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Yang K, Yi T. Tumor cell stemness in gastrointestinal cancer: regulation and targeted therapy. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 10:1297611. [PMID: 38455361 PMCID: PMC10918437 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1297611] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The cancer stem cells are a rare group of self-renewable cancer cells capable of the initiation, progression, metastasis and recurrence of tumors, and also a key contributor to the therapeutic resistance. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanism of tumor stemness regulation, especially in the gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, is of great importance for targeting CSC and designing novel therapeutic strategies. This review aims to elucidate current advancements in the understanding of CSC regulation, including CSC biomarkers, signaling pathways, and non-coding RNAs. We will also provide a comprehensive view on how the tumor microenvironment (TME) display an overall tumor-promoting effect, including the recruitment and impact of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the establishment of an immunosuppressive milieu, and the induction of angiogenesis and hypoxia. Lastly, this review consolidates mainstream novel therapeutic interventions targeting CSC stemness regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangqi Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tuo Yi
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Li W, Zhou M, Wang L, Huang L, Chen X, Sun X, Liu T. Evaluation of the safety and efficiency of cytotoxic T cell therapy sensitized by tumor antigens original from T-ALL-iPSC in vivo. CANCER INNOVATION 2024; 3:e95. [PMID: 38948536 PMCID: PMC11212296 DOI: 10.1002/cai2.95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Background Since RNA sequencing has shown that induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) share a common antigen profile with tumor cells, cancer vaccines that focus on iPSCs have made promising progress in recent years. Previously, we showed that iPSCs derived from leukemic cells of patients with primary T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) have a gene expression profile similar to that of T-ALL cell lines. Methods Mice with T-ALL were treated with dendritic and T (DC-T) cells loaded with intact and complete antigens from T-ALL-derived iPSCs (T-ALL-iPSCs). We evaluated the safety and antitumor efficiency of autologous tumor-derived iPSC antigens by flow cytometry, cytokine release assay, acute toxicity experiments, long-term toxicity experiments, and other methods. Results Our results indicate that complete tumor antigens from T-ALL-iPSCs could inhibit the growth of inoculated tumors in immunocompromised mice without causing acute and long-term toxicity. Conclusion T-ALL-iPSC-based treatment is safe and can be used as a potential strategy for leukemia immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiran Li
- Department of Tumor Immunotherapy, Shenzhen Luohu People's HospitalThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhenGuangdongChina
- Cell Quality Testing Laboratory of Shenzhen Luohu Hospital GroupShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Meiling Zhou
- Department of Tumor Immunotherapy, Shenzhen Luohu People's HospitalThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhenGuangdongChina
- Cell Quality Testing Laboratory of Shenzhen Luohu Hospital GroupShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Tumor Immunotherapy, Shenzhen Luohu People's HospitalThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhenGuangdongChina
- Cell Quality Testing Laboratory of Shenzhen Luohu Hospital GroupShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Liying Huang
- Department of Tumor Immunotherapy, Shenzhen Luohu People's HospitalThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Xuemei Chen
- Department of Tumor Immunotherapy, Shenzhen Luohu People's HospitalThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhenGuangdongChina
- Cell Quality Testing Laboratory of Shenzhen Luohu Hospital GroupShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Xizhuo Sun
- Department of Tumor Immunotherapy, Shenzhen Luohu People's HospitalThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Tumor Immunotherapy, Shenzhen Luohu People's HospitalThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhenGuangdongChina
- Cell Quality Testing Laboratory of Shenzhen Luohu Hospital GroupShenzhenGuangdongChina
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Tian X, Wang T, Shen H, Wang S. Tumor microenvironment, histone modifications, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2023; 74:108-121. [PMID: 37598011 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2023.08.002] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are important components of the tumor microenvironment (TME), which drive the tumor immune escape by inducing immunosuppression. The expansion and function of MDSCs are tightly associated with signaling pathways induced by molecules from tumor cells, stromal cells, and activated immune cells in the TME. Although these pathways have been well-characterized, the understanding of the epigenetic regulators involved is incomplete. Since histone modifications are the most studied epigenetic changes in MDSCs, we summarize current knowledge on the role of histone modifications in MDSCs within this review. We first discuss the influence of the TME on histone modifications in MDSCs, with an emphasis on histone modifications and modifiers that direct MDSC differentiation and function. Furthermore, we highlight current epigenetic interventions that can reverse MDSC-induced immunosuppression by modulating histone modifications and discuss future research directions to fully appreciate the role of histone modifications in MDSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Tian
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China; Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Han Shen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.
| | - Shengjun Wang
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
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He R, Weng Z, Liu Y, Li B, Wang W, Meng W, Li B, Li L. Application of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in Malignant Solid Tumors. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023; 19:2557-2575. [PMID: 37755647 PMCID: PMC10661832 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10633-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
In the past decade, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) technology has significantly progressed in studying malignant solid tumors. This technically feasible reprogramming techniques can reawaken sequestered dormant regions that regulate the fate of differentiated cells. Despite the evolving therapeutic modalities for malignant solid tumors, treatment outcomes have not been satisfactory. Recently, scientists attempted to apply induced pluripotent stem cell technology to cancer research, from modeling to treatment. Induced pluripotent stem cells derived from somatic cells, cancer cell lines, primary tumors, and individuals with an inherited propensity to develop cancer have shown great potential in cancer modeling, cell therapy, immunotherapy, and understanding tumor progression. This review summarizes the evolution of induced pluripotent stem cells technology and its applications in malignant solid tumor. Additionally, we discuss potential obstacles to induced pluripotent stem cell technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong He
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhijie Weng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunkun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bingzhi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenxuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wanrong Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Longjiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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Kaczmarek M, Poznańska J, Fechner F, Michalska N, Paszkowska S, Napierała A, Mackiewicz A. Cancer Vaccine Therapeutics: Limitations and Effectiveness-A Literature Review. Cells 2023; 12:2159. [PMID: 37681891 PMCID: PMC10486481 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in tumor microenvironment-associated cancer vaccine therapies. These innovative treatments aim to activate and enhance the body's natural immune response against cancer cells by utilizing specific antigens present in the tumor microenvironment. The goal is to achieve a complete clinical response, where all measurable cancer cells are either eliminated or greatly reduced in size. With their potential to revolutionize cancer treatment, these therapies represent a promising avenue for researchers and clinicians alike. Despite over 100 years of research, the success of therapeutic cancer vaccines has been variable, particularly in advanced cancer patients, with various limitations, including the heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment, the presence of immunosuppressive cells, and the potential for tumor escape mechanisms. Additionally, the effectiveness of these therapies may be limited by the variability of the patient's immune system response and the difficulty in identifying appropriate antigens for each patient. Despite these challenges, tumor microenvironment-targeted vaccine cancer therapies have shown promising results in preclinical and clinical studies and have the potential to become a valuable addition to current cancer treatment and "curative" options. While chemotherapeutic and monoclonal antibody treatments remain popular, ongoing research is needed to optimize the design and delivery of these therapies and to identify biomarkers that can predict response and guide patient selection. This comprehensive review explores the mechanisms of cancer vaccines, various delivery methods, and the role of adjuvants in improving treatment outcomes. It also discusses the historical background of cancer vaccine research and examines the current state of major cancer vaccination immunotherapies. Furthermore, the limitations and effectiveness of each vaccine type are analyzed, providing insights into the future of cancer vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariusz Kaczmarek
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-866 Poznań, Poland
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Center, 61-866 Poznań, Poland
| | - Justyna Poznańska
- Scientific Society of Cancer Immunology, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 61-866 Poznań, Poland; (J.P.)
| | - Filip Fechner
- Scientific Society of Cancer Immunology, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 61-866 Poznań, Poland; (J.P.)
| | - Natasza Michalska
- Scientific Society of Cancer Immunology, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 61-866 Poznań, Poland; (J.P.)
| | - Sara Paszkowska
- Scientific Society of Cancer Immunology, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 61-866 Poznań, Poland; (J.P.)
| | - Adrianna Napierała
- Scientific Society of Cancer Immunology, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 61-866 Poznań, Poland; (J.P.)
| | - Andrzej Mackiewicz
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-866 Poznań, Poland
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Center, 61-866 Poznań, Poland
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Ruiu R, Di Lorenzo A, Cavallo F, Conti L. Are Cancer Stem Cells a Suitable Target for Breast Cancer Immunotherapy? Front Oncol 2022; 12:877384. [PMID: 35530300 PMCID: PMC9069673 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.877384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is substantial evidence to suggest that complete tumor eradication relies on the effective elimination of cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs have been widely described as mediators of resistance to conventional therapies, including chemo- and radiotherapy, as well as of tumor metastasization and relapse in different tumor types, including breast cancer. However, the resistant phenotype of CSCs makes their targeting a tough task, and immunotherapy may therefore be an interesting option. Nevertheless, although immunotherapeutic approaches to cancer treatment have generated great enthusiasm due to recent success in clinics, breast cancer treatment mostly relies on standard approaches. In this context, we review the existing literature on the immunological properties of breast CSC and immunotherapeutic approaches to them. We will thus attempt to clarify whether there is room for the immunotargeting of breast CSCs in the current landscape of breast cancer therapies. Finally, we will provide our opinion on the CSC-targeting immunotherapeutic strategies that could prospectively be attempted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Federica Cavallo
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Cai Y, He Q, Liu W, Liang Q, Peng B, Li J, Zhang W, Kang F, Hong Q, Yan Y, Peng J, Xu Z, Bai N. Comprehensive analysis of the potential cuproptosis-related biomarker LIAS that regulates prognosis and immunotherapy of pan-cancers. Front Oncol 2022; 12:952129. [PMID: 35982953 PMCID: PMC9379260 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.952129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipoic acid synthetase (LIAS) has been demonstrated to play a crucial role in the progression of cancer. Exploring the underlying mechanisms and biological functions of LIAS could have potential therapeutic guidance for cancer treatment. Our study has explored the expression levels and prognostic values of LIAS in pan-cancer through several bioinformatics platforms, including TIMER2.0, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis, version 2 (GEPIA2.0), and Human Protein Atlas (HPA). We found that a high LIAS expression was related to the good prognosis in patients with kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), rectum adenocarcinoma (READ), breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. Inversely, a high LIAS expression showed unfavorable prognosis in lung cancer patients. In addition, the genetic alteration, methylation levels, and immune analysis of LIAS in pan-cancer have been evaluated. To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism of LIAS, we conduct the single-cell sequencing to implicate that LIAS expression was related to hypoxia, angiogenesis, and DNA repair. Thus, these comprehensive pan-cancer analyses have conveyed that LIAS could be potentially significant in the progression of various cancers. Moreover, the LIAS expression could predict the efficacy of immunotherapy in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Cai
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Changde Hospital, Changde, China
| | - Qingchun He
- Department of Emergency, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Emergency, Xiangya Changde Hospital, Changde, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Hospital University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Qiuju Liang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bi Peng
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jianbo Li
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Changde Hospital, Changde, China
| | - Wenqin Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Changde Hospital, Changde, China
| | - Fanhua Kang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Changde Hospital, Changde, China
| | - Qianhui Hong
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Changde Hospital, Changde, China
| | - Yuanliang Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jinwu Peng
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Changde Hospital, Changde, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Ning Bai, ; Jinwu Peng,
| | - Zhijie Xu
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Changde Hospital, Changde, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ning Bai
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Ning Bai, ; Jinwu Peng,
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