1
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Yin Y, Feng W, Chen J, Chen X, Wang G, Wang S, Xu X, Nie Y, Fan D, Wu K, Xia L. Immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in the progression, metastasis, and therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma: from bench to bedside. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:72. [PMID: 39085965 PMCID: PMC11292955 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00539-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly heterogeneous malignancy with high incidence, recurrence, and metastasis rates. The emergence of immunotherapy has improved the treatment of advanced HCC, but problems such as drug resistance and immune-related adverse events still exist in clinical practice. The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) of HCC restricts the efficacy of immunotherapy and is essential for HCC progression and metastasis. Therefore, it is necessary to elucidate the mechanisms behind immunosuppressive TME to develop and apply immunotherapy. This review systematically summarizes the pathogenesis of HCC, the formation of the highly heterogeneous TME, and the mechanisms by which the immunosuppressive TME accelerates HCC progression and metastasis. We also review the status of HCC immunotherapy and further discuss the existing challenges and potential therapeutic strategies targeting immunosuppressive TME. We hope to inspire optimizing and innovating immunotherapeutic strategies by comprehensively understanding the structure and function of immunosuppressive TME in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Weibo Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xilang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Guodong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Yongzhan Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China.
| | - Daiming Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China.
| | - Kaichun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China.
| | - Limin Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China.
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China.
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2
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Jiang H, Sun X, Wu Y, Xu J, Xiao C, Liu Q, Fang L, Liang Y, Zhou J, Wu Y, Lin Z. Contribution of Tregs to the promotion of constructive remodeling after decellularized extracellular matrix material implantation. Mater Today Bio 2024; 27:101151. [PMID: 39104900 PMCID: PMC11298607 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Host remodeling of decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) material through the appropriate involvement of immune cells is essential for achieving functional organ/tissue regeneration. As many studies have focused on the role of macrophages, only few have evaluated the role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in dECM remodeling. In this study, we used a mouse model of traumatic muscle injury to determine the role of Tregs in the constructive remodeling of vascular-derived dECM. According to the results, a certain number of Tregs could be recruited after dECM implantation. Notably, using anti-CD25 to reduce the number of Tregs recruited by the dECM was significantly detrimental to material remodeling based on a significant reduction in the number of M2 macrophages. In addition, collagen and elastic fibers, which maintain the integrity and mechanical properties of the material, rapidly degraded during the early stages of implantation. In contrast, the use of CD28-SA antibodies to increase the number of Tregs recruited by dECM promoted constructive remodeling, resulting in a decreased inflammatory response at the material edge, thinning of the surrounding fibrous connective tissue, uniform infiltration of host cells, and significantly improved tissue remodeling scores. The number of M2 macrophages increased whereas that of M1 macrophages decreased. Moreover, Treg-conditioned medium further enhanced material-induced M2 macrophage polarization in vitro. Overall, Treg is an important cell type that influences constructive remodeling of the dECM. Such findings contribute to the design of next-generation biomaterials to optimize the remodeling and regeneration of dECM materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjing Jiang
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, 510006, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuheng Sun
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, 510006, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yindi Wu
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, 510006, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianyi Xu
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, 510006, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Cong Xiao
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, 510006, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qing Liu
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, 510006, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lijun Fang
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, 510006, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuanfeng Liang
- Department of Geriatrics, Guangdong Provincial Geriatrics Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, 510006, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiahui Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yueheng Wu
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Ji Hua Institute of Biomedical Engineering Technology, Ji Hua Laboratory, 528200, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhanyi Lin
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, 510006, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Ji Hua Institute of Biomedical Engineering Technology, Ji Hua Laboratory, 528200, Foshan, Guangdong, China
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3
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Hernández-Peralta P, Chacón-Salinas R, Gracia-Mora MI, Soldevila G, Moreno-Rodríguez J, Cobos-Marín L. Microenvironment M1/M2 macrophages and tumoral progression vary within C57BL/6 mice from same substrain in prostate cancer model. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15112. [PMID: 38956203 PMCID: PMC11219814 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65960-y] [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: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer mice models are critical for immune-oncology research; they provide conditions to explore tumor immunoenviroment aiming to advance knowledge and treatment development. Often, research groups breed their own mice colonies. To assess the effect of C57BL/6 mice breeding nuclei in prostate cancer development and intratumoral macrophage populations, an isotransplantation experiment was performed. C57BL/6J mice from two breeding nuclei (nA and nB) were employed for prostate adenocarcinoma TRAMP-C1 cell implantation; tumor growth period and intratumoral macrophage profile were measured. BL/6nB mice (54%) showed tumor implantation after 69-day growth period while BL/6nA implantation reached 100% across tumor growth period (28 days). No difference in total macrophage populations was observed between groups within several tumoral regions; significantly higher M2 macrophage profile was observed in tumor microenvironments from both mice groups. Nevertheless, BL/6nB tumors showed around twice the population of M1 profile (11-27%) than BL6nA (4-15%) and less non-polarized macrophages. The M1:M2 average ratio was 1:8 for group A and 1:4 for B. Our results demonstrate different tumor progression and intratumoral macrophage populations among mice from the same substrain. Data obtained in this study shows the relevance of animal source renewal for better control of murine cancer model variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Hernández-Peralta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Circuito Exterior sn, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - R Chacón-Salinas
- Department of Immunology, National School of Biological Sciences, Instituto Politécnico Nacional (ENCB-IPN), 11340, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - M I Gracia-Mora
- Department of Inorganic and Nuclear Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Investigación Científica 70, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - G Soldevila
- Department of Immunology, Biomedical Research Institute, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - J Moreno-Rodríguez
- Research Division, Hospital Juárez de México, 07760, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - L Cobos-Marín
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Circuito Exterior sn, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico.
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4
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Xie Q, Zeng Y, Zhang X, Yu F. The significance of lipid metabolism reprogramming of tumor-associated macrophages in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:171. [PMID: 38954021 PMCID: PMC11220057 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03748-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
In the intricate landscape of the tumor microenvironment, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) emerge as a ubiquitous cellular component that profoundly affects the oncogenic process. The microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by a pronounced infiltration of TAMs, underscoring their pivotal role in modulating the trajectory of the disease. Amidst the evolving therapeutic paradigms for HCC, the strategic reprogramming of metabolic pathways presents a promising avenue for intervention, garnering escalating interest within the scientific community. Previous investigations have predominantly focused on elucidating the mechanisms of metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells without paying sufficient attention to understanding how TAM metabolic reprogramming, particularly lipid metabolism, affects the progression of HCC. In this review article, we intend to elucidate how TAMs exert their regulatory effects via diverse pathways such as E2F1-E2F2-CPT2, LKB1-AMPK, and mTORC1-SREBP, and discuss correlations of TAMs with these processes and the characteristics of relevant pathways in HCC progression by consolidating various studies on TAM lipid uptake, storage, synthesis, and catabolism. It is our hope that our summary could delineate the impact of specific mechanisms underlying TAM lipid metabolic reprogramming on HCC progression and provide useful information for future research on HCC and the development of new treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingjian Xie
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuan Zeng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiangting Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Fujun Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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5
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Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi A, Momeny M, Rezaei N, Fallah F, Bashash D. Immune landscape of hepatocellular carcinoma: From dysregulation of the immune responses to the potential immunotherapies. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e4098. [PMID: 39034646 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.4098] [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: 05/25/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents a considerable global health burden due to its late diagnosis and high morbidity. The liver's specific anatomical and physiological features expose it to various antigens, requiring precise immune regulation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a comprehensive overview of the interactions between the immune system and gut microbiota in the development of HCC, as well as the relevant therapeutic approaches are discussed. Dysregulation of immune compartments within the liver microenvironment drives HCC pathogenesis, characterized by elevated regulatory cells such as regulatory T cells (Tregs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and M2 macrophages as well as suppressive molecules, alongside reduced number of effector cells like T cells, natural killer cells, and M1 macrophages. Dysbiosis of gut microbiota also contributes to HCC by disrupting intestinal barrier integrity and triggering overactivated immune responses. Immunotherapy approaches, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors, have exhibited promise in HCC management, yet adoptive cell therapy and cancer vaccination research are in the early steps with relatively less favorable outcomes. Further understanding of immune dysregulation, gut microbiota involvement, and therapeutic combination strategies are essential for advancing precision immunotherapy in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atieh Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi
- Pediatric Infections Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Momeny
- Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Fallah
- Pediatric Infections Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Davood Bashash
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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6
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Yang M, Shulkin N, Gonzalez E, Castillo J, Yan C, Zhang K, Arvanitis L, Borok Z, Wallace WD, Raz D, Torres ETR, Marconett CN. Cell of origin alters myeloid-mediated immunosuppression in lung adenocarcinoma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.19.599651. [PMID: 38948812 PMCID: PMC11213232 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.19.599651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Solid carcinomas are often highly heterogenous cancers, arising from multiple epithelial cells of origin. Yet, how the cell of origin influences the response of the tumor microenvironment is poorly understood. Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) arises in the distal alveolar epithelium which is populated primarily by alveolar epithelial type I (AT1) and type II (AT2) cells. It has been previously reported that Gramd2 + AT1 cells can give rise to a histologically-defined LUAD that is distinct in pathology and transcriptomic identity from that arising from Sftpc + AT2 cells1,2. To determine how cells of origin influence the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) landscape, we comprehensively characterized transcriptomic, molecular, and cellular states within the TIME of Gramd2 + AT1 and Sftpc + AT2-derived LUAD using KRASG12D oncogenic driver mouse models. Myeloid cells within the Gramd2 + AT1-derived LUAD TIME were increased, specifically, immunoreactive monocytes and tumor associated macrophages (TAMs). In contrast, the Sftpc + AT2 LUAD TIME was enriched for Arginase-1+ myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and TAMs expressing profiles suggestive of immunosuppressive function. Validation of immune infiltration was performed using flow cytometry, and intercellular interaction analysis between the cells of origin and major myeloid cell populations indicated that cell-type specific markers SFTPD in AT2 cells and CAV1 in AT1 cells mediated unique interactions with myeloid cells of the differential immunosuppressive states within each cell of origin mouse model. Taken together, Gramd2 + AT1-derived LUAD presents with an anti-tumor, immunoreactive TIME, while the TIME of Sftpc + AT2-derived LUAD has hallmarks of immunosuppression. This study suggests that LUAD cell of origin influences the composition and suppression status of the TIME landscape and may hold critical implications for patient response to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minxiao Yang
- Department of Integrative Translational Sciences, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA USA 91010
- Department of Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA 90089
- Department of Translational Genomics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA 90089
| | - Noah Shulkin
- Department of Integrative Translational Sciences, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA USA 91010
| | - Edgar Gonzalez
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA 90089
| | - Jonathan Castillo
- Department of Integrative Translational Sciences, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA USA 91010
| | - Chunli Yan
- Department of Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA 90089
| | - Keqiang Zhang
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, City of Hope, Duarte, CA USA 91010
| | - Leonidas Arvanitis
- Department of Pathology, City of Hope National Medical Center, City of Hope, Duarte, CA USA 91010
| | - Zea Borok
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA 92093
| | - W. Dean Wallace
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA 90089
| | - Dan Raz
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, City of Hope, Duarte, CA USA 91010
| | - Evanthia T. Roussos Torres
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA 90089
| | - Crystal N. Marconett
- Department of Integrative Translational Sciences, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA USA 91010
- Department of Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA 90089
- Department of Translational Genomics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA 90089
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7
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Peres N, Lepski GA, Fogolin CS, Evangelista GCM, Flatow EA, de Oliveira JV, Pinho MP, Bergami-Santos PC, Barbuto JAM. Profiling of Tumor-Infiltrating Immune Cells and Their Impact on Survival in Glioblastoma Patients Undergoing Immunotherapy with Dendritic Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5275. [PMID: 38791312 PMCID: PMC11121326 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastomas (GBM) are the most common primary malignant brain tumors, comprising 2% of all cancers in adults. Their location and cellular and molecular heterogeneity, along with their highly infiltrative nature, make their treatment challenging. Recently, our research group reported promising results from a prospective phase II clinical trial involving allogeneic vaccination with dendritic cells (DCs). To date, six out of the thirty-seven reported cases remain alive without tumor recurrence. In this study, we focused on the characterization of infiltrating immune cells observed at the time of surgical resection. An analytical model employing a neural network-based predictive algorithm was used to ascertain the potential prognostic implications of immunological variables on patients' overall survival. Counterintuitively, immune phenotyping of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) has revealed the extracellular marker PD-L1 to be a positive predictor of overall survival. In contrast, the elevated expression of CD86 within this cellular subset emerged as a negative prognostic indicator. Fundamentally, the neural network algorithm outlined here allows a prediction of the responsiveness of patients undergoing dendritic cell vaccination in terms of overall survival based on clinical parameters and the profile of infiltrated TAMs observed at the time of tumor excision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataly Peres
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05403-010, Brazil;
| | - Guilherme A. Lepski
- LIM 26, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
- Department of Neurosurgery, Eberhard-Karls University, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Carla S. Fogolin
- Department of Immunology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (C.S.F.); (G.C.M.E.); (E.A.F.); (J.V.d.O.); (M.P.P.); (P.C.B.-S.); (J.A.M.B.)
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and Targeted Therapy in Onco-Immuno-Hematology (LIM-31), Department of Hematology, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Gabriela C. M. Evangelista
- Department of Immunology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (C.S.F.); (G.C.M.E.); (E.A.F.); (J.V.d.O.); (M.P.P.); (P.C.B.-S.); (J.A.M.B.)
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and Targeted Therapy in Onco-Immuno-Hematology (LIM-31), Department of Hematology, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth A. Flatow
- Department of Immunology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (C.S.F.); (G.C.M.E.); (E.A.F.); (J.V.d.O.); (M.P.P.); (P.C.B.-S.); (J.A.M.B.)
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and Targeted Therapy in Onco-Immuno-Hematology (LIM-31), Department of Hematology, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline V. de Oliveira
- Department of Immunology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (C.S.F.); (G.C.M.E.); (E.A.F.); (J.V.d.O.); (M.P.P.); (P.C.B.-S.); (J.A.M.B.)
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and Targeted Therapy in Onco-Immuno-Hematology (LIM-31), Department of Hematology, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Mariana P. Pinho
- Department of Immunology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (C.S.F.); (G.C.M.E.); (E.A.F.); (J.V.d.O.); (M.P.P.); (P.C.B.-S.); (J.A.M.B.)
| | - Patricia C. Bergami-Santos
- Department of Immunology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (C.S.F.); (G.C.M.E.); (E.A.F.); (J.V.d.O.); (M.P.P.); (P.C.B.-S.); (J.A.M.B.)
| | - José A. M. Barbuto
- Department of Immunology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (C.S.F.); (G.C.M.E.); (E.A.F.); (J.V.d.O.); (M.P.P.); (P.C.B.-S.); (J.A.M.B.)
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and Targeted Therapy in Onco-Immuno-Hematology (LIM-31), Department of Hematology, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
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8
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Galasso L, Cerrito L, Maccauro V, Termite F, Ainora ME, Gasbarrini A, Zocco MA. Hepatocellular Carcinoma and the Multifaceted Relationship with Its Microenvironment: Attacking the Hepatocellular Carcinoma Defensive Fortress. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1837. [PMID: 38791916 PMCID: PMC11119751 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101837] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is a malignant tumor that originates from hepatocytes in an inflammatory substrate due to different degrees of liver fibrosis up to cirrhosis. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the role played by the complex interrelationship between hepatocellular carcinoma and its microenvironment, capable of influencing tumourigenesis, neoplastic growth, and its progression or even inhibition. The microenvironment is made up of an intricate network of mesenchymal cells, immune system cells, extracellular matrix, and growth factors, as well as proinflammatory cytokines and translocated bacterial products coming from the intestinal microenvironment via the enterohepatic circulation. The aim of this paper is to review the role of the HCC microenvironment and describe the possible implications in the choice of the most appropriate therapeutic scheme in the prediction of tumor response or resistance to currently applied treatments and in the possible development of future therapeutic perspectives, in order to circumvent resistance and break down the tumor's defensive fort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Galasso
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy (L.C.); (V.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Lucia Cerrito
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy (L.C.); (V.M.); (A.G.)
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Maccauro
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy (L.C.); (V.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Fabrizio Termite
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy (L.C.); (V.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Maria Elena Ainora
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy (L.C.); (V.M.); (A.G.)
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy (L.C.); (V.M.); (A.G.)
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Assunta Zocco
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy (L.C.); (V.M.); (A.G.)
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
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9
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You C, Zhang Z, Guo Y, Liu S, Hu K, Zhan Y, Aihemaiti S, Tao S, Chu Y, Fan L. Application of extracellular matrix cross-linked by microbial transglutaminase to promote wound healing. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 266:131384. [PMID: 38580012 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131384] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
One primary focus of skin tissue engineering has been the creation of innovative biomaterials to facilitate rapid wound healing. Extracellular matrix (ECM), an essential biofunctional substance, has recently been discovered to play a crucial role in wound healing. Consequently, we endeavored to decellularize ECM from pig achilles tendon and refine its mechanical and biological properties through modification by utilizing cross-linking agents. Glutaraldehyde (GA), 1-ethyl-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide/N-hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS), double aldol starch (DAS), and microbial transglutaminase (MTG) were utilized to produce crosslinked ECM variants (GA-ECM, EDC/NHS-ECM, DAS-ECM, and MTG-ECM). Comprehensive assessments were conducted to evaluate the physical properties, biocompatibility, and wound healing efficacy of each material. The results indicated that MTG-ECM exhibited superior tensile strength, excellent hydrophilicity, minimal cytotoxicity, and the best pro-healing impact among the four modified scaffolds. Staining analysis of tissue sections further revealed that MTG-ECM impeded the transition from type III collagen to type I collagen in the wound area, potentially reducing the development of wound scar. Therefore, MTG-ECM is expected to be a potential pro-skin repair scaffold material to prevent scar formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenkai You
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Life Sciences, Wuhan University of Technology, 430070, PR China
| | - Zhihan Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedic Trauma and Microsurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, PR China
| | - Yuandong Guo
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Life Sciences, Wuhan University of Technology, 430070, PR China
| | - Shuang Liu
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Life Sciences, Wuhan University of Technology, 430070, PR China
| | - Kangdi Hu
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Life Sciences, Wuhan University of Technology, 430070, PR China
| | - Yuhang Zhan
- Department of Orthopaedic Trauma and Microsurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, PR China
| | - Shami Aihemaiti
- Department of Orthopaedic Trauma and Microsurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, PR China
| | - Shengxiang Tao
- Department of Orthopaedic Trauma and Microsurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, PR China.
| | - Yingying Chu
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Life Sciences, Wuhan University of Technology, 430070, PR China.
| | - Lihong Fan
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Life Sciences, Wuhan University of Technology, 430070, PR China.
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10
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Ouyang G, Li Q, Wei Y, Dai W, Deng H, Liu Y, Li J, Li M, Luo S, Li S, Liang Y, Pan G, Yang J, Gan T. Identification of PANoptosis-related subtypes, construction of a prognosis signature, and tumor microenvironment landscape of hepatocellular carcinoma using bioinformatic analysis and experimental verification. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1323199. [PMID: 38742112 PMCID: PMC11089137 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1323199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide. PANoptosis is a recently unveiled programmed cell death pathway, Nonetheless, the precise implications of PANoptosis within the context of HCC remain incompletely elucidated. Methods We conducted a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis to evaluate both the expression and mutation patterns of PANoptosis-related genes (PRGs). We categorized HCC into two clusters and identified differentially expressed PANoptosis-related genes (DEPRGs). Next, a PANoptosis risk model was constructed using LASSO and multivariate Cox regression analyses. The relationship between PRGs, risk genes, the risk model, and the immune microenvironment was studies. In addition, drug sensitivity between high- and low-risk groups was examined. The expression profiles of these four risk genes were elucidate by qRT-PCR or immunohistochemical (IHC). Furthermore, the effect of CTSC knock down on HCC cell behavior was verified using in vitro experiments. Results We constructed a prognostic signature of four DEPRGs (CTSC, CDCA8, G6PD, and CXCL9). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses underscored the superior prognostic capacity of this signature in assessing the outcomes of HCC patients. Subsequently, patients were stratified based on their risk scores, which revealed that the low-risk group had better prognosis than those in the high-risk group. High-risk group displayed a lower Stromal Score, Immune Score, ESTIMATE score, and higher cancer stem cell content, tumor mutation burden (TMB) values. Furthermore, a correlation was noted between the risk model and the sensitivity to 56 chemotherapeutic agents, as well as immunotherapy efficacy, in patient with. These findings provide valuable guidance for personalized clinical treatment strategies. The qRT-PCR analysis revealed that upregulated expression of CTSC, CDCA8, and G6PD, whereas downregulated expression of CXCL9 in HCC compared with adjacent tumor tissue and normal liver cell lines. The knockdown of CTSC significantly reduced both HCC cell proliferation and migration. Conclusion Our study underscores the promise of PANoptosis-based molecular clustering and prognostic signatures in predicting patient survival and discerning the intricacies of the tumor microenvironment within the context of HCC. These insights hold the potential to advance our comprehension of the therapeutic contribution of PANoptosis plays in HCC and pave the way for generating more efficacious treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqing Ouyang
- Department of General Surgery, Liuzhou People’s Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor, Guangxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Liuzhou Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases Precision Diagnosis Research Center of Engineering Technology, Liuzhou People’s Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Qiuyun Li
- Department of General Surgery, Liuzhou People’s Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
- Liuzhou Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases Precision Diagnosis Research Center of Engineering Technology, Liuzhou People’s Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Yangnian Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Ruikang Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Wenbin Dai
- Department of Pathology, Liuzhou People’s Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Haojian Deng
- Department of Emergency Medical, Liuzhou People’s Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Youli Liu
- Department of Pathology, Liuzhou People’s Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Jiaguang Li
- Department of Pathology, Liuzhou People’s Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Mingjuan Li
- Department of General Surgery, Liuzhou People’s Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Shunwen Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Liuzhou People’s Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of General Surgery, Liuzhou People’s Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Yunying Liang
- Department of General Surgery, Liuzhou People’s Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Guandong Pan
- Department of General Surgery, Liuzhou People’s Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
- Liuzhou Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases Precision Diagnosis Research Center of Engineering Technology, Liuzhou People’s Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Jianqing Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Liuzhou People’s Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
- Liuzhou Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases Precision Diagnosis Research Center of Engineering Technology, Liuzhou People’s Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Tao Gan
- Department of General Surgery, Liuzhou People’s Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
- Department of Emergency Medical, Liuzhou People’s Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
- Key Specialty Department of Emergency Medicine in Guangxi, Liuzhou People’s Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
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11
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Jin D, Qian L, Chen J, Yu Z, Dong J. Prognostic impact of CD68+ tumor-associated macrophages in hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37834. [PMID: 38640338 PMCID: PMC11029977 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence from clinical research suggests that the tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) were associated with prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of the present meta-analysis was to conduct a qualitative analysis to explore the prognostic value of CD68 + TAMs in HCC. METHODS This study conducted a systematic search in Pubmed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Internet from inception of the databases to November 2023. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated employing fixed-effect or random-effect models depending on the heterogeneity of the included trials. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the risk of prejudice. RESULTS We analyzed 4362 HCC patients. The present research indicated that the expression levels Of CD68 + TAMs were significantly associated with overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.30-1.84) and disease-free survival (DFS) (HR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.17-1.78). Subgroup analysis based on cutoff values showed that the "Median" subgroup showed a pooled HR of 1.66 with a 95% CI ranging from 1.32 to 2.08, which was slightly higher than the "Others" subgroup that exhibited a pooled HR of 1.40 and a 95% CI of 1.07 to 1.84. The "PT" subgroup had the highest pooled HR of 1.68 (95% CI: 1.19-2.37), indicating a worse OS compared to the "IT" (pooled HR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.13-2.01) and "Mix" (pooled HR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.03-2.26) subgroups. Moreover, in the sample size-based analysis, studies with more than 100 samples (>100) exhibited a higher pooled HR of 1.57 (95% CI: 1.28 to 1.93) compared to studies with fewer than 100 samples (<100), which had a pooled HR of 1.45 (95% CI: 1.00-2.10). CONCLUSIONS The analysis suggests that CD68 + TAMs were significantly associated with unfavorable OS and DFS in HCC patients, and may be served as a promising prognostic biomarker in HCC. However, more large-scale trials are needed to study the clinical value of TAMs in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danwen Jin
- Pathological Diagnosis Center, Zhoushan Hospital, Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Liyong Qian
- Pathological Diagnosis Center, Zhoushan Hospital, Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jiayao Chen
- Department of Laboratory, Zhoushan Hospital, Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ze Yu
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Biology, Zhoushan Hospital, Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jinliang Dong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Zhoushan Hospital, Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province, China
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12
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Gupta T, Jarpula NS. Hepatocellular carcinoma immune microenvironment and check point inhibitors-current status. World J Hepatol 2024; 16:353-365. [PMID: 38577535 PMCID: PMC10989304 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v16.i3.353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary tumor of the liver and has a high mortality rate. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system in addition to tumor staging also links the modality of treatment available to a particular stage. The recent description of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in HCC has provided a new concept of immunogenicity within the HCC. Virus-related HCC has been shown to be more immunogenic with higher expression of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and decreased elements for immunosuppression such as regulatory T cells. This immunogenic milieu provides a better response to immunotherapy especially immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). In addition, the recent data on combining locoregional therapies and other strategies may convert the less immunogenic state of the TME towards higher immunogenicity. Therefore, data are emerging on the use of combinations of locoregional therapy and ICIs in unresectable or advanced HCC and has shown better survival outcomes in this difficult population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarana Gupta
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak 124001, Haryana, India.
| | - Nikhil Sai Jarpula
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak 124001, Haryana, India
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13
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Tang C, Jiang ST, Li CX, Jia XF, Yang WL. The Effect of Salvianolic Acid A on Tumor-Associated Macrophage Polarization and Its Mechanisms in the Tumor Microenvironment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Molecules 2024; 29:1469. [PMID: 38611749 PMCID: PMC11013304 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071469] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer, with a high degree of malignancy and poor prognosis. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) have been identified as significant contributors to the growth and metastasis of TNBC through the secretion of various growth factors and chemokines. Salvianolic acid A (SAA) has been shown to have anti-cancer activities. However, the potential activity of SAA on re-polarized TAMs remains unclear. As there is a correlation between the TAMs and TNBC, this study investigates the effect of SAA on TAMs in the TNBC microenvironment. For that purpose, M2 TAM polarization was induced by two kinds of TNBC-conditioned medium (TNBC-TCM) in the absence or presence of SAA. The gene and protein expression of TAM markers were analyzed by qPCR, FCM, IF, ELISA, and Western blot. The protein expression levels of ERK and p-ERK in M2-like TAMs were analyzed by Western blot. The migration and invasion properties of M2-like TAMs were analyzed by Transwell assays. Here, we demonstrated that SAA increased the expression levels of CD86, IL-1β, and iNOS in M2-like TAMs and, conversely, decreased the expression levels of Arg-1 and CD206. Moreover, SAA inhibited the migration and invasion properties of M2-like TAMs effectively and decreased the protein expression of TGF-β1 and p-ERK in a concentration-dependent manner, as well as TGF-β1 gene expression and secretion. Our current findings for the first time demonstrated that SAA inhibits macrophage polarization to M2-like TAMs by inhibiting the ERK pathway and promotes M2-like TAM re-polarization to the M1 TAMs, which may exert its anti-tumor effect by regulating M1/M2 TAM polarization. These findings highlight SAA as a potential regulator of M2 TAMs and the possibility of utilizing SAA to reprogram M2 TAMs offers promising insights for the clinical management of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Tang
- Institute for Cancer Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; (C.T.); (S.-T.J.); (C.-X.L.); (X.-F.J.)
| | - Shi-Ting Jiang
- Institute for Cancer Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; (C.T.); (S.-T.J.); (C.-X.L.); (X.-F.J.)
| | - Cheng-Xia Li
- Institute for Cancer Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; (C.T.); (S.-T.J.); (C.-X.L.); (X.-F.J.)
| | - Xiao-Fang Jia
- Institute for Cancer Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; (C.T.); (S.-T.J.); (C.-X.L.); (X.-F.J.)
| | - Wen-Li Yang
- Institute for Cancer Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; (C.T.); (S.-T.J.); (C.-X.L.); (X.-F.J.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
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14
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Yu Z, Huang L, Guo J. Anti-stromal nanotherapeutics for hepatocellular carcinoma. J Control Release 2024; 367:500-514. [PMID: 38278367 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.01.050] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most commonly diagnosed primary liver cancer, has become a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Accumulating evidence confirms that the stromal constituents within the tumor microenvironment (TME) exacerbate HCC malignancy and set the barriers to current anti-HCC treatments. Recent developments of nano drug delivery system (NDDS) have facilitated the application of stroma-targeting therapeutics, disrupting the stromal TME in HCC. This review discusses the stromal activities in HCC development and therapy resistance. In addition, it addresses the delivery challenges of NDDS for stroma-targeting therapeutics (termed anti-stromal nanotherapeutics in this review), and provides recent advances in anti-stromal nanotherapeutics for safe, effective, and specific HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Yu
- Department of Hepatopathy, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Leaf Huang
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jianfeng Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
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15
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Qian L, Xie L, Zhu Y, Huang C, Meng Z. Potent induction of antitumor immunity by combining cryo-thermal ablation with immune checkpoint inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver Int 2024; 44:723-737. [PMID: 38111027 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The low response rate of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) prompts the exploration of novel combination therapies for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we aimed to examine the efficiency and potential mechanism of cryo-thermal ablation (Cryo-A) combined with anti-programmed death protein 1 (αPD1) and/or cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (αCTLA4) inhibitors in a murine hepatoma model. METHOD Immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice inoculated with unilateral or bilateral H22 hepatic tumour cells were treated with Cryo-A and/or ICIs (αPD1 and/or αCTLA4). Flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, ELISpot assay, time-of-flight cytometry, tumour rechallenging, and T-cell depletion assay were used to assess the dynamic changes of immune cell subsets following therapy. RESULTS We found Cryo-A resulted in immunogenic cell death of tumour cells, activation of dendritic cells, and enhancement of antitumor immunity. Cryo-A alone was insufficient to extend survival, combining Cryo-A with αPD1 and αCTLA4 further modulated the tumour microenvironment, inducing a durable antitumor immune response by tumour-reactive CD8+ T cells and significantly prolonged survival. Time-of-flight cytometry (CyTOF) data revealed that combination therapies reshaped the tumour microenvironment by the increase of intratumoral CD8+ T cells expressed higher levels of cytotoxic markers and immune checkpoint molecules, and by downregulation of intratumoral granulocytes. The combination also resulted in the eradication of remote unablated tumours (abscopal effect). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggested that Cryo-A turned HCC from "cold" tumours to "hot" tumours and the combination of Cryo-A with αPD1 and αCTLA4 may be a promising approach to improve the prognosis of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Qian
- Department of Minimally Invasive Therapy Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Xie
- Department of Minimally Invasive Therapy Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Department of Minimally Invasive Therapy Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Changjing Huang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Therapy Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiqiang Meng
- Department of Minimally Invasive Therapy Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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16
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Wang J, Liu C, Hu R, Wu L, Li C. Statin therapy: a potential adjuvant to immunotherapies in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1324140. [PMID: 38362156 PMCID: PMC10867224 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1324140] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide and accounts for more than 90% of primary liver cancer. The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-related therapies combined with angiogenesis inhibition has revolutionized the treatment of HCC in late-stage and unresectable HCC, as ICIs alone were disappointing in treating HCC. In addition to the altered immune microenvironment, abnormal lipid metabolism in the liver has been extensively characterized in various types of HCC. Stains are known for their cholesterol-lowering properties and their long history of treating hypercholesterolemia and reducing cardiovascular disease risk. Apart from ICI and other conventional therapies, statins are frequently used by advanced HCC patients with dyslipidemia, which is often marked by the abnormal accumulation of cholesterol and fatty acids in the liver. Supported by a body of preclinical and clinical studies, statins may unexpectedly enhance the efficacy of ICI therapy in HCC patients through the regulation of inflammatory responses and the immune microenvironment. This review discusses the abnormal changes in lipid metabolism in HCC, summarizes the clinical evidence and benefits of stain use in HCC, and prospects the possible mechanistic actions of statins in transforming the immune microenvironment in HCC when combined with immunotherapies. Consequently, the use of statin therapy may emerge as a novel and valuable adjuvant for immunotherapies in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chengyu Liu
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ronghua Hu
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Licheng Wu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
| | - Chuanzhou Li
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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17
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Zhou C, Li M, Ren Y, Miao F, Wang Y, Wu T, Gou X, Li W. Immune characteristics of dedifferentiated retroperitoneal liposarcomas and the reliability of regional samples in evaluating their tumor immune microenvironments. World J Surg Oncol 2024; 22:25. [PMID: 38254190 PMCID: PMC10804478 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-023-03295-0] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor immunotherapy is a new treatment breakthrough for retroperitoneal liposarcoma (RPLS), which is highly invasive and has few effective treatment options other than tumor resection. However, the heterogeneity of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) leads to missed clinical diagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate whether the TIME of a certain part of the tumor reliably represents the whole tumor, particularly for very large tumors, such as RPLS. METHODS We conducted a prospective study to evaluate the TIME in different regions of dedifferentiated RPLS (DDRPLS) by detecting the expressions of markers such as CD4+, CD8+, Foxp3+, CD20+, CD68+, LAMP3+, PD-1+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and PD-L1 in tumors and corresponding paratumor tissues via immunohistochemistry and RNA sequencing. RESULTS In DDRPLS, very few TILs were observed. Differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in cell part and cell functions, as well as the metabolic pathway and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. In addition, for most tumors (70-80%), the TIME was similar in different tumor regions. CONCLUSIONS For most tumors (70-80%), the TIME in any region of the tumor reliably represents the whole tumor. DDRPLS may regulate cell functions by modulating the metabolic and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways to promote its malignant behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changsheng Zhou
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, People's Republic of China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550002, People's Republic of China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, People's Republic of China
- Cancer Research Center of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, People's Republic of China
- Retroperitoneal Tumor Research Center of Oncology Chapter of Chinese Medical Association, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Li
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, People's Republic of China.
- Cancer Research Center of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, People's Republic of China.
- Retroperitoneal Tumor Research Center of Oncology Chapter of Chinese Medical Association, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, People's Republic of China.
- Xiamen Medicine Research Institute, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yantao Ren
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, People's Republic of China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, People's Republic of China
- Cancer Research Center of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, People's Republic of China
- Retroperitoneal Tumor Research Center of Oncology Chapter of Chinese Medical Association, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, People's Republic of China
| | - Fenglin Miao
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, People's Republic of China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, People's Republic of China
- Cancer Research Center of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, People's Republic of China
- Retroperitoneal Tumor Research Center of Oncology Chapter of Chinese Medical Association, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Wang
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, People's Republic of China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, People's Republic of China
- Cancer Research Center of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, People's Republic of China
- Retroperitoneal Tumor Research Center of Oncology Chapter of Chinese Medical Association, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Wu
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, People's Republic of China.
- Cancer Research Center of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, People's Republic of China.
- Retroperitoneal Tumor Research Center of Oncology Chapter of Chinese Medical Association, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xin Gou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550002, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wengang Li
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, People's Republic of China.
- Cancer Research Center of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, People's Republic of China.
- Retroperitoneal Tumor Research Center of Oncology Chapter of Chinese Medical Association, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, People's Republic of China.
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Keawvilai P, Kueanjinda P, Klomsing J, Palaga T. Coculturing liver cancer cells and monocytes in spheroids conditions monocytes to adopt tumor-associated macrophage phenotypes that favor tumor growth via cholesterol metabolism. J Leukoc Biol 2024; 115:344-357. [PMID: 37742062 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad114] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating immune cells and their crosstalk with cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) play a crucial role in shaping tumor progression and response to therapy. We utilized 3-dimensional liver cancer spheroids incorporating human primary monocytes to investigate the crosstalk between tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, HepG2 and PLC/PRF/5. Using multiplexed gene expression panels, the critical pathways involved in shaping primary human monocytes to adopt TAMs phenotypes were identified. The specific inhibitor for an identified pathway was used to explore its involvement in polarization of TAMs. In the cocultured spheroids comprising the human HCC cell lines, the infiltrating monocytes resembled protumor M2-like macrophage phenotypes. Gene expression panels of the infiltrating monocytes demonstrated that the upregulated genes were enriched in the cholesterol metabolism pathway. Cholesterol metabolism-related genes were upregulated together with the nuclear receptors, PPARG and LXR. When lysosomal acid lipase (LAL), the key enzyme necessary for the hydrolysis of lipoprotein, was inhibited, infiltrating monocytes in 3-dimensional spheroid coculture showed significantly decreased M2 marker and lipid uptake receptor expression as well as increased cellular lipid content, which indicated that cholesterol metabolism was important for conditioning the TAMs. Moreover, LAL inhibition reduced the spheroid growth and invasiveness of HCC cell lines. Small interfering RNA-mediated LAL silencing in monocytes yielded similar results upon spheroid coculture. These data indicated that liver cancer cells and infiltrating monocytes participate in crosstalk via cholesterol metabolism to condition monocytes toward TAMs, which favors tumor growth and survival, thereby promoting liver cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pornlapat Keawvilai
- Graduate Program in Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Phyathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Immunology and Immune-Mediated Diseases, Chulalongkorn University, Phyathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Patipark Kueanjinda
- Center of Excellence in Immunology and Immune-Mediated Diseases, Chulalongkorn University, Phyathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Jeerameth Klomsing
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Phyathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Tanapat Palaga
- Center of Excellence in Immunology and Immune-Mediated Diseases, Chulalongkorn University, Phyathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Phyathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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Qi YQ, Xiong F, Chen YJ. The correlation between tumor-associated macrophages and the prognosis of east Asian hepatocellular carcinoma patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 252:154919. [PMID: 37939428 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous related studies have found that the levels of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) were correlated with prognoses in hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the prognostic value of TAMs for East Asian HCC patients remains inconclusive. METHODS Our objectives were to systematically review the performance and explore the prognostic and clinical value of TAMs in patients with HCC. A total of 23 relevant studies of 4389 patients were included into our meta-analysis. And the work has been reported in line with PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS The results demonstrated that increased expression level of peritumoral infiltrated CD68+ macrophages had a poor prognostic value on overall survival (OS), disease free survival (DFS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). However, there was no correlation between disease-free survival (DFS) and the abundance of CD68+ TAMs both in intratumoral regions. Additionally, low density of CD169+, high density of CD206, and high density of CD204+ TAMs had a worse prognostic value on OS while the CD163+ TAMs had no diagnostic value on OS. The densities of CD68+ TAMs exhibited significantly correlation with AFP level and vascular invasion. The levels of CD169+ TAMs showed apparent relation to vascular invasion and TNM stages. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that TAMs may accomplish as significant prognostic biomarkers for East Asian HCC patients. However, further researches should be performed to estimate the clinical value of TAMs in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Qiang Qi
- Department of Biliary-pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Fei Xiong
- Department of Biliary-pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yong-Jun Chen
- Department of Biliary-pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
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Constantinesco NJ, Chinnappan B, DeVito LJ, Moras C, Srikanth S, Garcia-Hernandez MDLL, Rangel-Moreno J, Gopal R. Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitor, Empagliflozin, Suppresses the Inflammatory Immune Response to Influenza Infection. Immunohorizons 2023; 7:861-871. [PMID: 38112660 PMCID: PMC10759161 DOI: 10.4049/immunohorizons.2300077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza is a highly contagious, acute respiratory disease that causes significant public health and economic threats. Influenza infection induces various inflammatory mediators, IFNs, and recruitment of inflammatory cells in the host. This inflammatory "cytokine storm" is thought to play a role in influenza-induced lung pathogenesis. Empagliflozin is a drug primarily used to lower blood glucose in type II diabetes patients by inhibiting the sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) found in the proximal tubules in the kidneys. In this study, we have investigated the effects of empagliflozin on the pulmonary immune response to influenza infection. C57BL/6 mice (wild type) were infected with influenza A/PR/8/34 and treated with empagliflozin, and the disease outcomes were analyzed. Empagliflozin treatment decreased the expression of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and CCL2; the percentage of inflammatory monocytes and inducible NO synthase-positive macrophages; and IFN response genes Stat1 and CXCL9 during influenza infection. Further, empagliflozin treatment decreases the expression of IL-6, CCL2, and CCL5 in RAW264.7 macrophages and bone marrow-derived macrophages. However, empagliflozin treatment increased influenza viral titer during infection. Despite fostering an increased viral burden, treatment with empagliflozin decreases the mortality in wild type and high fat diet-induced atherosclerotic LDLR-/- mice. Based on our findings, empagliflozin may have therapeutic implications for use in patients to prevent lung damage and acute respiratory illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J. Constantinesco
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Baskaran Chinnappan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Louis J. DeVito
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Crystal Moras
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Sashwath Srikanth
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | - Javier Rangel-Moreno
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Radha Gopal
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
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21
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Tang Y, Sun Z, Wu S, Zhang C, Zhang Y, Cao Y. Jin-Fu-An decoction manipulation of macrophage polarization via β-catenin (CTNNB1) synergizes with cisplatin in lung cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115828. [PMID: 37925939 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115828] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) exhibiting an M2 phenotype contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of various cancer types, including lung cancer. Therapeutic approaches targeting TAMs have the potential to complement and synergize with conventional chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Through database analysis, it has become evident that the expression of CTNNB1 (β-catenin) is predominantly localized in macrophages, and its presence is associated with unfavorable outcomes in the absence of CD8+ cells. Jin-Fu-An decoction (JFAD) has been utilized as an adjunct to augment current clinical interventions. By conducting a network pharmacological analysis, we discovered that CTNNB1 is a significant target of JFAD. Experiments were conducted to examine the impact of JFAD on macrophage polarization both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the study investigated the combined effect of JFAD and cisplatin (CDDP) on mitigating adverse reactions and prolonging survival in subcutaneously transplanted tumor models and orthotopic lung cancer models. The percentage of M1 and M2 macrophages in the tumor and spleen were measured using flow cytometry. Additionally, the levels of β-catenin, M1, and M2 macrophage markers were measured by Western blotting and qPCR, while CD8 and iNOS protein expression was analyzed via immunohistochemistry. Our research findings indicate that JFAD has the ability to modulate the transformation of M2 macrophages into M1 macrophages, augment the anticancer efficacy of CDDP, and diminish the expression of cell-related markers in M2 cells. This regulatory effect may potentially be associated with the downregulation of β-catenin expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Tang
- The First Clinical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510000, China; Department of Oncology, The Affiliated TCM Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China; Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan 528437, China
| | - Zhe Sun
- The First Clinical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510000, China; Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan 528437, China
| | - Siqi Wu
- The First Clinical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510000, China; Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan 528437, China
| | - Chengyu Zhang
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan 528437, China; Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Yanling Zhang
- The First Clinical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510000, China; Department of Oncology, The Forth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Yang Cao
- The First Clinical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510000, China; Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510000, China.
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Li Z, Zhang Z, Fang L, Zhao J, Niu Z, Chen H, Cao G. Tumor Microenvironment Composition and Related Therapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:2083-2099. [PMID: 38022729 PMCID: PMC10676104 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s436962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, primary liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 75%-95%. The tumor microenvironment (TME), composed of the extracellular matrix, helper cells, immune cells, cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, promotes the immune escape, invasion, and metastasis of HCC. Tumor metastasis and postoperative recurrence are the main threats to the long-term prognosis of HCC. TME-related therapies are increasingly recognized as effective treatments. Molecular-targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and their combined therapy are the main approaches. Immunotherapy, represented by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), and targeted therapy, highlighted by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), have greatly improved the prognosis of HCC. This review focuses on the TME compositions and emerging therapeutic approaches to TME in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zishuai Li
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Bioprotection, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zihan Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Tongji University School of Medicine Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, People’s Republic of China
| | - Letian Fang
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Bioprotection, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiayi Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Bioprotection, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zheyun Niu
- Department of Epidemiology, Tongji University School of Medicine Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongsen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Bioprotection, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guangwen Cao
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Bioprotection, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
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23
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Chiu YJ, Ni CE, Huang YH. HArmonized single-cell RNA-seq Cell type Assisted Deconvolution (HASCAD). BMC Med Genomics 2023; 16:272. [PMID: 37907883 PMCID: PMC10619225 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-023-01674-w] [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: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cell composition deconvolution (CCD) is a type of bioinformatic task to estimate the cell fractions from bulk gene expression profiles, such as RNA-seq. Many CCD models were developed to perform linear regression analysis using reference gene expression signatures of distinct cell types. Reference gene expression signatures could be generated from cell-specific gene expression profiles, such as scRNA-seq. However, the batch effects and dropout events frequently observed across scRNA-seq datasets have limited the performances of CCD methods. METHODS We developed a deep neural network (DNN) model, HASCAD, to predict the cell fractions of up to 15 immune cell types. HASCAD was trained using the bulk RNA-seq simulated from three scRNA-seq datasets that have been normalized by using a Harmony-Symphony based strategy. Mean square error and Pearson correlation coefficient were used to compare the performance of HASCAD with those of other widely used CCD methods. Two types of datasets, including a set of simulated bulk RNA-seq, and three human PBMC RNA-seq datasets, were arranged to conduct the benchmarks. RESULTS HASCAD is useful for the investigation of the impacts of immune cell heterogeneity on the therapeutic effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors, since the target cell types include the ones known to play a role in anti-tumor immunity, such as three subtypes of CD8 T cells and three subtypes of CD4 T cells. We found that the removal of batch effects in the reference scRNA-seq datasets could benefit the task of CCD. Our benchmarks showed that HASCAD is more suitable for analyzing bulk RNA-seq data, compared with the two widely used CCD methods, CIBERSORTx and quanTIseq. We applied HASCAD to analyze the liver cancer samples of TCGA-LIHC, and found that there were significant associations of the predicted abundance of Treg and effector CD8 T cell with patients' overall survival. CONCLUSION HASCAD could predict the cell composition of the PBMC bulk RNA-seq and classify the cell type from pure bulk RNA-seq. The model of HASCAD is available at https://github.com/holiday01/HASCAD .
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Jung Chiu
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ming Chuan University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Chung-En Ni
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Hua Huang
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan.
- Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan.
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24
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Brauneck F, Oliveira-Ferrer L, Muschhammer J, Sturmheit T, Ackermann C, Haag F, Schulze zur Wiesch J, Ding Y, Qi M, Hell L, Schmalfeldt B, Bokemeyer C, Fiedler W, Wellbrock J. Immunosuppressive M2 TAMs represent a promising target population to enhance phagocytosis of ovarian cancer cells in vitro. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1250258. [PMID: 37876933 PMCID: PMC10593434 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1250258] [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: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) represent an important cell population within the tumor microenvironment, but little is known about the phenotype and function of these cells. The present study aims to characterize macrophages in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). Methods Phenotype and expression of co-regulatory markers were assessed on TAMs derived from malignant ascites (MA) or peripheral blood (PB) by multiparametric flow cytometry. Samples were obtained from HGSOC patients (n=29) and healthy donors (HDs, n=16). Additional expression analysis was performed by RNAseq (n=192). Correlation with clinically relevant parameters was conducted and validated by a second patient cohort (n=517). Finally, the role of TIGIT in repolarization and phagocytosis was investigated in vitro. Results Expression of the M2-associated receptors CD163, CD204, and CD206, as well as of the co-regulatory receptors TIGIT, CD226, TIM-3, and LAG-3 was significantly more frequent on macrophages in HGSOC than in HDs. CD39 and CD73 were broadly expressed on (mainly M2) macrophages, but without a clear clustering in HGSOC. CD163 mRNA levels were higher in TAMs from patients with residual tumor mass after surgery and associated with a shorter overall survival. In addition, TIGIT expression was associated with a higher tumor grading, indicating a prognostic relevance of M2 infiltration in HGSOC. TIGIT blockade significantly reduced the frequency of M2 macrophages. Moreover, combined blockade of TIGIT and CD47 significantly increased phagocytosis of ovarian cancer cells by TAMs in comparison to a single blockade of CD47. Conclusion Combined blockade of TIGIT and CD47 represents a promising approach to enhance anti-CD47-facilitated phagocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Brauneck
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Mildred Scheel Cancer Career Center HaTriCS4, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Jana Muschhammer
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Christin Ackermann
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Hematopathology Hamburg HpH, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Friedrich Haag
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Yi Ding
- Department of Gynecology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Minyue Qi
- Bioinformatics Core, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Louisa Hell
- Department of Gynecology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Schmalfeldt
- Department of Gynecology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Carsten Bokemeyer
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Walter Fiedler
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jasmin Wellbrock
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Hao L, Li S, Hu X. New insights into T-cell exhaustion in liver cancer: from mechanism to therapy. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:12543-12560. [PMID: 37423958 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05083-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most common malignancies. T-cell exhaustion is associated with immunosuppression of tumor and chronic infection. Although immunotherapies that enhance the immune response by targeting programmed cell death-1(PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) have been applied to malignancies, these treatments have shown limited response rates. This suggested that additional inhibitory receptors (IRs) also contributed to T-cell exhaustion and tumor prognosis. Exhausted T-cells (Tex) in the tumor immune microenvironment (TME) are usually in a dysfunctional state of exhaustion, such as impaired activity and proliferative ability, increased apoptosis rate, and reduced production of effector cytokines. Tex cells participate in the negative regulation of tumor immunity mainly through IRs on the cell surface, changes in cytokines and immunomodulatory cell types, causing tumor immune escape. However, T-cell exhaustion is not irreversible and targeted immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can effectively reverse the exhaustion of T-cells and restore the anti-tumor immune response. Therefore, the research on the mechanism of T-cell exhaustion in liver cancer, aimed at maintaining or restoring the effector function of Tex cells, might provide a new method for the treatment of liver cancer. In this review, we summarized the basic characteristics of Tex cells (such as IRs and cytokines), discussed the mechanisms associated with T-cell exhaustion, and specifically discussed how these exhaustion characteristics were acquired and shaped by key factors within TME. Then new insights into the molecular mechanism of T-cell exhaustion suggested a potential way to improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy, namely to restore the effector function of Tex cells. In addition, we also reviewed the research progress of T-cell exhaustion in recent years and provided suggestions for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Hao
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 37 Shi-Er-Qiao Road, Chengdu, 610075, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Shi-Er-Qiao Road, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shenghao Li
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 37 Shi-Er-Qiao Road, Chengdu, 610075, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Shi-Er-Qiao Road, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Hu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Shi-Er-Qiao Road, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China.
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Batheja S, Sahoo RK, Tarannum S, Vaiphei KK, Jha S, Alexander A, Goyal AK, Gupta U. Hepatocellular carcinoma: Preclinical and clinical applications of nanotechnology with the potential role of carbohydrate receptors. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2023; 1867:130443. [PMID: 37573973 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2023.130443] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common types of liver cancer; accounts for 75-85% of cases. The treatment and management of HCC involve different sanative options like surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, etc. Recently, various advancements have been introduced for the diagnosis and targeting of hepatic tumor cells. Among these, biomarkers are considered the primary source for the diagnosis and differentiation of tumor cells. With the advancement in the field of nanotechnology, different types of nanocarriers have been witnessed in tumor targeting. Nanocarriers such as nanoparticles, liposomes, polymeric micelles, nanofibers, etc. are readily prepared for effective tumor targeting with minimal side-effects. The emergence of various approaches tends to improve the effectiveness of these nanocarriers as demonstrated in ample clinical trials. This review focuses on the significant role of carbohydrates such as mannose, galactose, fructose, etc. in the development, diagnosis, and therapy of HCC. Hence, the current focus of this review is to acknowledge various perspectives regarding the occurrence, diagnosis, treatment, and management of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanya Batheja
- Nanopolymeric Drug Delivery Lab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandarsindri, Ajmer, Rajasthan 305817, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar Sahoo
- Nanopolymeric Drug Delivery Lab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandarsindri, Ajmer, Rajasthan 305817, India
| | - Sofiya Tarannum
- Nanopolymeric Drug Delivery Lab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandarsindri, Ajmer, Rajasthan 305817, India
| | - Klaudi K Vaiphei
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Sila Katamur, Changsari, Kamrup, Guwahati, Assam 781101, India
| | - Shikha Jha
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Sila Katamur, Changsari, Kamrup, Guwahati, Assam 781101, India
| | - Amit Alexander
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Sila Katamur, Changsari, Kamrup, Guwahati, Assam 781101, India
| | - Amit Kumar Goyal
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandarsindri, Ajmer, Rajasthan 305817, India
| | - Umesh Gupta
- Nanopolymeric Drug Delivery Lab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandarsindri, Ajmer, Rajasthan 305817, India.
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Wang RM, Mesfin JM, Karkanitsa M, Ungerleider JL, Zelus E, Zhang Y, Kawakami Y, Kawakami Y, Kawakami T, Christman KL. Immunomodulatory contribution of mast cells to the regenerative biomaterial microenvironment. NPJ Regen Med 2023; 8:53. [PMID: 37730736 PMCID: PMC10511634 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-023-00324-0] [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: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioactive immunomodulatory biomaterials have shown promise for influencing the immune response to promote tissue repair and regeneration. Macrophages and T cells have been associated with this response; however, other immune cell types have been traditionally overlooked. In this study, we investigated the role of mast cells in the regulation of the immune response to decellularized biomaterial scaffolds using a subcutaneous implant model. In mast cell-deficient mice, there was dysregulation of the expected M1 to M2 macrophage transition typically induced by the biomaterial scaffold. Polarization progression deviated in a sex-specific manner with an early transition to an M2 profile in female mice, while the male response was unable to properly transition past a pro-inflammatory M1 state. Both were reversed with adoptive mast cell transfer. Further investigation of the later-stage immune response in male mice determined a greater sustained pro-inflammatory gene expression profile, including the IL-1 cytokine family, IL-6, alarmins, and chemokines. These results highlight mast cells as another important cell type that influences the immune response to pro-regenerative biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond M Wang
- Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering, Sanford Consortium of Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, 2880 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Joshua M Mesfin
- Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering, Sanford Consortium of Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, 2880 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Maria Karkanitsa
- Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering, Sanford Consortium of Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, 2880 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Jessica L Ungerleider
- Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering, Sanford Consortium of Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, 2880 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Emma Zelus
- Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering, Sanford Consortium of Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, 2880 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Yuxue Zhang
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yu Kawakami
- Laboratory of Allergic Diseases, Center for Autoimmunity and Inflammation, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, 92037, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Yuko Kawakami
- Laboratory of Allergic Diseases, Center for Autoimmunity and Inflammation, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, 92037, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Toshiaki Kawakami
- Laboratory of Allergic Diseases, Center for Autoimmunity and Inflammation, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, 92037, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Karen L Christman
- Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering, Sanford Consortium of Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, 2880 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
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28
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Yuan Y, Wu D, Li J, Huang D, Zhao Y, Gao T, Zhuang Z, Cui Y, Zheng DY, Tang Y. Mechanisms of tumor-associated macrophages affecting the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1217400. [PMID: 37663266 PMCID: PMC10470150 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1217400] [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: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are essential components of the immune cell stroma of hepatocellular carcinoma. TAMs originate from monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells, peripheral blood monocytes, and kupffer cells. The recruitment of monocytes to the HCC tumor microenvironment is facilitated by various factors, leading to their differentiation into TAMs with unique phenotypes. TAMs can directly activate or inhibit the nuclear factor-κB, interleukin-6/signal transducer and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, Wnt/β-catenin, transforming growth factor-β1/bone morphogenetic protein, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 signaling pathways in tumor cells and interact with other immune cells via producing cytokines and extracellular vesicles, thus affecting carcinoma cell proliferation, invasive and migratory, angiogenesis, liver fibrosis progression, and other processes to participate in different stages of tumor progression. In recent years, TAMs have received much attention as a prospective treatment target for HCC. This review describes the origin and characteristics of TAMs and their mechanism of action in the occurrence and development of HCC to offer a theoretical foundation for further clinical research of TAMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yuan
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dailin Wu
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Li
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dan Huang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tianqi Gao
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhenjie Zhuang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Cui
- Department of Psychiatry, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Da-Yong Zheng
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Hepatology, TCM-Integrated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary, Cancer Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Kotsari M, Dimopoulou V, Koskinas J, Armakolas A. Immune System and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): New Insights into HCC Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11471. [PMID: 37511228 PMCID: PMC10380581 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the WHO's recently released worldwide cancer data for 2020, liver cancer ranks sixth in morbidity and third in mortality among all malignancies. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common kind of liver cancer, accounts approximately for 80% of all primary liver malignancies and is one of the leading causes of death globally. The intractable tumor microenvironment plays an important role in the development and progression of HCC and is one of three major unresolved issues in clinical practice (cancer recurrence, fatal metastasis, and the refractory tumor microenvironment). Despite significant advances, improved molecular and cellular characterization of the tumor microenvironment is still required since it plays an important role in the genesis and progression of HCC. The purpose of this review is to present an overview of the HCC immune microenvironment, distinct cellular constituents, current therapies, and potential immunotherapy methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kotsari
- Physiology Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Vassiliki Dimopoulou
- Physiology Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - John Koskinas
- B' Department of Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Armakolas
- Physiology Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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Chiu Y, Ni C, Huang Y. Deconvolution of bulk gene expression profiles reveals the association between immune cell polarization and the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Cancer Med 2023; 12:15736-15760. [PMID: 37366298 PMCID: PMC10417088 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many studies have utilized computational methods, including cell composition deconvolution (CCD), to correlate immune cell polarizations with the survival of cancer patients, including those with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, currently available cell deconvolution estimated (CDE) tools do not cover the wide range of immune cell changes that are known to influence tumor progression. RESULTS A new CCD tool, HCCImm, was designed to estimate the abundance of tumor cells and 16 immune cell types in the bulk gene expression profiles of HCC samples. HCCImm was validated using real datasets derived from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and HCC tissue samples, demonstrating that HCCImm outperforms other CCD tools. We used HCCImm to analyze the bulk RNA-seq datasets of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) samples. We found that the proportions of memory CD8+ T cells and Tregs were negatively associated with patient overall survival (OS). Furthermore, the proportion of naïve CD8+ T cells was positively associated with patient OS. In addition, the TCGA-LIHC samples with a high tumor mutational burden had a significantly high abundance of nonmacrophage leukocytes. CONCLUSIONS HCCImm was equipped with a new set of reference gene expression profiles that allowed for a more robust analysis of HCC patient expression data. The source code is provided at https://github.com/holiday01/HCCImm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen‐Jung Chiu
- Institute of Biomedical InformaticsNational Yang Ming Chiao Tung UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringMing Chuan UniversityTaoyuanTaiwan
| | - Chung‐En Ni
- Institute of Biomedical InformaticsNational Yang Ming Chiao Tung UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Yen‐Hua Huang
- Institute of Biomedical InformaticsNational Yang Ming Chiao Tung UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
- Center for Systems and Synthetic BiologyNational Yang Ming Chiao Tung UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
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31
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Jou E. Type 1 and type 2 cytokine-mediated immune orchestration in the tumour microenvironment and their therapeutic potential. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2023; 4:474-497. [PMID: 37455828 PMCID: PMC10345208 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2023.00146] [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: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains the second leading cause of death worldwide despite modern breakthroughs in medicine, and novel treatments are urgently needed. The revolutionary success of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the past decade serves as proof of concept that the immune system can be effectively harnessed to treat cancer. Cytokines are small signalling proteins with critical roles in orchestrating the immune response and have become an attractive target for immunotherapy. Type 1 immune cytokines, including interferon γ (IFNγ), interleukin-12 (IL-12), and tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα), have been shown to have largely tumour suppressive roles in part through orchestrating anti-tumour immune responses mediated by natural killer (NK) cells, CD8+ T cells and T helper 1 (Th1) cells. Conversely, type 2 immunity involving group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) and Th2 cells are involved in tissue regeneration and wound repair and are traditionally thought to have pro-tumoural effects. However, it is found that the classical type 2 immune cytokines IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, and IL-13 may have conflicting roles in cancer. Similarly, type 2 immunity-related cytokines IL-25 and IL-33 with recently characterised roles in cancer may either promote or suppress tumorigenesis in a context-dependent manner. Furthermore, type 1 cytokines IFNγ and TNFα have also been found to have pro-tumoural effects under certain circumstances, further complicating the overall picture. Therefore, the dichotomy of type 1 and type 2 cytokines inhibiting and promoting tumours respectively is not concrete, and attempts of utilising these for cancer immunotherapy must take into account all available evidence. This review provides an overview summarising the current understanding of type 1 and type 2 cytokines in tumour immunity and discusses the prospects of harnessing these for immunotherapy in light of previous and ongoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Jou
- Queens’ College, University of Cambridge, CB3 9ET Cambridge, UK
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CB2 0QH Cambridge, UK
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32
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Xu G, Mo Y, Li J, Wei Q, Zhou F, Chen J. Two tripartite classification systems of CD86 + and CD206 + macrophages are significantly associated with tumor recurrence in stage II-III colorectal cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1136875. [PMID: 37342343 PMCID: PMC10277500 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1136875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The prognostic value of tumor-associated macrophages remains unclear in colorectal cancer (CRC). Two tripartite classification systems, namely, ratio and quantity subgroups, were investigated as the prognostic stratification tools for stage II-III CRC. Methods We assessed the infiltration intensity of CD86+ and CD206+ macrophages in 449 cases with stage II-III disease by immunohistochemical staining. Ratio subgroups were defined by the lower- and upper-quartile points of CD206+/(CD86++CD206+) macrophage ratio, including the low-, moderate-, and high-ratio subgroups. Quantity subgroups were defined by the median points of CD86+ and CD206+ macrophages and included the low-, moderate-, and high-risk subgroups. The main analysis was recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Results Ratio subgroups (RFS/OS: HR=2.677/2.708, all p<0.001) and quantity subgroups (RFS/OS: HR=3.137/3.250, all p<0.001) could serve as independent prognostic indicators that effectively predicted survival outcomes. More importantly, log-rank test revealed that patients in the high-ratio (RFS/OS: HR=2.950/3.151, all p<0.001) or high-risk (RFS/OS: HR=3.453/3.711, all p<0.001) subgroup exhibited decreased survival outcomes after adjuvant chemotherapy. The predictive accuracy of the quantity subgroups within 48 months was higher than that of the ratio subgroups and tumor stage (all p<0.05). Conclusions Ratio and quantity subgroups could serve as independent prognostic indicators that could potentially be incorporated into the tumor staging algorithm to improve prognostic stratification and provide better predictions of survival outcomes in stage II-III CRC after adjuvant chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guozeng Xu
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei, China
- Department of Oncology, Liuzhou People’s Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
| | - Yuzhen Mo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Oncology, Liuzhou People’s Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
| | - Qingqing Wei
- Department of Oncology, Liuzhou People’s Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
| | - Fuxiang Zhou
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Shandong, China
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33
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Ma R, Liu W, Sun T, Dang C, Li K. Clinical significance of FBXO43 in hepatocellular carcinoma and its impact on tumor cell proliferation, migration and invasion. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15373. [PMID: 37250703 PMCID: PMC10211365 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15373] [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: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The effects of FBXO43 on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its clinical significance have not yet been determined. This study aims to determine the clinical significance of FBXO43 in HCC and its impact on the biological functions of HCC cells. Methods Data from TCGA database were downloaded to investigate the expression of FBXO43 in HCC and its correlation with prognosis and immune infiltration. Immunohistochemical staining images of FBXO43 in HCC were acquired from the HPA website. HCC cells (BEL-7404 and SMMC-7721) were transfected with the lentivirus targeting FBXO43 to decrease FBXO43 expression in HCC cells. Western blotting assay was conducted to evaluate the expression level of FBXO43 protein. MTT assay was used to detect the proliferation of HCC cells. The migration and invasion of HCC cells were investigated by performing scratch wound-healing and Transwell invasion assays, respectively. Results In comparison to normal tissues, FBXO43 is overexpressed in HCC tissue, and high FBXO43 expression is linked to late T stage, TNM stage and tumor grade. Elevated FBXO43 expression is a risk factor for HCC. In patients with high FBXO43 expression, the overall survival, disease-specific survival, progression-free survival and disease-free survival are poorer. The proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells are significantly attenuated in FBXO43 knockdown cells. Also, TCGA data analysis reveals that FBXO43 exhibits a positive correlation with immunosuppression of HCC. Conclusion FBXO43 is overexpressed in HCC, and is linked to late tumor stage, worse prognosis and tumor immunosuppression. FBXO43 knockdown restrains the proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rulan Ma
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenbo Liu
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shannxi, China
| | - Tuanhe Sun
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chengxue Dang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kang Li
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
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Devan AR, Nair B, Aryan MK, Liju VB, Koshy JJ, Mathew B, Valsan A, Kim H, Nath LR. Decoding Immune Signature to Detect the Risk for Early-Stage HCC Recurrence. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2729. [PMID: 37345066 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102729] [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: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is often recognized as an inflammation-linked cancer, which possesses an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Curative treatments such as surgical resection, liver transplantation, and percutaneous ablation are mainly applicable in the early stage and demonstrate significant improvement of survival rate in most patients. However, 70-80% of patients report HCC recurrence within 5 years of curative treatment, representing an important clinical issue. However, there is no effective recurrence marker after surgical and locoregional therapies, thus, tumor size, number, and histological features such as cancer cell differentiation are often considered as risk factors for HCC recurrence. Host immunity plays a critical role in regulating carcinogenesis, and the immune microenvironment characterized by its composition, functional status, and density undergoes significant alterations in each stage of cancer progression. Recent studies reported that analysis of immune contexture could yield valuable information regarding the treatment response, prognosis and recurrence. This review emphasizes the prognostic value of tumors associated with immune factors in HCC recurrence after curative treatment. In particular, we review the immune landscape and immunological factors contributing to early-stage HCC recurrence, and discuss the immunotherapeutic interventions to prevent tumor recurrence following curative treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aswathy R Devan
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India
| | - Bhagyalakshmi Nair
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India
| | | | - Vijayastelar B Liju
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology-Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Joel Joy Koshy
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India
| | - Bijo Mathew
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India
| | - Arun Valsan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Epatology, Amrita Institute of Medical Science, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India
| | - Hoon Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, and Research Institute of Life Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Lekshmi R Nath
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India
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35
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Donne R, Lujambio A. The liver cancer immune microenvironment: Therapeutic implications for hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatology 2023; 77:1773-1796. [PMID: 35989535 PMCID: PMC9941399 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 140.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The liver is the sixth most common site of primary cancer in humans and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in the world. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 90% of liver cancers. HCC is a prevalent disease with a progression that is modulated by the immune system. Half of the patients with HCC receive systemic therapies, traditionally sorafenib or lenvatinib, as a first-line therapy. In the last few years, immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer therapy and have gained an increased interest in the treatment of HCC. In 2020, the combination of atezolizumab (anti-programmed death-ligand 1) and bevacizumab (anti-vascular endothelial growth factor) improved overall survival over sorafenib, resulting in Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval as a first-line treatment for patients with advanced HCC. Despite these major advances, a better molecular and cellular characterization of the tumor microenvironment is still needed because it has a crucial role in the development and progression of HCC. Inflamed (hot) and noninflamed (cold) HCC tumors and genomic signatures have been associated with response to ICIs. However, there are no additional biomarkers to guide clinical decision-making. Other immune-targeting strategies, such as adoptive T-cell transfer, vaccination, and virotherapy, are currently under development. This review provides an overview on the HCC immune microenvironment, different cellular players, current available immunotherapies, and potential immunotherapy modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Donne
- Department of Oncological Sciences , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , New York , USA
- Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , Tisch Cancer Institute , New York , New York , USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , The Precision Immunology Institute , New York , New York , USA
| | - Amaia Lujambio
- Department of Oncological Sciences , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , New York , USA
- Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , Tisch Cancer Institute , New York , New York , USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , The Precision Immunology Institute , New York , New York , USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , New York , USA
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Kim S, Lee SY, Seo HR. Deciphering the underlying mechanism of liver diseases through utilization of multicellular hepatic spheroid models. BMB Rep 2023; 56:225-233. [PMID: 36814078 PMCID: PMC10140482 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2023-0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a very common form of cancer worldwide and is often fatal. Although the histopathology of HCC is characterized by metabolic pathophysiology, fibrosis, and cirrhosis, the focus of treatment has been on eliminating HCC. Recently, three-dimensional (3D) multicellular hepatic spheroid (MCHS) models have provided a) new therapeutic strategies for progressive fibrotic liver diseases, such as antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory drugs, b) molecular targets, and c) treatments for metabolic dysregulation. MCHS models provide a potent anti-cancer tool because they can mimic a) tumor complexity and heterogeneity, b) the 3D context of tumor cells, and c) the gradients of physiological parameters that are characteristic of tumors in vivo. However, the information provided by an multicelluar tumor spheroid (MCTS) model must always be considered in the context of tumors in vivo. This mini-review summarizes what is known about tumor HCC heterogeneity and complexity and the advances provided by MCHS models for innovations in drug development to combat liver diseases. [BMB Reports 2023; 56(4): 225-233].
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanghwa Kim
- Advanced Biomedical Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, Seongnam 13488, Korea
| | - Su-Yeon Lee
- Advanced Biomedical Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, Seongnam 13488, Korea
| | - Haeng Ran Seo
- Advanced Biomedical Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, Seongnam 13488, Korea
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May AM, Batoon L, McCauley LK, Keller ET. The Role of Tumor Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Macrophage Crosstalk in Cancer Progression. Curr Osteoporos Rep 2023; 21:117-127. [PMID: 36848026 PMCID: PMC10106416 DOI: 10.1007/s11914-023-00780-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to summarize the recently published findings regarding the role of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumor progression, macrophages in the tumor microenvironment, and crosstalk that exists between tumor cells and macrophages. RECENT FINDINGS EMT is a crucial process in tumor progression. In association with EMT changes, macrophage infiltration of tumors occurs frequently. A large body of evidence demonstrates that various mechanisms of crosstalk exist between macrophages and tumor cells that have undergone EMT resulting in a vicious cycle that promotes tumor invasion and metastasis. Tumor-associated macrophages and tumor cells undergoing EMT provide reciprocal crosstalk which leads to tumor progression. These interactions provide potential targets to exploit for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M May
- Department of Urology, Medical School, University of Michigan, NCRC, Building 14, Room 116 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2800, USA
| | - Lena Batoon
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Laurie K McCauley
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Evan T Keller
- Department of Urology, Medical School, University of Michigan, NCRC, Building 14, Room 116 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2800, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Single Cell Spatial Analysis Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Yan M, Yao J, Lin Y, Yan J, Xie Y, Fu Z, Zhou Y, Wei J, Li X. Tumor cell density dependent IL-8 secretion induces the fluctuation of tregs/CD8 + T cells infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma: one prompt for the existence of density checkpoint. J Transl Med 2023; 21:202. [PMID: 36932390 PMCID: PMC10022186 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04060-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor cell density is a basic pathological feature of solid tumors. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy reduce tumor cell density, whereas unrestricted tumor cell proliferation promotes this feature. The impact of tumor cells on the microenvironment following changes in tumor cell density is still unclear. In this study, we focused on the response of key immune cell subsets to tumor cell density in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS We determined the density of tumor and immune cells in the same area by section staining. We then identified potential mediators using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), enzyme-linked immunofluorescence assay (ELISA), 3D and co-culture, flow cytometry, and lentivirus intervention. The mechanism of lactate promotion was verified using lactate tests, bioinformatics, western blotting, and the above methods. The IL-8/DAPK1/lactate/regulatory T cell (Treg) axis was verified using a mouse liver cancer model. Tumor mutation burden was calculated using maftools in R. RESULTS We found that the Treg/CD8 + T cell ratio is not consistent with tumor cell density in HCC, and a decreased Treg/CD8 + T cell ratio in the range of 5000-6000 cells/mm2 may elicit the possibility for immunotherapy in an immunosuppressive microenvironment. We showed that IL-8 mediates this immune fluctuation and promotes the infiltration of Tregs through the DAPK1/pyruvate kinase activity/lactate axis in HCC. Based on tumor ploidy and mutation burden data, we discussed the potential significance of immune fluctuation in the homeostasis of HCC mutation burden and proposed a "density checkpoint" and "entropy model" to describe this phenomenon. CONCLUSIONS In summary, we report the mode of infiltration of Tregs/CD8 + T cells in response to tumor cell density and provide a new theoretical basis for IL-8 as a therapeutic target and the selection of an immunotherapy window in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengchao Yan
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, No.1 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Yao
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, No.1 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Lin
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, No.1 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Yan
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, No.1 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye Xie
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, No.1 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zongli Fu
- SUN YAT-SEN University, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongqiang Zhou
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, No.1 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiayun Wei
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, No.1 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xun Li
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, No.1 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China.
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China.
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Yu H, Pan J, Zheng S, Cai D, Luo A, Xia Z, Huang J. Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell-Derived Exosomal miR-21-5p Induces Macrophage M2 Polarization by Targeting RhoB. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054593. [PMID: 36902024 PMCID: PMC10003272 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
M2-like polarized tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the major component of infiltrating immune cells in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which have been proved to exhibit significant immunosuppressive and pro-tumoral effects. However, the underlying mechanism of the tumor microenvironment (TME) educating TAMs to express M2-like phenotypes is still not fully understood. Here, we report that HCC-derived exosomes are involved in intercellular communications and exhibit a greater capacity to mediate TAMs' phenotypic differentiation. In our study, HCC cell-derived exosomes were collected and used to treat THP-1 cells in vitro. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) results showed that the exosomes significantly promoted THP-1 macrophages to differentiate into M2-like macrophages, which have a high production of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and interleukin (IL)-10. The analysis of bioinformatics indicated that exosomal miR-21-5p is closely related to TAM differentiation and is associated with unfavorable prognosis in HCC. Overexpressing miR-21-5p in human monocyte-derived leukemia (THP-1) cells induced down-regulation of IL-1β levels; however, it enhanced production of IL-10 and promoted the malignant growth of HCC cells in vitro. A reporter assay confirmed that miR-21-5p directly targeted Ras homolog family member B (RhoB) 3'-untranslatedregion (UTR) in THP-1 cells. Downregulated RhoB levels in THP-1 cells would weaken mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) axis signaling pathways. Taken together, tumor-derived miR-21-5p promote the malignant advance of HCC, which mediated intercellular crosstalk between tumor cells and macrophages. Targeting M2-like TAMs and intercepting their associated signaling pathways would provide potentially specific and novel therapeutic approaches for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Yu
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Jing Pan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Siyue Zheng
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Deyang Cai
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Aixiang Luo
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Zanxian Xia
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics & Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Jufang Huang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-158-7310-8338
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Truxova I, Cibula D, Spisek R, Fucikova J. Targeting tumor-associated macrophages for successful immunotherapy of ovarian carcinoma. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2022-005968. [PMID: 36822672 PMCID: PMC9950980 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is among the top five causes of cancer-related death in women, largely reflecting early, prediagnosis dissemination of malignant cells to the peritoneum. Despite improvements in medical therapies, particularly with the implementation of novel drugs targeting homologous recombination deficiency, the survival rates of patients with EOC remain low. Unlike other neoplasms, EOC remains relatively insensitive to immune checkpoint inhibitors, which is correlated with a tumor microenvironment (TME) characterized by poor infiltration by immune cells and active immunosuppression dominated by immune components with tumor-promoting properties, especially tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). In recent years, TAMs have attracted interest as potential therapeutic targets by seeking to reverse the immunosuppression in the TME and enhance the clinical efficacy of immunotherapy. Here, we review the key biological features of TAMs that affect tumor progression and their relevance as potential targets for treating EOC. We especially focus on the therapies that might modulate the recruitment, polarization, survival, and functional properties of TAMs in the TME of EOC that can be harnessed to develop superior combinatorial regimens with immunotherapy for the clinical care of patients with EOC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Cibula
- Gynecologic Oncology Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Radek Spisek
- Sotio Biotech, Prague, Czech Republic,Department of Immunology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Fucikova
- Sotio Biotech, Prague, Czech Republic .,Department of Immunology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
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Rynikova M, Adamkova P, Hradicka P, Stofilova J, Harvanova D, Matejova J, Demeckova V. Transcriptomic Analysis of Macrophage Polarization Protocols: Vitamin D 3 or IL-4 and IL-13 Do Not Polarize THP-1 Monocytes into Reliable M2 Macrophages. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020608. [PMID: 36831144 PMCID: PMC9953291 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Two main types of macrophages (Mφ) include inflammatory (M1) and anti-inflammatory (M2) macrophages. These cells can be obtained in vitro by polarization of monocytic cell lines using various stimuli. Since there is currently no consensus on the best method for the acquisition of reliable M1 and M2 macrophages from the THP-1 cell line, we decided to compare three different polarization protocols at the transcriptomic level. Whole transcriptomes of Mφ polarized according to the chosen protocols were analyzed using RNA-seq. Differential expression of genes and functional enrichment for gene ontology terms were assessed. Compared with other protocols, M1 macrophages polarized using PMA (61.3 ng/mL) and IFN-γ along with LPS had the highest expression of M1-associated regulatory genes and genes for M1 cytokines and chemokines. According to the GO enrichment analysis, genes involved in defensive and inflammatory processes were differentially expressed in these Mφ. However, all three chosen protocols which use Vit D3, IL-13/IL-4, and IL-4, respectively, failed to promote the polarization of macrophages with a reliable M2 phenotype. Therefore, optimization or development of a new M2 polarization protocol is needed to achieve macrophages with a reliable anti-inflammatory phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rynikova
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, 041 54 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Petra Adamkova
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, 041 54 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Petra Hradicka
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, 041 54 Kosice, Slovakia
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jana Stofilova
- Center of Clinical and Preclinical Research MEDIPARK, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, 040 11 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Denisa Harvanova
- Associated Tissue Bank, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, 040 11 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Jana Matejova
- Associated Tissue Bank, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, 040 11 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Vlasta Demeckova
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, 041 54 Kosice, Slovakia
- Correspondence:
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Chen C, Wang Z, Ding Y, Qin Y. Tumor microenvironment-mediated immune evasion in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1133308. [PMID: 36845131 PMCID: PMC9950271 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1133308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy and is the third leading cause of tumor-related mortality worldwide. In recent years, the emergency of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) has revolutionized the management of HCC. Especially, the combination of atezolizumab (anti-PD1) and bevacizumab (anti-VEGF) has been approved by the FDA as the first-line treatment for advanced HCC. Despite great breakthrough in systemic therapy, HCC continues to portend a poor prognosis owing to drug resistance and frequent recurrence. The tumor microenvironment (TME) of HCC is a complex and structured mixture characterized by abnormal angiogenesis, chronic inflammation, and dysregulated extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, collectively contributing to the immunosuppressive milieu that in turn prompts HCC proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. The tumor microenvironment coexists and interacts with various immune cells to maintain the development of HCC. It is widely accepted that a dysfunctional tumor-immune ecosystem can lead to the failure of immune surveillance. The immunosuppressive TME is an external cause for immune evasion in HCC consisting of 1) immunosuppressive cells; 2) co-inhibitory signals; 3) soluble cytokines and signaling cascades; 4) metabolically hostile tumor microenvironment; 5) the gut microbiota that affects the immune microenvironment. Importantly, the effectiveness of immunotherapy largely depends on the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Also, the gut microbiota and metabolism profoundly affect the immune microenvironment. Understanding how TME affects HCC development and progression will contribute to better preventing HCC-specific immune evasion and overcoming resistance to already developed therapies. In this review, we mainly introduce immune evasion of HCC underlying the role of immune microenvironment, describe the dynamic interaction of immune microenvironment with dysfunctional metabolism and the gut microbiome, and propose therapeutic strategies to manipulate the TME in favor of more effective immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yanru Qin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Identification of an Autophagy-Related Signature for Prognosis and Immunotherapy Response Prediction in Ovarian Cancer. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020339. [PMID: 36830707 PMCID: PMC9953331 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most malignant tumors in the female reproductive system, with a poor prognosis. Various responses to treatments including chemotherapy and immunotherapy are observed among patients due to their individual characteristics. Applicable prognostic markers could make it easier to refine risk stratification for OC patients. Autophagy is closely implicated in the occurrence and development of tumors, including OC. Whether autophagy -related genes can be used as prognostic markers for OC patients remains unclear. METHODS The gene transcriptome data of 374 OC patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The correlation between the autophagy levels and outcomes of OC patients was identified through the single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). Recognized molecular markers of autophagy in different clinical specimens were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay. The gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), ESTIMATE, and CIBERSORT analysis were applied to explore the correlation of autophagy with the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from seven OC patients were included for characterizing cell-cell interaction patterns of autophagy-high or low tumor cells. Machine learning, Stepwise Cox regression and LASSO-Cox analysis were used to screen autophagy hub genes, which were used to establish an autophagy-related signature for prognosis evaluation. Four tumor immunotherapy cohorts were obtained from the GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) database and the literature for autophagy risk score validation. RESULTS The autophagy levels were closely related to the prognosis of the OC patients. Additionally, the autophagy levels were correlated with TIME status including immune score, and immune-cell infiltration. The scRNA-seq analysis found that tumor cells with high or low autophagy levels had different interactions with immune cells, especially macrophages. Eight autophagy-hub genes (ZFYVE1, AMBRA1, LAMP2, TRAF6, PDPK1, ATG2B, DAPK1 and TP53INP2) were screened for an autophagy-related signature. According to this signature, higher risk score was correlated with poor prognosis and better immunotherapy response in the OC patients. CONCLUSIONS The autophagy-related signature is applicable to predict the prognosis and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) therapy efficiency in OC patients. It is possible to identify OC patients who will respond to ICIs therapy and have a favorable prognosis, although more verification is needed.
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Huang N, Zhang J, Kuang S, Li Z, Zhao H, Wu J, Liu M, Wang L. Role of NCF2 as a potential prognostic factor and immune infiltration indicator in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Med 2023; 12:8991-9004. [PMID: 36680322 PMCID: PMC10134316 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the major causes of cancer-related deaths globally. The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in the prognosis and treatment of HCC. Hence, it is important to exploit new biomarkers for survival surveillance and TME estimation of HCC. METHODS HCC samples data was collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) database, and clinical samples were collected from our center. The TME of HCC were explored with ESTIMATE (Estimation of STromal and Immune cells in MAlignant Tumor tissues using Expression data), ssGSEA (single sample Gene Sets Enrichment Analysis) and CIBERSORT algorithm. Differentially expressed genes were analyzed with functional enrichment analysis. Immunohistochemistry was implemented to validate the results. RESULTS Based on TCGA database, we found that Neutrophil Cytosolic Factor 2 (NCF2) was significantly associated with the prognosis of HCC patients, involved in immune-related biological processes of HCC and closely associated with some types of immunocompetent cells. The survival analysis based on NCF2 expression assessed by immunohistochemistry also confirmed that NCF2-positive group had a shorter relapse free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) than NCF2-negative group. Multivariate Cox regression revealed NCF2 expression level and lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) were independent risk factors for HCC patients. Receiver operating characteristic curves showed that the combination of NCF2 and LVSI had higher predictive efficacy on the 1-year RFS rate and 5-year OS rate than each of them alone. Besides, the expression level of NCF2 was positively associated with M0 and M2 macrophages infiltration. Furthermore, NCF2 expression was positively correlated with CSF1, IL4, IL10, CD206, CD163, CSF1R and TGFβ1. CONCLUSION We proposed that higher NCF2 expression predicted an adverse prognosis and more M2 macrophages infiltration in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shuwen Kuang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuo Li
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jianxiong Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Mei Liu
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Liming Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Awasthi BP, Guragain D, Chaudhary P, Jee JG, Kim JA, Jeong BS. Antitumor activity of a pexidartinib bioisostere inhibiting CSF1 production and CSF1R kinase activity in human hepatocellular carcinoma. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 369:110255. [PMID: 36368339 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.110255] [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: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF, also known as CSF1) in tumor tissues stimulates tumor growth and tumor-induced angiogenesis through an autocrine and paracrine action on CSF1 receptor (CSF1R). In the present study, novel bioisosteres of pexidartinib (1) were synthesized and evaluated their inhibitory activities against CSF1R kinase and tumor growth. Among newly synthesized bioisosteres, compound 3 showed the highest inhibition (95.1%) against CSF1R tyrosine kinase at a fixed concentration (1 μM). The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of pexidartinib (1) and compound 3 was 2.7 and 57.8 nM, respectively. Unlike pexidartinib (1), which cross-reacts to three targets with structural homology, such as CSF1R, c-KIT, and FLT3, compound 3 inhibited CSF1R, c-KIT, but not FLT3, indicating compound 3 may be a more selective CSF1R inhibitor than pexidartinib (1). The inhibitory effect of compound 3 on the proliferation of various cancer cell lines was the strongest in U937 cells followed by THP-1 cells. In the case of cancer cell lines derived from solid tumors, the anti-proliferative activity of compound 3 was weaker than pexidartinib (1), except for Hep3B. However, compound 3 was safer than pexidartinib (1) in terminally differentiated normal cells such as macrophages. Pexidartinib (1) and compound 3 suppressed the production of CSF1 in Hep3B liver cancer cells as well as in the co-culture of Hep3B cells and macrophages. Also, pexidartinib (1) and compound 3 decreased the population ratio of the M2/M1 phenotype and inhibited their migration. Importantly, compound 3 preferentially inhibited M2 phenotype over M1, and the effect was about 4 times greater than that of pexidartinib (1). In addition, compound 3 inhibited maintenance of cancer stem cell population. In a chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) tumor model implanted with Hep3B cells, tumor growth and tumor-induced angiogenesis were significantly blocked by compound 3 to a similar extent as pexidartinib (1). Overall, compound 3, a bioisostere of pexidartinib, is an effective dual inhibitor to block CSF1R kinase and CSF1 production, resulting in significant inhibition of tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diwakar Guragain
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Prakash Chaudhary
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Goo Jee
- College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Ae Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea.
| | - Byeong-Seon Jeong
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea.
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Tigue ML, Loberg MA, Goettel JA, Weiss WA, Lee E, Weiss VL. Wnt Signaling in the Phenotype and Function of Tumor-Associated Macrophages. Cancer Res 2023; 83:3-11. [PMID: 36214645 PMCID: PMC9812914 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-1403] [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: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) play an important role in supporting tumor growth and suppressing antitumor immune responses, and TAM infiltration has been associated with poor patient prognosis in various cancers. TAMs can be classified as pro-inflammatory, M1-like, or anti-inflammatory, M2-like. While multiple factors within the tumor microenvironment affect the recruitment, polarization, and functions of TAMs, accumulating evidence suggests that Wnt signaling represents an important, targetable driver of an immunosuppressive, M2-like TAM phenotype. TAM production of Wnt ligands mediates TAM-tumor cross-talk to support cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Targeting TAM polarization and the protumorigenic functions of TAMs through inhibitors of Wnt signaling may prove a beneficial treatment strategy in cancers where macrophages are prevalent in the microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan L Tigue
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Matthew A Loberg
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jeremy A Goettel
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.,Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - William A Weiss
- Departments of Neurology, Pediatrics, Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Research Center, and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Ethan Lee
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Vivian L Weiss
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
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Ju MH, Jang EJ, Kang SH, Roh YH, Jeong JS, Han SH. Six-Transmembrane Epithelial Antigen of Prostate 4: An Indicator of Prognosis and Tumor Immunity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:643-658. [PMID: 37101765 PMCID: PMC10124562 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s394973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate 4 (STEAP4) has been linked to tumor progression via its involvement in inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and metabolism. However, STEAP4 has rarely been studied in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We explored STEAP4 expression associated with tumor prognosis to understand its role in tumor biology in HCC. Patients and Methods STEAP4 mRNA and protein expressions were primarily analyzed using bioinformatics tools based on The Cancer Genome Atlas database to understand the expression pattern, molecular mechanism, prognostic impact, and association with immune cell infiltration. We further investigated the association between STEAP4 protein expression and clinicopathological parameters and their predictive value in HCC patients using immunohistochemical staining of tissue microarrays. Results The expression of STEAP4 mRNA and protein in HCC tissues was significantly lower than in normal liver tissues. Reduced expression of STEAP4 was linked to advanced HCC stages, poor recurrence-free survival (RFS), and overall survival. Furthermore, reduced STEAP4 expression was a significant predictor of worse RFS in univariate and multivariate analyses in the immunohistochemical cohort. GO, KEGG, and GSEA analyses revealed that STEAP4 is related to numerous biological processes and pathways, including drug metabolism, DNA replication, RNA metabolism, and immune response. In terms of the immune system, the decreased level of STEAP4 was correlated with the immunosuppressive microenvironment. Conclusion Our data indicated that reduced STEAP4 expression was significantly associated with tumor aggressiveness and poor prognosis, possibly because of its link to various biological processes and induction of HCC immune evasion. Therefore, STEAP4 expression may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker for cancer progression and immunity, as well as a therapeutic target in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Ha Ju
- Department of Pathology, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Jeong Jang
- Department of Surgery, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Hwa Kang
- Department of Surgery, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Hoon Roh
- Department of Surgery, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Sook Jeong
- Department of Pathology, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Song-Hee Han
- Department of Pathology, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: Song-Hee Han, Department of Pathology, Dong-A University College of Medicine, 26, Daesingongwon-ro, Seo-gu, Busan, 49201, Republic of Korea, Tel +82-51-240-2863, Fax +82-51-240-7396, Email
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Brauneck F, Fischer B, Witt M, Muschhammer J, Oelrich J, da Costa Avelar PH, Tsoka S, Bullinger L, Seubert E, Smit DJ, Bokemeyer C, Ackermann C, Wellbrock J, Haag F, Fiedler W. TIGIT blockade repolarizes AML-associated TIGIT + M2 macrophages to an M1 phenotype and increases CD47-mediated phagocytosis. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-004794. [PMID: 36549780 PMCID: PMC9791419 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-004794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leukemia-associated macrophages (LAMs) represent an important cell population within the tumor microenvironment, but little is known about the phenotype, function, and plasticity of these cells. The present study provides an extensive characterization of macrophages in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). METHODS The phenotype and expression of coregulatory markers were assessed on bone marrow (BM)-derived LAM populations, using multiparametric flow cytometry. BM and blood aspirates were obtained from patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (pAML, n=59), patients in long-term remission (lrAML, n=8), patients with relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (rAML, n=7) and monocyte-derived macrophages of the blood from healthy donors (HD, n=17). LAM subpopulations were correlated with clinical parameters. Using a blocking anti-T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT) antibody or mouse IgG2α isotype control, we investigated polarization, secretion of cytokines, and phagocytosis on LAMs and healthy monocyte-derived macrophages in vitro. RESULTS In pAML and rAML, M1 LAMs were reduced and the predominant macrophage population consisted of immunosuppressive M2 LAMs defined by expression of CD163, CD204, CD206, and CD86. M2 LAMs in active AML highly expressed inhibitory receptors such as TIGIT, T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 protein (TIM-3), and lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3). High expression of CD163 was associated with a poor overall survival (OS). In addition, increased frequencies of TIGIT+ M2 LAMs were associated with an intermediate or adverse risk according to the European Leukemia Network criteria and the FLT3 ITD mutation. In vitro blockade of TIGIT shifted the polarization of primary LAMs or peripheral blood-derived M2 macrophages toward the M1 phenotype and increased secretion of M1-associated cytokines and chemokines. Moreover, the blockade of TIGIT augmented the anti-CD47-mediated phagocytosis of AML cell lines and primary AML cells. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that immunosuppressive TIGIT+ M2 LAMs can be redirected into an efficient effector population that may be of direct clinical relevance in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Brauneck
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany,Mildred Scheel Cancer Career Center HaTriCS4, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Brit Fischer
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marius Witt
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jana Muschhammer
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jennyfer Oelrich
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Sophia Tsoka
- Department of Informatics, Faculty of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Lars Bullinger
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, Charite Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elisa Seubert
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniel J Smit
- Institute of Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Carsten Bokemeyer
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christin Ackermann
- Infectious Diseases Unit, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jasmin Wellbrock
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Friedrich Haag
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Walter Fiedler
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Mastrotto F, Pirazzini M, Negro S, Salama A, Martinez-Pomares L, Mantovani G. Sulfation at Glycopolymer Side Chains Switches Activity at the Macrophage Mannose Receptor (CD206) In Vitro and In Vivo. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:23134-23147. [PMID: 36472883 PMCID: PMC9782796 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c10757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The mannose receptor (CD206) is an endocytic receptor expressed by selected innate immune cells and nonvascular endothelium, which plays a critical role in both homeostasis and pathogen recognition. Although its involvement in the development of several diseases and viral infections is well established, molecular tools able to both provide insight on the chemistry of CD206-ligand interactions and, importantly, effectively modulate its activity are currently lacking. Using novel SO4-3-Gal-glycopolymers targeting its cysteine-rich lectin ectodomain, this study uncovers and elucidates a previously unknown mechanism of CD206 blockade involving the formation of stable intracellular SO4-3-Gal-glycopolymer-CD206 complexes that prevents receptor recycling to the cell membrane. Further, we show that SO4-3-Gal glycopolymers inhibit CD206 both in vitro and in vivo, revealing hitherto unknown receptor function and demonstrating their potential as CD206 modulators within future immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Mastrotto
- School
of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
- School
of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
- Department
of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via F. Marzolo 5, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Marco Pirazzini
- Department
of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Samuele Negro
- Department
of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Alan Salama
- Department
of Renal Medicine, University College London, London NW3 2PF, U.K.
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Wan Y, He Y, Yang Q, Cheng Y, Li Y, Zhang X, Zhang W, Dai H, Yu Y, Li T, Xiong Z, Wan H. Construction of a prognostic assessment model for colon cancer patients based on immune-related genes and exploration of related immune characteristics. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:993580. [PMID: 36589748 PMCID: PMC9800979 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.993580] [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: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To establish a novel risk score model that could predict the survival and immune response of patients with colon cancer. Methods: We used The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to get mRNA expression profile data, corresponding clinical information and somatic mutation data of patients with colon cancer. Limma R software package and univariate Cox regression were performed to screen out immune-related prognostic genes. GO (Gene ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) were used for gene function enrichment analysis. The risk scoring model was established by Lasso regression and multivariate Cox regression. CIBERSORT was conducted to estimate 22 types of tumor-infiltrating immune cells and immune cell functions in tumors. Correlation analysis was used to demonstrate the relationship between the risk score and immune escape potential. Results: 679 immune-related genes were selected from 7846 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). GO and KEGG analysis found that immune-related DEGs were mainly enriched in immune response, complement activation, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and so on. Finally, we established a 3 immune-related genes risk scoring model, which was the accurate independent predictor of overall survival (OS) in colon cancer. Correlation analysis indicated that there were significant differences in T cell exclusion potential in low-risk and high-risk groups. Conclusion: The immune-related gene risk scoring model could contribute to predicting the clinical outcome of patients with colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhua Wan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China,Department of General Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Jiujiang, Jiujiang, China
| | - Yingcheng He
- Queen Mary College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Qijun Yang
- Queen Mary College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yunqi Cheng
- Queen Mary College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yuqiu Li
- Queen Mary College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Queen Mary College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wenyige Zhang
- Queen Mary College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Hua Dai
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yanqing Yu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Taiyuan Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China,*Correspondence: Taiyuan Li, ; Zhenfang Xiong, ; Hongping Wan,
| | - Zhenfang Xiong
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China,*Correspondence: Taiyuan Li, ; Zhenfang Xiong, ; Hongping Wan,
| | - Hongping Wan
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China,*Correspondence: Taiyuan Li, ; Zhenfang Xiong, ; Hongping Wan,
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