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Zhao J, Tang X, Zhu H. Chondroitin polymerizing factor (CHPF) promotes the progression of colorectal cancer through ASB2-mediated ubiquitylation of SMAD9. Histol Histopathol 2024; 39:1493-1503. [PMID: 38591191 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Chondroitin polymerizing factor (CHPF) has been reported to play a pivotal role in the progression of multiple cancers, however, the relationship between CHPF and colorectal cancer (CRC) progression has not been fully understood. The current study revealed that CHPF expression was upregulated in patients with CRC and correlated with an unfavorable prognosis. Also, CHPF knockdown effectively suppressed the viability and mobility of CRC cells and the growth of xenograft tumors. Additionally, SMAD9 was identified as a downstream target of CHPF. SMAD9 knockdown successfully abrogated the promotion of CHPF overexpression in CRC progression, indicating that CHPF regulated the development of CRC through SMAD9. Mechanistically, SMAD9 is ubiquitinated by ASB2, and the regulatory effect of CHPF on SMAD9 activity was exerted via its mediation of ASB2. Collectively, CHPF functioned as a promising prognostic biomarker and tumor-promoter of CRC by regulating the ASB2-mediated ubiquitination of SMAD9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Suzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, PR China
| | - Xiaolong Tang
- Department of Oncology, Suzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, PR China
| | - Huijun Zhu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Suzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, PR China.
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2
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Hong Z, Liu F, Zhang Z. Ubiquitin modification in the regulation of tumor immunotherapy resistance mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:91. [PMID: 39223632 PMCID: PMC11367865 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00552-0] [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: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Although immune checkpoint-based cancer immunotherapy has shown significant efficacy in various cancers, resistance still limits its therapeutic effects. Ubiquitination modification is a mechanism that adds different types of ubiquitin chains to proteins, mediating protein degradation or altering their function, thereby affecting cellular signal transduction. Increasing evidence suggests that ubiquitination modification plays a crucial role in regulating the mechanisms of resistance to cancer immunotherapy. Drugs targeting ubiquitination modification pathways have been shown to inhibit tumor progression or enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. This review elaborates on the mechanisms by which tumor cells, immune cells, and the tumor microenvironment mediate resistance to cancer immunotherapy and the details of how ubiquitination modification regulates these mechanisms, providing a foundation for enhancing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy by intervening in ubiquitination modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihang Hong
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Furong Liu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China.
| | - Zhanguo Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China.
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3
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Bahman F, Choudhry K, Al-Rashed F, Al-Mulla F, Sindhu S, Ahmad R. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor: current perspectives on key signaling partners and immunoregulatory role in inflammatory diseases. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1421346. [PMID: 39211042 PMCID: PMC11358079 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1421346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a versatile environmental sensor and transcription factor found throughout the body, responding to a wide range of small molecules originating from the environment, our diets, host microbiomes, and internal metabolic processes. Increasing evidence highlights AhR's role as a critical regulator of numerous biological functions, such as cellular differentiation, immune response, metabolism, and even tumor formation. Typically located in the cytoplasm, AhR moves to the nucleus upon activation by an agonist where it partners with either the aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) or hypoxia-inducible factor 1β (HIF-1β). This complex then interacts with xenobiotic response elements (XREs) to control the expression of key genes. AhR is notably present in various crucial immune cells, and recent research underscores its significant impact on both innate and adaptive immunity. This review delves into the latest insights on AhR's structure, activating ligands, and its multifaceted roles. We explore the sophisticated molecular pathways through which AhR influences immune and lymphoid cells, emphasizing its emerging importance in managing inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, we discuss the exciting potential of developing targeted therapies that modulate AhR activity, opening new avenues for medical intervention in immune-related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemah Bahman
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
| | - Khubaib Choudhry
- Department of Human Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Fatema Al-Rashed
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
| | - Fahd Al-Mulla
- Department of Translational Research, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
| | - Sardar Sindhu
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
- Animal & Imaging Core Facilities, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
| | - Rasheed Ahmad
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
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4
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Gress C, Fuchs M, Carstensen-Aurèche S, Müller M, Hohlfeld JM. Prostaglandin D2 receptor 2 downstream signaling and modulation of type 2 innate lymphoid cells from patients with asthma. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0307750. [PMID: 39052598 PMCID: PMC11271944 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0307750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Increased production of Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) is linked to development and progression of asthma and allergy. PGD2 is rapidly degraded to its metabolites, which initiate type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) migration and IL-5/IL-13 cytokine secretion in a PGD2 receptor 2 (DP2)-dependent manner. Blockade of DP2 has shown therapeutic benefit in subsets of asthma patients. Cellular mechanisms of ILC2 activity in response to PGD2 and its metabolites are still unclear. We hypothesized that ILC2 respond non-uniformly to PGD2 metabolites. ILC2s were isolated from peripheral blood of patients with atopic asthma. ILC2s were stimulated with PGD2 and four PGD2 metabolites (Δ12-PGJ2, Δ12-PGD2, 15-deoxyΔ12,14-PGD2, 9α,11β-PGF2) with or without the selective DP2 antagonist fevipiprant. Total RNA was sequenced, and differentially expressed genes (DEG) were identified by DeSeq2. Differential gene expression analysis revealed an upregulation of pro-inflammatory DEGs in ILC2s stimulated with PGD2 (14 DEGs), Δ12-PGD2 (27 DEGs), 15-deoxyΔ12,14-PGD2 (56 DEGs) and Δ12-PGJ2 (136 DEGs), but not with 9α,11β-PGF2. Common upregulated DEGs were i.e. ARG2, SLC43A2, LAYN, IGFLR1, or EPHX2. Inhibition of DP2 via fevipiprant mainly resulted in downregulation of pro-inflammatory genes such as DUSP4, SPRED2, DUSP6, ETV1, ASB2, CD38, ADGRG1, DDIT4, TRPM2, or CD69. DEGs were related to migration and various immune response-relevant pathways such as "chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 4 production", "cell migration", "interleukin-13 production", "regulation of receptor signaling pathway via JAK-STAT", or "lymphocyte apoptotic process", underlining the pro-inflammatory effects of PGD2 metabolite-induced immune responses in ILC2s as well as the anti-inflammatory effects of DP2 inhibition via fevipiprant. Furthermore, PGD2 and metabolites showed distinct profiles in ILC2 activation. Overall, these results expand our understanding of DP2 initiated ILC2 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Gress
- Fraunhofer Institute of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL-BREATH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Maximilian Fuchs
- Fraunhofer Institute of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Saskia Carstensen-Aurèche
- Fraunhofer Institute of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL-BREATH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Meike Müller
- Fraunhofer Institute of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL-BREATH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Jens M. Hohlfeld
- Fraunhofer Institute of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL-BREATH), Hannover, Germany
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Infectious Disease, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Shead KD, Salyahetdinova V, Baillie GS. Charting the importance of filamin A posttranslational modifications. Biochem J 2024; 481:865-881. [PMID: 38958472 PMCID: PMC11346442 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20240121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Filamin A is an essential protein in the cell cytoskeleton because of its actin binding properties and unique homodimer rod-shaped structure, which organises actin into three-dimensional orthogonal networks imperative to cell motility, spreading and adhesion. Filamin A is subject to extensive posttranslational modification (PTM) which serves to co-ordinate cellular architecture and to modulate its large protein-protein interaction network which is key to the protein's role as a cellular signalling hub. Characterised PTMs include phosphorylation, irreversible cleavage, ubiquitin mediated degradation, hydroxylation and O-GlcNAcylation, with preliminary evidence of tyrosylation, carbonylation and acetylation. Each modification and its relation to filamin A function will be described here. These modifications are often aberrantly applied in a range of diseases including, but not limited to, cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurological disease and we discuss the concept of target specific PTMs with novel therapeutic modalities. In summary, our review represents a topical 'one-stop-shop' that enables understanding of filamin A function in cell homeostasis and provides insight into how a variety of modifications add an extra level of Filamin A control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle D. Shead
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G128QQ, U.K
| | - Veneta Salyahetdinova
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G128QQ, U.K
| | - George S. Baillie
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G128QQ, U.K
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6
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Smitchger JA, Taylor JB, Mousel MR, Schaub D, Thorne JW, Becker GM, Murdoch BM. Genome-wide associations with longevity and reproductive traits in U.S. rangeland ewes. Front Genet 2024; 15:1398123. [PMID: 38859938 PMCID: PMC11163081 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1398123] [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: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Improving ewe longevity is an important breeding and management goal, as death loss and early culling of mature ewes are economic burdens in the sheep industry. Ewe longevity can be improved by selecting for positive reproductive outcomes. However, the breeding approaches for accomplishing this come with the challenge of recording a lifetime trait. Characterizing genetic factors underpinning ewe longevity and related traits could result in the development of genomic selection strategies to improve the stayability of sheep through early, informed selection of replacement ewes. Methods: Towards this aim, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed to identify genetic markers associated with ewe longevity, reproductive, and production traits. Traits evaluated included longevity (i.e., length of time in the flock), parity and the lifetime number of lambs born, lambs born alive, lambs weaned, and weight of lambs weaned. Ewe records from previous studies were used. Specifically, Rambouillet (n = 480), Polypay (n = 404), Suffolk (n = 182), and Columbia (n = 64) breed ewes (N = 1,130) were analyzed against 503,617 SNPs in across-breed and within-breed GWAS conducted with the Bayesian-information and Linkage-disequilibrium Iteratively Nested Keyway (BLINK) model in R. Results: The across-breed GWAS identified 25 significant SNPs and the within-breed GWAS for Rambouillet, Polypay, and Suffolk ewes identified an additional 19 significant SNPs. The most significant markers were rs411309094 (13:22,467,143) associated with longevity in across-breed GWAS (p-value = 8.3E-13) and rs429525276 (2:148,398,336) associated with both longevity (p-value = 6.4E-15) and parity (p-value = 4.8E-15) in Rambouillet GWAS. Significant SNPs were identified within or in proximity (±50 kb) of genes with known or proposed roles in reproduction, dentition, and the immune system. These genes include ALPL, ANOS1, ARHGEF26, ASIC2, ASTN2, ATP8A2, CAMK2D, CEP89, DISC1, ITGB6, KCNH8, MBNL3, MINDY4, MTSS1, PLEKHA7, PRIM2, RNF43, ROBO2, SLCO1A2, TMEM266, TNFRSF21, and ZNF804B. Discussion: This study proposes multiple SNPs as candidates for use in selection indices and suggests genes for further research towards improving understanding of the genetic factors contributing to longevity, reproductive, and production traits of ewes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamin A. Smitchger
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - J. Bret Taylor
- USDA, Agriculture Research Service, Range Sheep Production Efficiency Research Unit, U.S. Sheep Experiment Station, Dubois, ID, United States
| | - Michelle R. Mousel
- Animal Diseases Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Daniel Schaub
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Jacob W. Thorne
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension, San Angelo, TX, United States
| | - Gabrielle M. Becker
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Brenda M. Murdoch
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
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Martin JC, da Silva Fernandes T, Chaudhry KA, Oshi M, Abrams SI, Takabe K, Rosario SR, Bianchi-Smiraglia A. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor suppresses STING-mediated type I IFN expression in triple-negative breast cancer. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5731. [PMID: 38459088 PMCID: PMC10923803 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54732-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive types of cancer. Despite decades of intense investigation, treatment options remain limited, and rapid recurrence with distant metastases remains a significant challenge. Cancer cell-intrinsic production of cytokines such as type I interferons (IFN-I) is a known potent modulator of response to therapy in many cancers, including TNBC, and can influence therapeutic outcome. Here, we report that, in TNBC systems, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) suppresses IFN-I expression via inhibition of STImulator of Interferon Genes (STING), a key mediator of interferon production. Intratumoral STING activity is essential in mediating the efficacy of PARP inhibitors (PARPi) which are used in the treatment of cancers harboring BRCA1 deficiency. We find that, in TNBC cells, PARPi treatment activates AhR in a BRCA1 deficiency-dependent manner, thus suggesting the presence of a negative feedback loop aimed at modulating PARPi efficacy. Importantly, our results indicate that the combined inhibition of PARP and AhR is superior in elevating IFN-I expression as compared to PARPi-alone. Thus, AhR inhibition may allow for enhanced IFN-I production upon PARPi in BRCA1-deficient breast cancers, most of which are of TNBC origin, and may represent a therapeutically viable strategy to enhance PARPi efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey C Martin
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | | | - Kanita A Chaudhry
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Breast Surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Masanori Oshi
- Department of Breast Surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Scott I Abrams
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Kazuaki Takabe
- Department of Breast Surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Spencer R Rosario
- Department of Breast Surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Anna Bianchi-Smiraglia
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA.
- Department of Breast Surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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Li Z, Li S, Xing Z, Gu Q, Du R, Jiang J, Yuan X, Zhang X, Chen X, Xue N, Zhang P, Jin J, Yang Y. Discovery of Natural Ah Receptor Antagonists from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge and Synthesis of Analogs for Tumor Immunotherapy. J Med Chem 2024; 67:1243-1261. [PMID: 38176026 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01740] [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: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
IDO/TDO/Kyn/AhR signaling plays a crucial role in regulating innate and adaptive immunity, and targeting Ah receptor (AhR) inhibition can potentially redirect immune cells toward an antitumoral phenotype. Therefore, AhR is an attractive drug target for novel small molecule cancer immunotherapies. In this study, natural products tanshinolic A-D (1-4), the first adducts composed of ortho-naphthoquinone-type tanshinone and phenolic acid featuring a unique 1,4-benzodioxan hemiacetal structure, were isolated and characterized from the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. Luciferase reporter gene assay revealed that these adducts exhibited significant AhR inhibitory activity. A linear strategy was developed to construct a cis-3,4-disubstituted 1,4-benzodioxan hemiacetal structure. Encouragingly, in both in vitro and in vivo experiments, (±)-13e demonstrated the ability to inhibit tumor cell proliferation, promote INF-γ secretion in CD8+ T cells, and inhibit PD-1/PD-L1 signal transduction, which could exert tumor inhibition properties by inhibiting AhR activity, positioning it as a promising candidate for tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyuan Li
- 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
| | - Shuying Li
- 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
| | - Zeyu Xing
- Department of Breast Cancer, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Quanchang Gu
- 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
| | - Rongrong Du
- 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
| | - Jianshuang Jiang
- 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
| | - Xiang Yuan
- 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
| | - Xu Zhang
- 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
- 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
- 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
| | - Peicheng Zhang
- 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
- 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
| | - Yanan Yang
- 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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Griffith BD, Frankel TL. The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor: Impact on the Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Modulation as a Potential Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:472. [PMID: 38339226 PMCID: PMC10854841 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030472] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ubiquitous nuclear receptor with a broad range of functions, both in tumor cells and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Activation of AhR has been shown to have a carcinogenic effect in a variety of organs, through induction of cellular proliferation and migration, promotion of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and inhibition of apoptosis, among other functions. However, the impact on immune cell function is more complicated, with both pro- and anti-tumorigenic roles identified. Although targeting AhR in cancer has shown significant promise in pre-clinical studies, there has been limited efficacy in phase III clinical trials to date. With the contrasting roles of AhR activation on immune cell polarization, understanding the impact of AhR activation on the tumor immune microenvironment is necessary to guide therapies targeting the AhR. This review article summarizes the state of knowledge of AhR activation on the TME, limitations of current findings, and the potential for modulation of the AhR as a cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian D. Griffith
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Timothy L. Frankel
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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10
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Heinz JL, Swagemakers SMA, von Hofsten J, Helleberg M, Thomsen MM, De Keukeleere K, de Boer JH, Ilginis T, Verjans GMGM, van Hagen PM, van der Spek PJ, Mogensen TH. Whole exome sequencing of patients with varicella-zoster virus and herpes simplex virus induced acute retinal necrosis reveals rare disease-associated genetic variants. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1253040. [PMID: 38025266 PMCID: PMC10630912 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1253040] [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: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) are neurotropic human alphaherpesviruses endemic worldwide. Upon primary infection, both viruses establish lifelong latency in neurons and reactivate intermittently to cause a variety of mild to severe diseases. Acute retinal necrosis (ARN) is a rare, sight-threatening eye disease induced by ocular VZV or HSV infection. The virus and host factors involved in ARN pathogenesis remain incompletely described. We hypothesize an underlying genetic defect in at least part of ARN cases. Methods We collected blood from 17 patients with HSV-or VZV-induced ARN, isolated DNA and performed Whole Exome Sequencing by Illumina followed by analysis in Varseq with criteria of CADD score > 15 and frequency in GnomAD < 0.1% combined with biological filters. Gene modifications relative to healthy control genomes were filtered according to high quality and read-depth, low frequency, high deleteriousness predictions and biological relevance. Results We identified a total of 50 potentially disease-causing genetic variants, including missense, frameshift and splice site variants and on in-frame deletion in 16 of the 17 patients. The vast majority of these genes are involved in innate immunity, followed by adaptive immunity, autophagy, and apoptosis; in several instances variants within a given gene or pathway was identified in several patients. Discussion We propose that the identified variants may contribute to insufficient viral control and increased necrosis ocular disease presentation in the patients and serve as a knowledge base and starting point for the development of improved diagnostic, prophylactic, and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna L. Heinz
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Sigrid M. A. Swagemakers
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Bioinformatics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Joanna von Hofsten
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Ophthalmology, Halland Hospital Halmstad, Halmstad, Sweden
| | - Marie Helleberg
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center of Excellence for Health, Immunity and Infections, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michelle M. Thomsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kerstin De Keukeleere
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Joke H. de Boer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Tomas Ilginis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Georges M. G. M. Verjans
- HerpeslabNL, Department of Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Peter M. van Hagen
- Department of Internal Medicine and Immunology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Peter J. van der Spek
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Bioinformatics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Trine H. Mogensen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Farooqi AA, Rakhmetova V, Kapanova G, Tanbayeva G, Mussakhanova A, Abdykulova A, Ryskulova AG. Role of Ubiquitination and Epigenetics in the Regulation of AhR Signaling in Carcinogenesis and Metastasis: "Albatross around the Neck" or "Blessing in Disguise". Cells 2023; 12:2382. [PMID: 37830596 PMCID: PMC10571945 DOI: 10.3390/cells12192382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms and signal transduction cascades evoked by the activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) are becoming increasingly understandable. AhR is a ligand-activated transcriptional factor that integrates environmental, dietary and metabolic cues for the pleiotropic regulation of a wide variety of mechanisms. AhR mediates transcriptional programming in a ligand-specific, context-specific and cell-type-specific manner. Pioneering cutting-edge research works have provided fascinating new insights into the mechanistic role of AhR-driven downstream signaling in a wide variety of cancers. AhR ligands derived from food, environmental contaminants and intestinal microbiota strategically activated AhR signaling and regulated multiple stages of cancer. Although AhR has classically been viewed and characterized as a ligand-regulated transcriptional factor, its role as a ubiquitin ligase is fascinating. Accordingly, recent evidence has paradigmatically shifted our understanding and urged researchers to drill down deep into these novel and clinically valuable facets of AhR biology. Our rapidly increasing realization related to AhR-mediated regulation of the ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of different proteins has started to scratch the surface of intriguing mechanisms. Furthermore, AhR and epigenome dynamics have shown previously unprecedented complexity during multiple stages of cancer progression. AhR not only transcriptionally regulated epigenetic-associated molecules, but also worked with epigenetic-modifying enzymes during cancer progression. In this review, we have summarized the findings obtained not only from cell-culture studies, but also from animal models. Different clinical trials are currently being conducted using AhR inhibitors and PD-1 inhibitors (Pembrolizumab and nivolumab), which confirm the linchpin role of AhR-related mechanistic details in cancer progression. Therefore, further studies are required to develop a better comprehension of the many-sided and "diametrically opposed" roles of AhR in the regulation of carcinogenesis and metastatic spread of cancer cells to the secondary organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammad Ahmad Farooqi
- Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), Islamabad 54000, Pakistan
| | - Venera Rakhmetova
- Department of Internal Diseases, Medical University of Astana, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Gulnara Kapanova
- Faculty of Medicine and healthcare, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 Al-Farabi Ave, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan (G.T.)
- Scientific Center of Anti-Infectious Drugs, 75 Al-Farabi Ave, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan
| | - Gulnur Tanbayeva
- Faculty of Medicine and healthcare, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 Al-Farabi Ave, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan (G.T.)
| | - Akmaral Mussakhanova
- Department of Public Health and Management, Astana Medical University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan;
| | - Akmaral Abdykulova
- Department of General Medical Practice, General Medicine Faculty, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan;
| | - Alma-Gul Ryskulova
- Department of Public Health and Social Sciences, Kazakhstan Medical University “KSPH”, Utenos Str. 19A, Almaty 050060, Kazakhstan;
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12
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Tan N, Zhao W, Wang Y, Li P, Liu J, Sun Z, Pan J, Song S, Li S, Liu Z, Bian Y. AHR, a novel inhibitory immune checkpoint receptor, is a potential therapeutic target for chemoresistant glioblastoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:9705-9720. [PMID: 37233762 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04894-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: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to elucidate the mechanism underlying temozolomide resistance in patients with MGMT promoter hypomethylated glioblastoma, which is correlated with poor prognosis. The objective is to identify therapeutic targets and drugs suitable for temozolomide-resistant glioblastoma patients using big data analysis. METHODS In this retrospective study, transcriptome sequencing data from 457 glioblastoma patients, multi-omics data, and single-cell sequencing data were employed to assess the expression pattern, prognostic value, and biological functions of AHR in glioblastoma. The HERB database was utilized to screen for AHR-targeted drugs for glioblastoma treatment. Validation of our findings was conducted using multiplex immunofluorescence staining of clinical samples and T cells and tumor cells co-culture models. RESULTS Our findings demonstrated that patients with MGMT promoter unmethylation did not benefit from postoperative temozolomide chemotherapy due to resistance arising from DNA repair function and tumor immune response. AHR was found to be expressed in immune cells and exhibited an immunomodulatory role in glioblastoma with MGMT promoter unmethylation. AHR was identified as a potential novel inhibitory immune checkpoint receptor, serving as a therapeutic target for temozolomide-resistant glioblastoma. Furthermore, targeting AHR with Semen aesculi markedly enhanced the cytotoxic effect of T cells on glioma cells. CONCLUSIONS In addition to DNA repair function, the tumor immune response plays a pivotal role in temozolomide resistance of glioblastoma. Herbal compounds targeting AHR may offer an effective treatment for temozolomide-resistant glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian Tan
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10 Poyanghu Road, West Area, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai District, Tianjin, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wei Zhao
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10 Poyanghu Road, West Area, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai District, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiyang Wang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10 Poyanghu Road, West Area, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai District, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Li
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10 Poyanghu Road, West Area, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai District, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianwei Liu
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10 Poyanghu Road, West Area, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai District, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaoying Sun
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10 Poyanghu Road, West Area, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai District, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianming Pan
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10 Poyanghu Road, West Area, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai District, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Shilin Song
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10 Poyanghu Road, West Area, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai District, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Shunyao Li
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10 Poyanghu Road, West Area, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai District, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziyi Liu
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10 Poyanghu Road, West Area, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai District, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhong Bian
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10 Poyanghu Road, West Area, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai District, Tianjin, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Seo SK, Kwon B. Immune regulation through tryptophan metabolism. Exp Mol Med 2023:10.1038/s12276-023-01028-7. [PMID: 37394584 PMCID: PMC10394086 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01028-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Amino acids are fundamental units of molecular components that are essential for sustaining life; however, their metabolism is closely interconnected to the control systems of cell function. Tryptophan (Trp) is an essential amino acid catabolized by complex metabolic pathways. Several of the resulting Trp metabolites are bioactive and play central roles in physiology and pathophysiology. Additionally, various physiological functions of Trp metabolites are mutually regulated by the gut microbiota and intestine to coordinately maintain intestinal homeostasis and symbiosis under steady state conditions and during the immune response to pathogens and xenotoxins. Cancer and inflammatory diseases are associated with dysbiosis- and host-related aberrant Trp metabolism and inactivation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), which is a receptor of several Trp metabolites. In this review, we focus on the mechanisms through which Trp metabolism converges to AHR activation for the modulation of immune function and restoration of tissue homeostasis and how these processes can be targeted using therapeutic approaches for cancer and inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Kil Seo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine Inje University, Busan, 47392, Republic of Korea.
- Parenchyma Biotech, Busan, 47392, Republic of Korea.
| | - Byungsuk Kwon
- Parenchyma Biotech, Busan, 47392, Republic of Korea.
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Ulsan, Ulsan, 44610, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Huang W, Rui K, Wang X, Peng N, Zhou W, Shi X, Lu L, Hu D, Tian J. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor in immune regulation and autoimmune pathogenesis. J Autoimmun 2023; 138:103049. [PMID: 37229809 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2023.103049] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
As a ligand-activated transcription factor, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is activated by structurally diverse ligands derived from the environment, diet, microorganisms, and metabolic activity. Recent studies have demonstrated that AhR plays a key role in modulating both innate and adaptive immune responses. Moreover, AhR regulates innate immune and lymphoid cell differentiation and function, which is involved in autoimmune pathogenesis. In this review, we discuss recent advances in understanding the mechanism of activation of AhR and its mediated functional regulation in various innate immune and lymphoid cell populations, as well as the immune-regulatory effect of AhR in the development of autoimmune diseases. In addition, we highlight the identification of AhR agonists and antagonists that may serve as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of autoimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Huang
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Ke Rui
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
| | - Xiaomeng Wang
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Na Peng
- Department of Rheumatology and Nephrology, The Second People's Hospital, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Wenhao Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xiaofei Shi
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital and School of Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Liwei Lu
- Department of Pathology and Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong, Chongqing International Institute for Immunology, China
| | - Dajun Hu
- Department of Rheumatology and Nephrology, The Second People's Hospital, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.
| | - Jie Tian
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
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15
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Helm EY, Zhou L. Transcriptional regulation of innate lymphoid cells and T cells by aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1056267. [PMID: 37056785 PMCID: PMC10089284 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1056267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor and facilitates immune cell environmental sensing through its activation by cellular, dietary, and microbial metabolites, as well as environmental toxins. Although expressed in various cell types, Ahr in innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) and their adaptive T cell counterparts regulates essential aspects of their development and function. As opposed to T cells, ILCs exclusively rely on germ-line encoded receptors for activation, but often share expression of core transcription factors and produce shared effector molecules with their T cell counterparts. As such, core modules of transcriptional regulation are both shared and diverge between ILCs and T cells. In this review, we highlight the most recent findings regarding Ahr’s transcriptional regulation of both ILCs and T cells. Furthermore, we focus on insights elucidating the shared and distinct mechanisms by which Ahr regulates both innate and adaptive lymphocytes.
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16
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El-Hajjar M, Gerhardt L, Hong MMY, Krishnamoorthy M, Figueredo R, Zheng X, Koropatnick J, Maleki Vareki S. Inducing mismatch repair deficiency sensitizes immune-cold neuroblastoma to anti-CTLA4 and generates broad anti-tumor immune memory. Mol Ther 2023; 31:535-551. [PMID: 36068918 PMCID: PMC9931548 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.08.025] [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: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade can induce potent and durable responses in patients with highly immunogenic mismatch repair-deficient tumors; however, these drugs are ineffective against immune-cold neuroblastoma tumors. To establish a role for a T cell-based therapy against neuroblastoma, we show that T cell and memory T cell-dependent gene expression are associated with improved survival in high-risk neuroblastoma patients. To stimulate anti-tumor immunity and reproduce this immune phenotype in neuroblastoma tumors, we used CRISPR-Cas9 to knockout MLH1-a crucial molecule in the DNA mismatch repair pathway-to induce mismatch repair deficiency in a poorly immunogenic murine neuroblastoma model. Induced mismatch repair deficiency increased the expression of proinflammatory genes and stimulated T cell infiltration into neuroblastoma tumors. In contrast to adult cancers with induced mismatch repair deficiency, neuroblastoma tumors remained unresponsive to anti-PD1 treatment. However, anti-CTLA4 therapy was highly effective against these tumors. Anti-CTLA4 therapy promoted immune memory and T cell epitope spreading in cured animals. Mechanistically, the effect of anti-CTLA4 therapy against neuroblastoma tumors with induced mismatch repair deficiency is CD4+ T cell dependent, as depletion of these cells abolished the effect. Therefore, a therapeutic strategy involving mismatch repair deficiency-based T cell infiltration of neuroblastoma tumors combined with anti-CTLA4 can serve as a novel T cell-based treatment strategy for neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikal El-Hajjar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, ON, Canada; London Regional Cancer Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Lara Gerhardt
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Megan M Y Hong
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Rene Figueredo
- Department of Oncology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Xiufen Zheng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Department of Oncology, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Department of Surgery, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - James Koropatnick
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Department of Oncology, Western University, London, ON, Canada; London Regional Cancer Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Saman Maleki Vareki
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Department of Oncology, Western University, London, ON, Canada; London Regional Cancer Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada.
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17
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Dean JW, Zhou L. Cell-intrinsic view of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in tumor immunity. Trends Immunol 2022; 43:245-258. [PMID: 35131180 PMCID: PMC8882133 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2022.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Emerging insights into aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr) biology have revealed its key role in regulating mammalian host immunity and tissue homeostasis. Depending on the context, immune cells can play either a pro- or antitumor role in cancer. Ahr has classically been viewed as protumorigenic; however, given recent advances in our understanding of Ahr functions, especially in the immune system, this view requires reassessment. Moreover, given its cell type-specific activity, therapeutic exploitation of the Ahr pathway should be cautiously considered. We describe the function of Ahr in different immune cells, and connect with their roles in cancer immunology. In addition, we discuss clinical perspectives of how recent advances in our understanding of Ahr biology might be therapeutically applied to improve cancer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph W. Dean
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Liang Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
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18
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Kim N, Yi E, Kwon SJ, Park HJ, Kwon HJ, Kim HS. Filamin A Is Required for NK Cell Cytotoxicity at the Expense of Cytokine Production via Synaptic Filamentous Actin Modulation. Front Immunol 2022; 12:792334. [PMID: 35058930 PMCID: PMC8764188 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.792334] [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: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate cytotoxic lymphocytes that efficiently eliminate malignant and virus-infected cells without prior activation via the directed and focused release of lytic granule contents for target cell lysis. This cytolytic process is tightly regulated at discrete checkpoint stages to ensure the selective killing of diseased target cells and is highly dependent on the coordinated regulation of cytoskeletal components. The actin-binding protein filamin crosslinks cortical actin filaments into orthogonal networks and links actin filament webs to cellular membranes to modulate cell migration, adhesion, and signaling. However, its role in the regulation of NK cell functions remains poorly understood. Here, we show that filamin A (FLNa), a filamin isoform with preferential expression in leukocytes, is recruited to the NK cell lytic synapse and is required for NK cell cytotoxicity through the modulation of conjugate formation with target cells, synaptic filamentous actin (F-actin) accumulation, and cytotoxic degranulation, but not granule polarization. Interestingly, we also find that the loss of FLNa augments the target cell-induced expression of IFN-γ and TNF-α by NK cells, correlating with enhanced activation signals such as Ca2+ mobilization, ERK, and NF-κB, and a delayed down-modulation of the NKG2D receptor. Thus, our results identify FLNa as a new regulator of NK cell effector functions during their decision to kill target cells through a balanced regulation of NK cell cytotoxicity vs cytokine production. Moreover, this study implicates the cross-linking/bundling of F-actin mediated by FLNa as a necessary process coordinating optimal NK effector functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayoung Kim
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eunbi Yi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Soon Jae Kwon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyo Jin Park
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyung-Joon Kwon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hun Sik Kim
- Stem Cell Immunomodulation Research Center (SCIRC), University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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