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Xu C, Amna N, Shi Y, Sun R, Weng C, Chen J, Dai H, Wang C. Drug-Loaded Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Enhance Antitumor Immunotherapy by Regulating MDSCs. Molecules 2024; 29:2436. [PMID: 38893313 PMCID: PMC11173511 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112436] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are recognized as major immune suppressor cells in the tumor microenvironment that may inhibit immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. Here, we developed a Stattic-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticle (PEG-MSN-Stattic) delivery system to tumor sites to reduce the number of MDSCs in tumors. This approach is able to significantly deplete intratumoral MSDCs and thereby increase the infiltration of T lymphocytes in tumors to enhance ICB therapy. Our approach may provide a drug delivery strategy for regulating the tumor microenvironment and enhancing cancer immunotherapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Huaxing Dai
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Function Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; (C.X.); (N.A.); (Y.S.); (R.S.); (C.W.); (J.C.)
| | - Chao Wang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Function Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; (C.X.); (N.A.); (Y.S.); (R.S.); (C.W.); (J.C.)
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2
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Celik C, Lee STT, Tanoto FR, Veleba M, Kline K, Thibault G. Decoding the complexity of delayed wound healing following Enterococcus faecalis infection. eLife 2024; 13:RP95113. [PMID: 38767331 PMCID: PMC11105157 DOI: 10.7554/elife.95113] [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] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Wound infections are highly prevalent and can lead to delayed or failed healing, causing significant morbidity and adverse economic impacts. These infections occur in various contexts, including diabetic foot ulcers, burns, and surgical sites. Enterococcus faecalis is often found in persistent non-healing wounds, but its contribution to chronic wounds remains understudied. To address this, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on infected wounds in comparison to uninfected wounds in a mouse model. Examining over 23,000 cells, we created a comprehensive single-cell atlas that captures the cellular and transcriptomic landscape of these wounds. Our analysis revealed unique transcriptional and metabolic alterations in infected wounds, elucidating the distinct molecular changes associated with bacterial infection compared to the normal wound healing process. We identified dysregulated keratinocyte and fibroblast transcriptomes in response to infection, jointly contributing to an anti-inflammatory environment. Notably, E. faecalis infection prompted a premature, incomplete epithelial-mesenchymal transition in keratinocytes. Additionally, E. faecalis infection modulated M2-like macrophage polarization by inhibiting pro-inflammatory resolution in vitro, in vivo, and in our scRNA-seq atlas. Furthermore, we discovered macrophage crosstalk with neutrophils, which regulates chemokine signaling pathways, while promoting anti-inflammatory interactions with endothelial cells. Overall, our findings offer new insights into the immunosuppressive role of E. faecalis in wound infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cenk Celik
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore
| | - Stella Tue Ting Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore
| | - Frederick Reinhart Tanoto
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Science Engineering, Nanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore
| | - Mark Veleba
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Science Engineering, Nanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore
| | - Kimberly Kline
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Science Engineering, Nanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of GenevaGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Guillaume Thibault
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
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3
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Musiu C, Lupo F, Agostini A, Lionetto G, Bevere M, Paiella S, Carbone C, Corbo V, Ugel S, De Sanctis F. Cellular collusion: cracking the code of immunosuppression and chemo resistance in PDAC. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1341079. [PMID: 38817612 PMCID: PMC11137177 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1341079] [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: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the efforts, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is still highly lethal. Therapeutic challenges reside in late diagnosis and establishment of peculiar tumor microenvironment (TME) supporting tumor outgrowth. This stromal landscape is highly heterogeneous between patients and even in the same patient. The organization of functional sub-TME with different cellular compositions provides evolutive advantages and sustains therapeutic resistance. Tumor progressively establishes a TME that can suit its own needs, including proliferation, stemness and invasion. Cancer-associated fibroblasts and immune cells, the main non-neoplastic cellular TME components, follow soluble factors-mediated neoplastic instructions and synergize to promote chemoresistance and immune surveillance destruction. Unveiling heterotypic stromal-neoplastic interactions is thus pivotal to breaking this synergism and promoting the reprogramming of the TME toward an anti-tumor milieu, improving thus the efficacy of conventional and immune-based therapies. We underscore recent advances in the characterization of immune and fibroblast stromal components supporting or dampening pancreatic cancer progression, as well as novel multi-omic technologies improving the current knowledge of PDAC biology. Finally, we put into context how the clinic will translate the acquired knowledge to design new-generation clinical trials with the final aim of improving the outcome of PDAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Musiu
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Francesca Lupo
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Antonio Agostini
- Medical Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Lionetto
- General and Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Pancreas Institute, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Michele Bevere
- ARC-Net Research Centre, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Salvatore Paiella
- General and Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Pancreas Institute, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Carmine Carbone
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Corbo
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Stefano Ugel
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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4
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Weng Y, Yang X, Zhang Q, Chen Y, Xu Y, Zhu C, Xie Q, Wang Y, Yang H, Liu M, Lu W, Song G. Structural insight into the dual-antagonistic mechanism of AB928 on adenosine A 2 receptors. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:986-995. [PMID: 38319473 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2459-8] [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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
The adenosine subfamily G protein-coupled receptors A2AR and A2BR have been identified as promising cancer immunotherapy candidates. One of the A2AR/A2BR dual antagonists, AB928, has progressed to a phase II clinical trial to treat rectal cancer. However, the precise mechanism underlying its dual-antagonistic properties remains elusive. Herein, we report crystal structures of the A2AR complexed with AB928 and a selective A2AR antagonist 2-118. The structures revealed a common binding mode on A2AR, wherein the ligands established extensive interactions with residues from the orthosteric and secondary pockets. In contrast, the cAMP assay and A2AR and A2BR molecular dynamics simulations indicated that the ligands adopted distinct binding modes on A2BR. Detailed analysis of their chemical structures suggested that AB928 readily adapted to the A2BR pocket, while 2-118 did not due to intrinsic differences. This disparity potentially accounted for the difference in inhibitory efficacy between A2BR and A2AR. This study serves as a valuable structural template for the future development of selective or dual inhibitors targeting A2AR/A2BR for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Weng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Xinyu Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Qiansen Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
| | - Ying Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yueming Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Chenyu Zhu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Qiong Xie
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yonghui Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Huaiyu Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Mingyao Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Weiqiang Lu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
| | - Gaojie Song
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
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5
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Liu J, Wang T, Zhang W, Huang Y, Wang X, Li Q. Association between Metabolic Reprogramming and Immune Regulation in Digestive Tract Tumors. Oncol Res Treat 2024; 47:273-286. [PMID: 38636467 DOI: 10.1159/000538659] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cancers of the digestive tract, including colorectal cancer (CRC), gastric cancer, and esophageal cancer, are part of the most common cancers as well as one of the most important leading causes of cancer death worldwide. SUMMARY Despite the emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1/PD-L1) in the past decade, offering renewed optimism in cancer treatment, only a fraction of patients derive benefit from these therapies. This limited efficacy may stem from tumor heterogeneity and the impact of metabolic reprogramming on both tumor cells and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). The metabolic reprogramming of glucose, lipids, amino acids, and other nutrients represents a pivotal hallmark of cancer, serving to generate energy, reducing equivalent and biological macromolecule, thereby fostering tumor proliferation and invasion. Significantly, the metabolic reprogramming of tumor cells can orchestrate changes within the TME, rendering patients unresponsive to immunotherapy. KEY MESSAGES In this review, we predominantly encapsulate recent strides on metabolic reprogramming among digestive tract cancer, especially CRC, in the TME with a focus on how these alterations influence anti-tumor immunity. Additionally, we deliberate on potential strategies to address these abnormities in metabolic pathways and the viability of combined therapy within the realm of anti-cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiafeng Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianxiao Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenxin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuxin Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinhai Wang
- Department of Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qunyi Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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6
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Han X, Song X, Xiao Z, Zhu G, Gao R, Ni B, Li J. Study on the mechanism of MDSC-platelets and their role in the breast cancer microenvironment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1310442. [PMID: 38404689 PMCID: PMC10884319 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1310442] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are key immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) that play critical roles in promoting tumor growth and metastasis. Tumor-associated platelets (TAPs) help cancer cells evade the immune system and promote metastasis. In this paper, we describe the interaction between MDSCs and TAPs, including their generation, secretion, activation, and recruitment, as well as the effects of MDSCs and platelets on the generation and changes in the immune, metabolic, and angiogenic breast cancer (BC) microenvironments. In addition, we summarize preclinical and clinical studies, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapeutic approaches, and new technologies related to targeting and preventing MDSCs from interacting with TAPs to modulate the BC TME, discuss the potential mechanisms, and provide perspectives for future development. The therapeutic strategies discussed in this review may have implications in promoting the normalization of the BC TME, reducing primary tumor growth and distant lung metastasis, and improving the efficiency of anti-tumor therapy, thereby improving the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of patients. However, despite the significant advances in understanding these mechanisms and therapeutic strategies, the complexity and heterogeneity of MDSCs and side effects of antiplatelet agents remain challenging. This requires further investigation in future prospective cohort studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinpu Han
- Department of Oncology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaotong Song
- Department of Oncology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhigang Xiao
- Department of Oncology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guanghui Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ruike Gao
- Department of Oncology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Baoyi Ni
- Department of Oncology, First Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Oncology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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7
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Shao F, Pan J, Xie Y, Ding J, Sun X, Xia L, Zhu D, Wang S, Qi C. Sulforaphane Attenuates AOM/DSS-Induced Colorectal Tumorigenesis in Mice via Inhibition of Intestinal Inflammation. Nutr Cancer 2023; 76:137-148. [PMID: 37897077 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2023.2274622] [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: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Sulforaphane (SFN) is a compound derived from cruciferous plants. It has received considerable attention in recent years due to its effectiveness in cancer prevention and anti-inflammatory properties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antitumor potential of sulforaphane on colitis-associated carcinogenesis (CAC) through the establishment of a mouse model with AOM/DSS. First, AOM/DSS and DSS-induced model were established and administered SFN for 10 wk, and then the severity of colitis-associated colon cancer was examined macroscopically and histologically. Subsequently, immune cells and cytokines in the tumor microenvironment (TME) were quantified. Finally, the influence of sulforaphane was also investigated using different colon cell lines. We found that sulforaphane treatment decreased tumor volume, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) expansion, the expression of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β, and the level of IL-10 in serum. Also, it enhanced the antitumor activities of CD8+ T cells and significantly reduced tumorigenesis as induced by AOM/DSS. SFN also attenuated intestinal inflammation in DSS-induced chronic colitis by reshaping the inflammatory microenvironment. This work demonstrates that sulforaphane suppresses carcinogenesis-associated intestinal inflammation and prevents AOM/DSS-induced intestinal tumorigenesis and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Shao
- Medical Research Center, the Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, P. R. China
| | - Jie Pan
- Medical Research Center, the Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yewen Xie
- Medical Research Center, the Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, P. R. China
| | - Jun Ding
- Medical Research Center, the Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, P. R. China
| | - Xiao Sun
- Medical Research Center, the Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, P. R. China
| | - Lei Xia
- Medical Research Center, the Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, P. R. China
| | - Dawei Zhu
- Medical Research Center, the Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, P. R. China
| | - Shizhong Wang
- Medical Research Center, the Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, P. R. China
| | - Chunjian Qi
- Medical Research Center, the Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, P. R. China
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8
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Liu X, Tian F, Cui J, Gong L, Xiang L, Fan B, Liu S, Zhan J, Zhou Y, Jiang B, Wang M, Sun G, Gong Y, Zou Y. CUL4B functions as a tumor suppressor in KRAS-driven lung tumors by inhibiting the recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Oncogene 2023; 42:3113-3126. [PMID: 37653114 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02824-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. KRAS mutations are the most common oncogenic alterations found in lung cancer. Unfortunately, treating KRAS-mutant lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) remains a major oncotherapeutic challenge. Here, we used both autochthonous and transplantable KRAS-mutant tumor models to investigate the role of tumor-derived CUL4B in KRAS-driven lung cancers. We showed that knockout or knockdown of CUL4B promotes lung ADC growth and progression in both models. Mechanistically, CUL4B directly binds to the promoter of Cxcl2 and epigenetically represses its transcription. CUL4B deletion increases the expression of CXCL2, which binds to CXCR2 on myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and promotes their migration to the tumor microenvironment. Targeting of MDSCs significantly delayed the growth of CUL4B knockdown KRAS-mutant tumors. Collectively, our study provides mechanistic insights into the novel tumor suppressor-like functions of CUL4B in regulating KRAS-driven lung tumor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fei Tian
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jianfeng Cui
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Li Gong
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Lu Xiang
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Bowen Fan
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shuangteng Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jiafeng Zhan
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yadi Zhou
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Baichun Jiang
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Molin Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Gongping Sun
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yaoqin Gong
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Yongxin Zou
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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9
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Adamo A, Frusteri C, Pilotto S, Caligola S, Belluomini L, Poffe O, Giacobazzi L, Dusi S, Musiu C, Hu Y, Wang T, Rizzini D, Vella A, Canè S, Sartori G, Insolda J, Sposito M, Incani UC, Carbone C, Piro G, Pettinella F, Qi F, Wang D, Sartoris S, De Sanctis F, Scapini P, Dusi S, Cassatella MA, Bria E, Milella M, Bronte V, Ugel S. Immune checkpoint blockade therapy mitigates systemic inflammation and affects cellular FLIP-expressing monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells in non-progressor non-small cell lung cancer patients. Oncoimmunology 2023; 12:2253644. [PMID: 37720688 PMCID: PMC10503454 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2253644] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells favor the generation of myeloid cells with immunosuppressive and inflammatory features, including myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which support tumor progression. The anti-apoptotic molecule, cellular FLICE (FADD-like interleukin-1β-converting enzyme)-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP), which acts as an important modulator of caspase-8, is required for the development and function of monocytic (M)-MDSCs. Here, we assessed the effect of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy on systemic immunological landscape, including FLIP-expressing MDSCs, in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Longitudinal changes in peripheral immunological parameters were correlated with patients' outcome. In detail, 34 NSCLC patients were enrolled and classified as progressors (P) or non-progressors (NP), according to the RECIST evaluation. We demonstrated a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-8, IL-6, and IL-1β in only NP patients after ICI treatment. Moreover, using t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) and cluster analysis, we characterized in NP patients a significant increase in the amount of lymphocytes and a slight contraction of myeloid cells such as neutrophils and monocytes. Despite this moderate ICI-associated alteration in myeloid cells, we identified a distinctive reduction of c-FLIP expression in M-MDSCs from NP patients concurrently with the first clinical evaluation (T1), even though NP and P patients showed the same level of expression at baseline (T0). In agreement with the c-FLIP expression, monocytes isolated from both P and NP patients displayed similar immunosuppressive functions at T0; however, this pro-tumor activity was negatively influenced at T1 in the NP patient cohort exclusively. Hence, ICI therapy can mitigate systemic inflammation and impair MDSC-dependent immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Adamo
- Immunology section, Department of Medicine University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Cristina Frusteri
- Immunology section, Department of Medicine University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Sara Pilotto
- Oncology section, Department of Engineering for Innovative Medicine and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Simone Caligola
- Veneto Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IOV-IRCCS), Padova, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Belluomini
- Oncology section, Department of Engineering for Innovative Medicine and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Ornella Poffe
- Immunology section, Department of Medicine University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Luca Giacobazzi
- Immunology section, Department of Medicine University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Silvia Dusi
- Veneto Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IOV-IRCCS), Padova, Italy
| | - Chiara Musiu
- Immunology section, Department of Medicine University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Yushu Hu
- Immunology section, Department of Medicine University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Tian Wang
- Immunology section, Department of Medicine University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Davide Rizzini
- Immunology section, Department of Medicine University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Antonio Vella
- Immunology section, Department of Medicine University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Stefania Canè
- Veneto Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IOV-IRCCS), Padova, Italy
| | - Giulia Sartori
- Oncology section, Department of Engineering for Innovative Medicine and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Jessica Insolda
- Oncology section, Department of Engineering for Innovative Medicine and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Marco Sposito
- Oncology section, Department of Engineering for Innovative Medicine and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Ursula Cesta Incani
- Oncology section, Department of Engineering for Innovative Medicine and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Carmine Carbone
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Geny Piro
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Francesca Pettinella
- General Pathology section, Department of Medicine University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Fang Qi
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, P.R. China
| | - Dali Wang
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, P.R. China
| | - Silvia Sartoris
- Immunology section, Department of Medicine University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Francesco De Sanctis
- Immunology section, Department of Medicine University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Patrizia Scapini
- General Pathology section, Department of Medicine University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Stefano Dusi
- General Pathology section, Department of Medicine University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Emilio Bria
- Veneto Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IOV-IRCCS), Padova, Italy
| | - Michele Milella
- Oncology section, Department of Engineering for Innovative Medicine and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Bronte
- Veneto Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IOV-IRCCS), Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Ugel
- Immunology section, Department of Medicine University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
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10
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Calderon JJ, Prieto K, Lasso P, Fiorentino S, Barreto A. Modulation of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment by Natural Products. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2023; 71:17. [PMID: 37410164 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-023-00681-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
During carcinogenesis, the microenvironment plays a fundamental role in tumor progression and resistance. This tumor microenvironment (TME) is characterized by being highly immunosuppressive in most cases, which makes it an important target for the development of new therapies. One of the most important groups of cells that orchestrate immunosuppression in TME is myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which have multiple mechanisms to suppress the immune response mediated by T lymphocytes and thus protect the tumor. In this review, we will discuss the importance of modulating MDSCs as a therapeutic target and how the use of natural products, due to their multiple mechanisms of action, can be a key alternative for modulating these cells and thus improve response to therapy in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhon Jairo Calderon
- Grupo de Inmunobiología y Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Karol Prieto
- Grupo de Inmunobiología y Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Paola Lasso
- Grupo de Inmunobiología y Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Susana Fiorentino
- Grupo de Inmunobiología y Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Alfonso Barreto
- Grupo de Inmunobiología y Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia.
- Departamento de Microbiología, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Carrera 7 # 43-82. Edificio 50 Laboratorio 101, Bogotá, Colombia.
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11
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Piper M, Kluger H, Ruppin E, Hu-Lieskovan S. Immune Resistance Mechanisms and the Road to Personalized Immunotherapy. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2023; 43:e390290. [PMID: 37459578 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_390290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
What does the future of cancer immunotherapy look like and how do we get there? Find out where we've been and where we're headed in A Report on Resistance: The Road to personalized immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miles Piper
- School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | | | - Eytan Ruppin
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - Siwen Hu-Lieskovan
- School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
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12
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Bruni S, Mercogliano MF, Mauro FL, Cordo Russo RI, Schillaci R. Cancer immune exclusion: breaking the barricade for a successful immunotherapy. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1135456. [PMID: 37284199 PMCID: PMC10239871 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1135456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has changed the course of cancer treatment. The initial steps were made through tumor-specific antibodies that guided the setup of an antitumor immune response. A new and successful generation of antibodies are designed to target immune checkpoint molecules aimed to reinvigorate the antitumor immune response. The cellular counterpart is the adoptive cell therapy, where specific immune cells are expanded or engineered to target cancer cells. In all cases, the key for achieving positive clinical resolutions rests upon the access of immune cells to the tumor. In this review, we focus on how the tumor microenvironment architecture, including stromal cells, immunosuppressive cells and extracellular matrix, protects tumor cells from an immune attack leading to immunotherapy resistance, and on the available strategies to tackle immune evasion.
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13
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Yang J, He J, Feng Y, Xiang M. Obesity contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma development via immunosuppressive microenvironment remodeling. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1166440. [PMID: 37266440 PMCID: PMC10231659 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1166440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
It is generally recognized that the initiation of obesity-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is closely associated with hepatic inflammation. However, the paradoxical role of inflammation in the initiation and progression of HCC is highlighted by the fact that the inflammatory HCC is accompanied by significant immune effector cells infiltration compared to non-inflammatory HCC and HCC with enhanced immune response exhibits better survival. Importantly, the cancer progression has been primarily attributed to the immunosuppression, which can also be induced by obesity. Furthermore, the increased risk of viral infection and thus viral-HCC in obese individuals supports the view that obesity contributes to HCC via immunosuppression. Here, we have reviewed the various mechanisms responsible for obesity-induced tumor immune microenvironment and immunosuppression in obesity-related HCC. We highlight that the obesity-induced immunosuppression originates from lipid disorder as well as metabolic reprogramming and propose potential therapeutic strategy for HCC based on the current success of immunotherapy.
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14
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Di Sario G, Rossella V, Famulari ES, Maurizio A, Lazarevic D, Giannese F, Felici C. Enhancing clinical potential of liquid biopsy through a multi-omic approach: A systematic review. Front Genet 2023; 14:1152470. [PMID: 37077538 PMCID: PMC10109350 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1152470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last years, liquid biopsy gained increasing clinical relevance for detecting and monitoring several cancer types, being minimally invasive, highly informative and replicable over time. This revolutionary approach can be complementary and may, in the future, replace tissue biopsy, which is still considered the gold standard for cancer diagnosis. “Classical” tissue biopsy is invasive, often cannot provide sufficient bioptic material for advanced screening, and can provide isolated information about disease evolution and heterogeneity. Recent literature highlighted how liquid biopsy is informative of proteomic, genomic, epigenetic, and metabolic alterations. These biomarkers can be detected and investigated using single-omic and, recently, in combination through multi-omic approaches. This review will provide an overview of the most suitable techniques to thoroughly characterize tumor biomarkers and their potential clinical applications, highlighting the importance of an integrated multi-omic, multi-analyte approach. Personalized medical investigations will soon allow patients to receive predictable prognostic evaluations, early disease diagnosis, and subsequent ad hoc treatments.
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15
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Qi J, Zhou X, Bai Z, Lu Z, Zhu X, Liu J, Wang J, Jin M, Liu C, Li X. FcγRIIIA activation-mediated up-regulation of glycolysis alters MDSCs modulation in CD4 + T cell subsets of Sjögren syndrome. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:86. [PMID: 36746935 PMCID: PMC9902521 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05631-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Our and other researchers' previous studies found that myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) were increased, and these MDSCs, supposed to play immunosuppressive roles, showed significant pro-inflammatory effects in Sjögren's syndrome (SS). However, the key factors and potential mechanisms leading MDSCs to be inflammatory remain unclear. In this study, we found that MDSCs from SS patients were positively correlated with the percentages of Th17 cells, disease activity and serum autoantibodies, and showed higher levels of Fc gamma receptor (FcγR) IIIA and glycolysis. Most importantly, SS MDSCs or heat-aggregated IgG (HAIG)-treated MDSCs down-regulated Th1/Th2 ratio and up-regulated Th17/Treg ratio, which could be obviously rescued by IgG monomer or glycolysis inhibitor 2-DG. As well, the levels of FcγRIV and glycolysis in MDSCs and the ratio of Th17/Treg were increased, and the ratio of Th1/Th2 was decreased in SS-like NOD mice. Our study indicated that MDSCs showed pro-inflammatory phenotypes by disturbing CD4+ T-cell balances in SS. The pro-inflammatory effects of MDSCs might be directly linked to the enhanced glycolysis mediated by FcγRIIIA activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Qi
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116044, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyang Zhou
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116044, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziran Bai
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116044, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhimin Lu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116044, People's Republic of China
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226006, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaolu Zhu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116044, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaqing Liu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116044, People's Republic of China
| | - Junli Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116044, People's Republic of China
| | - Minli Jin
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116044, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Dalian Municipal Central Hospital, Dalian, Liaoning, 116083, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xia Li
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116044, People's Republic of China.
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16
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Wang T, Hu Y, Dusi S, Qi F, Sartoris S, Ugel S, De Sanctis F. "Open Sesame" to the complexity of pattern recognition receptors of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1130060. [PMID: 36911674 PMCID: PMC9992799 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1130060] [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: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Pattern recognition receptors are primitive sensors that arouse a preconfigured immune response to broad stimuli, including nonself pathogen-associated and autologous damage-associated molecular pattern molecules. These receptors are mainly expressed by innate myeloid cells, including granulocytes, monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. Recent investigations have revealed new insights into these receptors as key players not only in triggering inflammation processes against pathogen invasion but also in mediating immune suppression in specific pathological states, including cancer. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells are preferentially expanded in many pathological conditions. This heterogeneous cell population includes immunosuppressive myeloid cells that are thought to be associated with poor prognosis and impaired response to immune therapies in various cancers. Identification of pattern recognition receptors and their ligands increases the understanding of immune-activating and immune-suppressive myeloid cell functions and sheds light on myeloid-derived suppressor cell differences from cognate granulocytes and monocytes in healthy conditions. This review summarizes the different expression, ligand recognition, signaling pathways, and cancer relations and identifies Toll-like receptors as potential new targets on myeloid-derived suppressor cells in cancer, which might help us to decipher the instruction codes for reverting suppressive myeloid cells toward an antitumor phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Wang
- Department of Medicine, Section of Immunology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Yushu Hu
- Department of Medicine, Section of Immunology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Silvia Dusi
- Department of Medicine, Section of Immunology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Fang Qi
- Department of Medicine, Section of Immunology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Silvia Sartoris
- Department of Medicine, Section of Immunology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Stefano Ugel
- Department of Medicine, Section of Immunology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Francesco De Sanctis
- Department of Medicine, Section of Immunology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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17
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Liu Y, Han Y, Zhang Y, Lv T, Peng X, Huang J. LncRNAs has been identified as regulators of Myeloid-derived suppressor cells in lung cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1067520. [PMID: 36817434 PMCID: PMC9932034 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1067520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung tumours are widespread pathological conditions that attract much attention due to their high incidence of death. The immune system contributes to the progression of these diseases, especially non-small cell lung cancer, resulting in the fast evolution of immune-targeted therapy. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have been suggested to promote the progression of cancer in the lungs by suppressing the immune response through various mechanisms. Herein, we summarized the clinical studies on lung cancer related to MDSCs. However, it is noteworthy to mention the discovery of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that had different phenotypes and could regulate MDSCs in lung cancer. Therefore, by reviewing the different phenotypes of lncRNAs and their regulation on MDSCs, we summarized the lncRNAs' impact on the progression of lung tumours. Data highlight LncRNAs as anti-cancer agents. Hence, we aim to discuss their possibilities to inhibit tumour growth and trigger the development of immunosuppressive factors such as MDSCs in lung cancer through the regulation of lncRNAs. The ultimate purpose is to propose novel and efficient therapy methods for curing patients with lung tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Liu
- Department of Oncology, Jingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China.,Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Yukun Han
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China.,Department of Medical Imaging, School of Medicine, and Positron Emission Computed Tomography (PET) Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Yanhua Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China.,Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Tongtong Lv
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China.,Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaochun Peng
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China.,Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Jinbai Huang
- Department of Medical Imaging, School of Medicine, and Positron Emission Computed Tomography (PET) Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
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18
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Li T, Qiao T. Unraveling tumor microenvironment of small-cell lung cancer: implications for immunotherapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:117-125. [PMID: 36183998 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive lung cancer subtype and its first-line treatment has remained unchanged for decades. In recent years, immunotherapy has emerged as a therapeutic strategy for tumor treatment, whereas, patients with SCLC exhibit poor overall responses to immunotherapy alone, which highlights the necessity for combinatorial approaches. The tumor microenvironment (TME), an integral component in cancer, is widely implicated in tumorigenesis and tumor metastasis. The interactions of various cells within TME shape the adverse conditions of the tumor microenvironment (characterized by hypoxia, nutrient restriction, and acidity) and are considered responsible for the modest therapeutic responses to immunotherapy. Several studies have suggested that adverse TME can regulate immune cell activation and function. However, the specific regulatory mechanisms and their implications on immunotherapy remain unclear. Thus, it is worth unraveling the characteristics of TME and its impact on antitumor immunity, in the hope of devising novel strategies to reinforce immunotherapeutic effects on SCLC. In this review, we firstly elaborate on the immune landscape of SCLC and the formation of three remarkable characteristics in TME, as well as the interaction among them. Next, we summarize the latest findings regarding the impacts of adverse TME on immune cells and its targeted therapy in SCLC. Finally, we discuss the ongoing trials in combination therapy and potential directions of SCLC therapy. Collectively, the findings combined here are expected to aid the design of trials for combining immunotherapy with therapy targeting the TME of SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Li
- Western Theater Command Air Force Hospital, Chengdu 610065, China; School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
| | - Tianyun Qiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, China.
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19
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Targeting tumour-reprogrammed myeloid cells: the new battleground in cancer immunotherapy. Semin Immunopathol 2022; 45:163-186. [PMID: 36161514 PMCID: PMC9513014 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-022-00965-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Tumour microenvironment is a complex ecosystem in which myeloid cells are the most abundant immune elements. This cell compartment is composed by different cell types, including neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, and monocytes but also unexpected cell populations with immunosuppressive and pro-tumour roles. Indeed, the release of tumour-derived factors influences physiological haematopoiesis producing unconventional cells with immunosuppressive and tolerogenic functions such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells. These pro-tumour myeloid cell populations not only support immune escape directly but also assist tumour invasion trough non-immunological activities. It is therefore not surprising that these cell subsets considerably impact in tumour progression and cancer therapy resistance, including immunotherapy, and are being investigated as potential targets for developing a new era of cancer therapy. In this review, we discuss emerging strategies able to modulate the functional activity of these tumour-supporting myeloid cells subverting their accumulation, recruitment, survival, and functions. These innovative approaches will help develop innovative, or improve existing, cancer treatments.
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20
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Therapeutic targets and biomarkers of tumor immunotherapy: response versus non-response. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:331. [PMID: 36123348 PMCID: PMC9485144 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01136-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancers are highly complex diseases that are characterized by not only the overgrowth of malignant cells but also an altered immune response. The inhibition and reprogramming of the immune system play critical roles in tumor initiation and progression. Immunotherapy aims to reactivate antitumor immune cells and overcome the immune escape mechanisms of tumors. Represented by immune checkpoint blockade and adoptive cell transfer, tumor immunotherapy has seen tremendous success in the clinic, with the capability to induce long-term regression of some tumors that are refractory to all other treatments. Among them, immune checkpoint blocking therapy, represented by PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors (nivolumab) and CTLA-4 inhibitors (ipilimumab), has shown encouraging therapeutic effects in the treatment of various malignant tumors, such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and melanoma. In addition, with the advent of CAR-T, CAR-M and other novel immunotherapy methods, immunotherapy has entered a new era. At present, evidence indicates that the combination of multiple immunotherapy methods may be one way to improve the therapeutic effect. However, the overall clinical response rate of tumor immunotherapy still needs improvement, which warrants the development of novel therapeutic designs as well as the discovery of biomarkers that can guide the prescription of these agents. Learning from the past success and failure of both clinical and basic research is critical for the rational design of studies in the future. In this article, we describe the efforts to manipulate the immune system against cancer and discuss different targets and cell types that can be exploited to promote the antitumor immune response.
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21
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Zhang M, Wei T, Zhang X, Guo D. Targeting lipid metabolism reprogramming of immunocytes in response to the tumor microenvironment stressor: A potential approach for tumor therapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:937406. [PMID: 36131916 PMCID: PMC9483093 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.937406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) has become a major research focus in recent years. The TME differs from the normal extracellular environment in parameters such as nutrient supply, pH value, oxygen content, and metabolite abundance. Such changes may promote the initiation, growth, invasion, and metastasis of tumor cells, in addition to causing the malfunction of tumor-infiltrating immunocytes. As the neoplasm develops and nutrients become scarce, tumor cells transform their metabolic patterns by reprogramming glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism in response to various environmental stressors. Research on carcinoma metabolism reprogramming suggests that like tumor cells, immunocytes also switch their metabolic pathways, named “immunometabolism”, a phenomenon that has drawn increasing attention in the academic community. In this review, we focus on the recent progress in the study of lipid metabolism reprogramming in immunocytes within the TME and highlight the potential target molecules, pathways, and genes implicated. In addition, we discuss hypoxia, one of the vital altered components of the TME that partially contribute to the initiation of abnormal lipid metabolism in immune cells. Finally, we present the current immunotherapies that orchestrate a potent antitumor immune response by mediating the lipid metabolism of immunocytes, highlight the lipid metabolism reprogramming capacity of various immunocytes in the TME, and propose promising new strategies for use in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory for Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tingju Wei
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaodan Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory for Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Danfeng Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory for Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Danfeng Guo,
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22
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Chen J, Zhu H, Yin Y, Jia S, Luo X. Colorectal cancer: Metabolic interactions reshape the tumor microenvironment. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188797. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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23
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Liu Z, Zhang Y, Xiang Y, Kang X. Small-Molecule PROTACs for Cancer Immunotherapy. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27175439. [PMID: 36080223 PMCID: PMC9458232 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Unsatisfactory physicochemical properties of macromolecular drugs seriously hinder their application in tumor immunotherapy. However, these problems can be effectively solved by small-molecule compounds. In the promising field of small-molecule drug development, proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) offers a novel mode of action in the interactions between small molecules and therapeutic targets (mainly proteins). This revolutionary technology has shown considerable impact on several proteins related to tumor survival but is rarely exploited in proteins associated with immuno-oncology up until now. This review attempts to comprehensively summarize the well-studied and less-developed immunological targets available for PROTAC technology, as well as some targets to be explored, aiming to provide more options and opportunities for the development of small-molecule-based tumor immunotherapy. In addition, some novel directions that can magnify and broaden the protein degradation efficiency are mentioned to improve PROTAC design in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Xin Kang
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-19138939183
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24
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Caligola S, De Sanctis F, Canè S, Ugel S. Breaking the Immune Complexity of the Tumor Microenvironment Using Single-Cell Technologies. Front Genet 2022; 13:867880. [PMID: 35651929 PMCID: PMC9149246 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.867880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors are not a simple aggregate of transformed cells but rather a complicated ecosystem containing various components, including infiltrating immune cells, tumor-related stromal cells, endothelial cells, soluble factors, and extracellular matrix proteins. Profiling the immune contexture of this intricate framework is now mandatory to develop more effective cancer therapies and precise immunotherapeutic approaches by identifying exact targets or predictive biomarkers, respectively. Conventional technologies are limited in reaching this goal because they lack high resolution. Recent developments in single-cell technologies, such as single-cell RNA transcriptomics, mass cytometry, and multiparameter immunofluorescence, have revolutionized the cancer immunology field, capturing the heterogeneity of tumor-infiltrating immune cells and the dynamic complexity of tenets that regulate cell networks in the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we describe some of the current single-cell technologies and computational techniques applied for immune-profiling the cancer landscape and discuss future directions of how integrating multi-omics data can guide a new "precision oncology" advancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Caligola
- Immunology Section, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Stefania Canè
- Immunology Section, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Stefano Ugel
- Immunology Section, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Li Z, Kou L, Fu X, Xie Z, Xu M, Guo L, Lin T, Gong S, Zhang S, Liu M. Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of triazole-pyrimidine-methylbenzonitrile derivatives as dual A 2A/A 2B adenosine receptor antagonists. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2022; 37:1514-1526. [PMID: 35616298 PMCID: PMC9154793 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2077731] [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] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
A series of novel dual A2A/A2B AR antagonists based on the triazole-pyrimidine-methylbenzonitrile core were designed and synthesised. The A2A AR antagonist cAMP functional assay results were encouraging for most target compounds containing quinoline or its open-ring bioisosteres. In addition, compound 7i displayed better inhibitory activity on A2B AR (IC50 14.12 nM) and higher potency in IL-2 production than AB928. Moreover, molecular docking studies were carried out to explain the rationality of molecular design and the activity of compound 7i. Further studies on 7f and 7i revealed good liver microsomes stabilities and acceptable in vivo PK profiles. This study provides insight into the future development of dual A2A/A2B AR antagonists for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Li
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Lijuan Kou
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Xinzhen Fu
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Zeping Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Maolei Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Lin Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | | | | | - Shumin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Ming Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
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Su S, Lei A, Wang X, Lu H, Wang S, Yang Y, Li N, Zhang Y, Zhang J. Induced CAR-Macrophages as a Novel Therapeutic Cell Type for Cancer Immune Cell Therapies. Cells 2022; 11:1652. [PMID: 35626689 PMCID: PMC9139529 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has made inroads in treating hematological malignancies. Nonetheless, there are still multiple hurdles in CAR-T cell therapy for solid tumors. Primary CAR-expressing macrophage cells (CAR-Ms) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived CAR-expressing macrophage cells (CAR-iMacs) have emerged as attractive alternatives in our quest for an efficient and inexpensive approach for tumor immune cell therapy. In this review, we list the current state of development of human CAR-macrophages and provide an overview of the crucial functions of human CAR-macrophages in the field of tumor immune cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Su
- Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou 362000, China;
- Zhejiang Laboratory for Systems and Precision Medicine, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China; (A.L.); (X.W.); (H.L.)
| | - Anhua Lei
- Zhejiang Laboratory for Systems and Precision Medicine, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China; (A.L.); (X.W.); (H.L.)
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xudong Wang
- Zhejiang Laboratory for Systems and Precision Medicine, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China; (A.L.); (X.W.); (H.L.)
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hengxing Lu
- Zhejiang Laboratory for Systems and Precision Medicine, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China; (A.L.); (X.W.); (H.L.)
| | - Shuhang Wang
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 17 Panjiayuan, Beijing 100021, China; (S.W.); (N.L.)
| | - Yuqi Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Immunological Diseases, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, No. 83 Zhongshan Road, Guiyang 550000, China;
| | - Ning Li
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 17 Panjiayuan, Beijing 100021, China; (S.W.); (N.L.)
| | - Yi Zhang
- Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou 362000, China;
| | - Jin Zhang
- Zhejiang Laboratory for Systems and Precision Medicine, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China; (A.L.); (X.W.); (H.L.)
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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