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Fan Z, Ye M, Liu D, Zhou W, Zeng T, He S, Li Y. Lactate drives the ESM1-SCD1 axis to inhibit the antitumor CD8 + T-cell response by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in ovarian cancer cells and inducing cisplatin resistance. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 137:112461. [PMID: 38897128 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is a gynecological malignancy that results in a global threat to women's lives. Lactic acid, a key metabolite produced from the glycolytic metabolism of glucose molecules, is correlated with tumor immune infiltration and platinum resistance. In our previous study, we found that endothelial cell-specific molecule 1 (ESM1) plays a key role in OC progression. This study revealed that lactate could upregulate ESM1, which enhances SCD1 to attenuate the antitumor CD8+ T-cell response. ESM1 and SCD1 expression levels were significantly greater in OC patients with high lactic acid levels than in those with low lactic acid levels. Further mechanistic studies suggested that the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was inactivated after ESM1 knockdown and rescued by SCD1 overexpression. IC50 analysis indicated that the ESM1-SCD1 axis induces the resistance of OC cells to platinum agents, including cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin, by upregulating P-gp. In conclusion, our study indicated that the induction of SCD1 by lactic acid-induced ESM1 can impede the CD8+ T-cell response against tumors and promote resistance to cisplatin by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in ovarian cancer. Consequently, targeting ESM1 may have considerable therapeutic potential for modulating the tumor immune microenvironment and enhancing drug sensitivity in OC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwen Fan
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Mingzhu Ye
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Assisted Reproductive Centre, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Xiangya Hospital Zhuzhou Central South University, Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Wenchao Zhou
- Department of Assisted Reproductive Centre, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Xiangya Hospital Zhuzhou Central South University, Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China; Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Tian Zeng
- Department of Assisted Reproductive Centre, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Xiangya Hospital Zhuzhou Central South University, Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China; Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Sili He
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Yukun Li
- Department of Assisted Reproductive Centre, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Xiangya Hospital Zhuzhou Central South University, Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China.
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2
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Chen H, Wei J, Zhu Z, Hou Y. Multifaceted roles of PD-1 in tumorigenesis: From immune checkpoint to tumor cell-intrinsic function. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:1436-1448. [PMID: 38751009 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23740] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), a key immune checkpoint receptor, has been extensively studied for its role in regulating immune responses in cancer. However, recent research has unveiled a complex and dual role for PD-1 in tumorigenesis. While PD-1 is traditionally associated with immune cells, this article explores its expression in various cancer cells and its impact on cancer progression. PD-1's functions extend beyond immune regulation, as it has been found to both promote and suppress tumor growth, depending on the cancer type. These findings have significant implications for the future of cancer treatment and our understanding of the immune response in the context of cancer. This article calls for further research into the multifaceted roles of PD-1 to optimize its therapeutic potential and improve patient outcomes in the fight against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiqing Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jiayu Wei
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Zhen Zhu
- Zhenjiang Stomatological Hospital, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yongzhong Hou
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
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3
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Zu S, Lu Y, Xing R, Chen X, Zhang L. Changes in subset distribution and impaired function of circulating natural killer cells in patients with colorectal cancer. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12188. [PMID: 38806640 PMCID: PMC11133342 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63103-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: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are closely associated with malignant tumor progression and metastasis. However, studies on their relevance in colorectal cancer (CRC) are limited. We aimed to comprehensively analyze the absolute counts, phenotypes, and function of circulating NK cells in patients with CRC using multiparametric flow cytometry. The distribution of NK cell subsets in the peripheral circulation of patients with CRC was significantly altered relative to the control group. This is shown by the decreased frequency and absolute count of CD56dimCD16+ NK cells with antitumor effects, contrary to the increased frequency of CD56bright NK and CD56dimCD16- NK cells with poor or ineffective antitumor effects. NK cells in patients with CRC were functionally impaired, with decreased intracellular interferon (IFN)-γ secretion and a significantly lower percentage of cell surface granzyme B and perforin expression. In addition, IFN-γ expression decreased significantly with the tumor stage progression. Based on a comprehensive analysis of the absolute counts, phenotypes, and functional markers of NK cells, we found an altered subset distribution and impaired function of circulating NK cells in patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujin Zu
- Department of Reproductive Center, Affiliated Dongyang Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 60 West Wuning Road, Dongyang, 322100, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Clinical Laboratory, DongYang People's Hospital, Affiliated Dongyang Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 60 West Wuning Road, Dongyang, 322100, Zhejiang, China
| | - Rui Xing
- The Department of Hematology, Affiliated Dongyang Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Dongyang, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences Laboratory, Affiliated DongYang Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Dongyang, Zhejiang, China
| | - Longyi Zhang
- Clinical Laboratory, DongYang People's Hospital, Affiliated Dongyang Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 60 West Wuning Road, Dongyang, 322100, Zhejiang, China.
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Geng Z, Pan X, Xu J, Jia X. Friend and foe: the regulation network of ascites components in ovarian cancer progression. J Cell Commun Signal 2023; 17:391-407. [PMID: 36227507 PMCID: PMC10409702 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-022-00698-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) and its complex role in cancer progression have been hotspots of cancer research in recent years. Ascites, which occurs frequently in patients with ovarian cancer especially in advanced stages, represents a unique TME. Malignant ascites contains abundant cellular and acellular components that play important roles in tumorigenesis, growth, metastasis, and chemoresistance of ovarian cancer through complex molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways. As a valuable liquid biopsy sample, ascites fluid is also of great significance for the prognostic analysis of ovarian cancer. The components of ovarian cancer ascites are generally considered to comprise tumor-promoting factors; however, in recent years studies have found that ascites also contains tumor-suppressing factors, raising new perspectives on interactions between ascites and tumors. Malignant ascites directly constitutes the ovarian cancer microenvironment, therefore, the study of its components will aid in the development of new therapeutic strategies. This article reviews the current research on tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressing factors and molecular mechanisms of their actions in ovarian cancer-derived ascites and therapeutic strategies targeting ascites, which may provide references for the development of novel therapeutic targets for ovarian cancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Geng
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Mochou Rd, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - Xinxing Pan
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Mochou Rd, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - Juan Xu
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Mochou Rd, Nanjing, 210004, China.
| | - Xuemei Jia
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Mochou Rd, Nanjing, 210004, China.
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Legaz I, Morales R, Bolarín JM, Collados-Ros A, Pons JA, Muro M. Is the Development of Ascites in Alcoholic Liver Patients Influenced by Specific KIR/HLA Gene Profiles? Biomedicines 2023; 11:2405. [PMID: 37760846 PMCID: PMC10525207 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092405] [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: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Decompensated cirrhosis is the most common cause of ascites due to hemodynamic and renal alteration by continuous fluid leakage from the hepatic sinusoids and splanchnic capillaries into the interstitial space. Then, fluid leakage exceeds lymphatic return, leading to progressive fluid accumulation directly into the peritoneal cavity. Alcohol consumption is one of the main risks of developing alcoholic cirrhosis (AC), but not all AC patients develop ascites. Avoiding the development of ascites is crucial, given that it deteriorates prognosis and increases the patient mortality patient. The innate immune system plays a crucial role in cirrhosis through natural killer cells, which are abundant in the liver. The aim of this study was to analyze the KIR/HLA-C genetic profile in AC patients with and without ascites to understand this pathology and find predictive clinical susceptibility biomarkers that can help to establish risks and prevent the development of ascites in AC patients. A total of 281 AC patients with and without ascites were analyzed and compared with 319 healthy controls. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood in all groups. A PCR-SSO assay was performed for KIR/HLA genotyping analysis. A total of 16 activating and inhibitor KIR genes and their corresponding known ligands, epitopes of HLA-C, and their genotypes were analyzed. According to our analysis, C1 epitopes were statistically significantly decreased in AC patients with and without ascites. When comparing AC patients with ascites and healthy controls, a significant decrease in C1 epitope frequency was also observed. A statistically significant decrease was also found when comparing the C1C2 genotype in AC patients without ascites with controls. In conclusion, the absence of KIR2DL2 and KIR3DL1 genes may be a predisposing factor for the development of ascites in AC patients. The KIR2DS2/KIR2DL2 may could be involved in grade I ascites development, and the presence of the C1+ epitope and the homozygous C2C2 genotype may be protective genetic factors against ascites development in AC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Legaz
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Regional Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia (UMU), 30100 Murcia, Spain (J.M.B.)
| | - Raquel Morales
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Regional Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia (UMU), 30100 Murcia, Spain (J.M.B.)
| | - José Miguel Bolarín
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Regional Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia (UMU), 30100 Murcia, Spain (J.M.B.)
| | - Aurelia Collados-Ros
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Regional Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia (UMU), 30100 Murcia, Spain (J.M.B.)
| | - José Antonio Pons
- Department of Hepatology, Liver Transplantation Unit Hospital Clinic Universitario, Virgen de la Arrixaca, IMIB-Arrixaca, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Muro
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital “Virgen de la Arrixaca”—IMIB, 30120 Murcia, Spain
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Lima CAD, Jammal MP, Etchebehere RM, Murta EFC, Nomelini RS. Immunostaining of stromal CD56 cells in ovarian malignancies. REVISTA DA ASSOCIACAO MEDICA BRASILEIRA (1992) 2023; 69:e20220992. [PMID: 37194901 DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.20220992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate CD56 immunostaining in the stroma of benign and malignant ovarian epithelial neoplasms and associate the CD56 immunostaining with prognostic factors and survival in ovarian cancer. METHODS Patients with ovarian epithelial neoplasia (n=77) were studied with a prospective cohort. The CD56 immunostaining was evaluated in the peritumoral stroma. Two groups were evaluated: benign ovarian neoplasms (n=40) and malignant ovarian neoplasms (n=37). Data were recorded for histological type and grade, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics staging, molecular subtype, and lymph node metastases. Fisher's exact test and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used, with a significance level of ≤0.05. RESULTS We found greater CD56 stromal immunostaining in malignant neoplasms when compared to the group of benign neoplasms (p=0.00001). There was no significant difference in relation to the prognostic factors and survival. CONCLUSION Malignant ovarian neoplasms showed higher stromal CD56 immunostaining. As the prognostic value of natural killer in ovarian cancer is controversial, knowing the specific function of each cell present both in the tumor tissue and systemically may help guide successful immunotherapies in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cid Almeida de Lima
- Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics - Uberaba (MG), Brazil
| | - Millena Prata Jammal
- Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics - Uberaba (MG), Brazil
| | | | | | - Rosekeila Simões Nomelini
- Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics - Uberaba (MG), Brazil
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Pang K, Shi ZD, Wei LY, Dong Y, Ma YY, Wang W, Wang GY, Cao MY, Dong JJ, Chen YA, Zhang P, Hao L, Xu H, Pan D, Chen ZS, Han CH. Research progress of therapeutic effects and drug resistance of immunotherapy based on PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. Drug Resist Updat 2023; 66:100907. [PMID: 36527888 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2022.100907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
The binding of programmed death-1 (PD-1) on the surface of T cells and PD-1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) on tumor cells can prevent the immune-killing effect of T cells on tumor cells and promote the immune escape of tumor cells. Therefore, immune checkpoint blockade targeting PD-1/PD-L1 is a reliable tumor therapy with remarkable efficacy. However, the main challenges of this therapy are low response rate and acquired resistance, so that the outcomes of this therapy are usually unsatisfactory. This review begins with the description of biological structure of the PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint and its role in a variety of cells. Subsequently, the therapeutic effects of immune checkpoint blockers (PD-1 / PD-L1 inhibitors) in various tumors were introduced and analyzed, and the reasons affecting the function of PD-1/PD-L1 were systematically analyzed. Then, we focused on analyzing, sorting out and introducing the possible underlying mechanisms of primary and acquired resistance to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade including abnormal expression of PD-1/PD-L1 and some factors, immune-related pathways, tumor immune microenvironment, and T cell dysfunction and others. Finally, promising therapeutic strategies to sensitize the resistant patients with PD-1/PD-L1 blockade treatment were described. This review is aimed at providing guidance for the treatment of various tumors, and highlighting the drug resistance mechanisms to offer directions for future tumor treatment and improvement of patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Pang
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Central Hospital, 199 Jiefang South Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhen-Duo Shi
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Central Hospital, 199 Jiefang South Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Jiangsu, China; Department of Urology, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Liu-Ya Wei
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, China
| | - Yang Dong
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Central Hospital, 199 Jiefang South Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu-Yang Ma
- Graduate School, Bengbu Medical College, Building 1, Administration Building, 2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Medical College, Southeast University, 87 DingjiaQiao, Nanjing, China
| | - Guang-Yue Wang
- Graduate School, Bengbu Medical College, Building 1, Administration Building, 2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Ming-Yang Cao
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Central Hospital, 199 Jiefang South Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jia-Jun Dong
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang 212013, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yu-Ang Chen
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Central Hospital, 199 Jiefang South Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Graduate School, Bengbu Medical College, Building 1, Administration Building, 2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Lin Hao
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Central Hospital, 199 Jiefang South Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Graduate School, Bengbu Medical College, Building 1, Administration Building, 2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Deng Pan
- Graduate School, Bengbu Medical College, Building 1, Administration Building, 2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, USA.
| | - Cong-Hui Han
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Central Hospital, 199 Jiefang South Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Jiangsu, China; Department of Urology, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, Heilongjiang, China.
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Immune Profile of Blood, Tissue and Peritoneal Fluid: A Comparative Study in High Grade Serous Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Patients at Interval Debulking Surgery. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10122121. [PMID: 36560531 PMCID: PMC9784879 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10122121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
High-grade serous epithelial ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is an immunogenic tumor with a unique tumor microenvironment (TME) that extends to the peritoneal cavity. The immunosuppressive nature of TME imposes the major challenge to develop effective treatment options for HGSOC. Interaction of immune cells in TME is an important factor. Hence, a better understanding of immune profile of TME may be required for exploring alternative treatment options. Immune profiling of peritoneal fluid (PF), tumor specimens, and blood were carried out using flowcytometry, ELISA, and Procartaplex immunoassay. The frequency of CD56BrightNK cells and expression of functional receptors were reduced in PF. Increased activating NKp46+CD56DimNK cells may indicate differential antitumor response in PF. Functional receptors on NK, NKT-like and T cells were reduced more drastically in tumor specimens. Soluble ligands MIC-B and PVR were reduced, whereas B7-H6 was increased in PF. Dissemination of tumor cells contributes to soluble ligands in PF. A differential cytokine profile was found in serum and PF as IL-2, IL-8, IL-15, IL-27, IFN-γ, and GM-CSF were elevated specifically in PF. In conclusion, the differential immune profile and correlation of soluble parameters and NK cell receptors with chemo response score may add knowledge to understand anti-tumor immune response to develop effective treatment modality.
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Monavarian M, Elhaw AT, Tang PW, Javed Z, Shonibare Z, Scalise CB, Arend R, Jolly MK, Sewell-Loftin MK, Hempel N, Mythreye K. Emerging perspectives on growth factor metabolic relationships in the ovarian cancer ascites environment. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:709-719. [PMID: 35259492 PMCID: PMC9441472 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The ascites ecosystem in ovarian cancer is inhabited by complex cell types and is bathed in an environment rich in cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors that directly and indirectly impact metabolism of cancer cells and tumor associated cells. This milieu of malignant ascites, provides a 'rich' environment for the disease to thrive, contributing to every aspect of advanced ovarian cancer, a devastating gynecological cancer with a significant gap in targeted therapeutics. In this perspective we focus our discussions on the 'acellular' constituents of this liquid malignant tumor microenvironment, and how they influence metabolic pathways. Growth factors, chemokines and cytokines are known modulators of metabolism and have been shown to impact nutrient uptake and metabolic flexibility of tumors, yet few studies have explored how their enrichment in malignant ascites of ovarian cancer patients contributes to the metabolic requirements of ascites-resident cells. We focus here on TGF-βs, VEGF and ILs, which are frequently elevated in ovarian cancer ascites and have all been described to have direct or indirect effects on metabolism, often through gene regulation of metabolic enzymes. We summarize what is known, describe gaps in knowledge, and provide examples from other tumor types to infer potential unexplored roles and mechanisms for ovarian cancer. The distribution and variation in acellular ascites components between patients poses both a challenge and opportunity to further understand how the ascites may contribute to disease heterogeneity. The review also highlights opportunities for studies on ascites-derived factors in regulating the ascites metabolic environment that could act as a unique signature in aiding clinical decisions in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehri Monavarian
- Division of Molecular Cellular Pathology, Department of Pathology, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Amal Taher Elhaw
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Medicine, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh PA 15213, USA
| | - Priscilla W Tang
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Medicine, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh PA 15213, USA
| | - Zaineb Javed
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Medicine, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh PA 15213, USA
| | - Zainab Shonibare
- Division of Molecular Cellular Pathology, Department of Pathology, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Carly Bess Scalise
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Rebecca Arend
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Center for Biosystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Mary Kathryn Sewell-Loftin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Nadine Hempel
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Medicine, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh PA 15213, USA.
| | - Karthikeyan Mythreye
- Division of Molecular Cellular Pathology, Department of Pathology, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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10
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Xiao C, Wang Y, Cheng Q, Fan Y. Increased expression of MMP17 predicts poor clinical outcomes in epithelial ovarian cancer patients. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e30279. [PMID: 36042626 PMCID: PMC9410588 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000030279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer has the highest fatality rate among female reproductive system cancers, which is due to lack of biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis. We aimed to evaluate the role of matrix metalloproteinase 17 (MMP17) in ovarian cancer tumorigenesis and prognosis. Based on the epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) in The Cancer Genome Atlas database, we determined the expression of MMP17 using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. The biological functions of MMP17 were evaluated using the Metascape database and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. The association between MMP17 and immune cell infiltration was investigated by single sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. Logistic analysis was applied to study the correlation between MMP17 expression and clinicopathological characteristics. Finally, Cox regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier analysis, and nomograms were used to determine the predictive value of MMP17 on clinical outcomes in EOC patients. The expression of MMP17 was much higher in EOC patients than in pericarcinomatous tissues (P < .001). MMP17-associated differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in cell extracellular matrix (ECM) degrading and corresponding pathways in the high MMP17 expression phenotype. MMP17 has a high sensitivity and specificity for EOC diagnosis, with an area under the curve of 0.988. MMP17 expression was found to be an independent risk factor for overall survival (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.488, P < .001), progression-free interval (HR: 1.347, P < .01), and disease-specific survival (HR: 1.548, P < .01). Increased MMP17 expression in EOC may contribute to carcinogenesis by degrading ECM and provide diagnostic and prognostic value for clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zigong First People’s Hospital, Zigong, P.R. China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zigong First People’s Hospital, Zigong, P.R. China
| | - Qijun Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zigong First People’s Hospital, Zigong, P.R. China
- *Correspondence: Qijun Cheng, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zigong First People’s Hospital, Zigong, Sichuan Province 643000, P.R. China (e-mail: )
| | - Yuchao Fan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sichuan Cancer Center, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, P.R. China
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11
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Yu H, Wang C, Ke S, Bai M, Xu Y, Lu S, Feng Z, Qian B, Xu Y, Zhou M, Li Z, Yin B, Li X, Hua Y, Zhou Y, Pan S, Fu Y, Ma Y. Identification of CFHR4 as a Potential Prognosis Biomarker Associated With lmmune Infiltrates in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:892750. [PMID: 35812416 PMCID: PMC9257081 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.892750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Complement factor H-related 4 (CFHR4) is a protein-coding gene that plays an essential role in multiple diseases. However, the prognostic value of CFHR4 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unknown. Methods Using multiple databases, we investigated CFHR4 expression levels in HCC and multiple cancers. The relationship between CFHR4 expression levels and clinicopathological variables was further analyzed. Various potential biological functions and regulatory pathways of CFHR4 in HCC were identified by performing a Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was performed to confirm the correlation between CFHR4 expression and immune cell infiltration. The correlations between CFHR4 expression levels in HCC and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications and the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory networks were confirmed in TCGA cohort. Results CFHR4 expression levels were significantly decreased in HCC tissues. Low CFHR4 expression in HCC tissues was significantly correlated with the patients’ sex, race, age, TNM stage, pathological stage, tumor status, residual tumor, histologic grade and alpha fetal protein (AFP) level. GO and KEGG analyses revealed that differentially expressed genes related to CFHR4 may be involved in the synaptic membrane, transmembrane transporter complex, gated channel activity, chemical carcinogenesis, retinol metabolism, calcium signaling pathway, PPAR signaling pathway, insulin and gastric acid secretion. GSEA revealed that the FCGR-activated reaction, PLK1 pathway, ATR pathway, MCM pathway, cascade reactions of PI3K and FGFR1, reactant-mediated MAPK activation and FOXM1 pathway were significantly enriched in HCC with low CFHR4 expression. Moreover, CFHR4 expression was inversely correlated the levels of infiltrating Th2 cells, NK CD56bright cells and Tfh cells. In contrast, we observed positive correlations with the levels of infiltrating DCs, neutrophils, Th17 cells and mast cells. CFHR4 expression showed a strong correlation with various immunomarker groups in HCC. In addition, high CFHR4 expression significantly prolonged the overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS) and progression-free interval (PFI). We observed a substantial correlation between the expression of CFHR4 and multiple N6-methyladenosine genes in HCC and constructed potential CFHR4-related ceRNA regulatory networks. Conclusions CFHR4 might be a potential therapeutic target for improving the HCC prognosis and is closely related to immune cell infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjun Yu
- Department of Minimal Invasive Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Chaoqun Wang
- Department of Minimal Invasive Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shanjia Ke
- Department of Minimal Invasive Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Miaoyu Bai
- Department of Minimal Invasive Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yanan Xu
- Department of Minimal Invasive Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shounan Lu
- Department of Minimal Invasive Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhigang Feng
- Department of Minimal Invasive Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- The First Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, China
| | - Baolin Qian
- Department of Minimal Invasive Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yue Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, Hainan Hospital of PLA General Hospital, Sanya, China
| | - Menghua Zhou
- Department of Minimal Invasive Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zihao Li
- Department of Minimal Invasive Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Bing Yin
- Department of Minimal Invasive Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xinglong Li
- Department of Minimal Invasive Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yongliang Hua
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yongzhi Zhou
- Department of Minimal Invasive Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shangha Pan
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yao Fu
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Yao Fu, ; Yong Ma,
| | - Yong Ma
- Department of Minimal Invasive Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Yao Fu, ; Yong Ma,
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Chung DC, Jacquelot N, Ghaedi M, Warner K, Ohashi PS. Innate Lymphoid Cells: Role in Immune Regulation and Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2071. [PMID: 35565201 PMCID: PMC9102917 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune regulation is composed of a complex network of cellular and molecular pathways that regulate the immune system and prevent tissue damage. It is increasingly clear that innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are also armed with immunosuppressive capacities similar to well-known immune regulatory cells (i.e., regulatory T cells). In cancer, immunoregulatory ILCs have been shown to inhibit anti-tumour immune response through various mechanisms including: (a) direct suppression of anti-tumour T cells or NK cells, (b) inhibiting T-cell priming, and (c) promoting other immunoregulatory cells. To provide a framework of understanding the role of immunosuppressive ILCs in the context of cancer, we first outline a brief history and challenges related to defining immunosuppressive ILCs. Furthermore, we focus on the mechanisms of ILCs in suppressing anti-tumour immunity and consequentially promoting tumour progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas C. Chung
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (N.J.); (M.G.); (K.W.)
| | - Nicolas Jacquelot
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (N.J.); (M.G.); (K.W.)
| | - Maryam Ghaedi
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (N.J.); (M.G.); (K.W.)
| | - Kathrin Warner
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (N.J.); (M.G.); (K.W.)
| | - Pamela S. Ohashi
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (N.J.); (M.G.); (K.W.)
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Johnson RL, Cummings M, Thangavelu A, Theophilou G, de Jong D, Orsi NM. Barriers to Immunotherapy in Ovarian Cancer: Metabolic, Genomic, and Immune Perturbations in the Tumour Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6231. [PMID: 34944851 PMCID: PMC8699358 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A lack of explicit early clinical signs and effective screening measures mean that ovarian cancer (OC) often presents as advanced, incurable disease. While conventional treatment combines maximal cytoreductive surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy, patients frequently develop chemoresistance and disease recurrence. The clinical application of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) aims to restore anti-cancer T-cell function in the tumour microenvironment (TME). Disappointingly, even though tumour infiltrating lymphocytes are associated with superior survival in OC, ICB has offered limited therapeutic benefits. Herein, we discuss specific TME features that prevent ICB from reaching its full potential, focussing in particular on the challenges created by immune, genomic and metabolic alterations. We explore both recent and current therapeutic strategies aiming to overcome these hurdles, including the synergistic effect of combination treatments with immune-based strategies and review the status quo of current clinical trials aiming to maximise the success of immunotherapy in OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Racheal Louise Johnson
- Department Gynaecological Oncology, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (A.T.); (G.T.); (D.d.J.)
| | - Michele Cummings
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (M.C.); (N.M.O.)
| | - Amudha Thangavelu
- Department Gynaecological Oncology, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (A.T.); (G.T.); (D.d.J.)
| | - Georgios Theophilou
- Department Gynaecological Oncology, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (A.T.); (G.T.); (D.d.J.)
| | - Diederick de Jong
- Department Gynaecological Oncology, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (A.T.); (G.T.); (D.d.J.)
| | - Nicolas Michel Orsi
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (M.C.); (N.M.O.)
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