Functional Change of Effector Tumor-Infiltrating CCR5+CD38+HLA-DR+CD8+ T Cells in Glioma Microenvironment

Changes in immune cell subtypes during ageing

BACKGROUND

The immune system comprises many different types of cells, each with different functions and properties during immune defence. The numbers and types of immune cells in the circulation is highly dynamic and regulated by infections, ageing and certain types of cancers. It is recognised that immune function decreases during ageing, but the biological age at which these functional changes occur is variable, and how ageing affects the different sub-types of lymphocytes, monocytes and NK cells in the circulation is not fully defined.

METHODS

In this study, we recruited 24 healthy volunteers over the age range of 23y to 89y and measured the numbers of different subclasses of circulating cells by immuno-phenotyping and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

We show increased monocyte:lymphocyte ratios in a > 50y cohort and most T cell subsets were decreased, except for CD4+ cells, which were increased in this cohort. In addition, there was NK cell expansion and increased HLA-DR+ T cells, but decreased numbers of classical monocytes and increased numbers of CD4+ monocytes in this >50y cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that healthy ageing is associated with changes in both the major cell groups but also individual subclasses of cells, and these are likely to result from continuous immune challenge and impaired development.

Expression of CD39 is associated with T cell exhaustion in ovarian cancer and its blockade reverts T cell dysfunction

Immune exhaustion is a hallmark of ovarian cancer. Using multiparametric flow cytometry, the study aimed to analyze protein expression of novel immunological targets on CD3+ T cells isolated from the peripheral blood (n = 20), malignant ascites (n = 16), and tumor tissue (n = 6) of patients with ovarian cancer (OVCA). The study revealed an increased proportion of effector memory CD8+ T cells in OVCA tissue and malignant ascites. An OVCA-characteristic PD-1high CD8+ T cell population was detected, which differed from PD-1lowCD8+ T cells by increased co-expression of TIGIT, CD39, and HLA-DR. In addition, these OVCA-characteristic CD8+ T cells showed reduced expression of the transcription factor TCF-1, which may also indicate reduced effector function and memory formation. On the contrary, the transcription factor TOX, which significantly regulates terminal T cell-exhaustion, was found more frequently in these cells. Further protein and gene analysis showed that CD39 and CD73 were also expressed on OVCA tumor cells isolated from solid tumors (n = 14) and malignant ascites (n = 9). In the latter compartment, CD39 and CD73 were also associated with the expression of the "don't eat me" molecule CD24 on tumor cells. Additionally, ascites-derived CD24+EpCAM+ tumor cells showed a higher frequency of CD39+ or CD73+ cells. Furthermore, CD39 expression was associated with unfavorable clinical parameters. Expression of CD39 on T cells was upregulated through CD3/CD28 stimulation and its blockade by a newly developed nanobody construct resulted in increased proliferation (eFluor), activation (CD25 and CD134), and production of cytotoxic cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, and granzyme-B) of CD8+ T cells.

Characterization of purinergic signaling in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes from lower- and high-grade gliomas

Malignant gliomas are highly heterogeneous glia-derived tumors that present an aggressive and invasive nature, with a dismal prognosis. The multi-dimensional interactions between glioma cells and other tumor microenvironment (TME) non-tumoral components constitute a challenge to finding successful treatment strategies. Several molecules, such as extracellular purines, participate in signaling events and support the immunosuppressive TME of glioma patients. The purinergic signaling and the ectoenzymes network involved in the metabolism of these extracellular nucleotides are still unexplored in the glioma TME, especially in lower-grade gliomas (LGG). Also, differences between IDH-mutant (IDH-Mut) versus wild-type (IDH-WT) gliomas are still unknown in this context. For the first time, to our knowledge, this study characterizes the TME of LGG, high-grade gliomas (HGG) IDH-Mut, and HGG IDH-WT patients regarding purinergic ectoenzymes and P1 receptors, focusing on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Here, we show that ectoenzymes from both canonical and non-canonical pathways are increased in the TME when compared to the peripheral blood. We hypothesize this enhancement supports extracellular adenosine generation, hence increasing TME immunosuppression.

Preferential B cell differentiation by combined immune checkpoint blockade for renal cell carcinoma is associated with clinical response and autoimmune reactions

Combined immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is effective therapy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, the dynamic changes in circulating B cells induced by combined ICB have not been clarified. The present study prospectively examined 22 patients scheduled to receive ICB for unresectable or metastatic RCC between March 2018 and August 2021. Eleven patients received combined therapy with anti-PD-1 (nivolumab) and anti-CTLA-4 (ipilimumab), and the other 11 patients received nivolumab monotherapy. Comprehensive phenotypes of circulating immune cells obtained prior to and after ICB therapy were analyzed by flow cytometry. Although the proportion of naïve B cells among total B cells was significantly decreased, that of switched memory B cells was significantly increased after combined therapy. In responders, the proportion of B cells among peripheral blood mononuclear cells was significantly higher prior to ICB therapy, and the proportion of switched memory B cells among total B cells tended to increase after ICB therapy. Of note, the proportion of plasmablasts among total B cells was significantly increased after ICB therapy in patients who developed severe immune-related adverse events (irAEs), and the proportion of B cells among peripheral blood decreased significantly. Furthermore, in four of five patients who developed immune-related hypophysitis following combined therapy, anti-pituitary antibody was detected in the serum. These results suggested that immune-related hypophysitis was closely related to the increase in circulating plasmablasts. Collectively, this study suggests that combined ICB promotes the differentiation of B cell populations, which is associated with efficient tumor suppression and development of irAEs.

Inhalant Cannabidiol Inhibits Glioblastoma Progression Through Regulation of Tumor Microenvironment

Introduction: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common invasive brain tumor composed of diverse cell types with poor prognosis. The highly complex tumor microenvironment (TME) and its interaction with tumor cells play important roles in the development, progression, and durability of GBM. Angiogenic and immune factors are two major components of TME of GBM; their interplay is a major determinant of tumor vascularization, immune profile, as well as immune unresponsiveness of GBM. Given the ineffectiveness of current standard therapies (surgery, radiotherapy, and concomitant chemotherapy) in managing patients with GBM, it is necessary to develop new ways of treating these lethal brain tumors. Targeting TME, altering tumor ecosystem may be a viable therapeutic strategy with beneficial effects for patients in their fight against GBM. Materials and Methods: Given the potential therapeutic effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in a wide spectrum of diseases, including malignancies, we tested, for the first time, whether inhalant CBD can inhibit GBM tumor growth using a well-established orthotopic murine model. Optical imaging, histology, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry were employed to describe the outcomes such as tumor progression, cancer cell signaling pathways, and the TME. Results: Our findings showed that inhalation of CBD was able to not only limit the tumor growth but also to alter the dynamics of TME by repressing P-selectin, apelin, and interleukin (IL)-8, as well as blocking a key immune checkpoint-indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). In addition, CBD enhanced the cluster of differentiation (CD) 103 expression, indicating improved antigen presentation, promoted CD8 immune responses, and reduced innate Lymphoid Cells within the tumor. Conclusion: Overall, our novel findings support the possible therapeutic role of inhaled CBD as an effective, relatively safe, and easy to administer treatment adjunct for GBM with significant impacts on the cellular and molecular signaling of TME, warranting further research.

Identification of molecular candidates which regulate calcium-dependent CD8+ T-cell cytotoxicity

Cytotoxic CD8⁺ T lymphocytes (CTL) eliminate infected cells or transformed tumor cells by releasing perforin-containing cytotoxic granules at the immunological synapse. The secretion of such granules depends on Ca²⁺-influx through store operated Ca²⁺ channels, formed by STIM (stromal interaction molecule)-activated Orai proteins. Whereas molecular mechanisms of the secretion machinery are well understood, much less is known about the molecular machinery that regulates the efficiency of Ca²⁺-dependent target cell killing. CTL killing efficiency is of high interest considering the number of studies on CD8⁺ T lymphocytes modified for clinical use. Here, we isolated total RNA from primary human cells: natural killer (NK) cells, non-stimulated CD8⁺ T-cells, and from Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin A (SEA) stimulated CD8⁺ T-cells (SEA-CTL) and conducted whole genome expression profiling by microarray experiments. Based on differential expression analysis of the transcriptome data and analysis of master regulator genes, we identified 31 candidates which potentially regulate Ca²⁺-homeostasis in CTL. To investigate a putative function of these candidates in CTL cytotoxicity, we transfected either SEA-stimulated CTL (SEA-CTL) or antigen specific CD8⁺ T-cell clones (CTL-MART-1) with siRNAs specific against the identified candidates and analyzed the killing capacity using a real-time killing assay. In addition, we complemented the analysis by studying the effect of inhibitory substances acting on the candidate proteins if available. Finally, to unmask their involvement in Ca²⁺ dependent cytotoxicity, candidates were also analyzed under Ca²⁺-limiting conditions. Overall, we identified four hits, CCR5 (C-C chemokine receptor type five), KCNN4 (potassium calcium-activated channel subfamily N), RCAN3 (regulator of calcineurin) and BCL (B-cell lymphoma) 2 which clearly affect the efficiency of Ca²⁺ dependent cytotoxicity in CTL-MART-1 cells, CCR5, BCL2, and KCNN4 in a positive manner, and RCAN3 in a negative way.

Circulating the HLA-DR+ T Cell Ratio Is a Prognostic Factor for Recurrence of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Curative Surgery

Background

HLA-DR+ T cell, accounting for 1.2%-5.8% of peripheral lymphocyte, is a type of activated T lymphocyte. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of HLA-DR+ T cell for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after curative surgery. Patients and Methods. Clinicopathological data of 192 patients who underwent curative resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in the affiliated hospital of Qingdao University between January 2013 and December 2021 were collected and analyzed. Statistical tests used in this study were the chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. The prognostic value of the HLA-DR+ T cell ratio was analyzed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. The Kaplan-Meier curves were drawn by the R programming language.

Results

HCC patients were divided into high (≥5.8%) and low (<5.8%) HLADR+ T cell ratio groups. Cox regression analysis indicated that a high HLA-DR+ T cell ratio was positively related to the PFS in HCC patients (P=0.003) and AFP-positive (≥20 ng/ml) HCC patients (P=0.020). HCC patients and AFP-positive HCC patients in the high HLA-DR+ T cell ratio group were prone to have a higher T cell ratio, a higher CD8+T cell ratio, and a lower B cell ratio than the low HLA-DR+ T cell ratio group. However, the HLA-DR+ T cell ratio was not a statistically significant predictor for OS in HCC patients (P=0.57) as well as PFS (P=0.088) and OS (P=0.63) in AFP-negative HCC patients.

Conclusions

This study confirmed that the HLA-DR+ T cell ratio was a significant predictor of PFS in HCC patients and AFP-positive HCC patients after curative surgery. This association may have guiding significance for the follow-up work of HCC patients after surgery.

The immune landscape of high-grade brain tumor after treatment with immune checkpoint blockade

Despite the therapeutic success of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy against multiple tumors, many patients still do not benefit from ICB. In particular, high-grade brain tumors, such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), have a very low response rate to ICB, resulting in several failed clinical trials. This low response rate might be caused by a lack of understanding of the unique characteristics of brain immunity. To overcome this knowledge gap, macroscopic studies of brain immunity are needed. We use single cell RNA sequencing to analyze the immune landscape of the tumor microenvironment (TME) under anti-PD-1 antibody treatment in a murine GBM model. We observe that CD8 T cells show a mixed phenotype overall that includes reinvigoration and re-exhaustion states. Furthermore, we find that CCL5 induced by anti-PD-1 treatment might be related to an increase in the number of anti-inflammatory macrophages in the TME. Therefore, we hypothesize that CCL5-mediated recruitment of anti-inflammatory macrophages may be associated with re-exhaustion of CD8 T cells in the TME. We compare our observations in the murine GBM models with publicly available data from human patients with recurrent GBM. Our study provides critical information for the development of novel immunotherapies to overcome the limitations of anti-PD-1 therapy.

Protective potential of piroxicam on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells against the suppressive capacity of glioblastoma cell lines

Dexamethasone, a common medication used in the treatment regimen of glioblastoma, has broad inhibitory effects on the immune responses. Here, in an in vitro study, we examined the effects of piroxicam, a potent substitute for dexamethasone, on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) co-cultured with two glioblastoma cell lines, U-87 MG and A-172 cells. MTT assay was used to determine the proliferation of PBMCs treated with piroxicam, or dexamethasone. In addition, to evaluate the effects of drugs on the cell cycle distribution, DNA content per cell was analyzed in PBMCs and A-172 cell lines using flow cytometry. Oxidative parameters, including superoxide dismutase-3 (SOD3) activity and total anti-antioxidant capacity, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, as well as IFN-γ and TGF-β levels were measured in PBMCs alone or in the presence of cell lines using ELISA. Unlike dexamethasone, piroxicam showed a protective effect on PBMCs against both glioblastoma cell lines. Furthermore, while dexamethasone reduced the proliferation of PBMCs, piroxicam had no adverse effect on the proliferation. Cell cycle analysis showed a reduction in the G2/M phase in piroxicam-treated A-172 cells. Additionally, dexamethasone limited the cell cycle progression by increasing the fraction of PBMCs in G0/G1. Interestingly, after co-culturing piroxicam-treated PBMCs with cell lines, a remarkable rise in the LDH activity was observed. Although not significant, piroxicam partially decreased TGF-β levels in both cell lines. Our findings suggested a protective effect of piroxicam, but not dexamethasone, on PBMCs against inhibitory mechanisms of two glioblastoma cell lines, U-87 and A-172 cells.

Characterising Distinct Migratory Profiles of Infiltrating T-Cell Subsets in Human Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive form of primary brain cancer, with no improvements in the 5-year survival rate of 4.6% over the past three decades. T-cell-based immunotherapies such as immune-checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy have prolonged the survival of patients with other cancers and have undergone early-phase clinical evaluation in glioblastoma patients. However, a major challenge for T-cell-based immunotherapy of glioblastoma and other solid cancers is T-cell infiltration into tumours. This process is mediated by chemokine-chemokine receptor and integrin-adhesion molecule interactions, yet the specific nature of the molecules that may facilitate T-cell homing into glioblastoma are unknown. Here, we have characterised chemokine receptor and integrin expression profiles of endogenous glioblastoma-infiltrating T cells, and the chemokine expression profile of glioblastoma-associated cells, by single-cell RNA-sequencing. Subsequently, chemokine receptors and integrins were validated at the protein level to reveal enrichment of receptors CCR2, CCR5, CXCR3, CXCR4, CXCR6, CD49a, and CD49d in glioblastoma-infiltrating T-cell populations relative to T cells in matched patient peripheral blood. Complementary chemokine ligand expression was then validated in glioblastoma biopsies and glioblastoma-derived primary cell cultures. Together, enriched expression of homing receptor-ligand pairs identified in this study implicate a potential role in mediating T-cell infiltration into glioblastoma. Importantly, our data characterising the migratory receptors on endogenous tumour-infiltrating T cells could be exploited to enhance the tumour-homing properties of future T-cell immunotherapies for glioblastoma.

Systemic Immune Dysregulation Correlates With Clinical Features of Early Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Background

Systemic immune dysregulation correlates with cancer progression. However, the clinical implications of systemic immune dysregulation in early non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain unclear.

Methods

Using a panel of 9 markers to identify 12 parameters in the peripheral blood of 326 patients (34 in the discovery group and 292 in the validation group), we investigated systemic immune dysregulation in early NSCLC. Then, we analyzed the impact of surgery on the systemic immune state of these patients. Finally, we analyzed correlations between systemic immune dysregulation and the clinical features of early NSCLC.

Results

We found striking systemic immune dysregulation in the peripheral blood of early NSCLC patients. This dysregulation was characterized by a significant decrease in total lymphocytes, T cells, quiescent T cells, CD4+ T cells, and NKT cells. We also observed increased proportions of activated lymphocytes and activated T cells. Systemic immune dysregulation was increased after surgery. Furthermore, systemic immune dysregulation was correlated with multiple clinical features, such as sex, age, smoking history, pathological type, tumor stage, surgical approach, tumor differentiation, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation. Finally, we observed that systemic immune dysregulation was correlated with complications and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in early NSCLC patients.

Conclusions

Our results reveal systemic immune dysregulation occurring in early NSCLC and demonstrate the correlation between these dysregulations and clinical features. Our findings suggest that systemic immune dysregulation is involved in cancer development and may be a promising candidate for high-risk screening and treatment strategies for early NSCLC.

Pro-Inflammatory Signature in Decidua of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Regardless of Embryonic Chromosomal Abnormalities

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), especially the unexplained RPL, is associated with the disruption of maternal immune tolerance. However, little is known about the immune status at the decidua of RPL with embryonic chromosomal aberrations. Herein, mass cytometry (CyTOF) was used to interrogate the immune atlas at the decidua which was obtained from 15 RPL women-six with normal chromosome and nine with chromosomal aberrations-and five controls. The total frequency of CCR2^-CD11c^high macrophages increased, while CD39^high NK cells and CCR2^-CD11c^low macrophages decrease significantly in RPL when RPLs were stratified, compared with controls. Pro-inflammatory subsets of CD11c^high macrophages increased, while less pro-inflammatory or suppressive subsets decreased statistically in RPL decidua whenever RPLs were stratified or not. However, CD11c^high NK and CD161^highCD8⁺ T cells increased only in RPL with normal chromosome, while the inactivated and naive CD8⁺/CD4⁺ T cells were enriched only in RPL with chromosomal aberrations. A pro-inflammatory signature is observed in RPL decidua; however, differences exist between RPL with and without chromosomal abnormalities.

Effector Mechanisms of CD8+ HLA-DR+ T Cells in Breast Cancer Patients Who Respond to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

Simple Summary

This study contributes to the characterization of CD8+ HLA-DR+ T cell mediated-mechanisms involved in the anti-tumor response in breast cancer patients who respond to neoadyuvant chemotherapy (NACT). Cultures with plasma from responder (R), but not from non-responder (NR), patients increased the intracellular production of cytotoxic molecules and pro-inflammatory cytokines in CD8+HLA-DR+ T cells. However, the addition of neutralizing anti-IFN-γ or anti-IL-12 antibodies to cultures with plasma from R patients decreased this effector function on CD8+HLA-DR+ T cells. These results suggest the presence of soluble factors in the plasma of R patients inducing the effector function of CD8+HLA-DR+ T cells.

Abstract

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTLs) activation is an independent predictor of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in breast cancer (BC) patients. Here, we go deeper into the function of CD8+ HLA-DR+ T cells from NACT treated HER2 negative BC patients. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that CD8+ HLA-DR+ T cell percentage was increased in NACT responder (R) compared to non-responder (NR) patients. R patients with ER-/PR- hormone receptors had the highest CD8+ HLA-DR+ T cell frequencies, while no differences were found when patients were classified according to cancer stage or menopause status. Interestingly, the cytotoxicity and production of anti-tumor cytokines were enhanced when CD8+ HLA-DR+ T cells from healthy donors were cultured with plasma from R, but not from NR patients. The induced anti-tumor profile of CD8+ HLA-DR+ T cells was associated with plasmatic IL-12 and IFN-γ levels, increased cytokines in R patients. IL-12 or IFN-γ neutralization decreased cytotoxic activity and TNF-α production by cultured CD8+ HLA-DR+ T cells in R plasma presence. All these data suggest that an effective response to NACT in BC patients is associated with increased IL-12 or IFN-γ levels involved in the induction of cytotoxic and pro-inflammatory mechanisms in CD8+ HLA-DR+ T cells.

A Calcium-Related Immune Signature in Prognosis Prediction of Patients With Glioma

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors have been successfully used in a variety of tumors, however, the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade therapy for patients with glioma is limited. In this study, we tried to clarify gene expression signatures related to the prognosis of gliomas and construct a signature to predict the survival of patients with gliomas.

Methods: Calcium-related differential expressed genes (DEGs) between gliomas and normal brain tissues were comprehensively analyzed in two independent databases. Univariate, multivariate Cox regression analysis and proportional hazards model were used to identify the prognostic of calcium-related risk score signature. The CIBERSORT algorithm and association analysis were carried out to evaluate the relationship between calcium-related signature and characteristic clinical features, tumor-infiltrating immune cell signatures as well as immune checkpoint molecules in glioma. A nomogram model was developed for predicting the overall survival for patients with gliomas.

Results: We found the intersection of 415 DEGs between gliomas and normal brain tissues, and identified that an eighteen calcium-related gene panel was significantly enriched in these DEGs. A calcium-related signature derived risk score was developed to divide patients into high- and low-risk groups. Low levels of calcium-related gene expression in high-risk score cases were accompanied with worse outcomes of patients. Calcium-related risk scores were significantly associated with characteristic clinical features, immune infiltrating signatures of tumor microenvironment, and exhausted T cell markers including programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), lymphocyte activating 3 (LAG3), and T cell membrane protein 3 (TIM-3), which contribute to an adverse therapeutic effect of immunotherapy. Calcium-related signature risk score was considered as an independent prognostic parameter to predict the of overall survival of patients with gliomas in nomogram model.

Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that calcium signaling pathway is highly associated with immunosuppression of gliomas and overall survival of patients. Targeting the calcium signaling pathway might be a new strategy to reverse the immunosuppressive microenvironment of gliomas and improve the efficacy of glioma immunotherapy.

Antitumor CD8 T cell responses in glioma patients are effectively suppressed by T follicular regulatory cells

Regulatory T (Treg) cells are thought to contribute to tumor pathogenesis by suppressing tumor immunosurveillance and antitumor immunity. T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells are a recently characterized Treg subset that expresses both the Treg transcription factor (TF) Foxp3 and the T follicular helper (Tfh) TF Bcl-6. The role of Tfr cells in glioma patients remains unclear. In this study, we found that the level of Tfr cells, identified as Foxp3⁺Bcl-6⁺ CD4 T cells, was significantly elevated in tumor-infiltrating CD4 T cells from resected glioma tumors. Both Tfr cells and Treg cells significantly suppressed the proliferation and the cytotoxic capacity of CD8 T cells toward glioma tumor cells, and the suppression was positively associated with the proportion of Tfr cells and Treg cells, respectively. Tfr and Treg cells from glioma tumor samples demonstrated higher suppression potency than those from healthy blood samples and glioma blood samples. Interestingly, canonical CXCR5^- Treg cells could suppress both CXCR5⁺ and CXCR5^- CD8 T cells, albeit with stronger potency toward CXCR5^- CD8 T cells. However, Tfr cells presented much higher suppression potency toward CXCR5⁺ CD8 T cells, whereas CXCR5⁺ CD8 T cells are a potent CD8 T cell subset previously described to have antiviral and antitumor roles. Overall, these data indicate that Tfr cells are enriched in glioma tumors and have suppressive capacity toward CD8 T cell-mediated effector functions.

Activated γδ T Cells With Higher CD107a Expression and Inflammatory Potential During Early Pregnancy in Patients With Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion

Previous studies have reported the involvement of γδ T cells in recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA); however, both pathogenic and protective effects were suggested. To interrogate the role of γδ T cells in RSA, peripheral blood from RSA patients and healthy women with or without pregnancy were analyzed for γδ T cells by flow cytometry (n = 9–11 for each group). Moreover, the decidua from pregnant RSA patients and healthy controls (RSA-P and HC-P group, respectively) was simultaneously stained for γδ T cells by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and bulk sequenced for gene expression. Our results demonstrated that the frequencies of peripheral γδ T cells and their subpopulations in RSA patients were comparable to that in healthy subjects, but the PD1 expression on Vδ2⁺ cells was increased in pregnant patients. Furthermore, peripheral Vδ2⁺ cells in RSA-P patients demonstrated significantly increased expression of CD107a, as compared to that in pregnant healthy controls. In addition, RSA-P patients had higher proportion of IL-17A-secreting but not IL-4-secreting Vδ2⁺ cells compared to the control groups. In decidua, an inflammatory microenvironment was also evident in RSA-P patients, in which CCL8 expression and the infiltration of certain immune cells were higher than that in the HC-P group, as revealed by transcriptional analysis. Finally, although the presence of γδ T cells in decidua could be detected during pregnancy in both RSA patients and healthy subjects by multicolor IHC analysis, the expression of CD107a on γδ T cells was markedly higher in the RSA-P group. Collectively, our results indicated that the increased activation, cytotoxicity, and inflammatory potential of peripheral and/or local γδ T cells might be responsible for the pathogenesis of RSA. These findings could provide a better understanding of the role of γδ T cells in RSA and shed light on novel treatment strategies by targeting γδ T cells for RSA patients.

Identification and validation of RNA-binding protein-related gene signature revealed potential associations with immunosuppression and drug sensitivity in glioma

Background

Glioma is the most common central nervous system tumor in adults, and a considerable part of them are high‐degree ones with high malignancy and poor prognosis. At present, the classification and treatment of glioma are mainly based on its histological characteristics, so studies at the molecular level are needed.

Methods

RNA‐seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets (n = 703) and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) were utilized to find out the differentially expressed RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) between normal cerebral tissue and glioma. A prediction system for the prognosis of glioma patients based on 11 RBPs was established and validated using uni‐ and multi‐variate Cox regression analyses. STITCH and CMap databases were exploited to identify putative drugs and their targets. Single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was used to calculate scores of specific immune‐related gene sets. IC50 of over 20,000 compounds in 60 cancer cell lines was collected from the CellMiner database to test the drug sensitivity prediction value of the RBP‐based signature.

Results

We established a reliable prediction system for the prognosis of glioma patients based on 11 RBPs including THOC3, LSM11, SARNP, PABPC1L2B, SMN1, BRCA1, ZC3H8, DZIP1L, HEXIM2, LARP4B, and ZC3H12B. These RBPs were primarily associated with ribosome and post‐transcriptional regulation. RBP‐based risk scores were closely related to immune cells and immune function. We also confirmed the potential of the signature to predict the drug sensitivity of currently approved or evaluated drugs.

Conclusions

Differentially expressed RBPs in glioma can be used as a basis for prognosis prediction, new drugs screening and drug sensitivity prediction. As RBP‐based glioma risk scores were associated with immunity, immunotherapy may become an important treatment for glioma in the future.

Advances in Chemokine Signaling Pathways as Therapeutic Targets in Glioblastoma

With a median patient survival of 15 months, glioblastoma (GBM) is still one of the deadliest malign tumors. Despite immense efforts, therapeutic regimens fail to prolong GBM patient overall survival due to various resistance mechanisms. Chemokine signaling as part of the tumor microenvironment plays a key role in gliomagenesis, proliferation, neovascularization, metastasis and tumor progression. In this review, we aimed to investigate novel therapeutic approaches targeting various chemokine axes, including CXCR2/CXCL2/IL-8, CXCR3/CXCL4/CXCL9/CXCL10, CXCR4/CXCR7/CXCL12, CXCR6/CXCL16, CCR2/CCL2, CCR5/CCL5 and CX3CR1/CX3CL1 in preclinical and clinical studies of GBM. We reviewed targeted therapies as single therapies, in combination with the standard of care, with antiangiogenic treatment as well as immunotherapy. We found that there are many antagonist-, antibody-, cell- and vaccine-based therapeutic approaches in preclinical and clinical studies. Furthermore, targeted therapies exerted their highest efficacy in combination with other established therapeutic applications. The novel chemokine-targeting therapies have mainly been examined in preclinical models. However, clinical applications are auspicious. Thus, it is crucial to broadly investigate the recently developed preclinical approaches. Promising preclinical applications should then be investigated in clinical studies to create new therapeutic regimens and to overcome therapy resistance to GBM treatment.

CD38 identifies pre-activated CD8+ T cells which can be reinvigorated by anti-PD-1 blockade in human lung cancer

Background

CD38 has been observed expressing in activated T cells, while the features and functions of CD38+ T cells in human NSCLC are still unclear.

Methods

Here we uncovered the correlation between CD38 expression and survival and immune infiltration levels in tumor of NSCLC. Then, we collected samples from 51 NSCLC patients to study the biological feature and response to anti-PD-1 of tumor-infiltrating CD38+ CD8+ T cells in vitro.

Results

We found CD38 expression correlated with the survival and immune infiltration levels of NSCLC. It is interesting that CD38+ CD8+ T cells enriched in the tumors expressed higher level of cytotoxic molecule, cytokines and PD-1 than CD38− CD8+ T cells. Moreover, PD-1+ subset in tumor-infiltrating CD38+ CD8+ T cells expressed higher level of activated markers than PD-1+ CD38− CD8+ T cells. Next, we found tumor-infiltrating CD38+ CD8+ T cells expressed higher level of CD103, IFN-γ, TNF-α and perforin than CD38− CD8+ T cells when were reactivated in vitro. Finally, we observed that CD38+ CD8+ T cells isolated from tumors could be reinvigorated by anti-PD-1 in vitro.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that CD38 expression defines a subset of CD8+ T cells enriched in tumors of NSCLC which have paradoxical phenotypes and response to anti-PD-1. Our results suggest a pre-priming of these cells is may exist in tumor and consequentially facilitate it acquiring both anti-tumor potency and exhausted phenotype which can be reinvigorated by PD-1 blockade.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00262-021-02949-w.

A Voxel-Based Radiographic Analysis Reveals the Biological Character of Proneural-Mesenchymal Transition in Glioblastoma

Introduction: Proneural and mesenchymal subtypes are the most distinct demarcated categories in classification scheme, and there is often a shift from proneural type to mesenchymal subtype in the progression of glioblastoma (GBM). The molecular characters are determined by specific genomic methods, however, the application of radiography in clinical practice remains to be further studied. Here, we studied the topography features of GBM in proneural subtype, and further demonstrated the survival characteristics and proneural-mesenchymal transition (PMT) progression of samples by combining with the imaging variables.

Methods: Data were acquired from The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA, http://cancerimagingarchive.net). The radiography image, clinical variables and transcriptome subtype from 223 samples were used in this study. Proneural and mesenchymal subtype on GBM topography based on overlay and Voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping (VLSM) analysis were revealed. Besides, we carried out the comparison of survival analysis and PMT progression in and outside the VLSM-determined area.

Results: The overlay of total GBM and separated image of proneural and mesenchymal subtype revealed a correlation of the two subtypes. By VLSM analysis, proneural subtype was confirmed to be related to left inferior temporal medulla, and no significant voxel was found for mesenchymal subtype. The subsequent comparison between samples in and outside the VLSM-determined area showed difference in overall survival (OS) time, tumor purity, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) score and clinical variables.

Conclusions: PMT progression was determined by radiography approach. GBM samples in the VLSM-determined area tended to harbor the signature of proneural subtype. This study provides a valuable VLSM-determined area related to the predilection site, prognosis and PMT progression by the association between GBM topography and molecular characters.

Immune Escape in Glioblastoma Multiforme and the Adaptation of Immunotherapies for Treatment

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most frequently occurring primary brain tumor and has a very poor prognosis, with only around 5% of patients surviving for a period of 5 years or more after diagnosis. Despite aggressive multimodal therapy, consisting mostly of a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and temozolomide chemotherapy, tumors nearly always recur close to the site of resection. For the past 15 years, very little progress has been made with regards to improving patient survival. Although immunotherapy represents an attractive therapy modality due to the promising pre-clinical results observed, many of these potential immunotherapeutic approaches fail during clinical trials, and to date no immunotherapeutic treatments for GBM have been approved. As for many other difficult to treat cancers, GBM combines a lack of immunogenicity with few mutations and a highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Unfortunately, both tumor and immune cells have been shown to contribute towards this immunosuppressive phenotype. In addition, current therapeutics also exacerbate this immunosuppression which might explain the failure of immunotherapy-based clinical trials in the GBM setting. Understanding how these mechanisms interact with one another, as well as how one can increase the anti-tumor immune response by addressing local immunosuppression will lead to better clinical results for immune-based therapeutics. Improving therapeutic delivery across the blood brain barrier also presents a challenge for immunotherapy and future therapies will need to consider this. This review highlights the immunosuppressive mechanisms employed by GBM cancers and examines potential immunotherapeutic treatments that can overcome these significant immunosuppressive hurdles.