way through which to increase the immunogenicity of immunotherapy-by the use of adjuvants. These enhance the immune response without inducing such severe adverse effects. One of the most well-known and studied adjuvant strategies to improve immunotherapy efficacy is the use of metal-based compounds, in more modern implementation-metal-based nanoparticles (MNPs), which are exogenous agents that act as danger signals. Adding innate immune activation to the main action of an immunomodulator makes it capable of eliciting a robust anti-cancer immune response. The use of an adjuvant has the peculiarity of a local administration of the drug, which positively affects its safety. In this review, we will consider the use of MNPs as low-toxicity adjuvants for cancer immunotherapy, which could provide an abscopal effect when administered locally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Naletova
- Institute of Crystallography, National Council of Research, CNR, S.S. Catania, Via P. Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Barbara Tomasello
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, V.le Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco Attanasio
- Institute of Crystallography, National Council of Research, CNR, S.S. Catania, Via P. Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Victor V Pleshkan
- Gene Immunooncotherapy Group, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, 117997 Moscow, Russia
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Baier E, Korsten P, Strauß A, Thoms KM, Overbeck T, Ströbel P, Tampe B. Study protocol: a prospective single-center study for non-invasive biomonitoring of renal complications in cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1140677. [PMID: 37180131 PMCID: PMC10169823 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1140677] [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: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has powerfully broadened the scope of treatment options for malignancies with an ongoing increase of indications, but immune-related adverse events (irAEs) represent a serious threat to treatment success. Agents directed against programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) or its ligand 1 (PD-L1) are known to cause renal complications with an incidence of 3%. In contrast, subclinical renal involvement is estimated to be much higher, up to 29%. We recently reported about urinary flow cytometry-based detection of urinary PD-L1-positive (PD-L1+) kidney cells correlating with tubular PD-L1-positivity that reflected susceptibility to develop ICI-related nephrotoxicity as an irAE attending ICI treatment. Therefore, we designed a study protocol to evaluate urinary detection of PD-L1+ kidney cells as a tool for non-invasive biomonitoring of renal complications in cancer patients treated with ICIs. Methods A prospective, controlled, non-interventional, longitudinal, single-center observational study will be conducted at the Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology of the University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany. We intend to enroll approximately 200 patients treated with immunotherapy from the Departments of Urology, Dermatology, and Hematology and Medical Oncology of the University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany. First, we will assess clinical, laboratory, histopathological, and urinary parameters in addition to urinary cell collection. Then, we will perform a correlative analysis between urinary flow cytometry of different PD-L1+ cell of renal origin with the onset of ICI-related nephrotoxicity. Discussion Because of growing ICI-treatment applicability with an expectable incidence of renal complications, providing cost-efficient and easily performable diagnostic tools for treatment-attendant and non-invasive biomonitoring becomes vital to improve both renal and overall survival rates in cancer patients receiving immunotherapy. Trial registration https://www.drks.de, DRKS-ID DRKS00030999.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Baier
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Peter Korsten
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Arne Strauß
- Department of Urology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Kai-Martin Thoms
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Overbeck
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Philipp Ströbel
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Björn Tampe
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Dehghani T, Shahrjerdi A, Kahrizi MS, Soleimani E, Ravandeh S, Merza MS, Rahnama N, Ebrahimzadeh F, Bakhshesh M. Targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) for treatment of non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC); the recent advances. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 246:154470. [PMID: 37150133 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The immune system uses various immune checkpoint axes to adjust responses, support homeostasis, and deter self-reactivity and autoimmunity. Nevertheless, non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) can use protective mechanisms to facilitate immune evasion, which leads to potentiated cancer survival and proliferation. In this light, many blocking anti-bodies have been developed to negatively regulate checkpoint molecules, in particular, programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) / PD-ligand 1 (L1), and bypass these immune suppressive mechanisms. Meanwhile, anti-PD-1 anti-bodies such as nivolumab, pembrolizumab, cemiplimab, and sintilimab have shown excellent competence in successfully inspiring immune responses versus NSCLC. Accordingly, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved nivolumab (alone or in combination with ipilimumab) and pembrolizumab (alone or in combination with chemotherapy) as first-line treatment for advanced NSCLC patients. However, PD-1 blockade monotherapy remains inefficient in more than 60% of NSCLC patients, and many patients don't respond or acquire resistance to this modality. Also, toxicities related to anti-PD-1 anti-body have been progressively identified in clinical trials and oncology practice. Herein, we will outline the clinical benefits of PD-1 blockade therapy alone or in combination with other treatments (e.g., chemotherapy, radiotherapy, anti-angiogenic therapy) in NSCLC patients. Moreover, we will take a glimpse into the recently identified predictive biomarkers to determine patients most likely to suffer serious adverse events to decrease untoward toxicity risk and diminish treatment costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tannaz Dehghani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Lorestan, Iran
| | - Alireza Shahrjerdi
- National Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), P.O. Box: 14965/161, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Elnaz Soleimani
- Departmant of Genetic, Babol University of Medical Science, Babol, Iran
| | | | - Muna S Merza
- Prosthetic Dental Techniques Department, Al-Mustaqbal university College, Babylon 51001, Iraq
| | - Negin Rahnama
- Department of Internal Medicine and Health Services, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Farnoosh Ebrahimzadeh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Morteza Bakhshesh
- Molecular and Medicine Research Center, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran.
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40
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Zhang C, Zhang C, Wang H. Immune-checkpoint inhibitor resistance in cancer treatment: Current progress and future directions. Cancer Lett 2023; 562:216182. [PMID: 37076040 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Cancer treatment has been advanced with the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) exemplified by anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) drugs. Patients have reaped substantial benefit from ICIs in many cancer types. However, few patients benefit from ICIs whereas the vast majority undergoing these treatments do not obtain survival benefit. Even for patients with initial responses, they may encounter drug resistance in their subsequent treatments, which limits the efficacy of ICIs. Therefore, a deepening understanding of drug resistance is critically important for the explorations of approaches to reverse drug resistance and to boost ICI efficacy. In the present review, different mechanisms of ICI resistance have been summarized according to the tumor intrinsic, tumor microenvironment (TME) and host classifications. We further elaborated corresponding strategies to battle against such resistance accordingly, which include targeting defects in antigen presentation, dysregulated interferon-γ (IFN-γ) signaling, neoantigen depletion, upregulation of other T cell checkpoints as well as immunosuppression and exclusion mediated by TME. Moreover, regarding the host, several additional approaches that interfere with diet and gut microbiome have also been described in reversing ICI resistance. Additionally, we provide an overall glimpse into the ongoing clinical trials that utilize these mechanisms to overcome ICI resistance. Finally, we summarize the challenges and opportunities that needs to be addressed in the investigation of ICI resistance mechanisms, with the aim to benefit more patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyue Zhang
- Department of Integrated Therapy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenxing Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haiyong Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine-Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China.
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41
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Kiousi DE, Kouroutzidou AZ, Neanidis K, Karavanis E, Matthaios D, Pappa A, Galanis A. The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Cancer Immunotherapy: Current Knowledge and Future Directions. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072101. [PMID: 37046762 PMCID: PMC10093606 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is a treatment modality that aims to stimulate the anti-tumor immunity of the host to elicit favorable clinical outcomes. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) gained traction due to the lasting effects and better tolerance in patients carrying solid tumors in comparison to conventional treatment. However, a significant portion of patients may present primary or acquired resistance (non-responders), and thus, they may have limited therapeutic outcomes. Resistance to ICIs can be derived from host-related, tumor-intrinsic, or environmental factors. Recent studies suggest a correlation of gut microbiota with resistance and response to immunotherapy as well as with the incidence of adverse events. Currently, preclinical and clinical studies aim to elucidate the unique microbial signatures related to ICI response and anti-tumor immunity, employing metagenomics and/or multi-omics. Decoding this complex relationship can provide the basis for manipulating the malleable structure of the gut microbiota to enhance therapeutic success. Here, we delve into the factors affecting resistance to ICIs, focusing on the intricate gut microbiome–immunity interplay. Additionally, we review clinical studies and discuss future trends and directions in this promising field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Despoina E. Kiousi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Antonia Z. Kouroutzidou
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Neanidis
- Oncology Department, 424 General Military Training Hospital, 56429 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Emmanuel Karavanis
- Oncology Department, 424 General Military Training Hospital, 56429 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Aglaia Pappa
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Alex Galanis
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
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He C, Zhou P, Nie Q. exFINDER: identify external communication signals using single-cell transcriptomics data. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.24.533888. [PMID: 37034624 PMCID: PMC10081188 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.24.533888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Cells make decisions through their communication with other cells and receiving signals from their environment. Using single-cell transcriptomics, computational tools have been developed to infer cell-cell communication through ligands and receptors. However, the existing methods only deal with signals sent by the measured cells in the data, the received signals from the external system are missing in the inference. Here, we present exFINDER, a method that identifies such external signals received by the cells in the single-cell transcriptomics datasets by utilizing the prior knowledge of signaling pathways. In particular, exFINDER can uncover external signals that activate the given target genes, infer the external signal-target signaling network (exSigNet), and perform quantitative analysis on exSigNets. The applications of exFINDER to scRNA-seq datasets from different species demonstrate the accuracy and robustness of identifying external signals, revealing critical transition-related signaling activities, inferring critical external signals and targets, clustering signal-target paths, and evaluating relevant biological events. Overall, exFINDER can be applied to scRNA-seq data to reveal the external signal-associated activities and maybe novel cells that send such signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhan He
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Peijie Zhou
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Qing Nie
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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Liu M, Yu X, Qu C, Xu S. Predictive Value of Gene Databases in Discovering New Biomarkers and New Therapeutic Targets in Lung Cancer. Medicina (B Aires) 2023; 59:medicina59030547. [PMID: 36984548 PMCID: PMC10051862 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59030547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The molecular mechanisms of lung cancer are still unclear. Investigation of immune cell infiltration (ICI) and the hub gene will facilitate the identification of specific biomarkers. Materials and Methods: Key modules of ICI and immune cell-associated differential genes, as well as ICI profiles, were identified using lung cancer microarray data from the single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) in the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. Protein–protein interaction networks were used to identify hub genes. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the diagnostic significance of the hub genes, and survival analysis was performed using gene expression profiling interactive analysis (GEPIA). Results: Significant changes in ICI were found in lung cancer tissues versus adjacent normal tissues. WGCNA results showed the highest correlation of yellow and blue modules with ICI. Protein–protein interaction networks identified four hub genes, namely CENPF, AURKA, PBK, and CCNB1. The lung adenocarcinoma patients in the low hub gene expression group showed higher overall survival and longer median survival than the high expression group. They were associated with a decreased risk of lung cancer in patients, indicating their potential role as cancer suppressor genes and potential targets for future therapeutic development. Conclusions: CENPF, AURKA, PBK, and CCNB1 show great potential as biomarkers and immunotherapeutic targets specific to lung cancer. Lung cancer patients’ prognoses are often foreseen using matched prognostic models, and genes CENPF, AURKA, PBK, and CCNB1 in lung cancer may serve as therapeutic targets, which require further investigations.
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New Insights into the Identification of Metabolites and Cytokines Predictive of Outcome for Patients with Severe SARS-CoV-2 Infection Showed Similarity with Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054922. [PMID: 36902351 PMCID: PMC10003544 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection is characterized by several clinical manifestations, ranging from the absence of symptoms to severe forms that necessitate intensive care treatment. It is known that the patients with the highest rate of mortality develop increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines, called the "cytokine storm", which is similar to inflammatory processes that occur in cancer. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 infection induces modifications in host metabolism leading to metabolic reprogramming, which is closely linked to metabolic changes in cancer. A better understanding of the correlation between perturbed metabolism and inflammatory responses is necessary. We evaluated untargeted plasma metabolomics and cytokine profiling via 1H-NMR (proton nuclear magnetic resonance) and multiplex Luminex assay, respectively, in a training set of a limited number of patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection classified on the basis of their outcome. Univariate analysis and Kaplan-Meier curves related to hospitalization time showed that lower levels of several metabolites and cytokines/growth factors, correlated with a good outcome in these patients and these data were confirmed in a validation set of patients with similar characteristics. However, after the multivariate analysis, only the growth factor HGF, lactate and phenylalanine retained a significant prediction of survival. Finally, the combined analysis of lactate and phenylalanine levels correctly predicted the outcome of 83.3% of patients in both the training and the validation set. We highlighted that the cytokines and metabolites involved in COVID-19 patients' poor outcomes are similar to those responsible for cancer development and progression, suggesting the possibility of targeting them by repurposing anticancer drugs as a therapeutic strategy against severe SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Varela VA, da Silva Heinen LB, Marti LC, Caraciolo VB, Datoguia TS, Amano MT, Pereira WO. In vitro differentiation of myeloid suppressor cells (MDSC-like) from an immature myelomonocytic precursor THP-1. J Immunol Methods 2023; 515:113441. [PMID: 36848984 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2023.113441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population with a potent suppressor profile that regulates immune responses. These cells are one of the main components of the microenvironment of several diseases, including solid and hematologic tumors, autoimmunities, and chronic inflammation. However, their wide use in studies is limited due to they comprehend a rare population, which is difficult to isolate, expand, differentiate, and maintain in culture. Additionally, this population has a complex phenotypic and functional characterization. OBJECTIVE To develop a protocol for the in vitro production of MDSC-like population from the differentiation of the immature myeloid cell line THP-1. METHODS We stimulated THP-1 with G-CSF (100 ng/mL) and IL-4 (20 ng/mL) for seven days to differentiate into the MDSC-like profile. At the end of the protocol, we characterized these cells phenotypically and functionally by immunophenotyping, gene expression analysis, cytokine release dosage, lymphocyte proliferation, and NK-mediated killing essays. RESULTS We differentiate THP-1 cells in an MDSC-like population, named THP1-MDSC-like, which presented immunophenotyping and gene expression profiles compatible with that described in the literature. Furthermore, we verified that this phenotypic and functional differentiation did not deviate to a macrophage profile of M1 or M2. These THP1-MDSC-like cells secreted several immunoregulatory cytokines into the microenvironment, consistent with the suppressor profile related to MDSC. In addition, the supernatant of these cells decreased the proliferation of activated lymphocytes and impaired the apoptosis of leukemic cells induced by NK cells. CONCLUSIONS We developed an effective protocol for MDSC in vitro production from the differentiation of the immature myeloid cell line THP-1 induced by G-CSF and IL-4. Furthermore, we demonstrated that THP1-MDSC-like suppressor cells contribute to the immune escape of AML cells. Potentially, these THP1-MDSC-like cells can be applied on a large-scale platform, thus being able to impact the course of several studies and models such as cancer, immunodeficiencies, autoimmunity, and chronic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Araújo Varela
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein (FICSAE), Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Luciana Cavalheiro Marti
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein (FICSAE), Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Victória Bulcão Caraciolo
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein (FICSAE), Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Tarcila Santos Datoguia
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein (FICSAE), Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariane Tami Amano
- Hospital Sírio Libanês, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Clinical and Experimental Oncology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Welbert Oliveira Pereira
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein (FICSAE), Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Avila JP, Carvalho BM, Coimbra EC. A Comprehensive View of the Cancer-Immunity Cycle (CIC) in HPV-Mediated Cervical Cancer and Prospects for Emerging Therapeutic Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041333. [PMID: 36831674 PMCID: PMC9954575 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide, with more than 500,000 new cases each year and a mortality rate of around 55%. Over 80% of these deaths occur in developing countries. The most important risk factor for CC is persistent infection by a sexually transmitted virus, the human papillomavirus (HPV). Conventional treatments to eradicate this type of cancer are accompanied by high rates of resistance and a large number of side effects. Hence, it is crucial to devise novel effective therapeutic strategies. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have aimed to develop immunotherapeutic methods for treating cancer. However, these strategies have not proven to be effective enough to combat CC. This means there is a need to investigate immune molecular targets. An adaptive immune response against cancer has been described in seven key stages or steps defined as the cancer-immunity cycle (CIC). The CIC begins with the release of antigens by tumor cells and ends with their destruction by cytotoxic T-cells. In this paper, we discuss several molecular alterations found in each stage of the CIC of CC. In addition, we analyze the evidence discovered, the molecular mechanisms and their relationship with variables such as histological subtype and HPV infection, as well as their potential impact for adopting novel immunotherapeutic approaches.
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47
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Gao S, Wang J, Zhu Z, Fang J, Zhao Y, Liu Z, Qin H, Wei Y, Xu H, Dan X, Yang L, Xu Q. Effective personalized neoantigen vaccine plus anti-PD-1 in a PD-1 blockade-resistant lung cancer patient. Immunotherapy 2023; 15:57-69. [PMID: 36651232 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2021-0339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Although significant progress has been made in immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment of advanced squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC), most patients still experience acquired drug resistance. Methods: We used a dendritic cell-based neoantigen vaccine combined with ICIs to treat advanced SqCC in a PD-1 blockade-resistant patient. Results: The follow-up of this patient after 12 months revealed significant tumor regression. We also identified a new JAK1 ICI-resistant mutation that could become a potential universal neoantigen target for tumor vaccines. Conclusion: Individualized management of advanced SqCC through a combined neoantigen vaccine and ICI administration could yield beneficial clinical outcomes. Vaccines targeting anti-PD-1-resistant JAK1 mutations might be of particular benefit to a specific group of solid tumor patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Gao
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China.,Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Jiaqian Wang
- YuceBio, Shenzhen, 518000, China.,YuceNeo, Shenzhen, 518121, China
| | - Zhongzheng Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China.,Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Juemin Fang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China.,Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China.,Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Zhuqing Liu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China.,Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Huanlong Qin
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China.,Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Yuquan Wei
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy & Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Heng Xu
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy & Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xu Dan
- YuceBio, Shenzhen, 518000, China.,YuceNeo, Shenzhen, 518121, China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy & Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qing Xu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China.,Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200072, China
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Wen J, Zhao Y, Fang CX, Wu XH. Association between serum baseline C1q and IgG levels and the efficacy of combined immunotherapy in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a retrospective study. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2023; 45:83-88. [PMID: 35997274 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2022.2115926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To assess the clinical value of serum complement component 1q (C1q) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels in predicting the response to combined immunotherapy in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of 44 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who received combined immunotherapy in our hospital. Serum IgG and C1q levels were collected before and three weeks after immunotherapy treatment, together with other data on clinical and demographic characteristics. RESULTS Twenty seven patients (61.4%) showed partial response (PR), 13 (29.5%) stable disease (SD), and 4 (9.1%) progressive disease (PD). None of the patients presented complete response (CR). The PR group displayed lower IgG and higher C1q levels both before and after immunotherapy than patients showing SD or PD. The IgG reduction (59.3%) and C1q increment (70.3%) in the PR group three weeks post-treatment were significantly larger than those in patients showing SD or PD. Moreover, the pretreatment C1q level and the post-treatment change of C1q levels were strongly associated with the immunotherapy response. CONCLUSIONS High pre- and post-treatment C1q levels and reduced post-treatment IgG levels correlate with efficacy of combined immunotherapy in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Serum baseline C1q level may predict immunotherapy response in such patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wen
- Department of Oncology, Minda Hospital of Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, P.R. China
| | - Yi Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Minda Hospital of Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, P.R. China
| | - Cheng-Xiang Fang
- Department of Oncology, Minda Hospital of Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, P.R. China
| | - Xue-Hu Wu
- Department of Oncology, Minda Hospital of Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, P.R. China
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Loacker L, Kimpel J, Bánki Z, Schmidt CQ, Griesmacher A, Anliker M. Increased PD-L1 surface expression on peripheral blood granulocytes and monocytes after vaccination with SARS-CoV2 mRNA or vector vaccine. Clin Chem Lab Med 2023; 61:e17-e19. [PMID: 36245120 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2022-0787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lorin Loacker
- Central Institute for Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnosis, University Hospital, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Janine Kimpel
- Department of Hygiene, Microbiology and Public Health, Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Zoltán Bánki
- Department of Hygiene, Microbiology and Public Health, Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christoph Q Schmidt
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Andrea Griesmacher
- Central Institute for Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnosis, University Hospital, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Markus Anliker
- Central Institute for Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnosis, University Hospital, Innsbruck, Austria
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Li H, Miao Y, Zhong L, Feng S, Xu Y, Tang L, Wu C, Zhang X, Gu L, Diao H, Wang H, Wen Z, Yang M. Identification of TREM2-positive tumor-associated macrophages in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: implication for poor prognosis and immunotherapy modulation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1162032. [PMID: 37187751 PMCID: PMC10175681 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1162032] [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: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background It is now understood that the effectiveness of checkpoint immunotherapy can be impaired by immunosuppressive tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Nonetheless, the impact of different TAM subpopulations on the antitumor immune response remains unclear, mainly due to their heterogeneity. Herein, we identified a novel TAM subpopulation in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) that might contribute to poor clinical outcomes and immunotherapy modulation. Methods and results We analyzed two single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets (GSE145370 and GSE160269) of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma to identify a novel TREM2-positive TAM subpopulation characterized by upregulation of TREM2, C1QC, C1QB, C1QA, SPP1, and APOE. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) demonstrated that these genes were significantly overexpressed in ESCC. Multiplex immunofluorescence validated the infiltration of TREM2+ TAMs in ESCC tissues, which correlated with poorer overall survival (OS). The scRNA-seq analysis in dataset GSE120575 indicated significant enrichment of TREM2+ TAMs in melanoma patients (n=48) with poor immunotherapy response, which had an identical gene signature with TREM2+ TAMs from ESCC. Analysis of 29 bulk-RNA melanoma samples from dataset GSE78220 revealed that a gene signature of 40 genes associated with TREM2+ TAMs was upregulated in the transcriptome of melanomas that did not respond to anti-PD1 therapy. Validation in the TCGA ESCC cohort (n=80) showed that a high enrichment score of the TREM2+ TAM was associated with poor prognosis. In addition, 10 ESCC patients treated with anti-PD1 therapy suggested that patients who are not sensitive to immunotherapy have higher density of TREM2+TAMs infiltration. Conclusion Overall, TREM2+ TAM infiltration in ESCC is associated with poor prognosis and may serve as a biomarker for predicting outcomes and immunotherapy modulation in this patient population. modulation; single-cell RNA sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmu Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guanghzou, China
| | - Yu Miao
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Leqi Zhong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guanghzou, China
| | - Songjie Feng
- Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Yue Xu
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lu Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guanghzou, China
| | - Chun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guanghzou, China
| | - Xianzhou Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliory and Pancreatic Surgery, Henan Provincial Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ling Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guanghzou, China
| | - Hengyi Diao
- Department of Hepatobiliory and Pancreatic Surgery, Henan Provincial Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Huiyun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guanghzou, China
- *Correspondence: Minglei Yang, ; Zhesheng Wen, ; Huiyun Wang,
| | - Zhesheng Wen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guanghzou, China
- *Correspondence: Minglei Yang, ; Zhesheng Wen, ; Huiyun Wang,
| | - Minglei Yang
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Minglei Yang, ; Zhesheng Wen, ; Huiyun Wang,
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