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Moraly J, Kondo T, Benzaoui M, DuSold J, Talluri S, Pouzolles MC, Chien C, Dardalhon V, Taylor N. Metabolic dialogues: regulators of chimeric antigen receptor T cell function in the tumor microenvironment. Mol Oncol 2024. [PMID: 38922759 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have demonstrated remarkable success in the treatment of relapsed/refractory melanoma and hematological malignancies, respectively. These treatments have marked a pivotal shift in cancer management. However, as "living drugs," their effectiveness is dependent on their ability to proliferate and persist in patients. Recent studies indicate that the mechanisms regulating these crucial functions, as well as the T cell's differentiation state, are conditioned by metabolic shifts and the distinct utilization of metabolic pathways. These metabolic shifts, conditioned by nutrient availability as well as cell surface expression of metabolite transporters, are coupled to signaling pathways and the epigenetic landscape of the cell, modulating transcriptional, translational, and post-translational profiles. In this review, we discuss the processes underlying the metabolic remodeling of activated T cells, the impact of a tumor metabolic environment on T cell function, and potential metabolic-based strategies to enhance T cell immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josquin Moraly
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Université Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Taisuke Kondo
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mehdi Benzaoui
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Université de Montpellier, Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Justyn DuSold
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sohan Talluri
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Marie C Pouzolles
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Christopher Chien
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Valérie Dardalhon
- Université de Montpellier, Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Naomi Taylor
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Université de Montpellier, Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
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2
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Tharp KM, Kersten K, Maller O, Timblin GA, Stashko C, Canale FP, Menjivar RE, Hayward MK, Berestjuk I, Ten Hoeve J, Samad B, Ironside AJ, di Magliano MP, Muir A, Geiger R, Combes AJ, Weaver VM. Tumor-associated macrophages restrict CD8 + T cell function through collagen deposition and metabolic reprogramming of the breast cancer microenvironment. NATURE CANCER 2024:10.1038/s43018-024-00775-4. [PMID: 38831058 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-024-00775-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Tumor progression is accompanied by fibrosis, a condition of excessive extracellular matrix accumulation, which is associated with diminished antitumor immune infiltration. Here we demonstrate that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) respond to the stiffened fibrotic tumor microenvironment (TME) by initiating a collagen biosynthesis program directed by transforming growth factor-β. A collateral effect of this programming is an untenable metabolic milieu for productive CD8+ T cell antitumor responses, as collagen-synthesizing macrophages consume environmental arginine, synthesize proline and secrete ornithine that compromises CD8+ T cell function in female breast cancer. Thus, a stiff and fibrotic TME may impede antitumor immunity not only by direct physical exclusion of CD8+ T cells but also through secondary effects of a mechano-metabolic programming of TAMs, which creates an inhospitable metabolic milieu for CD8+ T cells to respond to anticancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Tharp
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kelly Kersten
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- ImmunoX Initiative, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ori Maller
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Greg A Timblin
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Connor Stashko
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Fernando P Canale
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Rosa E Menjivar
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mary-Kate Hayward
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ilona Berestjuk
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Johanna Ten Hoeve
- UCLA Metabolomics Center, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bushra Samad
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- ImmunoX Initiative, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- UCSF CoLabs, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Marina Pasca di Magliano
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Cancer Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Alexander Muir
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Roger Geiger
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Alexis J Combes
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- ImmunoX Initiative, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- UCSF CoLabs, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Valerie M Weaver
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Department of Radiation Oncology, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, and The Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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3
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Scalise CB, Kincaid K, Thigpen H, Moore J, Dover B, Norian L, Meza-Perez S, Randall T, Birrer M, Odunsi K, Arend RC. A spatial proteomic study of platinum refractory HGSOC implicates dual AKT and WNT activity linked to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Gynecol Oncol 2024; 185:83-94. [PMID: 38377762 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2024.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Advanced-stage high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) remains a deadly gynecologic malignancy with high rates of disease recurrence and limited, effective therapeutic options for patients. There is a significant need to better stratify HGSOC patients into platinum refractory (PRF) vs. sensitive (PS) cohorts at baseline to improve therapeutic responses and survival outcomes for PRF HGSOC. METHODS We performed NanoString for GeoMx Digital Spatial Profile (G-DSP) multiplex protein analysis on PRF and PS tissue microarrays (TMAs) to study the bidirectional communication of cancer cells with immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of HGSOC. We demonstrate robust stratification of PRF and PS tumors at baseline using multiplex spatial proteomic biomarkers with implications for tailoring subsequent therapy. RESULTS PS patients had elevated apoptotic and anti-tumor immune profiles, while PRF patients had dual AKT1 and WNT signaling with immunosuppressive profiles. We found that dual activity of AKT1 and WNT signaling supported the exclusion of immune cells, specifically tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), from the TME in PRF tumors, and this was not observed in PS tumors. The exclusion of immune cells from the TME of PRF tumors corresponded to abnormal endothelial cell structure in tumors with dual AKT1 and WNT signaling activity. CONCLUSIONS We believe our findings provide improved understanding of tumor-immune crosstalk in HGSOC TME highlighting the importance of the relationship between AKT and WNT pathways, immune cell function, and platinum response in HGSOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly B Scalise
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Kincaid
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Haley Thigpen
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Jennah Moore
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Bailee Dover
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Lyse Norian
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL, USA; Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Selene Meza-Perez
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Troy Randall
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL, USA; Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Michael Birrer
- Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Kunle Odunsi
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Clinical Sciences Center, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA; Center for Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Rebecca C Arend
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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Tran DN, Rozen V, Nguyen LTK, Jung JS, Coghill LM, Hunter MI, Kim TH, Yoo JY, Jeong JW. ARG1 Is a Potential Prognostic Marker in Metastatic Endometrial Cancer. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1632-1641. [PMID: 38388922 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01493-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecologic malignancy. While the majority of patients present with early-stage and low-grade EC and have an excellent prognosis, a subset has metastatic disease at presentation or develops distant recurrence after initial treatment of the primary. However, the lack of prognostic biomarkers for metastatic EC is a critical barrier. Arginase 1 (ARG1) regulates the last step of the urea cycle, and an increase in ARG1 has been correlated as a poor prognostic factor in a variety of cancers. In the present study, ARG1 expression was evaluated as a potential prognostic marker for metastatic EC in endometrial hyperplasia and cancer of mice with Pten mutation as well as Pten and Mig-6 double mutations. While Pten mutation in the uterus is not sufficient for distant metastasis, mice with concurrent ablation of Mig-6 and Pten develop distant metastasis. Our immunostaining and RT-qPCR analysis revealed that the expression of ARG1 in early stage of EC as well as endometrial hyperplasia from mice deficient in Mig-6 and Pten mutations significantly increased compared to Pten mutation in the uterus. The results suggest that a high level of ARG1 is associated with poor prognosis in association with EC of mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinh Nam Tran
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, 1030 Hitt Street, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Valery Rozen
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - Loan Thi Kim Nguyen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, 1030 Hitt Street, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Jin-Seok Jung
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Yonsei University Mirae Campus, 1 Yonseidae-Gil, Wonju, Gangwon-Do, 26493, Republic of Korea
| | - Lyndon M Coghill
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Mark I Hunter
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, 1030 Hitt Street, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Tae Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, 1030 Hitt Street, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Jung-Yoon Yoo
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Yonsei University Mirae Campus, 1 Yonseidae-Gil, Wonju, Gangwon-Do, 26493, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jae-Wook Jeong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, 1030 Hitt Street, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
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5
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Deshpande NU, Bianchi A, Amirian H, De Castro Silva I, Rafie CI, Surnar B, Rajkumar K, Ogobuiro IC, Patel M, Mehra S, Nagathihalli NS, Merchant NB, Dhar S, Datta J. Cell-specific nanoengineering strategy disrupts tolerogenic signaling from myeloid-derived suppressor cells to invigorate antitumor immunity in pancreatic cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.25.594901. [PMID: 38854120 PMCID: PMC11160608 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.25.594901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by intratumoral abundance of neutrophilic/polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSC) which inhibit T-cell function through JAK2/STAT3-regulated arginase activity. To overcome limitations of systemic inhibition of PMN-MDSCs in cancer-bearing patients-i.e., neutropenia and compensatory myelopoietic adaptations-we develop a nanoengineering strategy to target cell-specific signaling exclusively in PMN-MDSCs without provoking neutropenia. We conjugate a chemically modified small-molecule inhibitor of MDSC-surface receptor CXCR2 (AZD5069) with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and chemically graft AZD5069-PEG constructs onto amphiphilic polysaccharide derivatives to engineer CXCR2-homing nanoparticles (CXCR2-NP). Cy5.5 dye-loaded CXCR2-NP showed near-exclusive uptake in PMN-MDSCs compared with PDAC tumor-cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and macrophages. Encapsulation of JAK2/STAT3i Ruxolitinib (CXCR2-NP Ruxo ) resulted in more durable attenuation in STAT3-regulated arginase activity from PMN-MDSCs and induction of cytolytic T-cell activity vs. free Ruxolitinib in-vitro and in-vivo . Cell-specific delivery of payloads via CXCR2-homing immunonanoparticles represents a novel strategy to disrupt MDSC-mediated immunosuppression and invigorate antitumor immunity in PDAC.
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6
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Ghosh N, Mahalanobish S, Sil PC. Reprogramming of urea cycle in cancer: Mechanism, regulation and prospective therapeutic scopes. Biochem Pharmacol 2024:116326. [PMID: 38815626 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic urea cycle, previously known as ornithine cycle, is the chief biochemical pathway that deals with the disposal of excessive nitrogen in form of urea, resulted from protein breakdown and concomitant condensation of ammonia. Enzymes involved in urea cycle are expressed differentially outside hepatic tissue and are mostly involved in production of arginine from citrulline in arginine-depleted condition. Inline, cancer cells frequently adapt metabolic rewiring to support sufficient biomass production in order to sustain tumor cell survival, multiplication and subsequent growth. For the accomplishment of this aim, metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells is set in way so that cellular nitrogen and carbon repertoire can be utilized and channelized maximally towards anabolic reactions. A strategy to meet such outcome is to cut down unnecessary catabolic reactions and nitrogen elimination. Thus, transfigured urea cycle is a hallmark of neoplasia. During oncogenesis, altered expression and regulation of enzymes involved in urea cycle is a revolutionary approach meet to maximum incorporation of nitrogen for sustaining tumor specific biogenesis. Currently, we have reviewed neoplasm-specific deregulations of urea cycle-enzymes in different types and stages of cancers suggesting its context-oriented dynamic nature. Considering such insight to be valuable in terms of prospective cancer diagnosis and therapeutics adaptive evolution of deregulated urea cycle has been enlightened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noyel Ghosh
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, P-1/12, CIT Scheme VII M, Kolkata 700054, West Bengal, India
| | - Sushweta Mahalanobish
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, P-1/12, CIT Scheme VII M, Kolkata 700054, West Bengal, India
| | - Parames C Sil
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, P-1/12, CIT Scheme VII M, Kolkata 700054, West Bengal, India.
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7
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Muller J, Marchisio L, Attia R, Zedet A, Maradan R, Vallet M, Aebischer A, Harakat D, Senejoux F, Ramseyer C, Foley S, Cardey B, Girard C, Pudlo M. A colorimetric assay adapted to fragment screening revealing aurones and chalcones as new arginase inhibitors. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:1722-1730. [PMID: 38784454 PMCID: PMC11110760 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00713h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Arginase, a difficult-to-target metalloenzyme, is implicated in a wide range of diseases, including cancer, infectious, and cardiovascular diseases. Despite the medical need, existing inhibitors have limited structural diversity, consisting predominantly of amino acids and their derivatives. The search for innovative arginase inhibitors has now extended to screening approaches. Due to the small and narrow active site of arginase, screening must meet the criteria of fragment-based screening. However, the limited binding capacity of fragments requires working at high concentrations, which increases the risk of interference and false positives. In this study, we investigated three colorimetric assays and selected one based on interference for screening under these challenging conditions. The subsequent adaptation and application to the screening a library of metal chelator fragments resulted in the identification of four compounds with moderate activity. The synthesis and evaluation of a series of compounds from one of the hits led to compound 21a with an IC50 value of 91.1 μM close to the reference compound piceatannol. Finally, molecular modelling supports the potential binding of aurones and chalcones to the active site of arginase, suggesting them as new candidates for the development of novel arginase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Muller
- Université de Franche-Comté, EFS, INSERM, UMR RIGHT F-25000 Besançon France
| | - Luca Marchisio
- Université de Franche-Comté, EFS, INSERM, UMR RIGHT F-25000 Besançon France
| | - Rym Attia
- Université de Franche-Comté, EFS, INSERM, UMR RIGHT F-25000 Besançon France
| | - Andy Zedet
- Université de Franche-Comté, EFS, INSERM, UMR RIGHT F-25000 Besançon France
| | - Robin Maradan
- Université de Franche-Comté, EFS, INSERM, UMR RIGHT F-25000 Besançon France
| | - Maxence Vallet
- Université de Franche-Comté, EFS, INSERM, UMR RIGHT F-25000 Besançon France
| | - Alison Aebischer
- Université de Franche-Comté, EFS, INSERM, UMR RIGHT F-25000 Besançon France
| | - Dominique Harakat
- URCATech, ICMR, CNRS UMR 7312 URCA Bât 18, BP 1039, Cedex 2 51687 Reims France
| | - François Senejoux
- Université de Franche-Comté, EFS, INSERM, UMR RIGHT F-25000 Besançon France
| | - Christophe Ramseyer
- Chrono-environnement UMR6249, CNRS Université de Franche-Comté F-25000 Besançon France
| | - Sarah Foley
- Chrono-environnement UMR6249, CNRS Université de Franche-Comté F-25000 Besançon France
| | - Bruno Cardey
- Chrono-environnement UMR6249, CNRS Université de Franche-Comté F-25000 Besançon France
| | - Corine Girard
- Université de Franche-Comté, EFS, INSERM, UMR RIGHT F-25000 Besançon France
| | - Marc Pudlo
- Université de Franche-Comté, EFS, INSERM, UMR RIGHT F-25000 Besançon France
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8
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Kimmelman AC, Sherman MH. The Role of Stroma in Cancer Metabolism. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2024; 14:a041540. [PMID: 37696660 PMCID: PMC10925555 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
The altered metabolism of tumor cells is a well-known hallmark of cancer and is driven by multiple factors such as mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, the origin of the tissue where the tumor arises, and the microenvironment of the tumor. These metabolic changes support the growth of cancer cells by providing energy and the necessary building blocks to sustain proliferation. Targeting these metabolic alterations therapeutically is a potential strategy to treat cancer, but it is challenging due to the metabolic plasticity of tumors. Cancer cells have developed ways to scavenge nutrients through autophagy and macropinocytosis and can also form metabolic networks with stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment. Understanding the role of the tumor microenvironment in tumor metabolism is crucial for effective therapeutic targeting. This review will discuss tumor metabolism and the contribution of the stroma in supporting tumor growth through metabolic interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec C Kimmelman
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Mara H Sherman
- Cancer Biology & Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
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9
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Ma S, Ming Y, Wu J, Cui G. Cellular metabolism regulates the differentiation and function of T-cell subsets. Cell Mol Immunol 2024; 21:419-435. [PMID: 38565887 PMCID: PMC11061161 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-024-01148-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
T cells are an important component of adaptive immunity and protect the host from infectious diseases and cancers. However, uncontrolled T cell immunity may cause autoimmune disorders. In both situations, antigen-specific T cells undergo clonal expansion upon the engagement and activation of antigens. Cellular metabolism is reprogrammed to meet the increase in bioenergetic and biosynthetic demands associated with effector T cell expansion. Metabolites not only serve as building blocks or energy sources to fuel cell growth and expansion but also regulate a broad spectrum of cellular signals that instruct the differentiation of multiple T cell subsets. The realm of immunometabolism research is undergoing swift advancements. Encapsulating all the recent progress within this concise review in not possible. Instead, our objective is to provide a succinct introduction to this swiftly progressing research, concentrating on the metabolic intricacies of three pivotal nutrient classes-lipids, glucose, and amino acids-in T cells. We shed light on recent investigations elucidating the roles of these three groups of metabolites in mediating the metabolic and immune functions of T cells. Moreover, we delve into the prospect of "editing" metabolic pathways within T cells using pharmacological or genetic approaches, with the aim of synergizing this approach with existing immunotherapies and enhancing the efficacy of antitumor and antiinfection immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sicong Ma
- Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Yanan Ming
- Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Jingxia Wu
- Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230601, China.
| | - Guoliang Cui
- Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230601, China.
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10
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Clearance of dead cells by efferocytosis promotes liver metastasis in pancreatic cancer. NATURE CANCER 2024; 5:699-700. [PMID: 38378874 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-024-00732-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
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11
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Xing H, Li X. Engineered Nanomaterials for Tumor Immune Microenvironment Modulation in Cancer Immunotherapy. Chemistry 2024:e202400425. [PMID: 38576219 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202400425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Tumor immunotherapy, represented by immune checkpoint blocking and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, has achieved promising results in clinical applications. However, it faces challenges that hinder its further development, such as limited response rates and poor tumor permeability. The efficiency of tumor immunotherapy is also closely linked to the structure and function of the immune microenvironment where the tumor resides. Recently, nanoparticle-based tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) modulation strategies have attracted a great deal of attention in cancer immunotherapy. This is primarily due to the distinctive physical characteristics of nanoparticles, which enable them to effectively infiltrate the TIME and selectively modulate its key constituents. This paper reviews recent advances in nanoparticle engineering to improve anti-cancer immunotherapy. Emerging nanoparticle-based approaches for modulating immune cells, tumor stroma, cytokines and immune checkpoints are discussed, aiming to overcome current challenges in the clinic. In addition, integrating immunotherapy with various treatment modalities such as chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy can be facilitated through the utilization of nanoparticles, thereby enhancing the efficacy of cancer treatment. The future challenges and opportunities of using nanomaterials to reeducate the suppressive immune microenvironment of tumors are also discussed, with the aim of anticipating further advancements in this growing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Xing
- Department of General Surgery, Naval Medical Center, Naval Medical University, 200052, Shanghai, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, 200433, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaomin Li
- Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Advanced Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (2011-iChEM), Fudan University, 200438, Shanghai, China
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Santagata S, Rea G, Castaldo D, Napolitano M, Capiluongo A, D'Alterio C, Trotta AM, Ieranò C, Portella L, Di Maro S, Tatangelo F, Albino V, Guarino R, Cutolo C, Izzo F, Scala S. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumor microenvironment is more suppressive than colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM) tumor microenvironment. Hepatol Int 2024; 18:568-581. [PMID: 37142825 PMCID: PMC11014815 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-023-10537-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE While HCC is an inflammation-associated cancer, CRLM develops on permissive healthy liver microenvironment. To evaluate the immune aspects of these two different environments, peripheral blood-(PB), peritumoral-(PT) and tumoral tissues-(TT) from HCC and CRLM patients were evaluated. METHODS 40 HCC and 34 CRLM were enrolled and freshly TT, PT and PB were collected at the surgery. PB-, PT- and TT-derived CD4+CD25+ Tregs, M/PMN-MDSC and PB-derived CD4+CD25- T-effector cells (Teffs) were isolated and characterized. Tregs' function was also evaluated in the presence of the CXCR4 inhibitor, peptide-R29, AMD3100 or anti-PD1. RNA was extracted from PB/PT/TT tissues and tested for FOXP3, CXCL12, CXCR4, CCL5, IL-15, CXCL5, Arg-1, N-cad, Vim, CXCL8, TGFβ and VEGF-A expression. RESULTS In HCC/CRLM-PB, higher number of functional Tregs, CD4+CD25hiFOXP3+ was detected, although PB-HCC Tregs exert a more suppressive function as compared to CRLM Tregs. In HCC/CRLM-TT, Tregs were highly represented with activated/ENTPD-1+Tregs prevalent in HCC. As compared to CRLM, HCC overexpressed CXCR4 and N-cadherin/vimentin in a contest rich in arginase and CCL5. Monocytic MDSCs were highly represented in HCC/CRLM, while high polymorphonuclear MDSCs were detected only in HCC. Interestingly, the function of CXCR4-PB-Tregs was impaired in HCC/CRLM by the CXCR4 inhibitor R29. CONCLUSION In HCC and CRLM, peripheral blood, peritumoral and tumoral tissues Tregs are highly represented and functional. Nevertheless, HCC displays a more immunosuppressive TME due to Tregs, MDSCs, intrinsic tumor features (CXCR4, CCL5, arginase) and the contest in which it develops. As CXCR4 is overexpressed in HCC/CRLM tumor/TME cells, CXCR4 inhibitors may be considered for double hit therapy in liver cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Santagata
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Via Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Rea
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Via Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Castaldo
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Via Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Napolitano
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Via Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Capiluongo
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Via Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Crescenzo D'Alterio
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Via Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Trotta
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Via Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Caterina Ieranò
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Via Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Portella
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Via Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore Di Maro
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Vivaldi 43, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Fabiana Tatangelo
- Pathology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Via Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Vittorio Albino
- Divisions of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Via Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Rita Guarino
- Divisions of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Via Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmen Cutolo
- Divisions of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Via Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Izzo
- Divisions of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Via Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Scala
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Via Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy.
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Ma K, Chen KZ, Qiao SL. Advances of Layered Double Hydroxide-Based Materials for Tumor Imaging and Therapy. CHEM REC 2024; 24:e202400010. [PMID: 38501833 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.202400010] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Layered double hydroxides (LDH) are a class of functional anionic clays that typically consist of orthorhombic arrays of metal hydroxides with anions sandwiched between the layers. Due to their unique properties, including high chemical stability, good biocompatibility, controlled drug loading, and enhanced drug bioavailability, LDHs have many potential applications in the medical field. Especially in the fields of bioimaging and tumor therapy. This paper reviews the research progress of LDHs and their nanocomposites in the field of tumor imaging and therapy. First, the structure and advantages of LDH are discussed. Then, several commonly used methods for the preparation of LDH are presented, including co-precipitation, hydrothermal and ion exchange methods. Subsequently, recent advances in layered hydroxides and their nanocomposites for cancer imaging and therapy are highlighted. Finally, based on current research, we summaries the prospects and challenges of layered hydroxides and nanocomposites for cancer diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Ma
- Lab of Functional and Biomedical Nanomaterials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology (QUST), Qingdao, 266042, P. R. China
| | - Ke-Zheng Chen
- Lab of Functional and Biomedical Nanomaterials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology (QUST), Qingdao, 266042, P. R. China
| | - Sheng-Lin Qiao
- Lab of Functional and Biomedical Nanomaterials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology (QUST), Qingdao, 266042, P. R. China
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14
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Saha P, Ettel P, Weichhart T. Leveraging macrophage metabolism for anticancer therapy: opportunities and pitfalls. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:335-349. [PMID: 38494408 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) constitute an important part of the tumor microenvironment (TME) that regulates tumor progression. Tumor-derived signals, hypoxia, and competition for nutrients influence TAMs to reprogram their cellular metabolism. This altered metabolic profile creates a symbiotic communication between tumor and other immune cells to support tumor growth. In addition, the metabolic profile of TAMs regulates the expression of immune checkpoint molecules. The dynamic plasticity also allows TAMs to reshape their metabolism in response to modern therapeutic strategies. Therefore, over the years, a significant number of approaches have been implicated to reprogram cancer-promoting metabolism in TAMs. In this review, we discuss the current strategies and pitfalls, along with upcoming promising opportunities in leveraging TAM metabolism for developing better therapeutic approaches against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piyal Saha
- Institute for Medical Genetics, Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 10, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Paul Ettel
- Institute for Medical Genetics, Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 10, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Weichhart
- Institute for Medical Genetics, Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 10, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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15
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Hajaj E, Pozzi S, Erez A. From the Inside Out: Exposing the Roles of Urea Cycle Enzymes in Tumors and Their Micro and Macro Environments. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2024; 14:a041538. [PMID: 37696657 PMCID: PMC10982720 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Catabolic pathways change in anabolic diseases such as cancer to maintain metabolic homeostasis. The liver urea cycle (UC) is the main catabolic pathway for disposing excess nitrogen. Outside the liver, the UC enzymes are differentially expressed based on each tissue's needs for UC intermediates. In tumors, there are changes in the expression of UC enzymes selected for promoting tumorigenesis by increasing the availability of essential UC substrates and products. Consequently, there are compensatory changes in the expression of UC enzymes in the cells that compose the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, extrahepatic tumors induce changes in the expression of the liver UC, which contribute to the systemic manifestations of cancer, such as weight loss. Here, we review the multilayer changes in the expression of UC enzymes throughout carcinogenesis. Understanding the changes in UC expression in the tumor and its micro and macro environment can help identify biomarkers for early cancer diagnosis and vulnerabilities that can be targeted for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Hajaj
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Sabina Pozzi
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Ayelet Erez
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
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16
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Elomaa H, Härkönen J, Väyrynen SA, Ahtiainen M, Ogino S, Nowak JA, Lau MC, Helminen O, Wirta EV, Seppälä TT, Böhm J, Mecklin JP, Kuopio T, Väyrynen JP. Quantitative Multiplexed Analysis of Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase (IDO) and Arginase-1 (ARG1) Expression and Myeloid Cell Infiltration in Colorectal Cancer. Mod Pathol 2024; 37:100450. [PMID: 38369188 DOI: 10.1016/j.modpat.2024.100450] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and arginase-1 (ARG1) are amino acid-metabolizing enzymes, frequently highly expressed in cancer. Their expression may deplete essential amino acids, lead to immunosuppression, and promote cancer growth. Still, their expression patterns, prognostic significance, and spatial localization in the colorectal cancer microenvironment are incompletely understood. Using a custom 10-plex immunohistochemistry assay and supervised machine learning-based digital image analysis, we characterized IDO and ARG1 expression in monocytic cells, granulocytes, mast cells, and tumor cells in 833 colorectal cancer patients. We evaluated the prognostic value and spatial arrangement of IDO- and ARG1-expressing myeloid and tumor cells. IDO was mainly expressed not only by monocytic cells but also by some tumor cells, whereas ARG1 was predominantly expressed by granulocytes. Higher density of IDO+ monocytic cells was an independent prognostic factor for improved cancer-specific survival both in the tumor center (Ptrend = .0002; hazard ratio [HR] for the highest ordinal category Q4 [vs Q1], 0.51; 95% CI, 0.33-0.79) and the invasive margin (Ptrend = .0015). Higher density of granulocytes was associated with prolonged cancer-specific survival in univariable models, and higher FCGR3+ARG1+ neutrophil density in the tumor center also in multivariable analysis (Ptrend = .0020). Granulocytes were, on average, located closer to tumor cells than monocytic cells. Furthermore, IDO+ monocytic cells and ARG1- granulocytes were closer than IDO- monocytic cells and ARG1+ granulocytes, respectively. The mRNA expression of the IDO1 gene was assessed in myeloid and tumor cells using publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing data for 62 colorectal cancers. IDO1 was mainly expressed in monocytes and dendritic cells, and high IDO1 activity in monocytes was associated with enriched immunostimulatory pathways. Our findings provided in-depth information about the infiltration patterns and prognostic value of cells expressing IDO and/or ARG1 in the colorectal cancer microenvironment, highlighting the significance of host immune response in tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Elomaa
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland; Department of Education and Research, Hospital Nova of Central Finland, Well Being Services County of Central Finland, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Jouni Härkönen
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Nova of Central Finland, Well Being Services County of Central Finland, Jyväskylä, Finland; Faculty of Health Sciences, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sara A Väyrynen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Maarit Ahtiainen
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Nova of Central Finland, Well Being Services County of Central Finland, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Shuji Ogino
- Program in Molecular Pathological Epidemiology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts; Cancer Immunology and Cancer Epidemiology Programs, Dana-Farber Harvard Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jonathan A Nowak
- Program in Molecular Pathological Epidemiology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mai Chan Lau
- Bioinformatics Institute (BII), Agency of Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore, Singapore; Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency of Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Olli Helminen
- Translational Medicine Research Unit, Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Erkki-Ville Wirta
- Department of Gastroenterology and Alimentary Tract Surgery, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland; Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Toni T Seppälä
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland; Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Applied Tumor Genomics, Research Program Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Abdominal Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jan Böhm
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Nova of Central Finland, Well Being Services County of Central Finland, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Jukka-Pekka Mecklin
- Department of Education and Research, Hospital Nova of Central Finland, Well Being Services County of Central Finland, Jyväskylä, Finland; Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Teijo Kuopio
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland; Department of Pathology, Hospital Nova of Central Finland, Well Being Services County of Central Finland, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Juha P Väyrynen
- Translational Medicine Research Unit, Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
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Guo S, Wang Z. Unveiling the immunosuppressive landscape of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: implications for innovative immunotherapy strategies. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1349308. [PMID: 38590651 PMCID: PMC10999533 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1349308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer, particularly pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), stands as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, marked by challenging treatment and dismal prognoses. As immunotherapy emerges as a promising avenue for mitigating PDAC's malignant progression, a comprehensive understanding of the tumor's immunosuppressive characteristics becomes imperative. This paper systematically delves into the intricate immunosuppressive network within PDAC, spotlighting the significant crosstalk between immunosuppressive cells and factors in the hypoxic acidic pancreatic tumor microenvironment. By elucidating these mechanisms, we aim to provide insights into potential immunotherapy strategies and treatment targets, laying the groundwork for future studies on PDAC immunosuppression. Recognizing the profound impact of immunosuppression on PDAC invasion and metastasis, this discussion aims to catalyze the development of more effective and targeted immunotherapies for PDAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songyu Guo
- First Clinical Medical College, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
- Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Zhenxia Wang
- Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
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18
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Akinsipe T, Mohamedelhassan R, Akinpelu A, Pondugula SR, Mistriotis P, Avila LA, Suryawanshi A. Cellular interactions in tumor microenvironment during breast cancer progression: new frontiers and implications for novel therapeutics. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1302587. [PMID: 38533507 PMCID: PMC10963559 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1302587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The breast cancer tumor microenvironment (TME) is dynamic, with various immune and non-immune cells interacting to regulate tumor progression and anti-tumor immunity. It is now evident that the cells within the TME significantly contribute to breast cancer progression and resistance to various conventional and newly developed anti-tumor therapies. Both immune and non-immune cells in the TME play critical roles in tumor onset, uncontrolled proliferation, metastasis, immune evasion, and resistance to anti-tumor therapies. Consequently, molecular and cellular components of breast TME have emerged as promising therapeutic targets for developing novel treatments. The breast TME primarily comprises cancer cells, stromal cells, vasculature, and infiltrating immune cells. Currently, numerous clinical trials targeting specific TME components of breast cancer are underway. However, the complexity of the TME and its impact on the evasion of anti-tumor immunity necessitate further research to develop novel and improved breast cancer therapies. The multifaceted nature of breast TME cells arises from their phenotypic and functional plasticity, which endows them with both pro and anti-tumor roles during tumor progression. In this review, we discuss current understanding and recent advances in the pro and anti-tumoral functions of TME cells and their implications for developing safe and effective therapies to control breast cancer progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tosin Akinsipe
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Rania Mohamedelhassan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Ayuba Akinpelu
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Satyanarayana R. Pondugula
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Panagiotis Mistriotis
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - L. Adriana Avila
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Amol Suryawanshi
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
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19
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Xiao YL, Gong Y, Qi YJ, Shao ZM, Jiang YZ. Effects of dietary intervention on human diseases: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:59. [PMID: 38462638 PMCID: PMC10925609 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01771-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Diet, serving as a vital source of nutrients, exerts a profound influence on human health and disease progression. Recently, dietary interventions have emerged as promising adjunctive treatment strategies not only for cancer but also for neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders. These interventions have demonstrated substantial potential in modulating metabolism, disease trajectory, and therapeutic responses. Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of malignant progression, and a deeper understanding of this phenomenon in tumors and its effects on immune regulation is a significant challenge that impedes cancer eradication. Dietary intake, as a key environmental factor, can influence tumor metabolism. Emerging evidence indicates that dietary interventions might affect the nutrient availability in tumors, thereby increasing the efficacy of cancer treatments. However, the intricate interplay between dietary interventions and the pathogenesis of cancer and other diseases is complex. Despite encouraging results, the mechanisms underlying diet-based therapeutic strategies remain largely unexplored, often resulting in underutilization in disease management. In this review, we aim to illuminate the potential effects of various dietary interventions, including calorie restriction, fasting-mimicking diet, ketogenic diet, protein restriction diet, high-salt diet, high-fat diet, and high-fiber diet, on cancer and the aforementioned diseases. We explore the multifaceted impacts of these dietary interventions, encompassing their immunomodulatory effects, other biological impacts, and underlying molecular mechanisms. This review offers valuable insights into the potential application of these dietary interventions as adjunctive therapies in disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ling Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yue Gong
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ying-Jia Qi
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Shao
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yi-Zhou Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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20
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Pliszkiewicz M, Czystowska-Kuzmicz M, Soroczynska K, Siekierski BP, Safranow K. Determination of Serum Arginase-1 Concentrations and Serum Arginase Activity for the Non-Invasive Diagnosis of Endometriosis. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1489. [PMID: 38592313 PMCID: PMC10933979 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13051489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Backgroud: Endometriosis remains a diagnostic challenge, both clinically and economically, affecting 6% to 15% of women of child-bearing potential. We have attempted to determine whether testing serum concentrations and activity of arginase isoenzymes could be useful for the non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis. Methods: This study involved 180 women (105 endometriosis subjects-study group B; 22 subjects with other benign gynaecological conditions-control group 1-K1, both undergoing surgery; and 53 healthy subjects without features of endometriosis-control group 2-K2). Results: Preoperative and postoperative arginase-1 (Arg-1) concentrations were significantly higher in patients, as compared with the control groups K1 (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0005, respectively) and K2 (both p < 0.0001). Similarly, arginase activity was significantly higher in patients than in the control group K1 before surgery and higher than in both control groups after surgery. No significant differences in either Arg-1 concentrations or arginase activity were noted between the operated control group K1 and the non-operated control group K2. A significant postoperative decrease in Arg-1 concentration was observed within both patient (p < 0.0001) and control group K1 (p = 0.0043). Diagnostic performance was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) method. The threshold for differentiation between endometriosis patients and healthy non-operated controls was 42.3 ng/mL, with a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 81%. For differentiation of patients and operated controls with benign gynaecological conditions, the threshold was 78.4 ng/mL, with a sensitivity of 61% and specificity of 95%. Conclusions: We, therefore, conclude that Arg-1 serum concentrations and arginase activity could be considered potential biomarkers for endometriosis but require further studies on larger cohorts of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Karolina Soroczynska
- Chair and Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1 St., 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Krzysztof Safranow
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
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21
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Ma J, Al Moussawi K, Lou H, Chan HF, Wang Y, Chadwick J, Phetsouphanh C, Slee EA, Zhong S, Leissing TM, Roth A, Qin X, Chen S, Yin J, Ratnayaka I, Hu Y, Louphrasitthiphol P, Taylor L, Bettencourt PJG, Muers M, Greaves DR, McShane H, Goldin R, Soilleux EJ, Coleman ML, Ratcliffe PJ, Lu X. Deficiency of factor-inhibiting HIF creates a tumor-promoting immune microenvironment. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2309957121. [PMID: 38422022 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2309957121] [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: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia signaling influences tumor development through both cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic pathways. Inhibiting hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) function has recently been approved as a cancer treatment strategy. Hence, it is important to understand how regulators of HIF may affect tumor growth under physiological conditions. Here we report that in aging mice factor-inhibiting HIF (FIH), one of the most studied negative regulators of HIF, is a haploinsufficient suppressor of spontaneous B cell lymphomas, particular pulmonary B cell lymphomas. FIH deficiency alters immune composition in aged mice and creates a tumor-supportive immune environment demonstrated in syngeneic mouse tumor models. Mechanistically, FIH-defective myeloid cells acquire tumor-supportive properties in response to signals secreted by cancer cells or produced in the tumor microenvironment with enhanced arginase expression and cytokine-directed migration. Together, these data demonstrate that under physiological conditions, FIH plays a key role in maintaining immune homeostasis and can suppress tumorigenesis through a cell-extrinsic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Ma
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
- Ministry of Health Holdings, Singapore 099253, Singapore
| | - Khatoun Al Moussawi
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Hantao Lou
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Hok Fung Chan
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Yihua Wang
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
- Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph Chadwick
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Chansavath Phetsouphanh
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Elizabeth A Slee
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Shan Zhong
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas M Leissing
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Roth
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E6, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z7, Canada
- Department of Computer Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Xiao Qin
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Shuo Chen
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Jie Yin
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Indrika Ratnayaka
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Yang Hu
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Pakavarin Louphrasitthiphol
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Lewis Taylor
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, United Kingdom
| | - Paulo J G Bettencourt
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Lisbon 1649-023, Portugal
| | - Mary Muers
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - David R Greaves
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, United Kingdom
| | - Helen McShane
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Goldin
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W2 1NY, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth J Soilleux
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, United Kingdom
| | - Mathew L Coleman
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Peter J Ratcliffe
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Xin Lu
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
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22
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Jou E, Chaudhury N, Nasim F. Novel therapeutic strategies targeting myeloid-derived suppressor cell immunosuppressive mechanisms for cancer treatment. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2024; 5:187-207. [PMID: 38464388 PMCID: PMC10918238 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2024.00212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the leading cause of death globally superseded only by cardiovascular diseases, and novel strategies to overcome therapeutic resistance against existing cancer treatments are urgently required. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are immature myeloid cells with potent immunosuppressive capacity against well-established anti-tumour effectors such as natural killer cells (NK cells) and T cells thereby promoting cancer initiation and progression. Critically, MDSCs are readily identified in almost all tumour types and human cancer patients, and numerous studies in the past decade have recognised their role in contributing to therapeutic resistance against all four pillars of modern cancer treatment, namely surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy. MDSCs suppress anti-tumour immunity through a plethora of mechanisms including the well-characterised arginase 1 (Arg1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated pathways, along with several other more recently discovered. MDSCs are largely absent in healthy homeostatic states and predominantly exist in pathological conditions, making them attractive therapeutic targets. However, the lack of specific markers identified for MDSCs to date greatly hindered therapeutic development, and currently there are no clinically approved drugs that specifically target MDSCs. Methods to deplete MDSCs clinically and inhibit their immunosuppressive function will be crucial in advancing cancer treatment and to overcome treatment resistance. This review provides a detailed overview of the current understandings behind the mechanisms of MDSC-mediated suppression of anti-tumour immunity, and discusses potential strategies to target MDSC immunosuppressive mechanisms to overcome therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Jou
- Medical Sciences Division, Oxford University Hospitals, University of Oxford, OX3 9DU Oxford, UK
- Kellogg College, University of Oxford, OX2 6PN Oxford, UK
- Wexham Park Hospital, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, SL2 4HL Slough, UK
| | - Natasha Chaudhury
- Wexham Park Hospital, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, SL2 4HL Slough, UK
| | - Fizza Nasim
- Wexham Park Hospital, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, SL2 4HL Slough, UK
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23
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Wang C, Wang W, Wang M, Deng J, Sun C, Hu Y, Luo S. Different evasion strategies in multiple myeloma. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1346211. [PMID: 38464531 PMCID: PMC10920326 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1346211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma is the second most common malignant hematologic malignancy which evolved different strategies for immune escape from the host immune surveillance and drug resistance, including uncontrolled proliferation of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow, genetic mutations, or deletion of tumor antigens to escape from special targets and so. Therefore, it is a big challenge to efficiently treat multiple myeloma patients. Despite recent applications of immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDS), protease inhibitors (PI), targeted monoclonal antibodies (mAb), and even hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), it remains hardly curable. Summarizing the possible evasion strategies can help design specific drugs for multiple myeloma treatment. This review aims to provide an integrative overview of the intrinsic and extrinsic evasion mechanisms as well as recently discovered microbiota utilized by multiple myeloma for immune evasion and drug resistance, hopefully providing a theoretical basis for the rational design of specific immunotherapies or drug combinations to prevent the uncontrolled proliferation of MM, overcome drug resistance and improve patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yu Hu
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shanshan Luo
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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24
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Kast RE. IPIAD- an augmentation regimen added to standard treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma using already-marketed repurposed drugs irbesartan, pyrimethamine, itraconazole, azithromycin, and dapsone. Oncoscience 2024; 11:15-31. [PMID: 38524376 PMCID: PMC10959018 DOI: 10.18632/oncoscience.594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This short note presents the data and rationale for adding five generic non-oncology drugs from general medical practice to gemcitabine, nab-paclitaxel, a current standard cytotoxic chemotherapy of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The regimen, called IPIAD, uses an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) irbesartan indicated for treating hypertension, an old antimicrobial drug pyrimethamine indicated for treating toxoplasmosis or malaria, an old antifungal drug itraconazole, an old broad spectrum antibiotic azithromycin and an old antibiotic dapsone. In reviewing selected growth driving systems active in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma then comparing these with detailed data on ancillary attributes of the IPIAD drugs, one can predict clinical benefit and slowing growth of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma by this augmentation regimen.
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25
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Lasser SA, Ozbay Kurt FG, Arkhypov I, Utikal J, Umansky V. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells in cancer and cancer therapy. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:147-164. [PMID: 38191922 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00846-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Anticancer agents continue to dominate the list of newly approved drugs, approximately half of which are immunotherapies. This trend illustrates the considerable promise of cancer treatments that modulate the immune system. However, the immune system is complex and dynamic, and can have both tumour-suppressive and tumour-promoting effects. Understanding the full range of immune modulation in cancer is crucial to identifying more effective treatment strategies. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of myeloid cells that develop in association with chronic inflammation, which is a hallmark of cancer. Indeed, MDSCs accumulate in the tumour microenvironment, where they strongly inhibit anticancer functions of T cells and natural killer cells and exert a variety of other tumour-promoting effects. Emerging evidence indicates that MDSCs also contribute to resistance to cancer treatments, particularly immunotherapies. Conversely, treatment approaches designed to eliminate cancer cells can have important additional effects on MDSC function, which can be either positive or negative. In this Review, we discuss the interplay between MDSCs and various other cell types found in tumours as well as the mechanisms by which MDSCs promote tumour progression. We also discuss the relevance and implications of MDSCs for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha A Lasser
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ)), Heidelberg, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Feyza G Ozbay Kurt
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ)), Heidelberg, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ihor Arkhypov
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ)), Heidelberg, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jochen Utikal
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ)), Heidelberg, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Viktor Umansky
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ)), Heidelberg, Germany.
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.
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Kumari A, Syeda S, Rawat K, Kumari R, Shrivastava A. Melatonin modulates L-arginine metabolism in tumor-associated macrophages by targeting arginase 1 in lymphoma. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:1163-1179. [PMID: 37639022 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02676-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
L-Arginine metabolism plays a crucial role in determining the M1/M2 polarization of macrophages. The M1 macrophages express inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), while the M2 macrophages express arginase 1 and metabolize arginine into nitric oxide and urea, respectively. The tumor microenvironment promotes M2 macrophage polarization and consequently switches the metabolic fate of arginine from nitric oxide towards urea production. Importantly, infiltration of M2 macrophages or tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) has been correlated with poor prognosis of various cancer types. Melatonin is well reported to have antitumor and immunomodulatory properties. However, whether and how it impacts the polarization of TAMs has not been elucidated. Considering the crucial role of arginine metabolism in macrophage polarization, we were interested to know the fate of L-arginine in TAMs and whether it can be reinstated by melatonin or not. We used a murine model of Dalton's lymphoma and established an in vitro model of TAMs. For TAMs, we used the ascitic fluid of tumor-bearing hosts to activate the macrophages in the presence and absence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In these groups, L-arginine metabolism was evaluated, and then the effect of melatonin was assessed in these groups, wherein the metabolic fate of arginine as well as the expression of iNOS and arginase 1 were checked. Furthermore, in the in vivo system of the tumor-bearing host, the effect of melatonin was assessed. The in vitro model of TAMs showed a Th2 cytokine profile, reduced phagocytic activity, and increased wound healing ability. Upon investigating arginine metabolism, we observed high urea levels with increased activity and expression of arginase 1 in TAMs. Furthermore, we observed reduced levels of LPS-induced nitric oxide in TAMs; however, their iNOS expression was comparable. With melatonin treatment, urea level decreased significantly, while the reduction in nitric oxide level was not as significant as observed in its absence in TAMs. Also, melatonin significantly reduced arginase activity and expression at the transcriptional and translational levels, while iNOS expression was affected only at the translational level. This effect was further investigated in the in vivo system, wherein melatonin treatment reversed the metabolic fate of arginine, from urea towards nitric oxide, within the tumor microenvironment. This effect was further correlated with pro-apoptotic tumor cell death in the in vivo system. Our results reinforced the immunomodulatory role of melatonin and offered a strong prospect for activating the anti-tumor immune response in cancer conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupma Kumari
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Saima Syeda
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Kavita Rawat
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Rani Kumari
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Anju Shrivastava
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India.
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27
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Li D, Cao D, Sun Y, Cui Y, Zhang Y, Jiang J, Cao X. The roles of epigallocatechin gallate in the tumor microenvironment, metabolic reprogramming, and immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1331641. [PMID: 38348027 PMCID: PMC10859531 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1331641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer, a disease that modern medicine has not fully understood and conquered, with its high incidence and mortality, deprives countless patients of health and even life. According to global cancer statistics, there were an estimated 19.3 million new cancer cases and nearly 10 million cancer deaths in 2020, with the age-standardized incidence and mortality rates of 201.0 and 100.7 per 100,000, respectively. Although remarkable advancements have been made in therapeutic strategies recently, the overall prognosis of cancer patients remains not optimistic. Consequently, there are still many severe challenges to be faced and difficult problems to be solved in cancer therapy today. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a natural polyphenol extracted from tea leaves, has received much attention for its antitumor effects. Accumulating investigations have confirmed that EGCG can inhibit tumorigenesis and progression by triggering apoptosis, suppressing proliferation, invasion, and migration, altering tumor epigenetic modification, and overcoming chemotherapy resistance. Nevertheless, its regulatory roles and biomolecular mechanisms in the immune microenvironment, metabolic microenvironment, and immunotherapy remain obscure. In this article, we summarized the most recent updates about the effects of EGCG on tumor microenvironment (TME), metabolic reprogramming, and anti-cancer immunotherapy. The results demonstrated EGCG can promote the anti-cancer immune response of cytotoxic lymphocytes and dendritic cells (DCs), attenuate the immunosuppression of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs), and inhibit the tumor-promoting functions of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs), and various stromal cells including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), endothelial cells (ECs), stellate cells, and mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs). Additionally, EGCG can suppress multiple metabolic reprogramming pathways, including glucose uptake, aerobic glycolysis, glutamine metabolism, fatty acid anabolism, and nucleotide synthesis. Finally, EGCG, as an immunomodulator and immune checkpoint blockade, can enhance immunotherapeutic efficacy and may be a promising candidate for antitumor immunotherapy. In conclusion, EGCG plays versatile regulatory roles in TME and metabolic reprogramming, which provides novel insights and combined therapeutic strategies for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongming Li
- Department of Gastric and Colorectal Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Donghui Cao
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuanlin Sun
- Department of Gastric and Colorectal Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yingnan Cui
- Department of Gastric and Colorectal Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yangyu Zhang
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jing Jiang
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xueyuan Cao
- Department of Gastric and Colorectal Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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28
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Yang C, Zhu R, Zhang Y, Ying L, Wang J, Liu P, Su D. [Research Progress of Granulocytic Myeloid-derived Suppressor Cells
in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer]. ZHONGGUO FEI AI ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF LUNG CANCER 2024; 27:65-72. [PMID: 38296627 PMCID: PMC10895289 DOI: 10.3779/j.issn.1009-3419.2023.106.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (G-MDSCs) are one of the main subgroups of MDSCs, which are widely enriched in most cancers. It can inhibit the killing function of T-lymphocyte through the expression of arginase-1 (Arg-1) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), reshape the tumor immune microenvironment, and promote the occurrence and development of tumors. In recent years, more and more studies have found that G-MDSCs are significantly correlated with the prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy of patients with non-small cell lung cancer, and the use of drugs specifically targeting the recruitment, differentiation and function of G-MDSCs can effectively inhibit tumor progression. This article reviews the immunosuppressive effect of G-MDSCs in non-small cell lung cancer and the progress of related pathway targeting drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaodan Yang
- School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of
Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Rui Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute
of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Yuting Zhang
- Postgraduate Training Base Alliance of Wenzhou Medical
University, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Lisha Ying
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute
of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Jiamin Wang
- School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of
Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Pan Liu
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute
of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Dan Su
- School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute
of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
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29
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Filderman JN, Taylor JL, Wang J, Zhang Y, Singh P, Ross MA, Watkins SC, Nedal Al Bzour A, Karapetyan L, Kalinski P, Storkus WJ. Antagonism of regulatory ISGs enhances the anti-melanoma efficacy of STING agonists. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1334769. [PMID: 38312842 PMCID: PMC10835797 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1334769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) is a dsDNA sensor that triggers type I inflammatory responses. Recent data from our group and others support the therapeutic efficacy of STING agonists applied intratumorally or systemically in a range of murine tumor models, with treatment benefits associated with tumor vascular normalization and improved immune cell recruitment and function within the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, such interventions are rarely curative and STING agonism coordinately upregulates expression of immunoregulatory interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) including Arg2, Cox2, Isg15, Nos2, and Pdl1 that may limit treatment benefits. We hypothesized that combined treatment of melanoma-bearing mice with STING agonist ADU-S100 together with antagonists of regulatory ISGs would result in improved control of tumor growth vs. treatment with ADU-S100 alone. Methods Mice bearing either B16 (BRAFWTPTENWT) or BPR20 (BRAFV600EPTEN-/-) melanomas were treated with STING agonist ADU-S100 plus various inhibitors of ARG2, COX2, NOS2, PD-L1, or ISG15. Tumor growth control and changes in the TME were evaluated for combination treatment vs ADU-S100 monotherapy by tumor area measurements and flow cytometry/transcriptional profiling, respectively. Results In the B16 melanoma model, we noted improved antitumor efficacy only when ADU-S100 was combined with neutralizing/blocking antibodies against PD-L1 or ISG15, but not inhibitors of ARG2, COX2, or NOS2. Conversely, in the BPR20 melanoma model, improved tumor growth control vs. ADU-S100 monotherapy was only observed when combining ADU-S100 with ARG2i, COX2i, and NOS2i, but not anti-PD-L1 or anti-ISG15. Immune changes in the TME associated with improved treatment outcomes were subtle but included increases in proinflammatory innate immune cells and activated CD8+CD69+ T cells and varied between the two tumor models. Conclusions These data suggest contextual differences in the relative contributions of individual regulatory ISGs that serve to operationally limit the anti-tumor efficacy of STING agonists which should be considered in future design of novel combination protocols for optimal treatment benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica N Filderman
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jennifer L Taylor
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jianmin Wang
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Yali Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Prashant Singh
- Genomics Shared Resource, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Mark A Ross
- Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Simon C Watkins
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Ayah Nedal Al Bzour
- Department of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Lilit Karapetyan
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Pawel Kalinski
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Walter J Storkus
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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30
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Gzik A, Borek B, Chrzanowski J, Jedrzejczak K, Dziegielewski M, Brzezinska J, Nowicka J, Grzybowski MM, Rejczak T, Niedzialek D, Wieczorek G, Olczak J, Golebiowski A, Zaslona Z, Blaszczyk R. Novel orally bioavailable piperidine derivatives as extracellular arginase inhibitors developed by a ring expansion. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 264:116033. [PMID: 38096651 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116033] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Arginase is a multifaced enzyme that plays an important role in health and disease being regarded as a therapeutic target for the treatment of various pathological states such as malignancies, asthma, and cardiovascular disease. The discovery of boronic acid-based arginase inhibitors in 1997 revolutionized attempts of medicinal chemistry focused on development of drugs targeting arginase. Unfortunately, these very polar compounds had limitations such as analysis and purification without chromophores, synthetically challenging space, and poor oral bioavailability. Herein, we present a novel class of boronic acid-based arginase inhibitors which are piperidine derivatives exhibiting a different pharmacological profile compared to our drug candidate in cancer immunotherapy -OATD-02 - dual ARG1/2 inhibitor with high intracellular activity. Compounds from this new series show low intracellular activity, hence they can inhibit mainly extracellular arginase, providing different therapeutic space compared to a dual intracellular ARG1/2 inhibitor. The disclosed series showed good inhibitory potential towards arginase enzyme in vitro (IC50 up to 160 nM), favorable pharmacokinetics in animal models, and encouraging preliminary in vitro and in vivo tolerability. Compounds from the new series have moderate-to-high oral bioavailability (up to 66 %) and moderate clearance in vivo. Herein we describe the development and optimization of the synthesis of the new class of boronic acid-based arginase inhibitors via a ring expansion approach starting from the inexpensive chirality source (d-hydroxyproline). This upgraded methodology facilitated a gram-scale delivery of the final compound and eliminated the need for costly and time-consuming chiral resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gzik
- Molecure S.A., Zwirki i Wigury 101, Warsaw, 02-089, Poland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Julita Nowicka
- Molecure S.A., Zwirki i Wigury 101, Warsaw, 02-089, Poland
| | | | - Tomasz Rejczak
- Molecure S.A., Zwirki i Wigury 101, Warsaw, 02-089, Poland
| | | | | | - Jacek Olczak
- Molecure S.A., Zwirki i Wigury 101, Warsaw, 02-089, Poland
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31
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Chen J, Cui L, Lu S, Xu S. Amino acid metabolism in tumor biology and therapy. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:42. [PMID: 38218942 PMCID: PMC10787762 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06435-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Amino acid metabolism plays important roles in tumor biology and tumor therapy. Accumulating evidence has shown that amino acids contribute to tumorigenesis and tumor immunity by acting as nutrients, signaling molecules, and could also regulate gene transcription and epigenetic modification. Therefore, targeting amino acid metabolism will provide new ideas for tumor treatment and become an important therapeutic approach after surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. In this review, we systematically summarize the recent progress of amino acid metabolism in malignancy and their interaction with signal pathways as well as their effect on tumor microenvironment and epigenetic modification. Collectively, we also highlight the potential therapeutic application and future expectation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University/Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Likun Cui
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University/Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Shaoteng Lu
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University/Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Sheng Xu
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University/Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
- Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, Shanghai, 200120, China.
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Ihle CL, Straign DM, Canari JA, Torkko KC, Zolman KL, Smith EE, Owens P. Unique macrophage phenotypes activated by BMP signaling in breast cancer bone metastases. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e168517. [PMID: 38193534 PMCID: PMC10906463 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.168517] [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: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Metastatic breast cancer (mBC) tissue in bone was systematically profiled to define the composition of the tumor microenvironment. Gene expression identified a high myeloid signature of patients with improved survival outcomes. Bone metastases were profiled by spatial proteomics to examine myeloid populations within the stroma that correlated with macrophage functions. Single-cell spatial analysis uncovered macrophage activation in the stroma of mBC bone lesions. Matched BC patient samples of primary breast tumor and bone metastasis tissues were compared for gene expression in the bone, where bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) was most significantly upregulated. Immune cell changes from breast to bone demonstrated a loss of lymphoid cells but a consistent population of macrophages. BMP-activated macrophages were increased uniquely in bone. Bone marrow-derived macrophage activation coupled with BMP inhibition increased inflammatory responses. Using experimental mouse models of mBC bone metastasis and trained immunity, we found that BMP inhibition restricts progression of metastases early in the macrophage activation state but not after tumors were established in the bone. This study revealed unique myeloid BMP activation states that are distinctly integrated with bone metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire L. Ihle
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Desiree M. Straign
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Kathleen C. Torkko
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Kathryn L. Zolman
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Elizabeth E. Smith
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Philip Owens
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Pei FL, Jia JJ, Lin SH, Chen XX, Wu LZ, Lin ZX, Sun BW, Zeng C. Construction and evaluation of endometriosis diagnostic prediction model and immune infiltration based on efferocytosis-related genes. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 10:1298457. [PMID: 38370978 PMCID: PMC10870152 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1298457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Endometriosis (EM) is a long-lasting inflammatory disease that is difficult to treat and prevent. Existing research indicates the significance of immune infiltration in the progression of EM. Efferocytosis has an important immunomodulatory function. However, research on the identification and clinical significance of efferocytosis-related genes (EFRGs) in EM is sparse. Methods: The EFRDEGs (differentially expressed efferocytosis-related genes) linked to datasets associated with endometriosis were thoroughly examined utilizing the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and GeneCards databases. The construction of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) and transcription factor (TF) regulatory network of EFRDEGs ensued. Subsequently, machine learning techniques including Univariate logistic regression, LASSO, and SVM classification were applied to filter and pinpoint diagnostic biomarkers. To establish and assess the diagnostic model, ROC analysis, multivariate regression analysis, nomogram, and calibration curve were employed. The CIBERSORT algorithm and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) were employed to explore immune cell infiltration, while the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) was utilized for the identification of potential therapeutic drugs for endometriosis. Finally, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were utilized to quantify the expression levels of biomarkers in clinical samples of endometriosis. Results: Our findings revealed 13 EFRDEGs associated with EM, and the LASSO and SVM regression model identified six hub genes (ARG2, GAS6, C3, PROS1, CLU, and FGL2). Among these, ARG2, GAS6, and C3 were confirmed as diagnostic biomarkers through multivariate logistic regression analysis. The ROC curve analysis of GSE37837 (AUC = 0.627) and GSE6374 (AUC = 0.635), along with calibration and DCA curve assessments, demonstrated that the nomogram built on these three biomarkers exhibited a commendable predictive capacity for the disease. Notably, the ratio of nine immune cell types exhibited significant differences between eutopic and ectopic endometrial samples, with scRNA-seq highlighting M0 Macrophages, Fibroblasts, and CD8 Tex cells as the cell populations undergoing the most substantial changes in the three biomarkers. Additionally, our study predicted seven potential medications for EM. Finally, the expression levels of the three biomarkers in clinical samples were validated through RT-qPCR and IHC, consistently aligning with the results obtained from the public database. Conclusion: we identified three biomarkers and constructed a diagnostic model for EM in this study, these findings provide valuable insights for subsequent mechanistic research and clinical applications in the field of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Li Pei
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin-Jin Jia
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shu-Hong Lin
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Xin Chen
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Zheng Wu
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zeng-Xian Lin
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo-Wen Sun
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Zeng
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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Ginovyan M, Javrushyan H, Karapetyan H, Koss-Mikołajczyk I, Kusznierewicz B, Grigoryan A, Maloyan A, Bartoszek A, Avtandilyan N. Hypericum alpestre extract exhibits in vitro and in vivo anticancer properties by regulating the cellular antioxidant system and metabolic pathway of L-arginine. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e3914. [PMID: 38269521 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Conventional treatment methods are not effective enough to fight the rapid increase in cancer cases. The interest is increasing in the investigation of herbal sources for the development of new anticancer therapeutics. This study aims to investigate the antitumor capacity of Hypericum alpestre (H. alpestre) extract in vitro and in vivo, either alone or in combination with the inhibitors of the l-arginine/polyamine/nitric oxide (NO) pathway, and to characterize its active phytochemicals using advanced chromatographic techniques. Our previous reports suggest beneficial effects of the arginase inhibitor NG-hydroxy-nor- l-arginine and NO inhibitor NG-nitro-Larginine methyl ester in the treatment of breast cancer via downregulation of polyamine and NO synthesis. Here, the antitumor properties of H. alpestre and its combinations were explored in vivo, in a rat model of mammary gland carcinogenesis induced by subcutaneous injection of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene. The study revealed strong antiradical activity of H. alpestre aerial part extract in chemical (DPPH/ABTS) tests. In the in vitro antioxidant activity test, the H. alpestre extract demonstrated pro-oxidant characteristics in human colorectal (HT29) cells, which were contingent upon the hemostatic condition of the cells. The H. alpestre extract expressed a cytotoxic effect on HT29 and breast cancer (MCF-7) cells measured by the MTT test. According to comet assay results, H. alpestre extract did not exhibit genotoxic activity nor possessed antigenotoxic properties in HT29 cells. Overall, 233 substances have been identified and annotated in H. alpestre extract using the LC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS system. In vivo experiments using rat breast cancer models revealed that the H. alpestre extract activated the antioxidant enzymes in the liver, brain, and tumors. H. alpestre combined with chemotherapeutic agents attenuated cancer-like histological alterations and showed significant reductions in tumor blood vessel area. Thus, either alone or in combination with Nω -OH-nor- l-arginine and Nω -nitro- l-arginine methyl ester, H. alpestre extract exhibits pro- and antioxidant, antiangiogenic, and cytotoxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Anna Grigoryan
- Department of Human and Animal Physiology, YSU, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Alina Maloyan
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, USA
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Gu X, Wei F, Tong J, Liu Y, Chen S, Zheng L, Xing Y. MiR-9 promotes G-MDSC recruitment and tumor proliferation by targeting SOCS3 in breast cancer. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23388. [PMID: 38145323 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301764rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous group of cells that differentiate from myeloid cells, proliferate in cancer and inflammatory reactions, and mainly exert immunosuppressive functions. Nonetheless, the precise mechanisms that dictate both the accumulation and function of MDSCs remain only partially elucidated. In the course of our investigation, we observed a positive correlation between the content of MDSCs especially G-MDSCs and miR-9 level in the tumor tissues derived from miR-9 knockout MMTV-PyMT mice and 4T1 tumor-bearing mice with miR-9 overexpression. Combined with RNA-seq analysis, we identified SOCS2 and SOCS3 as direct targets of miR-9. Additionally, our research unveiled the pivotal role of the CCL5/CCR5 axis in orchestrating the chemotactic recruitment of G-MDSCs within the tumor microenvironment, a process that is enhanced by miR-9. These findings provide fresh insights into the molecular mechanisms governing the accumulation of MDSCs within the framework of breast cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Gu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Wei
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinzhe Tong
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yichen Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Simiao Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Lufeng Zheng
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingying Xing
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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36
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Akinjiyan FA, Ibitoye Z, Zhao P, Shriver LP, Patti GJ, Longmore GD, Fuh KC. DDR2-regulated arginase activity in ovarian cancer-associated fibroblasts promotes collagen production and tumor progression. Oncogene 2024; 43:189-201. [PMID: 37996700 PMCID: PMC10786713 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02884-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer has poor survival outcomes particularly for advanced stage, metastatic disease. Metastasis is promoted by interactions of stromal cells, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME), with tumor cells. CAFs play a key role in tumor progression by remodeling the TME and extracellular matrix (ECM) to result in a more permissive environment for tumor progression. It has been shown that fibroblasts, in particular myofibroblasts, utilize metabolism to support ECM remodeling. However, the intricate mechanisms by which CAFs support collagen production and tumor progression are poorly understood. In this study, we show that the fibrillar collagen receptor, Discoidin Domain Receptor 2 (DDR2), promotes collagen production in human and mouse omental CAFs through arginase activity. CAFs with high DDR2 or arginase promote tumor colonization in the omentum. In addition, DDR2-depleted CAFs had decreased ornithine levels leading to decreased collagen production and polyamine levels compared to WT control CAFs. Tumor cell invasion was decreased in the presence CAF conditioned media (CM) depleted of DDR2 or arginase-1, and this invasion defect was rescued in the presence of CM from DDR2-depleted CAFs that constitutively overexpressed arginase-1. Similarly, the addition of exogenous polyamines to CM from DDR2-depleted CAFs led to increased tumor cell invasion. We detected SNAI1 protein at the promoter region of the arginase-1 gene, and DDR2-depleted CAFs had decreased levels of SNAI1 protein at the arginase-1 promoter region. Furthermore, high stromal arginase-1 expression correlated with poor survival in ovarian cancer patients. These findings highlight how DDR2 regulates collagen production by CAFs in the tumor microenvironment by controlling the transcription of arginase-1, and CAFs are a major source of arginase activity and L-arginine metabolites in ovarian cancer models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Favour A Akinjiyan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- ICCE Institute, Washington University, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Medicine (Oncology), Washington University, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Zainab Ibitoye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- ICCE Institute, Washington University, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Medicine (Oncology), Washington University, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Peinan Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Leah P Shriver
- Department of Medicine (Oncology), Washington University, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Center for Metabolomics and Isotope Tracing, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Gary J Patti
- Department of Medicine (Oncology), Washington University, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Center for Metabolomics and Isotope Tracing, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Gregory D Longmore
- ICCE Institute, Washington University, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Medicine (Oncology), Washington University, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Katherine C Fuh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
- Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
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Taniura T, Ishitobi K, Hidaka M, Harada M. Modulatory effects of supplementation of Lentinula edodes mycelia extract and l-arginine on the therapeutic efficacy of immunogenic chemotherapy in colon cancer-bearing mice. Microbiol Immunol 2024; 68:15-22. [PMID: 37964433 DOI: 10.1111/1348-0421.13101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Some chemotherapeutic drugs can induce cancer cell death and enhance antitumor T-cell immunity in cancer-bearing hosts. Immunomodulatory reagents could augment such chemotherapy-induced effects. We previously reported that oral digestion of Lentinula edodes mycelia (L.E.M.) extract or l-arginine supplementation can augment antitumor T-cell responses in cancer-bearing mice. In this study, the effects of L.E.M. extract with or without l-arginine on the therapeutic efficacy of immunogenic chemotherapy by 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)/oxaliplatin (L-OHP) and/or cyclophosphamide (CP) are examined using two mouse colon cancer models. In MC38 and CT26 cancer models, therapy with 5-FU/L-OHP/CP significantly suppressed tumor growth, and supplementation with L.E.M. extract halved the tumor volumes. However, the modulatory effect of L.E.M. extract was not significant. In the CT26 cancer model, supplementation with L.E.M. extract and l-arginine had no clear effect on tumor growth. In contrast, their addition to chemotherapy halved the tumor volumes, although the effect was not significant. There was no difference in the cytotoxicity of tumor-specific cytotoxic T cells generated from CT26-cured mice treated by chemotherapy alone versus chemotherapy combined with L.E.M. extract/ l-arginine. These results indicate that the antitumor effects of immunogenic chemotherapy were too strong to ascertain the effects of supplementation of L.E.M. extract and l-arginine, but these reagents nonetheless have immunomodulatory effects on the therapeutic efficacy of immunogenic chemotherapy in colon cancer-bearing mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahito Taniura
- Department of Digestive and General Surgery, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Shimane, Japan
| | - Kazunari Ishitobi
- Department of Digestive and General Surgery, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Shimane, Japan
| | - Masaaki Hidaka
- Department of Digestive and General Surgery, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Shimane, Japan
| | - Mamoru Harada
- Department of Immunology, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Shimane, Japan
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Wang M, Wang W, You S, Hou Z, Ji M, Xue N, Du T, Chen X, Jin J. ACAT1 deficiency in myeloid cells promotes glioblastoma progression by enhancing the accumulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:4733-4747. [PMID: 38045043 PMCID: PMC10692383 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.09.005] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive and lethal brain tumor with an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). In this environment, myeloid cells, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), play a pivotal role in suppressing antitumor immunity. Lipometabolism is closely related to the function of myeloid cells. Here, our study reports that acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase 1 (ACAT1), the key enzyme of fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and ketogenesis, is significantly downregulated in the MDSCs infiltrated in GBM patients. To investigate the effects of ACAT1 on myeloid cells, we generated mice with myeloid-specific (LyzM-cre) depletion of ACAT1. The results show that these mice exhibited a remarkable accumulation of MDSCs and increased tumor progression both ectopically and orthotopically. The mechanism behind this effect is elevated secretion of C-X-C motif ligand 1 (CXCL1) of macrophages (Mφ). Overall, our findings demonstrate that ACAT1 could serve as a promising drug target for GBM by regulating the function of MDSCs in the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Weida Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Shen You
- Department of Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Zhenyan Hou
- Department of Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Ming Ji
- Department of Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Nina Xue
- Department of Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Tingting Du
- Department of Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xiaoguang Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Jing Jin
- Department of Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
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Imodoye SO, Adedokun KA. EMT-induced immune evasion: connecting the dots from mechanisms to therapy. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:4265-4287. [PMID: 37966552 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01229-4] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a dynamic program crucial for organismal development and tissue regeneration. Unfortunately, this program is often hijacked by epithelial tumors to facilitate metastasis. Beyond its role in cancer spread, EMT increases cancer cell survival by activating stem cell programs and bypassing apoptotic programs. Importantly, the capacity of EMT to enforce tumor progression by altering the tumor cell phenotype without triggering immune responses opens the intriguing possibility of a mechanistic link between EMT-driven cancers and immune evasion. Indeed, EMT has been acknowledged as a of driver immune evasion, but the mechanisms are still evolving. Here, we review recent insights into the influence of EMT on tumor immune evasion. Specifically, we focus on the mechanistic roles of EMT in immune escape as the basis that may provide a platform for innovative therapeutic approaches in advanced tumors. We summarize promising therapeutic approaches currently in clinical trials and trending preclinical studies aimed at reinvigorating the tumor microenvironment to create immune-permissive conditions that facilitates immune-mediated tumor clearance. We anticipate that this will assist researchers and pharmaceutical companies in understanding how EMT compromises the immune response, potentially paving the way for effective cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sikiru O Imodoye
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA.
| | - Kamoru A Adedokun
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
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Lv Y, Li M, Weng L, Huang H, Mao Y, Yang DA, Wei Q, Zhao M, Wei Q, Rui K, Han X, Fan W, Cai X, Cao P, Cao M. Ginseng-derived nanoparticles reprogram macrophages to regulate arginase-1 release for ameliorating T cell exhaustion in tumor microenvironment. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:322. [PMID: 38012650 PMCID: PMC10683135 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02888-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lines of evidence indicated that, immune checkpoints (ICs) inhibitors enhanced T cell immune response to exert anti-tumor effects. However, T cell exhaustion has been so far a major obstacle to antitumor immunotherapy in colorectal cancer patients. Our previous studies showed that ginseng-derived nanoparticles (GDNPs) inhibited the growth of various tumors by reprograming tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and downregulated the ICs expression on T cells in tumor microenvironment (TME), but the underlying effector mechanisms remained unclear. METHODS The correlation between arginase-1 (ARG1) and T cells was computed based on the colorectal cancer patients in TCGA database. In vitro, we observed that GDNPs reprogrammed TAMs inhibited ARG1 release and ultimately ameliorated T cell exhaustion according to several techniques including WB, PCR, ELISA and flow cytometry. We also used an in vivo MC38 tumor-bearing model and administered GDNPs to assess their anti-tumor effects through multiple indices. The mechanism that GDNPs improved T cell exhaustion was further clarified using the bioinformatics tools and flow cytometry. RESULTS GDNPs reprogramed TAMs via reducing ARG1 production. Moreover, normalized arginine metabolism ameliorated T cell exhaustion through mTOR-T-bet axis, resulting in reduced ICs expression and enhanced CD8+ T cells expansion. CONCLUSIONS By regulating the mTOR-T-bet axis, GDNPs reprogramed macrophages to regulate ARG1 release, which further ameliorated T cell exhaustion in TME. These findings provided new insights into comprehending the mechanisms underlying the mitigation of T cell exhaustion, which may facilitate the development of innovative therapeutic strategies in the field of cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lv
- Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mengyuan Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ling Weng
- Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haoying Huang
- Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yujie Mao
- Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Danchen Aaron Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qingyun Wei
- Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mengmeng Zhao
- Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qin Wei
- Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ke Rui
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuan Han
- Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weiwei Fan
- Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xueting Cai
- Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peng Cao
- Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- Zhenjiang Hospital of Chinese Traditional and Western Medicine, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Meng Cao
- Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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Urbarova I, Skogholt AH, Sun YQ, Mai XM, Grønberg BH, Sandanger TM, Sætrom P, Nøst TH. Increased expression of individual genes in whole blood is associated with late-stage lung cancer at and close to diagnosis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20760. [PMID: 38007577 PMCID: PMC10676373 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48216-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) mortality rates are still increasing globally. As survival is linked to stage, there is a need to identify markers for earlier LC diagnosis and individualized treatment. The whole blood transcriptome of LC patients represents a source of potential LC biomarkers. We compared expression of > 60,000 genes in whole blood specimens taken from LC cases at diagnosis (n = 128) and controls (n = 62) using genome-wide RNA sequencing, and identified 14 candidate genes associated with LC. High expression of ANXA3, ARG1 and HP was strongly associated with lower survival in late-stage LC cases (hazard ratios (HRs) = 2.81, 2.16 and 2.54, respectively). We validated these markers in two independent population-based studies with pre-diagnostic whole blood specimens taken up to eight years prior to LC diagnosis (n = 163 cases, 184 matched controls). ANXA3 and ARG1 expression was strongly associated with LC in these specimens, especially with late-stage LC within two years of diagnosis (odds ratios (ORs) = 3.47 and 5.00, respectively). Additionally, blood CD4 T cells, NK cells and neutrophils were associated with LC at diagnosis and improved LC discriminative ability beyond candidate genes. Our results indicate that in whole blood, increased expression levels of ANXA3, ARG1 and HP are diagnostic and prognostic markers of late-stage LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilona Urbarova
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Anne Heidi Skogholt
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Yi-Qian Sun
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Pathology, Clinic of Laboratory Medicine, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Center for Oral Health Services and Research Mid-Norway (TkMidt), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Xiao-Mei Mai
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Bjørn Henning Grønberg
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Oncology, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Torkjel Manning Sandanger
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Pål Sætrom
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Oncology, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Therese Haugdahl Nøst
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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42
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Bokil AA, Le Boulvais Børkja M, Wolowczyk C, Lamsal A, Prestvik WS, Nonstad U, Pettersen K, Andersen SB, Bofin AM, Bjørkøy G, Hak S, Giambelluca MS. Discovery of a new marker to identify myeloid cells associated with metastatic breast tumours. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:279. [PMID: 37980483 PMCID: PMC10656772 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03136-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myeloid cells play an essential role in cancer metastasis. The phenotypic diversity of these cells during cancer development has attracted great interest; however, their functional heterogeneity and plasticity have limited their role as prognostic markers and therapeutic targets. METHODS To identify markers associated with myeloid cells in metastatic tumours, we compared transcriptomic data from immune cells sorted from metastatic and non-metastatic mammary tumours grown in BALB/cJ mice. To assess the translational relevance of our in vivo findings, we assessed human breast cancer biopsies and evaluated the association between arginase 1 protein expression in breast cancer tissues with tumour characteristics and patient outcomes. RESULTS Among the differentially expressed genes, arginase 1 (ARG1) showed a unique expression pattern in tumour-infiltrating myeloid cells that correlated with the metastatic capacity of the tumour. Even though ARG1-positive cells were found almost exclusively inside the metastatic tumour, ARG1 protein was also present in the plasma. In human breast cancer biopsies, the presence of ARG1-positive cells was strongly correlated with high-grade proliferating tumours, poor prognosis, and low survival. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the potential use of ARG1-positive myeloid cells as an independent prognostic marker to evaluate the risk of metastasis in breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ansooya A Bokil
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research (CEMIR), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Mathieu Le Boulvais Børkja
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Camilla Wolowczyk
- Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research (CEMIR), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Apsana Lamsal
- Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research (CEMIR), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Wenche S Prestvik
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Unni Nonstad
- Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research (CEMIR), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Kristine Pettersen
- Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research (CEMIR), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Sonja B Andersen
- Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research (CEMIR), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Anna M Bofin
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Geir Bjørkøy
- Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research (CEMIR), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Sjoerd Hak
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Miriam S Giambelluca
- Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research (CEMIR), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Science, UiT- The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
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43
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Esperante D, Gutiérrez MIM, Issa ME, Schcolnik-Cabrera A, Mendlovic F. Similarities and divergences in the metabolism of immune cells in cancer and helminthic infections. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1251355. [PMID: 38044996 PMCID: PMC10690632 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1251355] [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: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Energetic and nutritional requirements play a crucial role in shaping the immune cells that infiltrate tumor and parasite infection sites. The dynamic interaction between immune cells and the microenvironment, whether in the context of tumor or helminth infection, is essential for understanding the mechanisms of immunological polarization and developing strategies to manipulate them in order to promote a functional and efficient immune response that could aid in the treatment of these conditions. In this review, we present an overview of the immune response triggered during tumorigenesis and establishment of helminth infections, highlighting the transition to chronicity in both cases. We discuss the energetic demands of immune cells under normal conditions and in the presence of tumors and helminths. Additionally, we compare the metabolic changes that occur in the tumor microenvironment and the infection site, emphasizing the alterations that are induced to redirect the immune response, thereby promoting the survival of cancer cells or helminths. This emerging discipline provides valuable insights into disease pathogenesis. We also provide examples of novel strategies to enhance immune activity by targeting metabolic pathways that shape immune phenotypes, with the aim of achieving positive outcomes in cancer and helminth infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Esperante
- Plan de Estudios Combinados en Medicina (PECEM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autonóma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mónica Itzel Martínez Gutiérrez
- Plan de Estudios Combinados en Medicina (PECEM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autonóma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mark E. Issa
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - Alejandro Schcolnik-Cabrera
- Département de Biochimie et Médicine Moléculaire, Université de Montréal, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Immunology-Oncology, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Fela Mendlovic
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Anáhuac México Norte, Huixquilucan, Mexico
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44
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Parveen S, Shen J, Lun S, Zhao L, Alt J, Koleske B, Leone RD, Rais R, Powell JD, Murphy JR, Slusher BS, Bishai WR. Glutamine metabolism inhibition has dual immunomodulatory and antibacterial activities against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7427. [PMID: 37973991 PMCID: PMC10654700 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43304-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
As one of the most successful human pathogens, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) has evolved a diverse array of determinants to subvert host immunity and alter host metabolic patterns. However, the mechanisms of pathogen interference with host metabolism remain poorly understood. Here we show that a glutamine metabolism antagonist, JHU083, inhibits Mtb proliferation in vitro and in vivo. JHU083-treated mice exhibit weight gain, improved survival, a 2.5 log lower lung bacillary burden at 35 days post-infection, and reduced lung pathology. JHU083 treatment also initiates earlier T-cell recruitment, increased proinflammatory myeloid cell infiltration, and a reduced frequency of immunosuppressive myeloid cells when compared to uninfected and rifampin-treated controls. Metabolomic analysis of lungs from JHU083-treated Mtb-infected mice reveals citrulline accumulation, suggesting elevated nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, and lowered levels of quinolinic acid which is derived from the immunosuppressive metabolite kynurenine. JHU083-treated macrophages also produce more NO potentiating their antibacterial activity. When tested in an immunocompromised mouse model of Mtb infection, JHU083 loses its therapeutic efficacy suggesting the drug's host-directed effects are likely to be predominant. Collectively, these data reveal that JHU083-mediated glutamine metabolism inhibition results in dual antibacterial and host-directed activity against tuberculosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadiya Parveen
- Center for Tuberculosis Research, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jessica Shen
- Center for Tuberculosis Research, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shichun Lun
- Center for Tuberculosis Research, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Liang Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jesse Alt
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Benjamin Koleske
- Center for Tuberculosis Research, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Robert D Leone
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- The Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rana Rais
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jonathan D Powell
- The Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Calico, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - John R Murphy
- Center for Tuberculosis Research, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Barbara S Slusher
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- The Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - William R Bishai
- Center for Tuberculosis Research, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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45
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Zheng Y, Yao Y, Ge T, Ge S, Jia R, Song X, Zhuang A. Amino acid metabolism reprogramming: shedding new light on T cell anti-tumor immunity. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:291. [PMID: 37924140 PMCID: PMC10623764 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02845-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming of amino acids has been increasingly recognized to initiate and fuel tumorigenesis and survival. Therefore, there is emerging interest in the application of amino acid metabolic strategies in antitumor therapy. Tremendous efforts have been made to develop amino acid metabolic node interventions such as amino acid antagonists and targeting amino acid transporters, key enzymes of amino acid metabolism, and common downstream pathways of amino acid metabolism. In addition to playing an essential role in sustaining tumor growth, new technologies and studies has revealed amino acid metabolic reprograming to have wide implications in the regulation of antitumor immune responses. Specifically, extensive crosstalk between amino acid metabolism and T cell immunity has been reported. Tumor cells can inhibit T cell immunity by depleting amino acids in the microenvironment through nutrient competition, and toxic metabolites of amino acids can also inhibit T cell function. In addition, amino acids can interfere with T cells by regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. This crucial crosstalk inspires the exploitation of novel strategies of immunotherapy enhancement and combination, owing to the unprecedented benefits of immunotherapy and the limited population it can benefit. Herein, we review recent findings related to the crosstalk between amino acid metabolism and T cell immunity. We also describe possible approaches to intervene in amino acid metabolic pathways by targeting various signaling nodes. Novel efforts to combine with and unleash potential immunotherapy are also discussed. Hopefully, some strategies that take the lead in the pipeline may soon be used for the common good.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 20025, P. R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 20025, P. R. China
| | - Yiran Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 20025, P. R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 20025, P. R. China
| | - Tongxin Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 20025, P. R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 20025, P. R. China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 20025, P. R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 20025, P. R. China
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 20025, P. R. China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 20025, P. R. China.
| | - Xin Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 20025, P. R. China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 20025, P. R. China.
| | - Ai Zhuang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 20025, P. R. China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 20025, P. R. China.
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46
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Park J, Nah Y, Kim WJ. IDO-triggered swellable polymeric micelles for IDO inhibition and targeted cancer immunotherapy. J Control Release 2023; 363:496-506. [PMID: 37788761 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.09.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) has been studied as a promising target for cancer immunotherapy. IDO catalyzes the oxidation of tryptophan into kynurenine, which subsequently activates regulatory T cells, thereby promoting an immunosuppressive microenvironment in the tumor tissue. Due to its overexpression in tumor cells, IDO itself could be a tumor-specific stimulus for targeted cancer therapy. Toward this objective, we developed IDO-triggered swellable micelles for targeted cancer immunotherapy. The micelles are prepared by the self-assembly of amphiphilic polymers containing polymerized tryptophan as a hydrophobic block. The micelles exhibited IDO-responsive behavior via solubility conversion of the hydrophobic core triggered by the oxidation of tryptophan residues into kynurenine. The micelles were internalized into tumor cells and disassembled by overexpressed IDO. Loaded with IDO inhibitor, the micelle presented enhanced therapeutic antitumor effect, and effector T-cells were recruited into the tumor tissue. We demonstrated that overexpressed IDO in cancer cells could be utilized as a tumor-specific stimulus, and utilizing an IDO-responsive drug delivery system holds great promise for targeted cancer therapy and immunomodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaehyun Park
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, South Korea.
| | - Yunyoung Nah
- Department of Chemistry, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, POSTECH, Pohang 37673, South Korea.
| | - Won Jong Kim
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, South Korea; Department of Chemistry, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, POSTECH, Pohang 37673, South Korea.
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47
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Zheng X, Jiang Q, Han M, Ye F, Wang M, Qiu Y, Wang J, Gao M, Hou F, Wang H. FBXO38 regulates macrophage polarization to control the development of cancer and colitis. Cell Mol Immunol 2023; 20:1367-1378. [PMID: 37821621 PMCID: PMC10616184 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-023-01081-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are highly plastic cells that differentially regulate multiple pathological conditions, including cancer and autoimmune diseases. In response to various stimuli, macrophages activate different intrinsic signaling pathways and polarize into distinct macrophage subsets. We aimed to identify key new effectors that could control macrophage polarization and impact the development of cancer or colitis. Following treatment with the supernatants of tumor cells, macrophages showed an upregulation in Fbxo38 expression. Subsequently, we further identified that FBXO38 promotes macrophage immunosuppressive function by upregulating the expression of M2-like genes via MAPK and IRF4 signaling without affecting M1-like macrophage polarization. Deletion of Fbxo38 in macrophages was found to block tumor development and protect against DSS-induced colitis. Considering the distinct regulation of tumor development by FBXO38 in T cells and macrophages, we suggest that a comprehensive understanding of FBXO38 function in different cell types is critical for its further translational usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zheng
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Qi Jiang
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Mingshun Han
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Fenfen Ye
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Mingchang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Ying Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Jialu Wang
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Minxia Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Fajian Hou
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Hongyan Wang
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
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48
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Calanca N, Francisco ALN, Bizinelli D, Kuasne H, Barros Filho MC, Flores BCT, Pinto CAL, Rainho CA, Soares MBP, Marchi FA, Kowalski LP, Rogatto SR. DNA methylation-based depiction of the immune microenvironment and immune-associated long non-coding RNAs in oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115559. [PMID: 37742611 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115559] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a complex and dynamic disease characterized by clinicopathological and molecular heterogeneity. Spatial and temporal heterogeneity of cell subpopulations has been associated with cancer progression and implicated in the prognosis and therapy response. Emerging evidence indicates that aberrant epigenetic profiles in OSCC may foster an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment by modulating the expression of immune-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). DNA methylation analysis was performed in 46 matched OSCC and normal adjacent tissue samples using a genome-wide platform (Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip). Reference-based computational deconvolution (MethylCIBERSORT) was applied to infer the immune cell composition of the bulk samples. The expression levels of genes encoding immune markers and differentially methylated lncRNAs were investigated using The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset. OSCC specimens presented distinct immune cell composition, including the enrichment of monocyte lineage cells, natural killer cells, cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, regulatory T-lymphocytes, and neutrophils. In contrast, B-lymphocytes, effector T-lymphocytes, and fibroblasts were diminished in tumor samples. The hypomethylation of three immune-associated lncRNAs (MEG3, MIR155HG, and WFDC21P) at individual CpG sites was confirmed by bisulfite-pyrosequencing. Also, the upregulation of a set of immune markers (FOXP3, GZMB, IL10, IL2RA, TGFB, IFNG, TDO2, IDO1, and HIF1A) was detected. The immune cell composition, immune markers alteration, and dysregulation of immune-associated lncRNAs reinforce the impact of the immune microenvironment in OSCC. These concurrent factors contribute to tumor heterogeneity, suggesting that epi-immunotherapy could be an efficient alternative to treat OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiade Calanca
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University Hospital of Southern Denmark-Vejle, Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense 5000, Denmark; Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Lucia Noronha Francisco
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Otorhinolaryngology, A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo 01509-001, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniela Bizinelli
- International Research Center (CIPE), A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo 01508-010, SP, Brazil
| | - Hellen Kuasne
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal H3A1A3, QC, Canada
| | | | - Bianca Campos Troncarelli Flores
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University Hospital of Southern Denmark-Vejle, Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense 5000, Denmark
| | | | - Claudia Aparecida Rainho
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, SP, Brazil
| | - Milena Botelho Pereira Soares
- Health Technology Institute, SENAI CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, BA, Brazil; Gonçalo Moniz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Salvador 40296-710, BA, Brazil
| | - Fabio Albuquerque Marchi
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo 05402-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Luiz Paulo Kowalski
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Otorhinolaryngology, A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo 01509-001, SP, Brazil; Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo 05402-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Silvia Regina Rogatto
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University Hospital of Southern Denmark-Vejle, Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense 5000, Denmark.
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49
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Sindhu R, Supreeth M, Prasad SK, Thanmaya M. Shuttle between arginine and lysine: influence on cancer immunonutrition. Amino Acids 2023; 55:1461-1473. [PMID: 37728630 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-023-03327-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Amino acids which are essential nutrients for all cell types' survival are also recognised to serve as opportunistic/alternative fuels in cancers auxotrophic for specific amino acids. Accordingly, restriction of amino acids has been utilised as a therapeutic strategy in these cancers. Contrastingly, amino acid deficiencies in cancer are found to greatly impair immune functions, increasing mortality and morbidity rates. Dietary and supplemental amino acids in such conditions have revealed their importance as 'immunonutrients' by modulating cellular homeostasis processes and halting malignant progression. L-arginine specifically has attracted interest as an immunonutrient by acting as a nodal regulator of immune responses linked to carcinogenesis processes through its versatile signalling molecule, nitric oxide (NO). The quantum of NO generated directly influences the cytotoxic and cytostatic processes of cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and senescence. However, L-lysine, a CAT transporter competitor for arginine effectively limits arginine input at high L-lysine concentrations by limiting arginine-mediated effects. The phenomenon of arginine-lysine antagonism can, therefore, be hypothesised to influence the immunonutritional effects exerted by arginine. The review highlights aspects of lysine's interference with arginine-mediated NO generation and its consequences on immunonutritional and anti-cancer effects, and discusses possible alternatives to manage the condition. However, further research that considers monitoring lysine levels in arginine immunonutritional therapy is essential to conclude the hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Sindhu
- Department of Microbiology, JSS-Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, 570015, Karnataka, India.
| | - M Supreeth
- Department of Microbiology, JSS-Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - Shashanka K Prasad
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, JSS-Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - M Thanmaya
- Department of Microbiology, JSS-Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, 570015, Karnataka, India
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50
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Hou Y, Zhang H, Zhu Y, He X, Li W, Su L, Liu M, Chen X, Shen F, Chen X, Jiang W, Zou C, Xu Z. Targeting upregulation of the immunosuppressive activity of MDSCs with indirubin as a novel strategy to alleviate psoriasis. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 123:110710. [PMID: 37531829 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110710] [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: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psoriasis is a chronic and incurable skin disorder that causes inflammation. There is an urgent clinical need for new treatments. We identified the natural compound indirubin as a potential potent agent for the treatment of psoriasis, but it's therapeutic effect and underlying mechanisms were not well understood. METHODS Peripheral blood and skin tissues from psoriasis patients and healthy individuals were collected. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to investigate LAT1 expression and associated signal pathways in psoriasis skin lesions. A mouse model of psoriasis was established. Indirubin was administered separately or in combination with MDSCs depletion or adoptively transferred MDSCs. JPH203, rapamycin, siRNA, and NV5138 were further used to investigate the potential mechanism by which indirubin regulates MDSCs. RESULTS Psoriasis patients had increased numbers of MDSCs in their blood and skin lesions, with high expression of Lat1. The upregulation of LAT1 expression and the arginine synthesis pathway was observed in psoriasis skin lesions. The number of MDSCs was increased, while their inhibitory effect on psoriatic T cells was decreased. Indirubin decreased Lat1 expression on the surface of MDSCs, inhibited mTOR pathway activation, upregulated Arg1 expression in MDSCs, and enhanced the immunosuppressive activity of MDSCs while inhibiting CD4+CCR6+ T cells. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates indirubin's pharmacological and therapeutic effects, providing a basis for future clinical application in treating psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Hou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Health Identification and Assessment, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Huimin Zhang
- Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200021, China
| | - Yangzhuangzhuang Zhu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Health Identification and Assessment, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xufeng He
- Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200021, China
| | - Wen Li
- Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200021, China
| | - Lin Su
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Health Identification and Assessment, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Mingxi Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Health Identification and Assessment, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Dermatology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Fang Shen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Dermatology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Health Identification and Assessment, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wencheng Jiang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Dermatology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Shanghai 200443, China.
| | - Chunpu Zou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Health Identification and Assessment, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Zihang Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Health Identification and Assessment, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
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