1
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Zhu Y, Gu J, Lu Y, Tao Q, Cao X, Zhu Y, Yang MQ, Liang X. IL-6 Released from Hepatic Stellate Cells Promotes Glycolysis and Migration of HCC Through the JAK1/vWF/TGFB1 Axis. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2024; 11:1295-1310. [PMID: 38983936 PMCID: PMC11232958 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s464880] [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: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The crosstalk between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is one of the important mechanisms of liver cancer metastasis. The relationship between liver cancer metastasis and glycolysis has been extensively studied recently. However, the role of von Willebrand factor (vWF) mediated glycolysis mechanism in liver cancer metastasis is currently unknown. Methods Western blot was used to verify the expression of vWF in HCC cells. PAS staining, glycogen and L-lactate content assays were used to reflect cellular glycolysis levels. The ability of cell migration was explored by Wound-healing and Transwell assays. Besides, the effect of vWF on the progression of HCC in vivo was also studied using subcutaneous xenograft model. Results vWF derived from HCC cells promoted tumor migration by mediating glycolysis. Besides, vWF participated in the crosstalk between HCC cells and HSCs. HCC cells activated HSCs through vWF-mediated TGFB1 expression and secretion, and activated HSCs upregulated vWF expression in HCC cells through IL-6 secretion feedback. Further, in vitro and in vivo experiments also confirmed the importance of the JAK1/vWF/TGFB1 axis in regulating HSCs-derived IL-6 mediated HCC migration and growth. Conclusion In summary, this article demonstrated that IL-6 released from hepatic stellate cells enhanced glycolysis and migration ability of liver cancer cells by activating JAK1/vWF/TGFB1 axis which may also be a potential target for inhibiting liver cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Zhu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiayi Gu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxin Lu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianying Tao
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinliang Cao
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanqing Zhu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Mu-Qing Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgical Center, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Liang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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2
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Guo M, Hu P, Xie J, Tang K, Hu S, Sun J, He Y, Li J, Lu W, Liu H, Liu M, Yi Z, Peng S. Remodeling the immune microenvironment for gastric cancer therapy through antagonism of prostaglandin E2 receptor 4. Genes Dis 2024; 11:101164. [PMID: 38560505 PMCID: PMC10980949 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.101164] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is highly prevalent among digestive tract tumors. Due to the intricate nature of the gastric cancer immune microenvironment, there is currently no effective treatment available for advanced gastric cancer. However, there is promising potential for immunotherapy targeting the prostaglandin E2 receptor subtype 4 (EP4) in gastric cancer. In our previous study, we identified a novel small molecule EP4 receptor antagonist called YY001. Treatment with YY001 alone demonstrated a significant reduction in gastric cancer growth and inhibited tumor metastasis to the lungs in a mouse model. Furthermore, administration of YY001 stimulated a robust immune response within the tumor microenvironment, characterized by increased infiltration of antigen-presenting cells, T cells, and M1 macrophages. Additionally, our research revealed that YY001 exhibited remarkable synergistic effects when combined with the PD-1 antibody and the clinically targeted drug apatinib, rather than fluorouracil. These findings suggest that YY001 holds great promise as a potential therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer, whether used as a standalone treatment or in combination with other drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Guo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Pan Hu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jiayi Xie
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Kefu Tang
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Changning Maternity and Infant Health Hospital, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200051, China
| | - Shixiu Hu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Immunological Effects, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jialiang Sun
- Fengxian Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University, Shanghai 201400, China
| | - Yundong He
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jing Li
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Immunological Effects, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Weiqiang Lu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Huirong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Immunological Effects, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Mingyao Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Zhengfang Yi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Shihong Peng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
- Shanghai Yuyao Biotech Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200241, China
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Gunasekara N, Clauss D, Bloch W. Effects of Exercise-Induced Changes in Myokine Expression on the Tumor Microenvironment. Sports Med Int Open 2024; 8:a22831663. [PMID: 38933599 PMCID: PMC11204211 DOI: 10.1055/a-2283-1663] [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: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In this narrative review, we summarize the direct and indirect effects that myokines have on the tumor microenvironment. We took studies of various cancer types and species into account. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses that matched the search terms were also considered. We searched databases for six months. As a narrative approach was chosen, no data was analyzed or reanalyzed. The goal of this narrative review is to create an overview on the topic to identify research gaps and answer the questions as to whether myokine expression may be relevant in cancer research in regard to the tumor microenvironment. Six commonly known myokines were chosen. We found strong links between the influence exercise has on interleukin-6, oncostatin M, secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine, and irisin in the context of tumor progression and inhibition via interactions with the tumor microenvironment. It became clear that the effects of myokines on the tumor microenvironment can vary and contribute to disease progression or regression. Interactions among myokines and immune cells must also be considered and require further investigation. To date, no study has shown a clear connection, while multiple studies suggest further investigation of the topic, similar to the effects of exercise on myokine expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadira Gunasekara
- Institute of Cardiology and Sports Medicine, German Sport University
Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Dorothea Clauss
- Institute of Cardiology and Sports Medicine, German Sport University
Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Wilhelm Bloch
- Institute of Cardiology and Sports Medicine, German Sport University
Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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4
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Huang X, Nepovimova E, Adam V, Sivak L, Heger Z, Valko M, Wu Q, Kuca K. Neutrophils in Cancer immunotherapy: friends or foes? Mol Cancer 2024; 23:107. [PMID: 38760815 PMCID: PMC11102125 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02004-z] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Neutrophils play a Janus-faced role in the complex landscape of cancer pathogenesis and immunotherapy. As immune defense cells, neutrophils release toxic substances, including reactive oxygen species and matrix metalloproteinase 9, within the tumor microenvironment. They also modulate the expression of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand and Fas ligand, augmenting their capacity to induce tumor cell apoptosis. Their involvement in antitumor immune regulation synergistically activates a network of immune cells, bolstering anticancer effects. Paradoxically, neutrophils can succumb to the influence of tumors, triggering signaling cascades such as JAK/STAT, which deactivate the immune system network, thereby promoting immune evasion by malignant cells. Additionally, neutrophil granular constituents, such as neutrophil elastase and vascular endothelial growth factor, intricately fuel tumor cell proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Understanding the mechanisms that guide neutrophils to collaborate with other immune cells for comprehensive tumor eradication is crucial to enhancing the efficacy of cancer therapeutics. In this review, we illuminate the underlying mechanisms governing neutrophil-mediated support or inhibition of tumor progression, with a particular focus on elucidating the internal and external factors that influence neutrophil polarization. We provide an overview of recent advances in clinical research regarding the involvement of neutrophils in cancer therapy. Moreover, the future prospects and limitations of neutrophil research are discussed, aiming to provide fresh insights for the development of innovative cancer treatment strategies targeting neutrophils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqin Huang
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, 434025, China
| | - Eugenie Nepovimova
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Králové, 500 03, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtech Adam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, 613 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ladislav Sivak
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, 613 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zbynek Heger
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, 613 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marian Valko
- Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology, 812 37, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Qinghua Wu
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, 434025, China.
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Králové, 500 03, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
| | - Kamil Kuca
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Králové, 500 03, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, 500 05, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
- Andalusian Research Institute in Data Science and Computational Intelligence (DaSCI), University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
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5
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Papadopoulos G, Giannousi E, Avdi AP, Velliou RI, Nikolakopoulou P, Chatzigeorgiou A. Τ cell-mediated adaptive immunity in the transition from metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis to hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1343806. [PMID: 38774646 PMCID: PMC11106433 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1343806] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is the progressed version of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) characterized by inflammation and fibrosis, but also a pathophysiological "hub" that favors the emergence of liver malignancies. Current research efforts aim to identify risk factors, discover disease biomarkers, and aid patient stratification in the context of MASH-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent cancer among MASLD patients. To investigate the tumorigenic transition in MASH-induced HCC, researchers predominantly exploit preclinical animal-based MASH models and studies based on archived human biopsies and clinical trials. Recapitulating the immune response during tumor development and progression is vital to obtain mechanistic insights into MASH-induced HCC. Notably, the advanced complexity behind MASLD and MASH pathogenesis shifted the research focus towards innate immunity, a fundamental element of the hepatic immune niche that is usually altered robustly in the course of liver disease. During the last few years, however, there has been an increasing interest for deciphering the role of adaptive immunity in MASH-induced HCC, particularly regarding the functions of the various T cell populations. To effectively understand the specific role of T cells in MASH-induced HCC development, scientists should urgently fill the current knowledge gaps in this field. Pinpointing the metabolic signature, sketching the immune landscape, and characterizing the cellular interactions and dynamics of the specific T cells within the MASH-HCC liver are essential to unravel the mechanisms that adaptive immunity exploits to enable the emergence and progression of this cancer. To this end, our review aims to summarize the current state of research regarding the T cell functions linked to MASH-induced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigorios Papadopoulos
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eirini Giannousi
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Aikaterini P. Avdi
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Rallia-Iliana Velliou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Polyxeni Nikolakopoulou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences (AIMES), Karolinska Institute and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antonios Chatzigeorgiou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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6
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Jou E, Chaudhury N, Nasim F. Novel therapeutic strategies targeting myeloid-derived suppressor cell immunosuppressive mechanisms for cancer treatment. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2024; 5:187-207. [PMID: 38464388 PMCID: PMC10918238 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2024.00212] [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: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the leading cause of death globally superseded only by cardiovascular diseases, and novel strategies to overcome therapeutic resistance against existing cancer treatments are urgently required. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are immature myeloid cells with potent immunosuppressive capacity against well-established anti-tumour effectors such as natural killer cells (NK cells) and T cells thereby promoting cancer initiation and progression. Critically, MDSCs are readily identified in almost all tumour types and human cancer patients, and numerous studies in the past decade have recognised their role in contributing to therapeutic resistance against all four pillars of modern cancer treatment, namely surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy. MDSCs suppress anti-tumour immunity through a plethora of mechanisms including the well-characterised arginase 1 (Arg1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated pathways, along with several other more recently discovered. MDSCs are largely absent in healthy homeostatic states and predominantly exist in pathological conditions, making them attractive therapeutic targets. However, the lack of specific markers identified for MDSCs to date greatly hindered therapeutic development, and currently there are no clinically approved drugs that specifically target MDSCs. Methods to deplete MDSCs clinically and inhibit their immunosuppressive function will be crucial in advancing cancer treatment and to overcome treatment resistance. This review provides a detailed overview of the current understandings behind the mechanisms of MDSC-mediated suppression of anti-tumour immunity, and discusses potential strategies to target MDSC immunosuppressive mechanisms to overcome therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Jou
- Medical Sciences Division, Oxford University Hospitals, University of Oxford, OX3 9DU Oxford, UK
- Kellogg College, University of Oxford, OX2 6PN Oxford, UK
- Wexham Park Hospital, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, SL2 4HL Slough, UK
| | - Natasha Chaudhury
- Wexham Park Hospital, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, SL2 4HL Slough, UK
| | - Fizza Nasim
- Wexham Park Hospital, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, SL2 4HL Slough, UK
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7
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Zhang C, Sui Y, Liu S, Yang M. The Roles of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Liver Disease. Biomedicines 2024; 12:299. [PMID: 38397901 PMCID: PMC10886773 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020299] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver disease-related mortality is a major cause of death worldwide. Hepatic innate and adaptive immune cells play diverse roles in liver homeostasis and disease. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of immature myeloid cells. MDSCs can be broadly divided into monocytic MDSCs and polymorphonuclear or granulocytic MDSCs, and they functionally interact with both liver parenchymal and nonparenchymal cells, such as hepatocytes and regulatory T cells, to impact liver disease progression. The infiltration and activation of MDSCs in liver disease can be regulated by inflammatory chemokines and cytokines, tumor-associated fibroblasts, epigenetic regulation factors, and gut microbiota during liver injury and cancer. Given the pivotal roles of MDSCs in advanced liver diseases, they can be targeted to treat primary and metastatic liver cancer, liver generation, alcoholic and nonalcoholic liver disease, and autoimmune hepatitis. Currently, several treatments such as the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent berberine are under preclinical and clinical investigation to evaluate their therapeutic efficacy on liver disease and their effect on MDSC infiltration and function. Phenotypic alteration of MDSCs in different liver diseases that are in a model-dependent manner and lack special markers for distinct MDSCs are challenges for targeting MDSCs to treat liver disease. Multi-omics study is an option to uncover the features of disease-specific MDSCs and potential gene or protein targets for liver disease treatment. In summary, MDSCs play important roles in the pathogenesis and progression of liver disease by regulating both intrahepatic innate and adaptive immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunye Zhang
- Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA;
| | - Yuxiang Sui
- School of Life Science, Shanxi Normal University, Linfen 041004, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- NextGen Precision Health Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
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8
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Chen J, Chan TTH, Zhou J. Lipid metabolism in the immune niche of tumor-prone liver microenvironment. J Leukoc Biol 2024; 115:68-84. [PMID: 37474318 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is a common primary site not only for tumorigenesis, but also for cancer metastasis. Advanced cancer patients with liver metastases also show reduced response rates and survival benefits when treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Accumulating evidence has highlighted the importance of the liver immune microenvironment in determining tumorigenesis, metastasis-organotropism, and immunotherapy resistance. Various immune cells such as T cells, natural killer and natural killer T cells, macrophages and dendritic cells, and stromal cells including liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, hepatic stellate cells, and hepatocytes are implicated in contributing to the immune niche of tumor-prone liver microenvironment. In parallel, as the major organ for lipid metabolism, the increased abundance of lipids and their metabolites is linked to processes crucial for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and related liver cancer development. Furthermore, the proliferation, differentiation, and functions of hepatic immune and stromal cells are also reported to be regulated by lipid metabolism. Therefore, targeting lipid metabolism may hold great potential to reprogram the immunosuppressive liver microenvironment and synergistically enhance the immunotherapy efficacy in the circumstance of liver metastasis. In this review, we describe how the hepatic microenvironment adapts to the lipid metabolic alterations in pathologic conditions like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. We also illustrate how these immunometabolic alterations promote the development of liver cancers and immunotherapy resistance. Finally, we discuss the current therapeutic options and hypothetic combination immunotherapies for the treatment of advanced liver cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jintian Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, SAR, P.R. China
| | - Thomas T H Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, SAR, P.R. China
| | - Jingying Zhou
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, SAR, P.R. China
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9
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Manfredi GF, Celsa C, John C, Jones C, Acuti N, Scheiner B, Fulgenzi CAM, Korolewicz J, Pinter M, Gennari A, Mauri FA, Pirisi M, Minisini R, Vincenzi F, Burlone M, Rigamonti C, Donadon M, Cabibbo G, D’Alessio A, Pinato DJ. Mechanisms of Resistance to Immunotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:1955-1971. [PMID: 37941812 PMCID: PMC10629523 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s291553] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been revolutionized over the last few years following the approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Despite the promising survival extension seen with ICI combination regimens, responses are not universally seen and the optimal partner for programmed cell death 1 pathway inhibitors remains to be identified. Even fewer encouraging results have been demonstrated with ICI used for monotherapy. Several mechanisms of resistance have been described so far, involving characteristics of cancer cells (intrinsic mechanisms) and of the surrounding tumor microenvironment (extrinsic mechanisms). Factors related to therapy may also contribute to the development of resistance. Increasing research efforts are being dedicated to the discovery of novel approaches and targets to overcome resistance, some of which may be introduced into clinic in the future. Herein we describe a selection of resistance mechanisms that have been involved in impairing response to ICI and propose potential therapeutic approaches to overcome resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Francesca Manfredi
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Ciro Celsa
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences (Di.chir.on.s.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Chloe John
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Charlotte Jones
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Nicole Acuti
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Bernhard Scheiner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Angela Maria Fulgenzi
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - James Korolewicz
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Matthias Pinter
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alessandra Gennari
- Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Francesco A Mauri
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Mario Pirisi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Rosalba Minisini
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Federica Vincenzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Michela Burlone
- Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Cristina Rigamonti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Matteo Donadon
- Department of Health Science, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Department of Surgery, University Maggiore Hospital della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cabibbo
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio D’Alessio
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - David James Pinato
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
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10
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Cogliati B, Yashaswini CN, Wang S, Sia D, Friedman SL. Friend or foe? The elusive role of hepatic stellate cells in liver cancer. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 20:647-661. [PMID: 37550577 PMCID: PMC10671228 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00821-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a substantial risk factor for the development and progression of liver cancer, which includes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). Studies utilizing cell fate mapping and single-cell transcriptomics techniques have identified quiescent perisinusoidal hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) as the primary source of activated collagen-producing HSCs and liver cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in HCC and liver metastasis, complemented in iCCA by contributions from portal fibroblasts. At the same time, integrative computational analysis of single-cell, single-nucleus and spatial RNA sequencing data have revealed marked heterogeneity among HSCs and CAFs, with distinct subpopulations displaying unique gene expression signatures and functions. Some of these subpopulations have divergent roles in promoting or inhibiting liver fibrogenesis and carcinogenesis. In this Review, we discuss the dual roles of HSC subpopulations in liver fibrogenesis and their contribution to liver cancer promotion, progression and metastasis. We review the transcriptomic and functional similarities between HSC and CAF subpopulations, highlighting the pathways that either promote or prevent fibrosis and cancer, and the immunological landscape from which these pathways emerge. Insights from ongoing studies will yield novel strategies for developing biomarkers, assessing prognosis and generating new therapies for both HCC and iCCA prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Cogliati
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Shuang Wang
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniela Sia
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Scott L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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11
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Gao X, Zuo S. Immune landscape and immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma: focus on innate and adaptive immune cells. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:1881-1899. [PMID: 36773210 PMCID: PMC10543580 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01015-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is responsible for roughly 90% of all cases of primary liver cancer, and the cases are on the rise. The treatment of advanced HCC is a serious challenge. Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has marked a watershed moment in the history of HCC systemic treatment. Atezolizumab in combination with bevacizumab has been approved as a first-line treatment for advanced HCC since 2020; however, the combination therapy is only effective in a limited percentage of patients. Considering that the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) has a great impact on immunotherapies for HCC, an in-depth understanding of the immune landscape in tumors and the current immunotherapeutic approaches is extremely necessary. We elaborate on the features, functions, and cross talk of the innate and adaptive immune cells in HCC and highlight the benefits and drawbacks of various immunotherapies for advanced HCC, as well as future projections. HCC consists of a heterogeneous group of cancers with distinct etiologies and immune microenvironments. Almost all the components of innate and adaptive immune cells in HCC have altered, showing a decreasing trend in the number of tumor suppressor cells and an increasing trend in the pro-cancer cells, and there is also cross talk between various cell types. Various immunotherapies for HCC have also shown promising efficacy and application prospect. There are multilayered interwoven webs among various immune cell types in HCC, and emerging evidence demonstrates the promising prospect of immunotherapeutic approaches for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqiang Gao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, No. 28, Guiyi Street, Guiyang, 550000, Guizhou, China
- Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Shi Zuo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, No. 28, Guiyi Street, Guiyang, 550000, Guizhou, China.
- Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.
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12
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Blaber AP, Sadeghian F, Naz Divsalar D, Scarisbrick IA. Elevated biomarkers of neural injury in older adults following head-down bed rest: links to cardio-postural deconditioning with spaceflight and aging. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1208273. [PMID: 37822710 PMCID: PMC10562592 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1208273] [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: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Prolonged physical inactivity with bed rest or spaceflight is associated with cardiovascular and neuromuscular deconditioning; however, its impact on neural integrity of cardio-postural reflexes and possible mitigation with exercise has not been examined. We assessed the association between the physiological deconditioning of bed rest immobilization with neural injury markers and the effects of 60-75 min of daily exercise. Methods Data were collected as part of a randomized clinical trial (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT04964999) at the McGill University Medical Centre. Twenty-two 55- to 65-year-old healthy volunteers gave informed consent and took part. Within sex, participants were randomly assigned to exercise (60- to 75-min daily) or control (inactive) groups and spent 14 days in continuous 6° head-down tilt. Neural injury [neurofilament light chain (NfL), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), total tau (t-Tau), myelin basic protein (MBP), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1)], as well as interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) biomarkers were measured before, during, and after bed rest. The false discovery rate with Huber M-estimation was used to correlate changes in biomarkers with cardiovascular and muscular function changes over bed rest. Results Bed rest elevated NfL, GFAP, TNF-α, and IL-6 in all participants and reduced IGF-1 in females only. With standing, changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and lower limb muscle motoneuron activity correlated with changes in TNF-α and BDNF. Baroreflex control, leg muscle maximal voluntary contraction, and postural sway are correlated with GFAP and NfL. Exercise participants had fewer interactions than control participants, but significant correlations still existed, with both groups exhibiting similar reductions in orthostatic tolerance. Discussion An hour of daily exercise in older persons otherwise immobilized for 2 weeks did not abate bed rest-induced increases in serum signatures of neural injury or pro-inflammatory markers. Exercise reduced the number of physiological interactions of biomarkers, but significant cardio-postural correlations remained with no protection against post-bed rest orthostatic intolerance. The identification of associations of inflammatory and neural injury biomarkers with changes in cardio-postural physiology and exercise points to biotherapeutic opportunities and improved exercise interventions for astronauts and individuals in bed rest. Clinical trial registration https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/search?cond=NCT04964999, identifier: NCT04964999.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P. Blaber
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Farshid Sadeghian
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Donya Naz Divsalar
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Isobel A. Scarisbrick
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
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13
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Otto J, Verwaayen A, Penners C, Hundertmark J, Lin C, Kallen C, Paffen D, Otto T, Berger H, Tacke F, Weiskirchen R, Nevzorova YA, Bartneck M, Trautwein C, Sonntag R, Liedtke C. Expression of Cyclin E1 in hepatic stellate cells is critical for the induction and progression of liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in mice. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:549. [PMID: 37620309 PMCID: PMC10449804 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06077-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most severe malignancies with increasing incidence and limited treatment options. Typically, HCC develops during a multistep process involving chronic liver inflammation and liver fibrosis. The latter is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix produced by Hepatic Stellate Cells (HSCs). This process involves cell cycle re-entry and proliferation of normally quiescent HSCs in an ordered sequence that is highly regulated by cyclins and associated cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) such as the Cyclin E1 (CCNE1)/CDK2 kinase complex. In the present study, we examined the role of Cyclin E1 (Ccne1) and Cdk2 genes in HSCs for liver fibrogenesis and hepatocarcinogenesis. To this end, we generated conditional knockout mice lacking Ccne1 or Cdk2 specifically in HSCs (Ccne1∆HSC or Cdk2∆HSC). Ccne1∆HSC mice showed significantly reduced liver fibrosis formation and attenuated HSC activation in the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) model. In a combined model of fibrosis-driven hepatocarcinogenesis, Ccne1∆HSC mice revealed decreased HSC activation even after long-term observation and substantially reduced tumor load in the liver when compared to wild-type controls. Importantly, the deletion of Cdk2 in HSCs also resulted in attenuated liver fibrosis after chronic CCl4 treatment. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that only a small fraction of HSCs expressed Ccne1/Cdk2 at a distinct time point after CCl4 treatment. In summary, we provide evidence that Ccne1 expression in a small population of HSCs is sufficient to trigger extensive liver fibrosis and hepatocarcinogenesis in a Cdk2-dependent manner. Thus, HSC-specific targeting of Ccne1 or Cdk2 in patients with liver fibrosis and high risk for HCC development could be therapeutically beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Otto
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Anna Verwaayen
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christian Penners
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jana Hundertmark
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Cheng Lin
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Carina Kallen
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Daniela Paffen
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tobias Otto
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Hilmar Berger
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Yulia A Nevzorova
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Complutense University School of Medicine, Madrid, Spain
| | - Matthias Bartneck
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christian Trautwein
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Roland Sonntag
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christian Liedtke
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
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14
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Li TT, Lin CL, Chiang M, He JT, Hung CH, Hsieh CC. Cytokine-Induced Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Demonstrate Their Immunoregulatory Functions to Prolong the Survival of Diabetic Mice. Cells 2023; 12:1507. [PMID: 37296628 PMCID: PMC10253032 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes is an inflammatory state. Myeloid-derived suppressive cells (MDSCs) originate from immature myeloid cells and quickly expand to control host immunity during infection, inflammation, trauma, and cancer. This study presents an ex vivo procedure to develop MDSCs from bone marrow cells propagated from granulocyte-macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β cytokines expressing immature morphology and high immunosuppression of T-cell proliferation. The adoptive transfer of cytokine-induced MDSCs (cMDSCs) improved the hyperglycemic state and prolonged the diabetes-free survival of nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice with severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) induced by reactive splenic T cells harvested from NOD mice. In addition, the application of cMDSCs reduced fibronectin production in the renal glomeruli and improved renal function and proteinuria in diabetic mice. Moreover, cMDSCs use mitigated pancreatic insulitis to restore insulin production and reduce the levels of HbA1c. In conclusion, administering cMDSCs propagated from GM-CSF, IL-6, and IL-1β cytokines provides an alternative immunotherapy protocol for treating diabetic pancreatic insulitis and renal nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tung-Teng Li
- Division of General Surgery, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61302, Taiwan; (T.-T.L.)
| | - Chun-Liang Lin
- Department of Nephrology, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61302, Taiwan;
- Kidney and Diabetic Complications Research Team (KDCRT), Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61302, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Meihua Chiang
- Division of General Surgery, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61302, Taiwan; (T.-T.L.)
| | - Jie-Teng He
- Division of General Surgery, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61302, Taiwan; (T.-T.L.)
| | - Chien-Hui Hung
- College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61302, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chuan Hsieh
- Division of General Surgery, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61302, Taiwan; (T.-T.L.)
- Kidney and Diabetic Complications Research Team (KDCRT), Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61302, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
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15
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Ezhilarasan D, Najimi M. Deciphering the possible reciprocal loop between hepatic stellate cells and cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment of the liver. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 182:103902. [PMID: 36621514 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103902] [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: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs)/myofibroblasts are the important sources of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the liver tumor microenvironment (TME). The crosstalk between activated HSCs and tumor cells mediates HCC progression, metastasis, tumor cell survival, angiogenesis and chemoresistance. In TME, HCC cells secrete various soluble factors responsible for the phenotypic activation of quiescent HSCs. Tumor cells use activated HSC-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) for migration and invasion. Further, in liver TME, activated HSCs and sinusoidal endothelial cells engage in a crosstalk that causes the secretion of angiogenesis and metastasis-related growth factors and cytokines. Activated HSCs and immune cells crosstalk to decrease immune surveillance in the liver TME by increasing the population of T regulatory cells and M2 macrophages or myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Thus, HSCs play a vital role in liver TME cell interactions. Therefore, a deep understanding of HSCs activation and their crosstalk with cancer and immune cells in TME may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies to target HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devaraj Ezhilarasan
- Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600077, India.
| | - Mustapha Najimi
- Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Brussels 1200, Belgium
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16
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Potential of Compounds Originating from the Nature to Act in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Therapy by Targeting the Tumor Immunosuppressive Microenvironment: A Review. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 28:molecules28010195. [PMID: 36615387 PMCID: PMC9822070 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent subtype of liver cancer, is the second main reason for cancer-related deaths worldwide. In recent decades, sufficient evidence supported that immunotherapy was a safe and effective treatment option for HCC. However, tolerance and frequent recurrence and metastasis occurred in patients after immunotherapy due to the complicated crosstalk in the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment (TIME) in HCC. Therefore, elucidating the TIME in HCC and finding novel modulators to target TIME for attenuating immune suppression is critical to optimize immunotherapy. Recently, studies have shown the potentially immunoregulatory activities of natural compounds, characterized by multiple targets and pathways and low toxicity. In this review, we concluded the unique role of TIME in HCC. Moreover, we summarized evidence that supports the hypothesis of natural compounds to target TIME to improve immunotherapy. Furthermore, we discussed the comprehensive mechanisms of these natural compounds in the immunotherapy of HCC. Accordingly, we present a well-grounded review of the naturally occurring compounds in cancer immunotherapy, expecting to shed new light on discovering novel anti-HCC immunomodulatory drugs from natural sources.
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17
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Yoon JS, Lee CW. Protein phosphatases regulate the liver microenvironment in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:1799-1813. [PMID: 36380016 PMCID: PMC9722691 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00883-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is a complicated heterogeneous organ composed of different cells. Parenchymal cells called hepatocytes and various nonparenchymal cells, including immune cells and stromal cells, are distributed in liver lobules with hepatic architecture. They interact with each other to compose the liver microenvironment and determine its characteristics. Although the liver microenvironment maintains liver homeostasis and function under healthy conditions, it also shows proinflammatory and profibrogenic characteristics that can induce the progression of hepatitis and hepatic fibrosis, eventually changing to a protumoral microenvironment that contributes to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). According to recent studies, phosphatases are involved in liver diseases and HCC development by regulating protein phosphorylation in intracellular signaling pathways and changing the activities and characteristics of liver cells. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the importance of protein phosphatases in HCC development and in the regulation of the cellular components in the liver microenvironment and to show their significance as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joon-Sup Yoon
- grid.264381.a0000 0001 2181 989XDepartment of Molecular Cell Biology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16419 Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Woo Lee
- grid.264381.a0000 0001 2181 989XDepartment of Molecular Cell Biology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16419 Republic of Korea ,grid.264381.a0000 0001 2181 989XDepartment of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, 06351 Republic of Korea
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18
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Hsieh CC, Chang CC, Hsu YC, Lin CL. Immune Modulation by Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Diabetic Kidney Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13263. [PMID: 36362050 PMCID: PMC9655277 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) frequently leads to end-stage renal disease and other life-threatening illnesses. The dysregulation of glomerular cell types, including mesangial cells, endothelial cells, and podocytes, appears to play a vital role in the development of DKD. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) exhibit immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory properties through the depletion of L-arginine that is required by T cells, through generation of oxidative stress, interference with T-cell recruitment and viability, proliferation of regulatory T cells, and through the promotion of pro-tumorigenic functions. Under hyperglycemic conditions, mouse mesangial cells reportedly produce higher levels of fibronectin and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, the number of MDSCs is noticeably decreased, weakening inhibitory immune activities, and creating an inflammatory environment. In diabetic mice, immunotherapy with MDSCs that were induced by a combination of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6, reduced kidney to body weight ratio, fibronectin expression, and fibronectin accumulation in renal glomeruli, thus ameliorating DKD. In conclusion, MDSCs exhibit anti-inflammatory activities that help improve renal fibrosis in diabetic mice. The therapeutic targeting of the proliferative or immunomodulatory pathways of MDSCs may represent an alternative immunotherapeutic strategy for DKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Chuan Hsieh
- Division of General Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 261363, Taiwan
- Kidney and Diabetic Complications Research Team (KDCRT), Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 261363, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chih Chang
- Division of General Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 261363, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Chien Hsu
- Kidney and Diabetic Complications Research Team (KDCRT), Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 261363, Taiwan
- Division of Nephrology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 261363, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Liang Lin
- Kidney and Diabetic Complications Research Team (KDCRT), Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 261363, Taiwan
- Division of Nephrology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 261363, Taiwan
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19
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Pu Q, Yu L, Wang X, Yan H, Xie Y, Jiang Y, Yang Z. Immunomodulatory Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine Combined with Systemic Therapy on Patients with Liver Cancer: A Systemic Review and Network Meta-analysis. J Cancer 2022; 13:3280-3296. [PMID: 36118529 PMCID: PMC9475362 DOI: 10.7150/jca.74829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: As immune combination therapy in the treatment of liver cancer made significant achievements, and the modulating effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) on immunity gradually appeared. The main purpose of this study was to study the effect of different TCM combined with systemic therapy (ST) on immune regulation in patients with liver cancer, as well as the efficacy and safety of combined therapy, and to find the best combined application scheme by ranking. Methods: Nine electronic databases were searched from January 1, 2010, to November 12, 2021, to search for RCTs of TCM combined ST in the field of liver cancer for literature screening, quality evaluation and data extraction. STATA 15.0 and RevMan 5.3 software were used to conduct network meta-analysis to analyze and explore the significance of TCM combined ST in immune regulation, efficacy and safety in clinical application. The probability value of the surface under the cumulative ranking curve was used to rank the processing studied. Results: A total of 25 studies involving 2,152 participants were included in the network meta-analysis, including six traditional Chinese medicine injections and seven proprietary Chinese medicines. The results showed that Dahuang Zhechong Wan and Kangai injection combined with ST were the best choices for immune regulation. Moreover, the Huaier granule was the best choice to reduce vascular endothelial growth factors. Conclusion: For patients with liver cancer, TCM combined with ST was better than that of ST alone and can significantly improve the immune function of patients as well as the efficacy and safety of treatment. However, given the limited sample size and methodological quality of the trials that we included in our study, more centralized and randomized controlled trials with a large sample size are required to verify our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Pu
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lihua Yu
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinhui Wang
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Huiwen Yan
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuqing Xie
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuyong Jiang
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyun Yang
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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20
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Wang PW, Lin TY, Yang PM, Yeh CT, Pan TL. Hepatic Stellate Cell Modulates the Immune Microenvironment in the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810777. [PMID: 36142683 PMCID: PMC9503407 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of increases in the mortality rate due to cancer that usually develops in patients with liver fibrosis and impaired hepatic immunity. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) may directly or indirectly crosstalk with various hepatic cells and subsequently modulate extracellular remodeling, cell invasion, macrophage conversion, and cancer deterioration. In this regard, the tumor microenvironment created by activated HSC plays a critical role in mediating pathogenesis and immune escape during HCC progression. Herein, intermediately differentiated human liver cancer cell line (J5) cells were co-cultured with HSC-conditioned medium (HSC-CM); changes in cell phenotype and cytokine profiles were analyzed to assess the impact of HSCs on the development of hepatoma. The stage of liver fibrosis correlated significantly with tumor grade, and the administration of conditioned medium secreted by activated HSC (aHSC-CM) could induce the expression of N-cadherin, cell migration, and invasive potential, as well as the activity of matrix metalloproteinases in J5 cells, implying that aHSC-CM could trigger the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Next, the HSC-CM was further investigated and network analysis indicated that specific cytokines and soluble proteins, such as activin A, released from activated HSCs could remarkably affect the tumor-associated immune microenvironment involved in macrophage polarization, which would, in turn, diminish a host’s immune surveillance and drive hepatoma cells into a more malignant phenotype. Together, our findings provide a novel insight into the integral roles of HSCs to enhance hepatocarcinogenesis through their immune-modulatory properties and suggest that HSC may serve as a potent target for the treatment of advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Wen Wang
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Yi Lin
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Keelung, Keelung 20401, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Ming Yang
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei 11042, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11042, Taiwan
| | - Chau-Ting Yeh
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33375, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Long Pan
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33375, Taiwan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Department of Cosmetic Science, Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, and Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 33303, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-3-211-8800 (ext. 5105); Fax: +886-3-211-8700
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21
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Geh D, Leslie J, Rumney R, Reeves HL, Bird TG, Mann DA. Neutrophils as potential therapeutic targets in hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 19:257-273. [PMID: 35022608 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-021-00568-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The success of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab treatment contributed to a shift in systemic therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) towards combinations that include cancer immunotherapeutic agents. Thus far, the principal focus of cancer immunotherapy has been on interrupting immune checkpoints that suppress antitumour lymphocytes. As well as lymphocytes, the HCC environment includes numerous other immune cell types, among which neutrophils are emerging as an important contributor to the pathogenesis of HCC. A growing body of evidence supports neutrophils as key mediators of the immunosuppressive environment in which some cancers develop, as well as drivers of tumour progression. If neutrophils have a similar role in HCC, approaches that target or manipulate neutrophils might have therapeutic benefits, potentially including sensitization of tumours to conventional immunotherapy. Several neutrophil-directed therapies for patients with HCC (and other cancers) are now entering clinical trials. This Review outlines the evidence in support of neutrophils as drivers of HCC and details their mechanistic roles in development, progression and metastasis, highlighting the reasons that neutrophils are well worth investigating despite the challenges associated with studying them. Neutrophil-modulating anticancer therapies entering clinical trials are also summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Geh
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jack Leslie
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Rob Rumney
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Helen L Reeves
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- The Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Multidisciplinary Team, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Thomas G Bird
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Derek A Mann
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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22
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Ma Y, Wang S, Wu Y, Liu B, Li L, Wang W, Weng H, Ding H. Hepatic stellate cell mediates transcription of TNFSF14 in hepatocellular carcinoma cells via H 2S/CSE-JNK/JunB signaling pathway. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:238. [PMID: 35292636 PMCID: PMC8924155 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04678-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) both play important roles in the development of hepatocellar carcinoma (HCC). Whereas, in the microenvironment of HCC, whether HSC participate in regulating the biological process of HCC cells by releasing H2S remains elusive. In vitro, Flow cytometry (FCM), CCK-8, RNA-sequencing, Western blotting, RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence and ChIP assays were carried out in the HCC cells to investigate the effect of H2S on biological functions and JNK/JunB-TNFSF14 signaling pathway. Specimens from HCC patients were analyzed by RT-qPCR and Western blotting assays for evaluating the expression of TNFSF14 and CSE. Statistical analysis was used to analyze the correlation between TNFSF14 expression and clinical data of HCC patients. Based on the FCM and CCK-8 results, we found the LX-2 cells were able to induce HCC cells apoptosis through releasing H2S. RNA-sequencing, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting results showed that TNFSF14 gene was upregulated in both LX-2 and NaHS group. NaHS treated in HCC cells led to JNK/JunB signaling pathway activating and greater binding of p-JunB to its responsive elements on TNFSF14 promoter. Impairment of TNFSF14 induction alleviated LX-2 and NaHS induced apoptosis of HepG2 and PLC/PRF/5 cells. Furthermore, TNFSF14 expression in HCC tissues was lower than the adjacent tissue. HCC patients with low expression of TNFSF14 had higher malignant degree and poor prognosis. In summary, demonstration of the involvement of HSC-derived H2S in JNK/JunB mediated expression of TNFSF14 gene strongly indicates H2S palys an important role in the regulation of HCC apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Ma
- grid.414379.cDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beijing You’an Hospital affiliated with Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069 China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- grid.414379.cDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beijing You’an Hospital affiliated with Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069 China ,grid.24696.3f0000 0004 0369 153XBeijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing You’ An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069 China
| | - Yongle Wu
- grid.414379.cDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beijing You’an Hospital affiliated with Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069 China
| | - Bihan Liu
- grid.414379.cDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beijing You’an Hospital affiliated with Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069 China
| | - Lei Li
- grid.414379.cDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beijing You’an Hospital affiliated with Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069 China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- grid.24696.3f0000 0004 0369 153XBeijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing You’ An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069 China
| | - Honglei Weng
- grid.411778.c0000 0001 2162 1728Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, 68167 Germany
| | - Huiguo Ding
- grid.414379.cDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beijing You’an Hospital affiliated with Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069 China
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23
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Jia W, Liang S, Cheng B, Ling C. The Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and the Value of Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment. Front Oncol 2021; 11:763519. [PMID: 34868982 PMCID: PMC8636329 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.763519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasion and metastasis are the main reasons for the high mortality of liver cancer, which involve the interaction of tumor stromal cells and malignant cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the major constituents of tumor stromal cells affecting tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. The heterogeneous properties and sources of CAFs make both tumor-supporting and tumor-suppression effects possible. The mechanisms for CAFs in supporting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression can be categorized into upregulated aggressiveness and stemness, transformed metabolism toward glycolysis and glutamine reductive carboxylation, polarized tumor immunity toward immune escape of HCC cells, and increased angiogenesis. The tumor-suppressive effect of fibroblasts highlights the functional heterogenicity of CAF populations and provides new insights into tumor–stromal interplay mechanisms. In this review, we introduced several key inflammatory signaling pathways in the transformation of CAFs from normal stromal cells and the heterogeneous biofunctions of activated CAFs. In view of the pleiotropic regulation properties of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and heterogeneous effects of CAFs, we also introduced the application and values of TCM in the treatment of HCC through targeting CAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Jia
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shufang Liang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Binbin Cheng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Changquan Ling
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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24
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Bioinformatic Evidence Reveals that Cell Cycle Correlated Genes Drive the Communication between Tumor Cells and the Tumor Microenvironment and Impact the Outcomes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:4092635. [PMID: 34746301 PMCID: PMC8564189 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4092635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive cancer type with poor prognosis; thus, there is especially necessary and urgent to screen potential prognostic biomarkers for early diagnosis and novel therapeutic targets. In this study, we downloaded target data sets from the GEO database, and obtained codifferentially expressed genes using the limma R package and identified key genes through the protein–protein interaction network and molecular modules, and performed GO and KEGG pathway analyses for key genes via the clusterProfiler package and further determined their correlations with clinicopathological features using the Oncomine database. Survival analysis was completed in the GEPIA and the Kaplan–Meier plotter database. Finally, correlations between key genes, cell types infiltrated in the tumor microenvironment (TME), and hypoxic signatures were explored based on the TIMER database. From the results, 11 key genes related to the cell cycle were determined, and high levels of these key genes' expression were focused on advanced and higher grade status HCC patients, as well as in samples of TP53 mutation and vascular invasion. Besides, the 11 key genes were significantly associated with poor prognosis of HCC and also were positively related to the infiltration level of MDSCs in the TME and the HIF1A and VEGFA of hypoxic signatures, but a negative correlation was found with endothelial cells (ECs) and hematopoietic stem cells. The result determined that 11 key genes (RRM2, NDC80, ECT2, CCNB1, ASPM, CDK1, PRC1, KIF20A, DTL, TOP2A, and PBK) could play a vital role in the pathogenesis of HCC, drive the communication between tumor cells and the TME, and act as probably promising diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic biomarkers in HCC patients.
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25
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Therapeutic Values of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Facts and Hopes. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205127. [PMID: 34680276 PMCID: PMC8534227 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Myeloid-derived suppressor cells restrict the effectiveness of immune-checkpoint inhibitors for a subset of patients mainly through thwarting T cell infiltration into tumor sites. Treatments targeting MDSCs have shown potent inhibitory effects on multiple tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma. In this review, we summarize the pathological mechanisms of MDSCs and their clinical significance as prognostic and predictive biomarkers for HCC patients, and we provide the latest progress of MDSCs-targeting treatment in HCC. Abstract One of the major challenges in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment is drug resistance and low responsiveness to systemic therapies, partly due to insufficient T cell infiltration. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are immature marrow-derived cell populations with heterogeneity and immunosuppression characteristics and are essential components of the suppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Increasing evidence has demonstrated that MDSCs are indispensable contributing factors to HCC development in a T cell-dependent or non-dependent manner. Clinically, the frequency of MDSCs is firmly linked to HCC clinical outcomes and the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Furthermore, MDSCs can also be used as prognostic and predictive biomarkers for patients with HCC. Therefore, treatments reprograming MDSCs may offer potential therapeutic opportunities in HCC. Here, we recapitulated the dynamic relevance of MDSCs in the initiation and development of HCC and paid special attention to the effect of MDSCs on T cells infiltration in HCC. Finally, we pointed out the potential therapeutic effect of targeting MDSCs alone or in combination, hoping to provide new insights into HCC treatment.
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26
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Crosstalk between hepatic stellate cells and tumor cells in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Chin Med J (Engl) 2021; 134:2544-2546. [PMID: 34520418 PMCID: PMC8577661 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000001726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
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27
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Ezhilarasan D. Hepatic stellate cells in the injured liver: Perspectives beyond hepatic fibrosis. J Cell Physiol 2021; 237:436-449. [PMID: 34514599 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Over the last two decades, our understanding of the pathological role of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in fibrotic liver disease has increased dramatically. As HSCs are identified as the principal collagen-producing cells in the injured liver, several experimental and clinical studies have targeted HSCs to treat liver fibrosis. However, HSCs also play a critical role in developing nonfibrotic liver diseases such as cholestasis, portal hypertension, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, this review exclusively focuses on the role of activated HSCs beyond hepatic fibrosis. In cholestasis conditions, elevated bile salts and bile acids activate HSCs to secrete collagen and other extracellular matrix products, which cause biliary fibrosis and cholangitis. In the chronically injured liver, autocrine and paracrine signaling from liver sinusoidal endothelial cells activates HSCs to induce portal hypertension via endothelin-1 release. In the tumor microenvironment (TME), activated HSCs are the major source of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). The crosstalk between activated HSC/CAF and tumor cells is associated with tumor cell proliferation, migration, metastasis, and chemoresistance. In TME, activated HSCs convert macrophages to tumor-associated macrophages and induce the differentiation of dendritic cells (DCs) and monocytes to regulatory DCs and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, respectively. This differentiation, in turn, increases T cells proliferation and induces their apoptosis leading to reduced immune surveillance in TME. Thus, HSCs activation in chronically injured liver is a critical process involved in the progression of cholestasis, portal hypertension, and liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devaraj Ezhilarasan
- Department of Pharmacology, The Blue Lab, Molecular Medicine and Toxicology Division, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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28
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Wu SC, Cheng HT, Wang YC, Tzeng CW, Hsu CH, Muo CH. Decreased risk of liver and intrahepatic cancer in non-H. pylori-infected perforated peptic ulcer patients with truncal vagotomy: a nationwide study. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15594. [PMID: 34341400 PMCID: PMC8329055 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95142-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The vagal nervous system is central to the physiological responses and systemic diseases of the liver. We evaluated the subsequent risk of liver and intrahepatic cancer (HCC/ICC) in non-H. pylori (HP)-infected perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) patients with and without vagotomy. Hospitalized PPU patients who underwent simple closure or truncal vagotomy/pyloroplasty (TVP) in the National Health Insurance Research Database from 2000 to 2008 were enrolled. The exclusion criteria included: (1) Multiple surgeries for PPU were received at the same admission; (2) Any cancer history; (3) Previous peptic ulcer-associated surgery; (4) HP infection history; (5) Viral hepatitis infection history; (6) Follow-up duration < 1 year; and (7) Age < 18 years. The risks of developing HCC/ICC in PPU patients with and without vagotomy were assessed at the end of 2013. To balance the baseline condition between groups, we used the propensity score matched method to select study subjects. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to estimate the hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) of HCC/ICC. Before propensity score matching, 675 simple suture patients and 54 TVP patients had HCC/ICC, which corresponded to incidences of 2.11 and 0.88 per 1000 person-years, respectively. After propensity score matching, 145 simple suture patients and 54 TVP patients experienced HCC/ICC, which corresponded to incidences of 1.45 and 0.88 per 1000 person-years, respectively. The TVP patients had a 0.71 (95% CI 0.54-0.95)- and 0.69 (95% CI 0.49-0.97)-fold risk of developing HCC/ICC compared to simple suture patients before and after propensity score matching. Our findings reported that, in the Asian population, TVP decreases the risk of HCC/ICC in non-HP-infected PPU patients compared to simple closure patients. However, further studies are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Chi Wu
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan. .,Trauma and Emergency Center, China Medical University Hospital, No. 2 Yuh-Der Road, Taichung, 404, Taiwan.
| | - Han-Tsung Cheng
- Department of Trauma and Emergency Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chun Wang
- Department of Trauma and Emergency Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Wei Tzeng
- Department of Trauma and Emergency Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hao Hsu
- Department of Trauma and Emergency Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hsin Muo
- Management Office for Health Data, China Medical University and Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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29
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Importance of myeloid derived suppressor cells in cancer from a biomarker perspective. Cell Immunol 2020; 361:104280. [PMID: 33445053 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2020.104280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are a heterogenous population of immature myeloid cells that accumulate in tumor bearing host and migrate to lymphoid organs and tumor tissues. This process is controlled by a set of defined pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which are upregulated in malignancies. MDSC have strong immunosuppressive potential and constitute a major component of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Tumor cells take advantage of the suppressive mechanisms of MDSC to establish an immunosuppressive TME which inhibits antitumor immune responses thereby promoting cancer progression. An immunosuppressive TME acts as a significant barrier to immunotherapeutic interventions. Pre-clinical and clinical studies have demonstrated that enrichment and activation of MDSC is correlated with tumor progression, recurrence and metastasis. In this review we discuss the potential impact of MDSC on tumor progression and its role as a biomarker of prognostic significance in cancer with a special focus on hepatocellular cancer (HCC).
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30
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Wen B, Zhang C, Zhou J, Zhang Z, Che Q, Cao H, Bai Y, Guo J, Su Z. Targeted treatment of alcoholic liver disease based on inflammatory signalling pathways. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 222:107752. [PMID: 33253739 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Targeted therapy is an emerging treatment strategy for alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Inflammation plays an important role in the occurrence and development of ALD, and is a key choice for its targeted treatment, and anti-inflammatory treatment has been considered beneficial for liver disease. Surprisingly, immune checkpoint inhibitors have become important therapeutic agents for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Moreover, studies have shown that the combination of inflammatory molecule inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors can exert better effects than either alone in mouse models of HCC. This review discusses the mechanism of hepatic ethanol metabolism and the conditions under which inflammation occurs. In addition, we focus on the potential molecular targets in inflammatory signalling pathways and summarize the potential targeted inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors, providing a theoretical basis for the targeted treatment of ALD and the development of new combination therapy strategies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingjian Wen
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Natural Products and New Drugs, Guangdong Provincial University Engineering Technology Research Center of Natural Products and Drugs, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Centre of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Chengcheng Zhang
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Natural Products and New Drugs, Guangdong Provincial University Engineering Technology Research Center of Natural Products and Drugs, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Centre of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jingwen Zhou
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Natural Products and New Drugs, Guangdong Provincial University Engineering Technology Research Center of Natural Products and Drugs, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Centre of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhengyan Zhang
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Natural Products and New Drugs, Guangdong Provincial University Engineering Technology Research Center of Natural Products and Drugs, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Centre of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qishi Che
- Guangzhou Rainhome Pharm & Tech Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510663, China
| | - Hua Cao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Zhongshan 528458, China
| | - Yan Bai
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510310, China
| | - Jiao Guo
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Centre of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Zhengquan Su
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Natural Products and New Drugs, Guangdong Provincial University Engineering Technology Research Center of Natural Products and Drugs, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Centre of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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31
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Atypical immunometabolism and metabolic reprogramming in liver cancer: Deciphering the role of gut microbiome. Adv Cancer Res 2020; 149:171-255. [PMID: 33579424 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2020.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Much recent research has delved into understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of HCC pathogenesis, which has revealed to be heterogenous and complex. Two major hallmarks of HCC include: (i) a hijacked immunometabolism and (ii) a reprogramming in metabolic processes. We posit that the gut microbiota is a third component in an entanglement triangle contributing to HCC progression. Besides metagenomic studies highlighting the diagnostic potential in the gut microbiota profile, recent research is pinpointing the gut microbiota as an instigator, not just a mere bystander, in HCC. In this chapter, we discuss mechanistic insights on atypical immunometabolism and metabolic reprogramming in HCC, including the examination of tumor-associated macrophages and neutrophils, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (e.g., T-cell exhaustion, regulatory T-cells, natural killer T-cells), the Warburg effect, rewiring of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and glutamine addiction. We further discuss the potential involvement of the gut microbiota in these characteristics of hepatocarcinogenesis. An immediate highlight is that microbiota metabolites (e.g., short chain fatty acids, secondary bile acids) can impair anti-tumor responses, which aggravates HCC. Lastly, we describe the rising 'new era' of immunotherapies (e.g., immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive T-cell transfer) and discuss for the potential incorporation of gut microbiota targeted therapeutics (e.g., probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation) to alleviate HCC. Altogether, this chapter invigorates for continuous research to decipher the role of gut microbiome in HCC from its influence on immunometabolism and metabolic reprogramming.
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32
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Abstract
Chronic liver injury due to viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, and metabolic disorders is a worldwide health concern. Insufficient treatment of chronic liver injury leads to fibrosis, causing liver dysfunction and carcinogenesis. Most cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develop in the fibrotic liver. Pathological features of liver fibrosis include extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation, mesenchymal cell activation, immune deregulation, and angiogenesis, all of which contribute to the precancerous environment, supporting tumor development. Among liver cells, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and macrophages play critical roles in fibrosis and HCC. These two cell types interplay and remodel the ECM and immune microenvironment in the fibrotic liver. Once HCC develops, HCC-derived factors influence HSCs and macrophages to switch to protumorigenic cell populations, cancer-associated fibroblasts and tumor-associated macrophages, respectively. This review aims to summarize currently available data on the roles of HSCs and macrophages in liver fibrosis and HCC, with a focus on their interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michitaka Matsuda
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ekihiro Seki
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
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33
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Roderburg C, Wree A, Demir M, Schmelzle M, Tacke F. The role of the innate immune system in the development and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepat Oncol 2020; 7:HEP17. [PMID: 32273975 PMCID: PMC7137177 DOI: 10.2217/hep-2019-0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer. Most patients present with advanced or metastatic HCC at diagnosis and face a dismal prognosis. Tyrosine kinases are the gold standard treatment for this disease but yield limited survival benefits. Immune checkpoint inhibitors that augment adaptive immunity have been tested in HCC. Complex interactions between tumor cells, lymphocytes and the tumor environment determine the efficacy of such immunotherapies. Innate immune mechanisms – known drivers of liver disease progression in pre-HCC conditions such as fibrosis or cirrhosis – may either support or counteract tumor-related immune activation. In this review, we will highlight current concepts of the role of the innate immune system in hepatocarcinogenesis and discuss their relevance for translation into clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Roderburg
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin Institute of Health, Augustenburger, Platz 1 13353, Berlin
| | - Alexander Wree
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin Institute of Health, Augustenburger, Platz 1 13353, Berlin
| | - Münevver Demir
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin Institute of Health, Augustenburger, Platz 1 13353, Berlin
| | - Moritz Schmelzle
- Department of Surgery, Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin,Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin Institute of Health, Augustenburger, Platz 1 13353, Berlin
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin Institute of Health, Augustenburger, Platz 1 13353, Berlin
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