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Lee MJ, de los Rios Kobara I, Barnard TR, Vales Torres X, Tobin NH, Ferbas KG, Rimoin AW, Yang OO, Aldrovandi GM, Wilk AJ, Fulcher JA, Blish CA. NK Cell-Monocyte Cross-talk Underlies NK Cell Activation in Severe COVID-19. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:1693-1705. [PMID: 38578283 PMCID: PMC11102029 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
NK cells in the peripheral blood of severe COVID-19 patients exhibit a unique profile characterized by activation and dysfunction. Previous studies have identified soluble factors, including type I IFN and TGF-β, that underlie this dysregulation. However, the role of cell-cell interactions in modulating NK cell function during COVID-19 remains unclear. To address this question, we combined cell-cell communication analysis on existing single-cell RNA sequencing data with in vitro primary cell coculture experiments to dissect the mechanisms underlying NK cell dysfunction in COVID-19. We found that NK cells are predicted to interact most strongly with monocytes and that this occurs via both soluble factors and direct interactions. To validate these findings, we performed in vitro cocultures in which NK cells from healthy human donors were incubated with monocytes from COVID-19+ or healthy donors. Coculture of healthy NK cells with monocytes from COVID-19 patients recapitulated aspects of the NK cell phenotype observed in severe COVID-19, including decreased expression of NKG2D, increased expression of activation markers, and increased proliferation. When these experiments were performed in a Transwell setting, we found that only CD56bright CD16- NK cells were activated in the presence of severe COVID-19 patient monocytes. O-link analysis of supernatants from Transwell cocultures revealed that cultures containing severe COVID-19 patient monocytes had significantly elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, as well as TGF-β. Collectively, these results demonstrate that interactions between NK cells and monocytes in the peripheral blood of COVID-19 patients contribute to NK cell activation and dysfunction in severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline J. Lee
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
- Stanford Immunology Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Izumi de los Rios Kobara
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
- Stanford Immunology Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Trisha R. Barnard
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Xariana Vales Torres
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
- Stanford Immunology Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Nicole H. Tobin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Kathie G. Ferbas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Anne W. Rimoin
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Otto O. Yang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Grace M. Aldrovandi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Aaron J. Wilk
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
- Stanford Medical Scientist Training Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Jennifer A. Fulcher
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Catherine A. Blish
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA
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Matoba Y, Zarrella DT, Pooladanda V, Azimi Mohammadabadi M, Kim E, Kumar S, Xu M, Qin X, Ray LJ, Devins KM, Kumar R, Kononenko A, Eisenhauer E, Veillard IE, Yamagami W, Hill SJ, Sarosiek KA, Yeku OO, Spriggs DR, Rueda BR. Targeting Galectin 3 illuminates its contributions to the pathology of uterine serous carcinoma. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:1463-1476. [PMID: 38438589 PMCID: PMC11058234 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02621-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uterine serous cancer (USC) comprises around 10% of all uterine cancers. However, USC accounts for approximately 40% of uterine cancer deaths, which is attributed to tumor aggressiveness and limited effective treatment. Galectin 3 (Gal3) has been implicated in promoting aggressive features in some malignancies. However, Gal3's role in promoting USC pathology is lacking. METHODS We explored the relationship between LGALS3 levels and prognosis in USC patients using TCGA database, and examined the association between Gal3 levels in primary USC tumors and clinical-pathological features. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Gal3-knockout (KO) and GB1107, inhibitor of Gal3, were employed to evaluate Gal3's impact on cell function. RESULTS TCGA analysis revealed a worse prognosis for USC patients with high LGALS3. Patients with no-to-low Gal3 expression in primary tumors exhibited reduced clinical-pathological tumor progression. Gal3-KO and GB1107 reduced cell proliferation, stemness, adhesion, migration, and or invasion properties of USC lines. Furthermore, Gal3-positive conditioned media (CM) stimulated vascular tubal formation and branching and transition of fibroblast to cancer-associated fibroblast compared to Gal3-negative CM. Xenograft models emphasized the significance of Gal3 loss with fewer and smaller tumors compared to controls. Moreover, GB1107 impeded the growth of USC patient-derived organoids. CONCLUSION These findings suggest inhibiting Gal3 may benefit USC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Matoba
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Dominique T Zarrella
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Venkatesh Pooladanda
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Maryam Azimi Mohammadabadi
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Eugene Kim
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Shaan Kumar
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Mengyao Xu
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Xingping Qin
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Lauren J Ray
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Kyle M Devins
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Raj Kumar
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Artem Kononenko
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Eric Eisenhauer
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Division Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Irva E Veillard
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Wataru Yamagami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Sarah J Hill
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology and Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | | | - Oladapo O Yeku
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - David R Spriggs
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Bo R Rueda
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Division Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
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Perez-Moreno E, Oyanadel C, de la Peña A, Hernández R, Pérez-Molina F, Metz C, González A, Soza A. Galectins in epithelial-mesenchymal transition: roles and mechanisms contributing to tissue repair, fibrosis and cancer metastasis. Biol Res 2024; 57:14. [PMID: 38570874 PMCID: PMC10993482 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-024-00490-5] [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: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Galectins are soluble glycan-binding proteins that interact with a wide range of glycoproteins and glycolipids and modulate a broad spectrum of physiological and pathological processes. The expression and subcellular localization of different galectins vary among tissues and cell types and change during processes of tissue repair, fibrosis and cancer where epithelial cells loss differentiation while acquiring migratory mesenchymal phenotypes. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that occurs in the context of these processes can include modifications of glycosylation patterns of glycolipids and glycoproteins affecting their interactions with galectins. Moreover, overexpression of certain galectins has been involved in the development and different outcomes of EMT. This review focuses on the roles and mechanisms of Galectin-1 (Gal-1), Gal-3, Gal-4, Gal-7 and Gal-8, which have been involved in physiologic and pathogenic EMT contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Perez-Moreno
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia (CCTE) Ciencia y Vida, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudia Oyanadel
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Químicas, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Adely de la Peña
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia (CCTE) Ciencia y Vida, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ronny Hernández
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisca Pérez-Molina
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudia Metz
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alfonso González
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile.
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia (CCTE) Ciencia y Vida, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Andrea Soza
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile.
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia (CCTE) Ciencia y Vida, Santiago, Chile.
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Avşar G, Pir P. An integrated study to decipher immunosuppressive cellular communication in the PDAC environment. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2023; 9:56. [PMID: 37945567 PMCID: PMC10636193 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-023-00320-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one the most aggressive cancers and characterized by a highly rigid and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The extensive cellular interactions are known to play key roles in the immune evasion, chemoresistance, and poor prognosis. Here, we used the spatial transcriptomics, scRNA-seq, and bulk RNA-seq datasets to enhance the insights obtained from each to decipher the cellular communication in the TME. The complex crosstalk in PDAC samples was revealed by the single-cell and spatial transcriptomics profiles of the samples. We show that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the central cell types in the regulation of microenvironment in PDAC. They colocalize with the cancer cells and tumor-suppressor immune cells and take roles to provide an immunosuppressive environment. LGALS9 gene which is upregulated in PDAC tumor samples in comparison to healthy samples was also found to be upregulated in TAMs compared to tumor-suppressor immune cells in cancer samples. Additionally, LGALS9 was found to be the primary component in the crosstalk between TAMs and the other cells. The widespread expression of P4HB gene and its interaction with LGALS9 was also notable. Our findings point to a profound role of TAMs via LGALS9 and its interaction with P4HB that should be considered for further elucidation as target in the combinatory immunotherapies for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gülben Avşar
- Department of Bioengineering, Gebze Technical University, Kocaeli, Turkey.
- Turkish Academy of Sciences, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Pınar Pir
- Department of Bioengineering, Gebze Technical University, Kocaeli, Turkey
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Mendieta-Carmona V, Delgado-López G, Reyes-Leyva J, Gutiérrez-Quiroz CT, Vazquez-Zamora VJ, Picazo-Mendoza DA, Montiel-Jarquín AJ, Martinez-Morales LP, Vallejo-Ruiz V. Galectin-9 Expression is Correlated to Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression and Overall Survival. Onco Targets Ther 2023; 16:891-904. [PMID: 37927328 PMCID: PMC10625380 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s433710] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To determine whether galectin-9 gene (LGALS9) expression is correlated with cervical cancer progression, clinicopathological characteristics, and overall survival. To determine the biological processes and the abundance of tumour infiltrating immune cells related to the expression of LGALS9. Patients and Methods The study was conducted in two phases: 1) The expression level of LGALS9 was determined using the data of 193 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Biological processes and tumour infiltrating cells associated to LGALS9 expression were evaluated using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and tumour immune estimation resource (TIMER). 2) Independently, galectin-9 was identified in 40 SCC samples by immunohistochemistry and optical density quantified using ImagePro® software. Results The LGALS9 gene showed increased expression in cervical cancer samples. A higher expression level in SCC was related to better overall survival and to early clinical stages. GSEA showed that tumours with higher expression of LGALS9 were enriched in immune pathways such as interferon_alpha_response, and complement, the analysis of TIMER database showed a positive correlation between the expression level of LGALS9 and the abundance of tumour infiltrating immune cells. In addition, higher expression of galectin-9 was found in biopsies of SCC patients at early clinical stages, showing a trend of better survival. Conclusion Higher expression levels of LGALS9 and galectin-9 in SCC were related to early clinical stages and better prognosis. GSEA and TIMER analysis suggested that galectin-9 could play an antitumor role in cervical SCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoriano Mendieta-Carmona
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico; Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad NacionalAutónoma de México (Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Unidad de Posgrado, Edificio D, 1 Piso, Circuito de Posgrados, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, CDMX, C.P. 04510, México
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Oriente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Atlixco, Puebla, México
| | - Guadalupe Delgado-López
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Oriente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Atlixco, Puebla, México
| | - Julio Reyes-Leyva
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, México
| | | | | | | | - Alvaro José Montiel-Jarquín
- Hospital de Especialidades, General Manuel Ávila Camacho, Instituto Mexicano Del Seguro Social, Puebla, México
| | | | - Verónica Vallejo-Ruiz
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Oriente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Atlixco, Puebla, México
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Ren J, Xu B, Ren J, Liu Z, Cai L, Zhang X, Wang W, Li S, Jin L, Ding L. The Importance of M1-and M2-Polarized Macrophages in Glioma and as Potential Treatment Targets. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1269. [PMID: 37759870 PMCID: PMC10526262 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13091269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioma is the most common and malignant tumor of the central nervous system. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive glioma, with a poor prognosis and no effective treatment because of its high invasiveness, metabolic rate, and heterogeneity. The tumor microenvironment (TME) contains many tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which play a critical role in tumor proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis and indirectly promote an immunosuppressive microenvironment. TAM is divided into tumor-suppressive M1-like (classic activation of macrophages) and tumor-supportive M2-like (alternatively activated macrophages) polarized cells. TAMs exhibit an M1-like phenotype in the initial stages of tumor progression, and along with the promotion of lysing tumors and the functions of T cells and NK cells, tumor growth is suppressed, and they rapidly transform into M2-like polarized macrophages, which promote tumor progression. In this review, we discuss the mechanism by which M1- and M2-polarized macrophages promote or inhibit the growth of glioblastoma and indicate the future directions for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangbin Ren
- Department of neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Huai’an 223000, China; (J.R.); (B.X.); (Z.L.); (L.C.); (X.Z.); (W.W.); (S.L.); (L.J.)
| | - Bangjie Xu
- Department of neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Huai’an 223000, China; (J.R.); (B.X.); (Z.L.); (L.C.); (X.Z.); (W.W.); (S.L.); (L.J.)
| | - Jianghao Ren
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200030, China;
| | - Zhichao Liu
- Department of neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Huai’an 223000, China; (J.R.); (B.X.); (Z.L.); (L.C.); (X.Z.); (W.W.); (S.L.); (L.J.)
| | - Lingyu Cai
- Department of neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Huai’an 223000, China; (J.R.); (B.X.); (Z.L.); (L.C.); (X.Z.); (W.W.); (S.L.); (L.J.)
| | - Xiaotian Zhang
- Department of neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Huai’an 223000, China; (J.R.); (B.X.); (Z.L.); (L.C.); (X.Z.); (W.W.); (S.L.); (L.J.)
| | - Weijie Wang
- Department of neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Huai’an 223000, China; (J.R.); (B.X.); (Z.L.); (L.C.); (X.Z.); (W.W.); (S.L.); (L.J.)
| | - Shaoxun Li
- Department of neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Huai’an 223000, China; (J.R.); (B.X.); (Z.L.); (L.C.); (X.Z.); (W.W.); (S.L.); (L.J.)
| | - Luhao Jin
- Department of neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Huai’an 223000, China; (J.R.); (B.X.); (Z.L.); (L.C.); (X.Z.); (W.W.); (S.L.); (L.J.)
| | - Lianshu Ding
- Department of neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Huai’an 223000, China; (J.R.); (B.X.); (Z.L.); (L.C.); (X.Z.); (W.W.); (S.L.); (L.J.)
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Mabbitt J, Holyer ID, Roper JA, Nilsson UJ, Zetterberg FR, Vuong L, Mackinnon AC, Pedersen A, Slack RJ. Resistance to anti-PD-1/anti-PD-L1: galectin-3 inhibition with GB1211 reverses galectin-3-induced blockade of pembrolizumab and atezolizumab binding to PD-1/PD-L1. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1250559. [PMID: 37701441 PMCID: PMC10493609 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1250559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a β-galactoside-binding lectin that is highly expressed within the tumor microenvironment of aggressive cancers and has been suggested to predict a poor response to immune checkpoint therapy with the anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody pembrolizumab. We aimed to assess if the effect of Gal-3 was a result of direct interaction with the immune checkpoint receptor. Methods The ability of Gal-3 to interact with the PD-1/PD-L1 complex in the absence and presence of blocking antibodies was assessed in in vitro biochemical and cellular assays as well as in an in vivo syngeneic mouse cancer model. Results Gal-3 reduced the binding of the checkpoint inhibitors pembrolizumab (anti-PD-1) and atezolizumab (anti-PD-L1), by potentiating the interaction between the PD-1/PD-L1 complex. In the presence of a highly selective Gal-3 small molecule inhibitor (GB1211) the binding of the anti-PD-1/anti-PD-L1 therapeutics was restored to control levels. This was observed in both a surface plasmon resonance assay measuring protein-protein interactions and via flow cytometry. Combination therapy with GB1211 and an anti-PD-L1 blocking antibody reduced tumor growth in an in vivo syngeneic model and increased the percentage of tumor infiltrating T lymphocytes. Conclusion Our study suggests that Gal-3 can potentiate the PD-1/PD-L1 immune axis and potentially contribute to the immunosuppressive signalling mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment. In addition, Gal-3 prevents atezolizumab and pembrolizumab target engagement with their respective immune checkpoint receptors. Reversal of this effect with the clinical candidate GB1211 offers a potential enhancing combination therapeutic with anti-PD-1 and -PD-L1 blocking antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Mabbitt
- Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, Galecto Biotech AB, Stevenage, United Kingdom
| | - Ian D. Holyer
- Nine Edinburgh BioQuarter, Galecto Biotech AB, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - James A. Roper
- Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, Galecto Biotech AB, Stevenage, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Lynda Vuong
- Department of Surgery, Urology Service, Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Centre, New York, NY, United States
| | | | | | - Robert J. Slack
- Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, Galecto Biotech AB, Stevenage, United Kingdom
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Hachisu K, Tsuchida A, Takada Y, Mizuno M, Ideo H. Galectin-4 Is Involved in the Structural Changes of Glycosphingolipid Glycans in Poorly Differentiated Gastric Cancer Cells with High Metastatic Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12305. [PMID: 37569679 PMCID: PMC10418866 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer with peritoneal dissemination is difficult to treat surgically, and frequently recurs and metastasizes. Currently, there is no effective treatment for this disease, and there is an urgent need to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying peritoneal dissemination and metastasis. Our previous study demonstrated that galectin-4 participates in the peritoneal dissemination of poorly differentiated gastric cancer cells. In this study, the glycan profiles of cell surface proteins and glycosphingolipids (GSLs) of the original (wild), galectin-4 knockout (KO), and rescue cells were investigated to understand the precise mechanisms involved in the galectin-4-mediated regulation of associated molecules, especially with respect to glycosylation. Glycan analysis of the NUGC4 wild type and galectin-4 KO clones with and without peritoneal metastasis revealed a marked structural change in the glycans of neutral GSLs, but not in N-glycan. Furthermore, mass spectrometry (MS) combined with glycosidase digestion revealed that this structural change was due to the presence of the lacto-type (β1-3Galactosyl) glycan of GSL, in addition to the neolacto-type (β1-4Galactosyl) glycan of GSL. Our results demonstrate that galectin-4 is an important regulator of glycosylation in cancer cells and galectin-4 expression affects the glycan profile of GSLs in malignant cancer cells with a high potential for peritoneal dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuko Hachisu
- Laboratory of Glyco-Organic Chemistry, The Noguchi Institute, 1-9-7, Kaga, Itabashi, Tokyo 173-0003, Japan; (K.H.); (M.M.)
| | - Akiko Tsuchida
- Laboratory of Glycobiology, The Noguchi Institute, 1-9-7, Kaga, Itabashi, Tokyo 173-0003, Japan; (A.T.); (Y.T.)
| | - Yoshio Takada
- Laboratory of Glycobiology, The Noguchi Institute, 1-9-7, Kaga, Itabashi, Tokyo 173-0003, Japan; (A.T.); (Y.T.)
| | - Mamoru Mizuno
- Laboratory of Glyco-Organic Chemistry, The Noguchi Institute, 1-9-7, Kaga, Itabashi, Tokyo 173-0003, Japan; (K.H.); (M.M.)
| | - Hiroko Ideo
- Laboratory of Glycobiology, The Noguchi Institute, 1-9-7, Kaga, Itabashi, Tokyo 173-0003, Japan; (A.T.); (Y.T.)
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Liu D, Zhu H, Li C. Galectins and galectin-mediated autophagy regulation: new insights into targeted cancer therapy. Biomark Res 2023; 11:22. [PMID: 36814341 PMCID: PMC9945697 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00466-9] [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: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Galectins are animal lectins with specific affinity for galactosides via the conserved carbohydrate recognition domains. Increasing studies recently have identified critical roles of galectin family members in tumor progression. Abnormal expression of galectins contributes to the proliferation, metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT), immunosuppression, radio-resistance and chemoresistance in various cancers, which has attracted cumulative clinical interest in galectin-based cancer treatment. Galectin family members have been reported to participate in autophagy regulation under physiological conditions and in non-tumoral diseases, and implication of galectins in multiple processes of carcinogenesis also involves regulation of autophagy, however, the relationship between galectins, autophagy and cancer remains largely unclear. In this review, we introduce the structure and function of galectins at the molecular level, summarize their engagements in autophagy and cancer progression, and also highlight the regulation of autophagy by galectins in cancer as well as the therapeutic potentials of galectin and autophagy-based strategies. Elaborating on the mechanism of galectin-regulated autophagy in cancers will accelerate the exploitation of galectins-autophagy targeted therapies in treatment for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Liu
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongtao Zhu
- grid.412793.a0000 0004 1799 5032Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chuanzhou Li
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Placental Galectins in Cancer: Why We Should Pay More Attention. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030437. [PMID: 36766779 PMCID: PMC9914345 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The first studies suggesting that abnormal expression of galectins is associated with cancer were published more than 30 years ago. Today, the role of galectins in cancer is relatively well established. We know that galectins play an active role in many types of cancer by regulating cell growth, conferring cell death resistance, or inducing local and systemic immunosuppression, allowing tumor cells to escape the host immune response. However, most of these studies have focused on very few galectins, most notably galectin-1 and galectin-3, and more recently, galectin-7 and galectin-9. Whether other galectins play a role in cancer remains unclear. This is particularly true for placental galectins, a subgroup that includes galectin-13, -14, and -16. The role of these galectins in placental development has been well described, and excellent reviews on their role during pregnancy have been published. At first sight, it was considered unlikely that placental galectins were involved in cancer. Yet, placentation and cancer progression share several cellular and molecular features, including cell invasion, immune tolerance and vascular remodeling. The development of new research tools and the concomitant increase in database repositories for high throughput gene expression data of normal and cancer tissues provide a new opportunity to examine the potential involvement of placental galectins in cancer. In this review, we discuss the possible roles of placental galectins in cancer progression and why they should be considered in cancer studies. We also address challenges associated with developing novel research tools to investigate their protumorigenic functions and design highly specific therapeutic drugs.
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Suppression of galectin-4 attenuates peritoneal metastasis of poorly differentiated gastric cancer cells. Gastric Cancer 2023; 26:352-363. [PMID: 36695981 DOI: 10.1007/s10120-023-01366-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peritoneal dissemination, most often seen in metastatic and/or recurrent gastric cancer, is an inoperable condition that lacks effective treatment. The use of molecular targeted drugs is also limited; therefore, identifying novel therapeutic targets and improving our understanding of this metastatic cancer are an urgent requirement. In this study, we focused on galectin-4, which is specifically expressed in poorly differentiated cells with high potential for peritoneal dissemination. METHODS We knocked out the galectin-4 gene in NUGC4 cells using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing. Proliferation and peritoneal cancer formation in knockout cells were compared with those in wild-type and galectin-4 re-expressing cells. Western blotting and proximity ligation assays were performed to identify associated molecules affected by the expression of galectin-4. The effect of galectin-4 knockdown on cell proliferation and peritoneal metastasis was studied using a specific siRNA. Expression of galectin-4 in peritoneal metastatic tumors from 10 patients with gastric cancer was examined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Suppression of galectin-4 expression reduced proliferation and peritoneal metastasis of malignant gastric cancer cells. Galectin-4 knockout and knockdown reduced the expression of activated c-MET and CD44. Galectin-4 was found to interact with several proteins on the cell surface, including CD44 and c-MET, via its carbohydrate-binding ability. Immunohistochemistry showed galectin-4 expression in peritoneal metastatic tumor cells in all patients examined. CONCLUSIONS We clarified the role of galectin-4 in the development of peritoneal dissemination of poorly differentiated gastric cancer cells. Our data highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of galectin-4 in the peritoneal dissemination of gastric cancer.
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Galectins—Potential Therapeutic Targets for Neurodegenerative Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911012. [PMID: 36232314 PMCID: PMC9569834 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Advancements in medicine have increased the longevity of humans, resulting in a higher incidence of chronic diseases. Due to the rise in the elderly population, age-dependent neurodegenerative disorders are becoming increasingly prevalent. The available treatment options only provide symptomatic relief and do not cure the underlying cause of the disease. Therefore, it has become imperative to discover new markers and therapies to modulate the course of disease progression and develop better treatment options for the affected individuals. Growing evidence indicates that neuroinflammation is a common factor and one of the main inducers of neuronal damage and degeneration. Galectins (Gals) are a class of β-galactoside-binding proteins (lectins) ubiquitously expressed in almost all vital organs. Gals modulate various cellular responses and regulate significant biological functions, including immune response, proliferation, differentiation, migration, and cell growth, through their interaction with glycoproteins and glycolipids. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted on the Gal superfamily, with Gal-1, Gal-3, and Gal-9 in prime focus. Their roles have been described in modulating neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative processes. In this review, we discuss the role of Gals in the causation and progression of neurodegenerative disorders. We describe the role of Gals in microglia and astrocyte modulation, along with their pro- and anti-inflammatory functions. In addition, we discuss the potential use of Gals as a novel therapeutic target for neuroinflammation and restoring tissue damage in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Su JY, Li WH, Li YM. New opportunities for immunomodulation of the tumour microenvironment using chemical tools. Chem Soc Rev 2022; 51:7944-7970. [PMID: 35996977 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00486k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is recognised as an attractive method for the treatment of cancer, and numerous treatment strategies have emerged over recent years. Investigations of the tumour microenvironment (TME) have led to the identification of many potential therapeutic targets and methods. However, many recently applied immunotherapies are based on previously identified strategies, such as boosting the immune response by combining commonly used stimulators, and the release of drugs through changes in pH. Although methodological improvements such as structural optimisation and combining strategies can be undertaken, applying those novel targets and methods in immunotherapy remains an important goal. In this review, we summarise the latest research on the TME, and discuss how small molecules, immune cells, and their interactions with tumour cells can be regulated in the TME. Additionally, the techniques currently employed for delivery of these agents to the TME are also mentioned. Strategies to modulate cell phenotypes and interactions between immune cells and tumours are mainly discussed. We consider both modulatory and targeting methods aiming to bridge the gap between the TME and chemical modulation thereof.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Yun Su
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China.
| | - Wen-Hao Li
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China.
| | - Yan-Mei Li
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China. .,Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, 100069 Beijing, China
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Glycan-Lectin Interactions as Novel Immunosuppression Drivers in Glioblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116312. [PMID: 35682991 PMCID: PMC9181495 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite diagnostic and therapeutic improvements, glioblastoma (GB) remains one of the most threatening brain tumor in adults, underlining the urgent need of new therapeutic targets. Lectins are glycan-binding proteins that regulate several biological processes through the recognition of specific sugar motifs. Lectins and their ligands are found on immune cells, endothelial cells and, also, tumor cells, pointing out a strong correlation among immunity, tumor microenvironment and vascularization. In GB, altered glycans and lectins contribute to tumor progression and immune evasion, shaping the tumor-immune landscape promoting immunosuppressive cell subsets, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and M2-macrophages, and affecting immunoeffector populations, such as CD8+ T cells and dendritic cells (DCs). Here, we discuss the latest knowledge on the immune cells, immune related lectin receptors (C-type lectins, Siglecs, galectins) and changes in glycosylation that are involved in immunosuppressive mechanisms in GB, highlighting their interest as possible novel therapeutical targets.
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Tvaroška I. Glycosyltransferases as targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer and inflammation: molecular modeling insights. CHEMICAL PAPERS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11696-021-02026-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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