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Sheva K, Roy Chowdhury S, Kravchenko-Balasha N, Meirovitz A. Molecular Changes in Breast Cancer Induced by Radiation Therapy. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2024; 120:465-481. [PMID: 38508467 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2024.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Breast cancer treatments are based on prognostic clinicopathologic features that form the basis for therapeutic guidelines. Although the utilization of these guidelines has decreased breast cancer-associated mortality rates over the past three decades, they are not adequate for individualized therapy. Radiation therapy (RT) is the backbone of breast cancer treatment. Although a highly successful therapeutic modality clinically, from a biological perspective, preclinical studies have shown RT to have the potential to alter tumor cell phenotype, immunogenicity, and the surrounding microenvironment, potentially changing the behavior of cancer cells and resulting in a significant variation in RT response. This review presents the recent advances in revealing the complex molecular changes induced by RT in the treatment of breast cancer and highlights the complexities of translating this information into clinically relevant tools for improved prognostic insights and the revelation of novel approaches for optimizing RT. METHODS AND MATERIALS Current literature was reviewed with a focus on recent advances made in the elucidation of tumor-associated radiation-induced molecular changes across molecular, genetic, and proteomic bases. This review was structured with the aim of providing an up-to-date overview over the very broad and complex subject matter of radiation-induced molecular changes and radioresistance, familiarizing the reader with the broader issue at hand. RESULTS The subject of radiation-induced molecular changes in breast cancer has been broached from various physiological focal points including that of the immune system, immunogenicity and the abscopal effect, tumor hypoxia, breast cancer classification and subtyping, molecular heterogeneity, and molecular plasticity. It is becoming increasingly apparent that breast cancer clinical subtyping alone does not adequately account for variation in RT response or radioresistance. Multiple components of the tumor microenvironment and immune system, delivered RT dose and fractionation schedules, radiation-induced bystander effects, and intrinsic tumor physiology and heterogeneity all contribute to the resultant RT outcome. CONCLUSIONS Despite recent advances and improvements in anticancer therapies, tumor resistance remains a significant challenge. As new analytical techniques and technologies continue to provide crucial insight into the complex molecular mechanisms of breast cancer and its treatment responses, it is becoming more evident that personalized anticancer treatment regimens may be vital in overcoming radioresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Sheva
- The Legacy Heritage Oncology Center & Dr Larry Norton Institute, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Faculty of Medicine, Be'er Sheva, Israel.
| | - Sangita Roy Chowdhury
- The Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nataly Kravchenko-Balasha
- The Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Amichay Meirovitz
- The Legacy Heritage Oncology Center & Dr Larry Norton Institute, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Faculty of Medicine, Be'er Sheva, Israel.
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2
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Malik S, Sureka N, Ahuja S, Aden D, Zaheer S, Zaheer S. Tumor-associated macrophages: A sentinel of innate immune system in tumor microenvironment gone haywire. Cell Biol Int 2024. [PMID: 39054741 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12226] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a critical determinant in the initiation, progression, and treatment outcomes of various cancers. Comprising of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), immune cells, blood vessels, and signaling molecules, the TME is often likened to the soil supporting the seed (tumor). Among its constituents, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a pivotal role, exhibiting a dual nature as both promoters and inhibitors of tumor growth. This review explores the intricate relationship between TAMs and the TME, emphasizing their diverse functions, from phagocytosis and tissue repair to modulating immune responses. The plasticity of TAMs is highlighted, showcasing their ability to adopt either protumorigenic or anti-tumorigenic phenotypes based on environmental cues. In the context of cancer, TAMs' pro-tumorigenic activities include promoting angiogenesis, inhibiting immune responses, and fostering metastasis. The manuscript delves into therapeutic strategies targeting TAMs, emphasizing the challenges faced in depleting or inhibiting TAMs due to their multifaceted roles. The focus shifts towards reprogramming TAMs to an anti-tumorigenic M1-like phenotype, exploring interventions such as interferons, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and small molecule modulators. Noteworthy advancements include the use of CSF1R inhibitors, CD40 agonists, and CD47 blockade, demonstrating promising results in preclinical and clinical settings. A significant section is dedicated to Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) technology in macrophages (CAR-M cells). While CAR-T cells have shown success in hematological malignancies, their efficacy in solid tumors has been limited. CAR-M cells, engineered to infiltrate solid tumors, are presented as a potential breakthrough, with a focus on their development, challenges, and promising outcomes. The manuscript concludes with the exploration of third-generation CAR-M technology, offering insight into in-vivo reprogramming and nonviral vector approaches. In conclusion, understanding the complex and dynamic role of TAMs in cancer is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies. While early-stage TAM-targeted therapies show promise, further extensive research and larger clinical trials are warranted to optimize their targeting and improve overall cancer treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaivy Malik
- Department of Pathology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Niti Sureka
- Department of Pathology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Sana Ahuja
- Department of Pathology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Durre Aden
- Department of Pathology, Hamdard Institute of Medical Science and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Samreen Zaheer
- Department of Radiotherapy, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, AMU, Aligarh, India
| | - Sufian Zaheer
- Department of Pathology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, New Delhi, India
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3
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Chen K, Liu ML, Wang JC, Fang S. CAR-macrophage versus CAR-T for solid tumors: The race between a rising star and a superstar. BIOMOLECULES & BIOMEDICINE 2024; 24:465-476. [PMID: 37877819 PMCID: PMC11088881 DOI: 10.17305/bb.2023.9675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) has been demonstrated to be one of the most promising cancer immunotherapy strategies due to its active antitumor capabilities in vivo. Engineering T cells to overexpress chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), for example, has shown potent efficacy in the therapy of some hematologic malignancies. However, the efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy against solid tumors is still limited due to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) of solid tumors, difficulty in infiltrating tumor sites, lack of tumor-specific antigens, antigen escape, and severe side effects. In contrast, macrophages expressing CARs (CAR-macrophages) have emerged as another promising candidate in immunotherapy, particularly for solid tumors. Now at its nascent stage (with only one clinical trial progressing), CAR-macrophage still shows inspiring potential advantages over CAR-T in treating solid tumors, including more abundant antitumor mechanisms and better infiltration into tumors. In this review, we discuss the relationships and differences between CAR-T and CAR-macrophage therapies in terms of their CAR structures, antitumor mechanisms, challenges faced in treating solid tumors, and insights gleaned from clinical trials and practice for solid tumors. We especially highlight the potential advantages of CAR-macrophage therapy over CAR-T for solid tumors. Understanding these relationships and differences provides new insight into possible optimization strategies of both these two therapies in solid tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Chen
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Min-ling Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jian-cheng Wang
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shuo Fang
- Department of Oncology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
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4
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Watson SS, Duc B, Kang Z, de Tonnac A, Eling N, Font L, Whitmarsh T, Massara M, Bodenmiller B, Hausser J, Joyce JA. Microenvironmental reorganization in brain tumors following radiotherapy and recurrence revealed by hyperplexed immunofluorescence imaging. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3226. [PMID: 38622132 PMCID: PMC11018859 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47185-9] [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: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment plays a crucial role in determining response to treatment. This involves a series of interconnected changes in the cellular landscape, spatial organization, and extracellular matrix composition. However, assessing these alterations simultaneously is challenging from a spatial perspective, due to the limitations of current high-dimensional imaging techniques and the extent of intratumoral heterogeneity over large lesion areas. In this study, we introduce a spatial proteomic workflow termed Hyperplexed Immunofluorescence Imaging (HIFI) that overcomes these limitations. HIFI allows for the simultaneous analysis of > 45 markers in fragile tissue sections at high magnification, using a cost-effective high-throughput workflow. We integrate HIFI with machine learning feature detection, graph-based network analysis, and cluster-based neighborhood analysis to analyze the microenvironment response to radiation therapy in a preclinical model of glioblastoma, and compare this response to a mouse model of breast-to-brain metastasis. Here we show that glioblastomas undergo extensive spatial reorganization of immune cell populations and structural architecture in response to treatment, while brain metastases show no comparable reorganization. Our integrated spatial analyses reveal highly divergent responses to radiation therapy between brain tumor models, despite equivalent radiotherapy benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer S Watson
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, 1011, Switzerland.
- L. Lundin and Family Brain Tumor Research Center, Departments of Oncology and Clinical Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, 1011, Switzerland.
| | - Benoit Duc
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, 1011, Switzerland
- L. Lundin and Family Brain Tumor Research Center, Departments of Oncology and Clinical Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, 1011, Switzerland
| | - Ziqi Kang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet and SciLifeLab, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Axel de Tonnac
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet and SciLifeLab, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nils Eling
- Department of Quantitative Biomedicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laure Font
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- École Polytechnique Fédérale Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tristan Whitmarsh
- Machine Intelligence Laboratory, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Matteo Massara
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, 1011, Switzerland
- L. Lundin and Family Brain Tumor Research Center, Departments of Oncology and Clinical Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, 1011, Switzerland
| | - Bernd Bodenmiller
- Department of Quantitative Biomedicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jean Hausser
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet and SciLifeLab, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johanna A Joyce
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, 1011, Switzerland.
- L. Lundin and Family Brain Tumor Research Center, Departments of Oncology and Clinical Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, 1011, Switzerland.
- Cancer Research UK, Cancer Grand Challenges iMAXT Consortium, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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5
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Shurin MR, Kirichenko VA, Shurin GV, Lee D, Crane C, Kirichenko AV. Radiomodulating Properties of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticle (SPION) Agent Ferumoxytol on Human Monocytes: Implications for MRI-Guided Liver Radiotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1318. [PMID: 38610996 PMCID: PMC11011128 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071318] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) have attracted great attention not only for therapeutic applications but also as an alternative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent that helps visualize liver tumors during MRI-guided stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). SPION can provide functional imaging of liver parenchyma based upon its uptake by the hepatic resident macrophages or Kupffer cells with a relative enhancement of malignant tumors that lack Kupffer cells. However, the radiomodulating properties of SPION on liver macrophages are not known. Utilizing human monocytic THP-1 undifferentiated and differentiated cells, we characterized the effect of ferumoxytol (Feraheme®), a carbohydrate-coated ultrasmall SPION agent at clinically relevant concentration and therapeutically relevant doses of gamma radiation on cultured cells in vitro. We showed that ferumoxytol affected both monocytes and macrophages, increased the resistance of monocytes to radiation-induced cell death and inhibition of cell activity, and supported the anti-inflammatory phenotype of human macrophages under radiation. Its effect on human cells depended on the duration of SPION uptake and was radiation dose-dependent. The results of this pilot study support a strong mechanism-based optimization of SPION-enhanced MRI-guided liver SBRT for primary and metastatic liver tumors, especially in patients with liver cirrhosis awaiting a liver transplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R. Shurin
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
| | - Vladimir A. Kirichenko
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA; (V.A.K.); (D.L.)
| | - Galina V. Shurin
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
| | - Danny Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA; (V.A.K.); (D.L.)
| | - Christopher Crane
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Alexander V. Kirichenko
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA; (V.A.K.); (D.L.)
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6
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Reichardt CM, Muñoz-Becerra M, Rius Rigau A, Rückert M, Fietkau R, Schett G, Gaipl US, Frey B, Muñoz LE. Neutrophils seeking new neighbors: radiotherapy affects the cellular framework and the spatial organization in a murine breast cancer model. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:67. [PMID: 38430241 PMCID: PMC10908631 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03653-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Neutrophils are known to contribute in many aspects of tumor progression and metastasis. The presence of neutrophils or neutrophil-derived mediators in the tumor microenvironment has been associated with poor prognosis in several types of solid tumors. However, the effects of classical cancer treatments such as radiation therapy on neutrophils are poorly understood. Furthermore, the cellular composition and distribution of immune cells in the tumor is of increasing interest in cancer research and new imaging technologies allow to perform more complex spatial analyses within tumor tissues. Therefore, we aim to offer novel insight into intra-tumoral formation of cellular neighborhoods and communities in murine breast cancer. To address this question, we performed image mass cytometry on tumors of the TS/A breast cancer tumor model, performed spatial neighborhood analyses of the tumor microenvironment and quantified neutrophil-extracellular trap degradation products in serum of the mice. We show that irradiation with 2 × 8 Gy significantly alters the cellular composition and spatial organization in the tumor, especially regarding neutrophils and other cells of the myeloid lineage. Locally applied radiotherapy further affects neutrophils in a systemic manner by decreasing the serum neutrophil extracellular trap concentrations which correlates positively with survival. In addition, the intercellular cohesion is maintained due to radiotherapy as shown by E-Cadherin expression. Radiotherapy, therefore, might affect the epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in tumors and thus prevent metastasis. Our findings underscore the growing importance of the spatial organization of the tumor microenvironment, particularly with respect to radiotherapy, and provide insight into potential mechanisms by which radiotherapy affects epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity and tumor metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Reichardt
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Ulmenweg 18, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Für Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - M Muñoz-Becerra
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Ulmenweg 18, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Für Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - A Rius Rigau
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Ulmenweg 18, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Für Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - M Rückert
- Translational Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany
| | - R Fietkau
- Deutsches Zentrum Für Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany
| | - G Schett
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Ulmenweg 18, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Für Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - U S Gaipl
- Deutsches Zentrum Für Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Translational Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany
| | - B Frey
- Deutsches Zentrum Für Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Translational Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany
| | - L E Muñoz
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Ulmenweg 18, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
- Deutsches Zentrum Für Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.
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Tesson M, Stevenson K, Karim SA, Nixon C, Chalmers AJ, Sansom OJ, O'Neill E, Jones K, Morton JP. Targeted irradiation in an autochthonous mouse model of pancreatic cancer. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050463. [PMID: 38421046 PMCID: PMC10958199 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050463] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The value of radiotherapy in the treatment of pancreatic cancer has been the subject of much debate but limited preclinical research. We hypothesise that the poor translation of radiation research into clinical trials of radiotherapy in pancreatic cancer is due, in part, to inadequate preclinical study models. Here, we developed and refined methods for targeted irradiation in autochthonous mouse models of pancreatic cancer, using a small animal radiotherapy research platform. We tested and optimised strategies for administration of contrast agents, iohexol and the liver imaging agent Fenestra LC, to enable the use of computed tomography imaging in tumour localisation. We demonstrate accurate tumour targeting, negligible off-target effects and therapeutic efficacy, depending on dose, number of fractions and tumour size, and provide a proof of concept that precise radiation can be delivered effectively to mouse pancreatic tumours with a clinically relevant microenvironment. This advance will allow investigation of the radiation response in murine pancreatic cancer, discovery of mechanisms and biomarkers of radiosensitivity or resistance, and development of radiosensitising strategies to inform clinical trials for precision radiotherapy in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katrina Stevenson
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | | | - Colin Nixon
- CRUK Scotland Institute, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | | | - Owen J. Sansom
- CRUK Scotland Institute, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Eric O'Neill
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Keaton Jones
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Jennifer P. Morton
- CRUK Scotland Institute, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
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8
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Cornice J, Verzella D, Arboretto P, Vecchiotti D, Capece D, Zazzeroni F, Franzoso G. NF-κB: Governing Macrophages in Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:197. [PMID: 38397187 PMCID: PMC10888451 DOI: 10.3390/genes15020197] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the major component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), where they sustain tumor progression and or-tumor immunity. Due to their plasticity, macrophages can exhibit anti- or pro-tumor functions through the expression of different gene sets leading to distinct macrophage phenotypes: M1-like or pro-inflammatory and M2-like or anti-inflammatory. NF-κB transcription factors are central regulators of TAMs in cancers, where they often drive macrophage polarization toward an M2-like phenotype. Therefore, the NF-κB pathway is an attractive therapeutic target for cancer immunotherapy in a wide range of human tumors. Hence, targeting NF-κB pathway in the myeloid compartment is a potential clinical strategy to overcome microenvironment-induced immunosuppression and increase anti-tumor immunity. In this review, we discuss the role of NF-κB as a key driver of macrophage functions in tumors as well as the principal strategies to overcome tumor immunosuppression by targeting the NF-κB pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Cornice
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; (J.C.); (P.A.)
| | - Daniela Verzella
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (D.V.); (D.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Paola Arboretto
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; (J.C.); (P.A.)
| | - Davide Vecchiotti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (D.V.); (D.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Daria Capece
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (D.V.); (D.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Francesca Zazzeroni
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (D.V.); (D.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Guido Franzoso
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; (J.C.); (P.A.)
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9
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Peng X, Zheng J, Liu T, Zhou Z, Song C, Geng Y, Wang Z, Huang Y. Tumor Microenvironment Heterogeneity, Potential Therapeutic Avenues, and Emerging Therapies. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2024; 24:288-307. [PMID: 37537777 DOI: 10.2174/1568009623666230712095021] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This review describes the comprehensive portrait of tumor microenvironment (TME). Additionally, we provided a panoramic perspective on the transformation and functions of the diverse constituents in TME, and the underlying mechanisms of drug resistance, beginning with the immune cells and metabolic dynamics within TME. Lastly, we summarized the most auspicious potential therapeutic strategies. RESULTS TME is a unique realm crafted by malignant cells to withstand the onslaught of endogenous and exogenous therapies. Recent research has revealed many small-molecule immunotherapies exhibiting auspicious outcomes in preclinical investigations. Furthermore, some pro-immune mechanisms have emerged as a potential avenue. With the advent of nanosystems and precision targeting, targeted therapy has now transcended the "comfort zone" erected by cancer cells within TME. CONCLUSION The ceaseless metamorphosis of TME fosters the intransigent resilience and proliferation of tumors. However, existing therapies have yet to surmount the formidable obstacles posed by TME. Therefore, scientists should investigate potential avenues for therapeutic intervention and design innovative pharmacological and clinical technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xintong Peng
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Jingfan Zheng
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Tianzi Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Ziwen Zhou
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Chen Song
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yan Geng
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Zichuan Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
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Yang H, Howerton B, Brown L, Izumi T, Cheek D, Brandon JA, Marti F, Gedaly R, Adatorwovor R, Chapelin F. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Macrophage Response to Radiation Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5874. [PMID: 38136418 PMCID: PMC10742077 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245874] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive imaging modality which, in conjunction with biopsies, provide a qualitative assessment of tumor response to treatment. Intravenous injection of contrast agents such as fluorine (19F) nanoemulsions labels systemic macrophages, which can, then, be tracked in real time with MRI. This method can provide quantifiable insights into the behavior of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the tumor microenvironment and macrophage recruitment during therapy. METHODS Female mice received mammary fat pad injections of murine breast or colon cancer cell lines. The mice then received an intravenous 19F nanoemulsion injection, followed by a baseline 19F MRI. For each cancer model, half of the mice then received 8 Gy of localized radiation therapy (RT), while others remained untreated. The mice were monitored for two weeks for tumor growth and 9F signal using MRI. RESULTS Across both cohorts, the RT-treated groups presented significant tumor growth reduction or arrest, contrary to the untreated groups. Similarly, the fluorine signal in treated groups increased significantly as early as four days post therapy. The fluorine signal change correlated to tumor volumes irrespective of time. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate the potential of 19F MRI to non-invasively track macrophages during radiation therapy and its prognostic value with regard to tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison Yang
- F. Joseph Halcomb III, M.D. Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA; (H.Y.); (L.B.)
| | - Brock Howerton
- Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | - Logan Brown
- F. Joseph Halcomb III, M.D. Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA; (H.Y.); (L.B.)
| | - Tadahide Izumi
- Lucille Parker Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (T.I.); (F.M.); (R.G.)
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Dennis Cheek
- Department of Radiation Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA;
| | - J. Anthony Brandon
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40508, USA;
| | - Francesc Marti
- Lucille Parker Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (T.I.); (F.M.); (R.G.)
- Department of Surgery, Transplant Division, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Roberto Gedaly
- Lucille Parker Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (T.I.); (F.M.); (R.G.)
- Department of Surgery, Transplant Division, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Reuben Adatorwovor
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA;
| | - Fanny Chapelin
- Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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11
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Patysheva MR, Prostakishina EA, Budnitskaya AA, Bragina OD, Kzhyshkowska JG. Dual-Specificity Phosphatases in Regulation of Tumor-Associated Macrophage Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17542. [PMID: 38139370 PMCID: PMC10743672 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417542] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The regulation of protein kinases by dephosphorylation is a key mechanism that defines the activity of immune cells. A balanced process of the phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of key protein kinases by dual-specificity phosphatases is required for the realization of the antitumor immune response. The family of dual-specificity phosphatases is represented by several isoforms found in both resting and activated macrophages. The main substrate of dual-specificity phosphatases are three components of mitogen-activated kinase signaling cascades: the extracellular signal-regulated kinase ERK1/2, p38, and Janus kinase family. The results of the study of model tumor-associated macrophages supported the assumption of the crucial role of dual-specificity phosphatases in the formation and determination of the outcome of the immune response against tumor cells through the selective suppression of mitogen-activated kinase signaling cascades. Since mitogen-activated kinases mostly activate the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and the antitumor function of macrophages, the excess activity of dual-specificity phosphatases suppresses the ability of tumor-associated macrophages to activate the antitumor immune response. Nowadays, the fundamental research in tumor immunology is focused on the search for novel molecular targets to activate the antitumor immune response. However, to date, dual-specificity phosphatases received limited discussion as key targets of the immune system to activate the antitumor immune response. This review discusses the importance of dual-specificity phosphatases as key regulators of the tumor-associated macrophage function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina R. Patysheva
- Laboratory of Translational Cellular and Molecular Biomedicine, National Research Tomsk State University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (M.R.P.); (E.A.P.); (A.A.B.)
- Laboratory of Cancer Progression Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, 634009 Tomsk, Russia;
| | - Elizaveta A. Prostakishina
- Laboratory of Translational Cellular and Molecular Biomedicine, National Research Tomsk State University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (M.R.P.); (E.A.P.); (A.A.B.)
- Laboratory of Cancer Progression Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, 634009 Tomsk, Russia;
| | - Arina A. Budnitskaya
- Laboratory of Translational Cellular and Molecular Biomedicine, National Research Tomsk State University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (M.R.P.); (E.A.P.); (A.A.B.)
- Laboratory of Genetic Technologies, Siberian State Medical University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
| | - Olga D. Bragina
- Laboratory of Cancer Progression Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, 634009 Tomsk, Russia;
| | - Julia G. Kzhyshkowska
- Laboratory of Translational Cellular and Molecular Biomedicine, National Research Tomsk State University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (M.R.P.); (E.A.P.); (A.A.B.)
- Laboratory of Genetic Technologies, Siberian State Medical University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Immunology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim Institute of Innate Immunosciences (MI3), University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
- German Red Cross Blood Service Baden-Württemberg—Hessen, 69117 Mannheim, Germany
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12
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Hadiloo K, Taremi S, Heidari M, Esmaeilzadeh A. The CAR macrophage cells, a novel generation of chimeric antigen-based approach against solid tumors. Biomark Res 2023; 11:103. [PMID: 38017494 PMCID: PMC10685521 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00537-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Today, adoptive cell therapy has many successes in cancer therapy, and this subject is brilliant in using chimeric antigen receptor T cells. The CAR T cell therapy, with its FDA-approved drugs, could treat several types of hematological malignancies and thus be very attractive for treating solid cancer. Unfortunately, the CAR T cell cannot be very functional in solid cancers due to its unique features. This treatment method has several harmful adverse effects that limit their applications, so novel treatments must use new cells like NK cells, NKT cells, and macrophage cells. Among these cells, the CAR macrophage cells, due to their brilliant innate features, are more attractive for solid tumor therapy and seem to be a better candidate for the prior treatment methods. The CAR macrophage cells have vital roles in the tumor microenvironment and, with their direct effect, can eliminate tumor cells efficiently. In addition, the CAR macrophage cells, due to being a part of the innate immune system, attended the tumor sites. With the high infiltration, their therapy modulations are more effective. This review investigates the last achievements in CAR-macrophage cells and the future of this immunotherapy treatment method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaveh Hadiloo
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Department of Immunology, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Siavash Taremi
- School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Mahmood Heidari
- School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Abdolreza Esmaeilzadeh
- Department of Immunology, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
- Cancer Gene Therapy Research Center (CGRC), Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
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13
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Jeon SH, Song C, Eom KY, Kim IA, Kim JS. Modulation of CD8 + T Cell Responses by Radiotherapy-Current Evidence and Rationale for Combination with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16691. [PMID: 38069014 PMCID: PMC10706388 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316691] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy for cancer has been known to affect the responses of immune cells, especially those of CD8+ T cells that play a pivotal role in anti-tumor immunity. Clinical success of immune checkpoint inhibitors led to an increasing interest in the ability of radiation to modulate CD8+ T cell responses. Recent studies that carefully analyzed CD8+ T cell responses following radiotherapy suggest the beneficial roles of radiotherapy on anti-tumor immunity. In addition, numerous clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy of combining radiotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors are currently undergoing. In this review, we summarize the current status of knowledge regarding the changes in CD8+ T cells following radiotherapy from various preclinical and clinical studies. Furthermore, key biological mechanisms that underlie such modulation, including both direct and indirect effects, are described. Lastly, we discuss the current evidence and essential considerations for harnessing radiotherapy as a combination partner for immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jae-Sung Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam 13620, Republic of Korea; (S.H.J.); (C.S.); (K.-Y.E.); (I.A.K.)
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14
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Zhao D, Mo Y, Neganova ME, Aleksandrova Y, Tse E, Chubarev VN, Fan R, Sukocheva OA, Liu J. Dual effects of radiotherapy on tumor microenvironment and its contribution towards the development of resistance to immunotherapy in gastrointestinal and thoracic cancers. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1266537. [PMID: 37849740 PMCID: PMC10577389 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1266537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Successful clinical methods for tumor elimination include a combination of surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Radiotherapy is one of the crucial components of the cancer treatment regimens which allow to extend patient life expectancy. Current cutting-edge radiotherapy research is focused on the identification of methods that should increase cancer cell sensitivity to radiation and activate anti-cancer immunity mechanisms. Radiation treatment activates various cells of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and impacts tumor growth, angiogenesis, and anti-cancer immunity. Radiotherapy was shown to regulate signaling and anti-cancer functions of various TME immune and vasculature cell components, including tumor-associated macrophages, dendritic cells, endothelial cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), natural killers, and other T cell subsets. Dual effects of radiation, including metastasis-promoting effects and activation of oxidative stress, have been detected, suggesting that radiotherapy triggers heterogeneous targets. In this review, we critically discuss the activation of TME and angiogenesis during radiotherapy which is used to strengthen the effects of novel immunotherapy. Intracellular, genetic, and epigenetic mechanisms of signaling and clinical manipulations of immune responses and oxidative stress by radiotherapy are accented. Current findings indicate that radiotherapy should be considered as a supporting instrument for immunotherapy to limit the cancer-promoting effects of TME. To increase cancer-free survival rates, it is recommended to combine personalized radiation therapy methods with TME-targeting drugs, including immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deyao Zhao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yingyi Mo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Margarita E. Neganova
- Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry, FRC Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kazan, Russia
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds at Federal Research Center of Problems of Chemical Physics and Medicinal Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, Russia
| | - Yulia Aleksandrova
- Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry, FRC Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kazan, Russia
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds at Federal Research Center of Problems of Chemical Physics and Medicinal Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, Russia
| | - Edmund Tse
- Department of Hepatology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, CALHN, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Vladimir N. Chubarev
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ruitai Fan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Olga A. Sukocheva
- Department of Hepatology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, CALHN, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Junqi Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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15
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Kitamura T. Tumour-associated macrophages as a potential target to improve natural killer cell-based immunotherapies. Essays Biochem 2023; 67:1003-1014. [PMID: 37313600 PMCID: PMC10539946 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20230002] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of natural killer (NK) cells has been proposed as a novel immunotherapy for malignant tumours resistant to current therapeutic modalities. Several clinical studies have demonstrated that the NK cell-infusion is well tolerated without severe side effects and shows promising results in haematological malignancies. However, patients with malignant solid tumours do not show significant responses to this therapy. Such disappointing results largely arise from the inefficient delivery of infused NK cells and the impairment of their functions in the tumour microenvironment (TME). Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most abundant stromal cells in the TME of most solid tumours, and a high TAM density correlates with poor prognosis of cancer patients. Although our knowledge of the interactions between TAMs and NK cells is limited, many studies have indicated that TAMs suppress NK cell cytotoxicity against cancer cells. Therefore, blockade of TAM functions can be an attractive strategy to improve NK cell-based immunotherapies. On the other hand, macrophages are reported to activate NK cells under certain circumstances. This essay presents our current knowledge about mechanisms by which macrophages regulate NK cell functions and discusses possible therapeutic approaches to block macrophage-mediated NK cell suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takanori Kitamura
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
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16
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Ni J, Guo T, Zhou Y, Jiang S, Zhang L, Zhu Z. STING signaling activation modulates macrophage polarization via CCL2 in radiation-induced lung injury. J Transl Med 2023; 21:590. [PMID: 37667317 PMCID: PMC10476398 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04446-3] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) is a prevalent complication of thoracic radiotherapy in cancer patients. A comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms of RILI is essential for the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies. METHODS To investigate RILI, we utilized a mouse model that received 12.5 Gy whole-thoracic irradiation. The evaluation of RILI was performed using a combination of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), histology, western blot, immunohistochemistry, RNA sequencing, and flow cytometry. Additionally, we established a co-culture system consisting of macrophages, lung epithelial cells, and fibroblasts for in vitro studies. In this system, lung epithelial cells were irradiated with a dose of 4 Gy, and we employed STING knockout macrophages. Translational examinations were conducted to explore the relationship between STING expression in pre-radiotherapy lung tissues, dynamic changes in circulating CCL2, and the development of RILI. RESULTS Our findings revealed significant activation of the cGAS-STING pathway and M1 polarization of macrophages in the lungs of irradiated mice. In vitro studies demonstrated that the deficiency of cGAS-STING signaling led to impaired macrophage polarization and RILI. Through RNA sequencing, cytokine profiling, and rescue experiments using a CCL2 inhibitor called Bindarit, we identified the involvement of CCL2 in the regulation of macrophage polarization and the development of RILI. Moreover, translational investigations using patient samples collected before and after thoracic radiotherapy provided additional evidence supporting the association between cGAS-STING signaling activity, CCL2 upregulation, and the development of radiation pneumonitis. CONCLUSIONS The cGAS-STING signaling pathway plays a crucial role in regulating the recruitment and polarization of macrophages, partly through CCL2, during the pathogenesis of RILI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjiao Ni
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Tiantian Guo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shanshan Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Long Zhang
- University of Shanghai for Science and Technology and Shanghai Changzheng Hospital Joint Research Center for Orthopedic Oncology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and Clinical Technology Transformation, School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 580 Jungong Road, Shanghai, 200093, China.
| | - Zhengfei Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Institute of Thoracic Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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17
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Strizova Z, Benesova I, Bartolini R, Novysedlak R, Cecrdlova E, Foley L, Striz I. M1/M2 macrophages and their overlaps - myth or reality? Clin Sci (Lond) 2023; 137:1067-1093. [PMID: 37530555 PMCID: PMC10407193 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Macrophages represent heterogeneous cell population with important roles in defence mechanisms and in homoeostasis. Tissue macrophages from diverse anatomical locations adopt distinct activation states. M1 and M2 macrophages are two polarized forms of mononuclear phagocyte in vitro differentiation with distinct phenotypic patterns and functional properties, but in vivo, there is a wide range of different macrophage phenotypes in between depending on the microenvironment and natural signals they receive. In human infections, pathogens use different strategies to combat macrophages and these strategies include shaping the macrophage polarization towards one or another phenotype. Macrophages infiltrating the tumours can affect the patient's prognosis. M2 macrophages have been shown to promote tumour growth, while M1 macrophages provide both tumour-promoting and anti-tumour properties. In autoimmune diseases, both prolonged M1 activation, as well as altered M2 function can contribute to their onset and activity. In human atherosclerotic lesions, macrophages expressing both M1 and M2 profiles have been detected as one of the potential factors affecting occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. In allergic inflammation, T2 cytokines drive macrophage polarization towards M2 profiles, which promote airway inflammation and remodelling. M1 macrophages in transplantations seem to contribute to acute rejection, while M2 macrophages promote the fibrosis of the graft. The view of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages and M2 macrophages suppressing inflammation seems to be an oversimplification because these cells exploit very high level of plasticity and represent a large scale of different immunophenotypes with overlapping properties. In this respect, it would be more precise to describe macrophages as M1-like and M2-like.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Strizova
- Department of Immunology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, V Uvalu 84, 15006, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Iva Benesova
- Department of Immunology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, V Uvalu 84, 15006, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Robin Bartolini
- Chemokine Research Group, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TT, U.K
| | - Rene Novysedlak
- Third Department of Surgery, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, V Uvalu 84, 15006, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Cecrdlova
- Department of Clinical and Transplant Immunology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lily Koumbas Foley
- Chemokine Research Group, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TT, U.K
| | - Ilja Striz
- Department of Clinical and Transplant Immunology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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Boboila S, Okochi S, Banerjee D, Barton S, Street C, Zenilman AL, Wang Q, Gartrell RD, Saenger YM, Welch D, Wu CC, Kadenhe-Chiweshe A, Yamashiro DJ, Connolly EP. Combining immunotherapy with high-dose radiation therapy (HDRT) significantly inhibits tumor growth in a syngeneic mouse model of high-risk neuroblastoma. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17399. [PMID: 37408891 PMCID: PMC10319189 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17399] [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: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The mortality in patients with MYCN-amplified high-risk neuroblastoma remains greater than 50% despite advances in multimodal therapy. Novel therapies are urgently needed that requires preclinical evaluation in appropriate mice models. Combinatorial treatment with high-dose radiotherapy (HDRT) and immunotherapy has emerged as an effective treatment option in a variety of cancers. Current models of neuroblastoma do not recapitulate the anatomic and immune environment in which multimodal therapies can be effectively tested, and there is a need for an appropriate syngeneic neuroblastoma mice model to study interaction of immunotherapy with host immune cells. Here, we develop a novel syngeneic mouse model of MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma and report the relevance and opportunities of this model to study radiotherapy and immunotherapy. Materials and methods A syngeneic allograft tumor model was developed using the murine neuroblastoma cell line 9464D derived a tumor from TH-MYCN transgenic mouse. Tumors were generated by transplanting 1 mm3 portions of 9464D flank tumors into the left kidney of C57Bl/6 mice. We investigated the effect of combining HDRT with anti-PD1 antibody on tumor growth and tumor microenvironment. HDRT (8 Gy x 3) was delivered by the small animal radiation research platform (SARRP). Tumor growth was monitored by ultrasound. To assess the effect on immune cells tumors sections were co-imuunostained for six biomarkers using the Vectra multispectral imaging platform. Results Tumor growth was uniform and confined to the kidney in 100% of transplanted tumors. HDRT was largely restricted to the tumor region with minimal scattered out-of-field dose. Combinatorial treatment with HDRT and PD-1 blockade significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged mice survival. We observed augmented T-lymphocyte infiltration, especially CD3+CD8+ lymphocytes, in tumors of mice which received combination treatment. Conclusion We have developed a novel syngeneic mouse model of MYCN amplified high-risk neuroblastoma. We have utilized this model to show that combining immunotherapy with HDRT inhibits tumor growth and prolongs mice survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuobo Boboila
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Shunpei Okochi
- Department of Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Debarshi Banerjee
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Sunjay Barton
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Cherease Street
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Ariela L. Zenilman
- Department of Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Robyn D. Gartrell
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Yvonne M. Saenger
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - David Welch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Cheng-Chia Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Angela Kadenhe-Chiweshe
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Darrell J. Yamashiro
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Pathology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Eileen P. Connolly
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
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19
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Benkhaled S, Peters C, Jullian N, Arsenijevic T, Navez J, Van Gestel D, Moretti L, Van Laethem JL, Bouchart C. Combination, Modulation and Interplay of Modern Radiotherapy with the Tumor Microenvironment and Targeted Therapies in Pancreatic Cancer: Which Candidates to Boost Radiotherapy? Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030768. [PMID: 36765726 PMCID: PMC9913158 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030768] [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: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cancer (PDAC) is a highly diverse disease with low tumor immunogenicity. PDAC is also one of the deadliest solid tumor and will remain a common cause of cancer death in the future. Treatment options are limited, and tumors frequently develop resistance to current treatment modalities. Since PDAC patients do not respond well to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), novel methods for overcoming resistance are being explored. Compared to other solid tumors, the PDAC's tumor microenvironment (TME) is unique and complex and prevents systemic agents from effectively penetrating and killing tumor cells. Radiotherapy (RT) has the potential to modulate the TME (e.g., by exposing tumor-specific antigens, recruiting, and infiltrating immune cells) and, therefore, enhance the effectiveness of targeted systemic therapies. Interestingly, combining ICI with RT and/or chemotherapy has yielded promising preclinical results which were not successful when translated into clinical trials. In this context, current standards of care need to be challenged and transformed with modern treatment techniques and novel therapeutic combinations. One way to reconcile these findings is to abandon the concept that the TME is a well-compartmented population with spatial, temporal, physical, and chemical elements acting independently. This review will focus on the most interesting advancements of RT and describe the main components of the TME and their known modulation after RT in PDAC. Furthermore, we will provide a summary of current clinical data for combinations of RT/targeted therapy (tRT) and give an overview of the most promising future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofian Benkhaled
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hopital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B.), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Rue Meylenmeersch 90, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UNIL-CHUV, Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cedric Peters
- Department of Radiation Oncology, AZ Turnhout, Rubensstraat 166, 2300 Turnhout, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Jullian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hopital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B.), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Rue Meylenmeersch 90, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tatjana Arsenijevic
- Laboratory of Experimental Gastroenterology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Digestive Oncology, Hopital Universitaire de Bruxelles H.U.B. CUB Hopital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Route de Lennik 808, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julie Navez
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Hopital Universitaire de Bruxelles H.U.B. CUB Hopital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dirk Van Gestel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hopital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B.), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Rue Meylenmeersch 90, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Luigi Moretti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hopital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B.), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Rue Meylenmeersch 90, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean-Luc Van Laethem
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Digestive Oncology, Hopital Universitaire de Bruxelles H.U.B. CUB Hopital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Route de Lennik 808, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christelle Bouchart
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hopital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B.), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Rue Meylenmeersch 90, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-25-413-800
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