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Li H, Liu D, Li K, Wang Y, Zhang G, Qi L, Xie K. Pancreatic stellate cells and the interleukin family: Linking fibrosis and immunity to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (Review). Mol Med Rep 2024; 30:159. [PMID: 38994764 PMCID: PMC11258612 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2024.13283] [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: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an extremely aggressive form of cancer with a low survival rate. A successful treatment strategy should not be limited to targeting cancer cells alone, but should adopt a more comprehensive approach, taking into account other influential factors. These include the extracellular matrix (ECM) and immune microenvironment, both of which are integral components of the tumor microenvironment. The present review describes the roles of pancreatic stellate cells, differentiated cancer‑associated fibroblasts and the interleukin family, either independently or in combination, in the progression of precursor lesions in pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia and PDAC. These elements contribute to ECM deposition and immunosuppression in PDAC. Therapeutic strategies that integrate interleukin and/or stromal blockade for PDAC immunomodulation and fibrogenesis have yielded inconsistent results. A deeper comprehension of the intricate interplay between fibrosis, and immune responses could pave the way for more effective treatment targets, by elucidating the mechanisms and causes of ECM fibrosis during PDAC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haichao Li
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Affiliated Qingyuan Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, Guangdong 511518, P.R. China
| | - Donglian Liu
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Affiliated Qingyuan Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, Guangdong 511518, P.R. China
| | - Kaishu Li
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Affiliated Qingyuan Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, Guangdong 511518, P.R. China
| | - Yichen Wang
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Affiliated Qingyuan Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, Guangdong 511518, P.R. China
| | - Gengqiang Zhang
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Affiliated Qingyuan Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, Guangdong 511518, P.R. China
| | - Ling Qi
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Affiliated Qingyuan Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, Guangdong 511518, P.R. China
| | - Keping Xie
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510000, P.R. China
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2
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Yu X, Chen X, Chen W, Han X, Xie Q, Geng D, Guo G, Zhou L, Tang S, Chen J, Huang X, Zhong X. TGFβ2 Promotes the Construction of Fibrotic and Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: A Comprehensive Analysis. Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01219-1. [PMID: 39044066 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01219-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) was characterized by dense fibrotic stroma and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). TGFβ signaling pathways are highly activated in human cancers. However, the role of TGFβ2 in TME of PAAD remains to be elucidated. In this study, we showed that TGFβ2 was expressed at a relatively high level in PAAD tissues or cancer cells. Moreover, its high expression predicted unfavorable prognosis. In PAAD, gene set enrichment analysis showed that TGFβ2 correlated positively with leukocyte transendothelial migration, but negatively with aerobic metabolism, including oxidative phosphorylation. Results in Tumor and Immune System Interaction Database showed that TGFβ2 correlated with the infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which could be attributed to that TGFβ2 promote CCL2 expression in PAAD. Moreover, correlation analysis showed that TGFβ2 could trigger cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) activation in PAAD. The drug sensitivity analysis may indicate that patients with TGFβ2 high expression have higher sensitivity to chemotherapeutics, but the sensitivity to targeted drugs is still controversial. TGFβ2 could promote expansion of CAFs and infiltration of TAMs, thus participating in the construction of a fibrotic and immunosuppressive TME in PAAD. Targeting TGFβ2 could be a promising therapeutic approach, which needs to be elucidated by clinical and experimental evidences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofen Yu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Nanchang Third Hospital, Nanchang, 330000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xuefen Chen
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Wanxian Chen
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Xiaosha Han
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Qihu Xie
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Deyi Geng
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Genghong Guo
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Linsa Zhou
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Shijie Tang
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Jiasheng Chen
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China.
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China.
| | - Xin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Pancreatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, GuangzhouGuangdong, 510060, China.
| | - Xiaoping Zhong
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China.
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China.
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3
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Mottini C, Auciello FR, Manni I, Pilarsky C, Caputo D, Caracciolo G, Rossetta A, Di Gennaro E, Budillon A, Blandino G, Roca MS, Piaggio G. The cross-talk between the macro and micro-environment in precursor lesions of pancreatic cancer leads to new and promising circulating biomarkers. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:198. [PMID: 39020414 PMCID: PMC11256648 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03117-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a clinically challenging tumor to combat due to its advanced stage at diagnosis as well as its resistance to currently available therapies. The absence of early symptoms and known detectable biomarkers renders this disease incredibly difficult to detect/manage. Recent advances in the understanding of PC biology have highlighted the importance of cancer-immune cell interactions, not only in the tumor micro-environment but also in distant systemic sites, like the bone marrow, spleen and circulating immune cells, the so-called macro-environment. The response of the macro-environment is emerging as a determining factor in tumor development by contributing to the formation of an increasingly immunogenic micro-environment promoting tumor homeostasis and progression. We will summarize the key events associated with the feedback loop between the tumor immune micro-environment (TIME) and the tumor immune macroenvironment (TIMaE) in pancreatic precancerous lesions along with how it regulates disease development and progression. In addition, liquid biopsy biomarkers capable of diagnosing PC at an early stage of onset will also be discussed. A clearer understanding of the early crosstalk between micro-environment and macro-environment could contribute to identifying new molecular therapeutic targets and biomarkers, consequently improving early PC diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Mottini
- Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, UOSD SAFU, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Auciello
- UOC Translational Oncology Research, IRCSS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Manni
- Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, UOSD SAFU, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Giulio Caracciolo
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Molecolare Sapienza, Università Di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Elena Di Gennaro
- Experimental Pharmacology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, Via M. Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Alfredo Budillon
- Scientific Directorate, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Blandino
- UOC Translational Oncology Research, IRCSS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Serena Roca
- Experimental Pharmacology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, Via M. Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| | - Giulia Piaggio
- Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, UOSD SAFU, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
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Elebo N, Abdel-Shafy EA, Omoshoro-Jones JAO, Nsingwane Z, Hussein AAA, Smith M, Candy G, Cacciatore S, Fru P, Nweke EE. Comparative immune profiling of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma progression among South African patients. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:809. [PMID: 38973003 PMCID: PMC11229237 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12595-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive cancer characterized by an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Patients from specific ethnicities and population groups have poorer prognoses than others. Therefore, a better understanding of the immune landscape in such groups is necessary for disease elucidation, predicting patient outcomes and therapeutic targeting. This study investigated the expression of circulating key immune cell markers in South African PDAC patients of African ancestry. METHODS Blood samples were obtained from a total of 6 healthy volunteers (HC), 6 Chronic Pancreatitis (CP) and 34 PDAC patients consisting of 22 resectable (RPC), 8 locally advanced (LAPC) and 4 metastatic (MPC). Real-time Quantitative Polymerase Chain reactions (RT-qPCR), Metabolomics, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), and Immunophenotyping assays were conducted. Statistical analysis was conducted in R (v 4.3.2). Additional analysis of single-cell RNA data from 20 patients (16 PDAC and 4 controls) was conducted to interrogate the distribution of T-cell and Natural Killer cell populations. RESULTS Granulocyte and neutrophil levels were significantly elevated while lymphocytes decreased with PDAC severity. The total percentages of CD3 T-cell subpopulations (helper and double negative T-cells) decreased when compared to HC. Although both NK (p = 0.014) and NKT (p < 0.001) cell levels increased as the disease progressed, their subsets: NK CD56dimCD16- (p = 0.024) and NKTs CD56+ (p = 0.008) cell levels reduced significantly. Of note is the negative association of NK CD56dimCD16- (p < 0.001) cell levels with survival time. The gene expression analyses showed no statistically significant correlation when comparing the PDAC groups with the controls. The inflammatory status of PDAC was assessed by ROS levels of serum which were elevated in CP (p = 0.025), (RPC (p = 0.003) and LAPC (p = 0.008)) while no significant change was observed in MPC, compared to the HC group. ROS was shown to be positively correlated with GlycA (R = 0.45, p = 0.0096). Single-cell analyses showed a significant difference in the ratio of NKT cells per total cell counts in LAPC (p < 0.001) and MPC (p < 0.001) groups compared with HC, confirming observations in our sample group. CONCLUSION The expression of these immune cell markers observed in this pilot study provides insight into their potential roles in tumour progression in the patient group and suggests their potential utility in the development of immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nnenna Elebo
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
- Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - Ebtesam A Abdel-Shafy
- Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
- National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Jones A O Omoshoro-Jones
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Unit, Department of Surgery, Chris Hani-Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Soweto Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Zanele Nsingwane
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Ahmed A A Hussein
- Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
- Theodore Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Martin Smith
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Unit, Department of Surgery, Chris Hani-Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Soweto Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Geoffrey Candy
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Stefano Cacciatore
- Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - Pascaline Fru
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Ekene Emmanuel Nweke
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa.
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Florida, Roodepoort, South Africa.
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5
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Argentiero A, Andriano A, Caradonna IC, de Martino G, Desantis V. Decoding the Intricate Landscape of Pancreatic Cancer: Insights into Tumor Biology, Microenvironment, and Therapeutic Interventions. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2438. [PMID: 39001498 PMCID: PMC11240778 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16132438] [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: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) presents significant oncological challenges due to its aggressive nature and poor prognosis. The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a critical role in progression and treatment resistance. Non-neoplastic cells, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), contribute to tumor growth, angiogenesis, and immune evasion. Although immune cells infiltrate TME, tumor cells evade immune responses by secreting chemokines and expressing immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Vascular components, like endothelial cells and pericytes, stimulate angiogenesis to support tumor growth, while adipocytes secrete factors that promote cell growth, invasion, and treatment resistance. Additionally, perineural invasion, a characteristic feature of PDAC, contributes to local recurrence and poor prognosis. Moreover, key signaling pathways including Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene (KRAS), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), Notch, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), and Wnt/β-catenin drive tumor progression and resistance. Targeting the TME is crucial for developing effective therapies, including strategies like inhibiting CAFs, modulating immune response, disrupting angiogenesis, and blocking neural cell interactions. A recent multi-omic approach has identified signature genes associated with anoikis resistance, which could serve as prognostic biomarkers and targets for personalized therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandro Andriano
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, Pharmacology Section, Medical School, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Ingrid Catalina Caradonna
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, Pharmacology Section, Medical School, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Giulia de Martino
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Vanessa Desantis
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, Pharmacology Section, Medical School, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
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6
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Ouyang Y, Shen R, Chu L, Fu C, Hu W, Huang H, Zhang Z, Jiang M, Chen X. Combining single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing, NK cell marker genes reveal a prognostic and immune status in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15037. [PMID: 38951569 PMCID: PMC11217423 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65917-1] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The NK cell is an important component of the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), also plays a significant role in PDAC development. This study aimed to explore the relationship between NK cell marker genes and prognosis, immune response of PDAC patients. By scRNA-seq data, we found the proportion of NK cells were significantly downregulated in PDAC and 373 NK cell marker genes were screened out. By TCGA database, we enrolled 7 NK cell marker genes to construct the signature for predicting prognosis in PDAC patients. Cox analysis identified the signature as an independent factor for pancreatic cancer. Subsequently, the predictive power of signature was validated by 6 GEO datasets and had an excellent evaluation. Our analysis of relationship between the signature and patients' immune status revealed that the signature has a strong correlation with immunocyte infiltration, inflammatory reaction, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) response. The NK cell marker genes are closely related to the prognosis and immune capacity of PDAC patients, and they have potential value as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghao Ouyang
- Research Institute of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, 305 Zhong Shan East Road, Nanjing, 210002, China.
- Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Rongxi Shen
- Research Institute of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, 305 Zhong Shan East Road, Nanjing, 210002, China.
| | - Lihua Chu
- Jinggangshan University, Ji'an, 334000, China
| | - Chengchao Fu
- Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Wang Hu
- Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Haoxuan Huang
- Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhicheng Zhang
- Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ming Jiang
- Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330000, China
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7
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Rodriguez E, Zwart ES, Affandi AA, Verhoeff J, de Kok M, Boyd LNC, Meijer LL, Le Large TYS, Olesek K, Giovannetti E, García-Vallejo JJ, Mebius RE, van Kooyk Y, Kazemier G. In-depth immune profiling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma reveals discriminative immune subpopulations. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:2170-2183. [PMID: 38686549 PMCID: PMC11247553 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a dismal prognosis with a 5-year survival of less than 10%. More knowledge of the immune response developed in patients with PDAC is pivotal to develop better combination immune therapies to improve clinical outcome. In this study, we used mass cytometry time-of-flight to undertake an in-depth characterization of PBMCs from patients with PDAC and examine the differences with healthy controls and patients with benign diseases of the biliary system or pancreas. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with PDAC or benign disease are characterized by the increase of pro-inflammatory cells, as CD86+ classical monocytes and memory T cells expressing CCR6+ and CXCR3+, associated with T helper 1 (Th1) and Th17 immune responses, respectively. However, PBMCs from patients with PDAC present also an increase of CD39+ regulatory T cells and CCR4+CCR6-CXCR3- memory T cells, suggesting Th2 and regulatory responses. Concluding, our results show PDAC develops a multifaceted immunity, where a proinflammatory component is accompanied by regulatory responses, which could inhibit potential antitumor mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Rodriguez
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eline S Zwart
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alsya A Affandi
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Verhoeff
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mike de Kok
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lenka N C Boyd
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Laura L Meijer
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tessa Y S Le Large
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Katarzyna Olesek
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start-Up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Pisa, Italy
| | - Juan J García-Vallejo
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Reina E Mebius
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yvette van Kooyk
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Kazemier
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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8
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Alashkar Alhamwe B, Ponath V, Alhamdan F, Dörsam B, Landwehr C, Linder M, Pauck K, Miethe S, Garn H, Finkernagel F, Brichkina A, Lauth M, Tiwari DK, Buchholz M, Bachurski D, Elmshäuser S, Nist A, Stiewe T, Pogge von Strandmann L, Szymański W, Beutgen V, Graumann J, Teply-Szymanski J, Keber C, Denkert C, Jacob R, Preußer C, Pogge von Strandmann E. BAG6 restricts pancreatic cancer progression by suppressing the release of IL33-presenting extracellular vesicles and the activation of mast cells. Cell Mol Immunol 2024:10.1038/s41423-024-01195-1. [PMID: 38942797 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-024-01195-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent studies reveal a critical role of tumor cell-released extracellular vesicles (EVs) in pancreatic cancer (PC) progression. However, driver genes that direct EV function, the EV-recipient cells, and their cellular response to EV uptake remain to be identified. Therefore, we studied the role of Bcl-2-associated-anthanogene 6 (BAG6), a regulator of EV biogenesis for cancer progression. We used a Cre recombinase/LoxP-based reporter system in combination with single-cell RNA sequencing to monitor in vivo EV uptake and tumor microenvironment (TME) changes in mouse models for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in a Bag6 pro- or deficient background. In vivo data were validated using mouse and human organoids and patient samples. Our data demonstrated that Bag6-deficient subcutaneous and orthotopic PDAC tumors accelerated tumor growth dependent on EV release. Mechanistically, this was attributed to mast cell (MC) activation via EV-associated IL33. Activated MCs promoted tumor cell proliferation and altered the composition of the TME affecting fibroblast polarization and immune cell infiltration. Tumor cell proliferation and fibroblast polarization were mediated via the MC secretome containing high levels of PDGF and CD73. Patients with high BAG6 gene expression and high protein plasma level have a longer overall survival indicating clinical relevance. The current study revealed a so far unknown tumor-suppressing activity of BAG6 in PDAC. Bag6-deficiency allowed the release of EV-associated IL33 which modulate the TME via MC activation promoting aggressive tumor growth. MC depletion using imatinib diminished tumor growth providing a scientific rationale to consider imatinib for patients stratified with low BAG6 expression and high MC infiltration. EVs derived from BAG6-deficient pancreatic cancer cells induce MC activation via IL33/Il1rl1. The secretome of activated MCs induces tumor proliferation and changes in the TME, particularly shifting fibroblasts into an inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblast (iCAF) phenotype. Blocking EVs or depleting MCs restricts tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Alashkar Alhamwe
- Institute for Tumor Immunology, Philipps-University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
- Core Facility Extracellular Vesicles, Philipps-University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Viviane Ponath
- Institute for Tumor Immunology, Philipps-University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
- Core Facility Extracellular Vesicles, Philipps-University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Fahd Alhamdan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Cardiac Anesthesia Division, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, USA
- Department of Immunology and Anaesthesia, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bastian Dörsam
- Institute for Tumor Immunology, Philipps-University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
- Core Facility Extracellular Vesicles, Philipps-University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Clara Landwehr
- Institute for Tumor Immunology, Philipps-University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
- Core Facility Extracellular Vesicles, Philipps-University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Manuel Linder
- Institute for Tumor Immunology, Philipps-University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
- Core Facility Extracellular Vesicles, Philipps-University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Kim Pauck
- Translational Inflammation Research Division & Core Facility for Single Cell Multiomics, Philipps-University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Miethe
- Translational Inflammation Research Division & Core Facility for Single Cell Multiomics, Philipps-University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Holger Garn
- Translational Inflammation Research Division & Core Facility for Single Cell Multiomics, Philipps-University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Florian Finkernagel
- Institute for Tumor Immunology, Philipps-University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
- Core Facility Bioinformatics, Philipps-University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Anna Brichkina
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism; Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Philipps-University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
- Institute of Systems Immunology, Philipps-University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Lauth
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism; Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Philipps-University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Dinesh Kumar Tiwari
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism; Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Philipps-University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Malte Buchholz
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism; Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Philipps-University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Bachurski
- Cluster of Excellence on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sabrina Elmshäuser
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Genomics Core Facility, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Philipps-University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Nist
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Genomics Core Facility, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Philipps-University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Stiewe
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Genomics Core Facility, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Philipps-University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
- Institute of Lung Health, Justus Liebig University, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Lisa Pogge von Strandmann
- Institute for Tumor Immunology, Philipps-University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
- Core Facility Extracellular Vesicles, Philipps-University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Witold Szymański
- Institute of Translational Proteomics & Core Facility Translational Proteomics, Biochemical/Pharmacological Centre, Philipps-University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Vanessa Beutgen
- Institute of Translational Proteomics & Core Facility Translational Proteomics, Biochemical/Pharmacological Centre, Philipps-University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Graumann
- Institute of Translational Proteomics & Core Facility Translational Proteomics, Biochemical/Pharmacological Centre, Philipps-University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Julia Teply-Szymanski
- Institute of Pathology, Philipps-University Marburg and University Hospital Marburg (UKGM), Marburg, Germany
| | - Corinna Keber
- Institute of Pathology, Philipps-University Marburg and University Hospital Marburg (UKGM), Marburg, Germany
| | - Carsten Denkert
- Institute of Pathology, Philipps-University Marburg and University Hospital Marburg (UKGM), Marburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Jacob
- Department of Cell Biology and Cell Pathology, Philipps-University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Christian Preußer
- Institute for Tumor Immunology, Philipps-University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
- Core Facility Extracellular Vesicles, Philipps-University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Elke Pogge von Strandmann
- Institute for Tumor Immunology, Philipps-University, 35043, Marburg, Germany.
- Core Facility Extracellular Vesicles, Philipps-University, 35043, Marburg, Germany.
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9
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Zhang K, Zhu J, Wang P, Chen Y, Wang Z, Ge X, Wu J, Chen L, Lu Y, Xu P, Yao J. Plasma metabolites as mediators in immune cell-pancreatic cancer risk: insights from Mendelian randomization. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1402113. [PMID: 38933268 PMCID: PMC11199692 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1402113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Immune cells play a crucial role in the development and progression of pancreatic cancer, yet the causal relationship remains uncertain due to complex immune microenvironments and conflicting research findings. Mendelian randomization (MR), this study aims to delineate the causal relationships between immune cells and pancreatic cancer while identifying intermediary factors. Methods The genome-wide association study (GWAS) data on immune cells, pancreatic cancer, and plasma metabolites are derived from public databases. In this investigation, inverse variance weighting (IVW) as the primary analytical approach to investigate the causal relationship between exposure and outcome. Furthermore, this study incorporates MR-Egger, simple mode, weighted median, and weighted mode as supplementary analytical approaches. To ensure the reliability of our findings, we further assessed horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity and evaluated the stability of MR results using the Leave-one-out method. In conclusion, this study employed mediation analysis to elucidate the potential mediating effects of plasma metabolites. Results Our investigation revealed a causal relationship between immune cells and pancreatic cancer, highlighting the pivotal roles of CD11c+ monocytes (odds ratio, ORIVW=1.105; 95% confidence interval, 95%CI: 1.002-1.218; P=0.045), HLA DR+ CD4+ antigen-presenting cells (ORIVW=0.920; 95%CI: 0.873-0.968; P=0.001), and HLA DR+ CD8br T cells (ORIVW=1.058; 95%CI: 1.002-1.117; P=0.041) in pancreatic cancer progression. Further mediation analysis indicated that oxalate (proportion of mediation effect in total effect: -11.6%, 95% CI: -89.7%, 66.6%) and the mannose to trans-4-hydroxyproline ratio (-19.4, 95% CI: -136%, 96.8%) partially mediate the relationship between HLA DR+ CD8br T cells and pancreatic cancer in nature. In addition, our analysis indicates that adrenate (-8.39%, 95% CI: -18.3%, 1.54%) plays a partial mediating role in the association between CD11c+ monocyte and pancreatic cancer, while cortisone (-26.6%, 95% CI: 138%, -84.8%) acts as a partial mediator between HLA DR+ CD4+ AC and pancreatic cancer. Conclusion This MR investigation provides evidence supporting the causal relationship between immune cell and pancreatic cancer, with plasma metabolites serving as mediators. Identifying immune cell phenotypes with potential causal effects on pancreatic cancer sheds light on its underlying mechanisms and suggests novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhang
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jie Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zhengwang Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Ge
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Junqing Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Long Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yipin Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jie Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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10
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Brichkina A, Ems M, Suezov R, Singh R, Lutz V, Picard FSR, Nist A, Stiewe T, Graumann J, Daude M, Diederich WE, Finkernagel F, Chung HR, Bartsch DK, Roth K, Keber C, Denkert C, Huber M, Gress TM, Lauth M. DYRK1B blockade promotes tumoricidal macrophage activity in pancreatic cancer. Gut 2024:gutjnl-2023-331854. [PMID: 38834297 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-331854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Highly malignant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterised by an abundant immunosuppressive and fibrotic tumour microenvironment (TME). Future therapeutic attempts will therefore demand the targeting of tumours and stromal compartments in order to be effective. Here we investigate whether dual specificity and tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1B (DYRK1B) fulfil these criteria and represent a promising anticancer target in PDAC. DESIGN We used transplantation and autochthonous mouse models of PDAC with either genetic Dyrk1b loss or pharmacological DYRK1B inhibition, respectively. Mechanistic interactions between tumour cells and macrophages were studied in direct or indirect co-culture experiments. Histological analyses used tissue microarrays from patients with PDAC. Additional methodological approaches included bulk mRNA sequencing (transcriptomics) and proteomics (secretomics). RESULTS We found that DYRK1B is mainly expressed by pancreatic epithelial cancer cells and modulates the influx and activity of TME-associated macrophages through effects on the cancer cells themselves as well as through the tumour secretome. Mechanistically, genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition of DYRK1B strongly attracts tumoricidal macrophages and, in addition, downregulates the phagocytosis checkpoint and 'don't eat me' signal CD24 on cancer cells, resulting in enhanced tumour cell phagocytosis. Consequently, tumour cells lacking DYRK1B hardly expand in transplantation experiments, despite their rapid growth in culture. Furthermore, combining a small-molecule DYRK1B-directed therapy with mammalian target of rapamycin inhibition and conventional chemotherapy stalls the growth of established tumours and results in a significant extension of life span in a highly aggressive autochthonous model of PDAC. CONCLUSION In light of DYRK inhibitors currently entering clinical phase testing, our data thus provide a novel and clinically translatable approach targeting both the cancer cell compartment and its microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Brichkina
- Department of Gastroenterology Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Marburg, Germany
- Present address: Institute of Systems Immunology, Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Miriam Ems
- Department of Gastroenterology Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Roman Suezov
- Department of Gastroenterology Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Rajeev Singh
- Department of Gastroenterology Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Veronika Lutz
- Institute of Systems Immunology, Philipps-Universitat Marburg, Marburg, Hessen, Germany
| | - Felix S R Picard
- Institute of Systems Immunology, Philipps-Universitat Marburg, Marburg, Hessen, Germany
| | - Andrea Nist
- Genomics Core Facility, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Stiewe
- Genomics Core Facility, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Oncology, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Marburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Graumann
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
- Institute of Translational Proteomics, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Michael Daude
- Medicinal Chemistry Core Facility, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Wibke E Diederich
- Medicinal Chemistry Core Facility, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Department of Medicinal chemistry, Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Florian Finkernagel
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Ho-Ryun Chung
- Institute for Medical Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Institute for Molecular Biology and Tumor Research, Marburg, Germany
| | - Detlef K Bartsch
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Katrin Roth
- Cell Imaging Core Facility, Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Hessen, Germany
| | - Corinna Keber
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Giessen-Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Carsten Denkert
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Giessen-Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Magdalena Huber
- Institute of Systems Immunology, Philipps-Universitat Marburg, Marburg, Hessen, Germany
| | - Thomas M Gress
- Department of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Lauth
- Department of Gastroenterology Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Marburg, Germany
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11
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Farhangnia P, Khorramdelazad H, Nickho H, Delbandi AA. Current and future immunotherapeutic approaches in pancreatic cancer treatment. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:40. [PMID: 38835055 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01561-6] [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: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a major cause of cancer-related death, but despondently, the outlook and prognosis for this resistant type of tumor have remained grim for a long time. Currently, it is extremely challenging to prevent or detect it early enough for effective treatment because patients rarely exhibit symptoms and there are no reliable indicators for detection. Most patients have advanced or spreading cancer that is difficult to treat, and treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy can only slightly prolong their life by a few months. Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of pancreatic cancer, yet its effectiveness is limited by the tumor's immunosuppressive and hard-to-reach microenvironment. First, this article explains the immunosuppressive microenvironment of pancreatic cancer and highlights a wide range of immunotherapy options, including therapies involving oncolytic viruses, modified T cells (T-cell receptor [TCR]-engineered and chimeric antigen receptor [CAR] T-cell therapy), CAR natural killer cell therapy, cytokine-induced killer cells, immune checkpoint inhibitors, immunomodulators, cancer vaccines, and strategies targeting myeloid cells in the context of contemporary knowledge and future trends. Lastly, it discusses the main challenges ahead of pancreatic cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooya Farhangnia
- Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Board for Transplantation and Cell-Based Therapeutics (ImmunoTACT), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Khorramdelazad
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Hamid Nickho
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali-Akbar Delbandi
- Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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12
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Caggiano EG, Taniguchi CM. UCP2 and pancreatic cancer: conscious uncoupling for therapeutic effect. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:777-794. [PMID: 38194152 PMCID: PMC11156755 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10157-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer has an exaggerated dependence on mitochondrial metabolism, but methods to specifically target the mitochondria without off target effects in normal tissues that rely on these organelles is a significant challenge. The mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) has potential as a cancer-specific drug target, and thus, we will review the known biology of UCP2 and discuss its potential role in the pathobiology and future therapy of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily G Caggiano
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Cullen M Taniguchi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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13
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Smith H, Arbe-Barnes E, Shah EA, Sivakumar S. Manipulating regulatory T cells: is it the key to unlocking effective immunotherapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma? Front Immunol 2024; 15:1406250. [PMID: 38873607 PMCID: PMC11170104 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1406250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The five-year survival rates for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have scarcely improved over the last half-century. It is inherently resistant to FDA-approved immunotherapies, which have transformed the outlook for patients with other advanced solid tumours. Accumulating evidence relates this resistance to its hallmark immunosuppressive milieu, which instils progressive dysfunction among tumour-infiltrating effector T cells. This milieu is established at the inception of neoplasia by immunosuppressive cellular populations, including regulatory T cells (Tregs), which accumulate in parallel with the progression to malignant PDAC. Thus, the therapeutic manipulation of Tregs has captured significant scientific and commercial attention, bolstered by the discovery that an abundance of tumour-infiltrating Tregs correlates with a poor prognosis in PDAC patients. Herein, we propose a mechanism for the resistance of PDAC to anti-PD-1 and CTLA-4 immunotherapies and re-assess the rationale for pursuing Treg-targeted therapies in light of recent studies that profiled the immune landscape of patient-derived tumour samples. We evaluate strategies that are emerging to limit Treg-mediated immunosuppression for the treatment of PDAC, and signpost early-stage trials that provide preliminary evidence of clinical activity. In this context, we find a compelling argument for investment in the ongoing development of Treg-targeted immunotherapies for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Smith
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Edward Arbe-Barnes
- Institute of Immunology and Transplantation, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Enas Abu Shah
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Shivan Sivakumar
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Birmingham Medical School, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Birmingham Cancer Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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14
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Delgado-Coka L, Horowitz M, Torrente-Goncalves M, Roa-Peña L, Leiton CV, Hasan M, Babu S, Fassler D, Oentoro J, Bai JDK, Petricoin EF, Matrisian LM, Blais EM, Marchenko N, Allard FD, Jiang W, Larson B, Hendifar A, Chen C, Abousamra S, Samaras D, Kurc T, Saltz J, Escobar-Hoyos LF, Shroyer KR. Keratin 17 modulates the immune topography of pancreatic cancer. J Transl Med 2024; 22:443. [PMID: 38730319 PMCID: PMC11087249 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05252-1] [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: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The immune microenvironment impacts tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, and patient survival and may provide opportunities for therapeutic intervention in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Although never studied as a potential modulator of the immune response in most cancers, Keratin 17 (K17), a biomarker of the most aggressive (basal) molecular subtype of PDAC, is intimately involved in the histogenesis of the immune response in psoriasis, basal cell carcinoma, and cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Thus, we hypothesized that K17 expression could also impact the immune cell response in PDAC, and that uncovering this relationship could provide insight to guide the development of immunotherapeutic opportunities to extend patient survival. METHODS Multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) and automated image analysis based on novel computational imaging technology were used to decipher the abundance and spatial distribution of T cells, macrophages, and tumor cells, relative to K17 expression in 235 PDACs. RESULTS K17 expression had profound effects on the exclusion of intratumoral CD8+ T cells and was also associated with decreased numbers of peritumoral CD8+ T cells, CD16+ macrophages, and CD163+ macrophages (p < 0.0001). The differences in the intratumor and peritumoral CD8+ T cell abundance were not impacted by neoadjuvant therapy, tumor stage, grade, lymph node status, histologic subtype, nor KRAS, p53, SMAD4, or CDKN2A mutations. CONCLUSIONS Thus, K17 expression correlates with major differences in the immune microenvironment that are independent of any tested clinicopathologic or tumor intrinsic variables, suggesting that targeting K17-mediated immune effects on the immune system could restore the innate immunologic response to PDAC and might provide novel opportunities to restore immunotherapeutic approaches for this most deadly form of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyanne Delgado-Coka
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, 101 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
- Program of Public Health and Department of Preventative Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Michael Horowitz
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, 101 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Mariana Torrente-Goncalves
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, 101 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Lucia Roa-Peña
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, 101 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Cindy V Leiton
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, 101 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Mahmudul Hasan
- Department of Computer Science, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Sruthi Babu
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, 101 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Danielle Fassler
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, 101 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Jaymie Oentoro
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, 101 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Ji-Dong K Bai
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, 101 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Emanuel F Petricoin
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
- Perthera, McLean, VA, USA
| | - Lynn M Matrisian
- Scientific and Medical Affairs, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Manhattan Beach, CA, USA
| | | | - Natalia Marchenko
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, 101 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Felicia D Allard
- Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brent Larson
- Departments of Pathology and Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Andrew Hendifar
- Departments of Pathology and Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chao Chen
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Shahira Abousamra
- Department of Computer Science, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Dimitris Samaras
- Department of Computer Science, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Tahsin Kurc
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Joel Saltz
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, 101 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
| | - Luisa F Escobar-Hoyos
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, 101 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Kenneth R Shroyer
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, 101 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.
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15
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Yoon JH, Yoon HN, Kang HJ, Yoo H, Choi MJ, Chung JY, Seo M, Kim M, Lim SO, Kim YJ, Lee JK, Jang M. Empowering pancreatic tumor homing with augmented anti-tumor potency of CXCR2-tethered CAR-NK cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY. ONCOLOGY 2024; 32:200777. [PMID: 38596297 PMCID: PMC10926211 DOI: 10.1016/j.omton.2024.200777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered natural killer (NK) cells are a promising immunotherapy for solid cancers; however, their effectiveness against pancreatic cancer is limited by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In particular, low NK cell infiltration poses a major obstacle that reduces cytotoxicity. The current study aimed to enhance the tumor-homing capacity of CAR-NK cells by targeting the chemokine-chemokine receptor axis between NK and pancreatic cancer cells. To this end, data from a chemokine array and The Cancer Genome Atlas pan-cancer cohort were analyzed. Pancreatic cancer cells were found to secrete high levels of ligands for C-X-C motif receptor 1 (CXCR1) and CXCR2. Subsequently, we generated anti-mesothelin CAR-NK cells incorporating CXCR1 or CXCR2 and evaluated their tumor-killing abilities in 2D cancer cell co-culture and 3D tumor-mimetic organoid models. CAR-NK cells engineered with CXCR2 demonstrated enhanced tumor killing and strong infiltration of tumor sites. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of CXCR2-augmented CAR-NK cells as a clinically relevant modality for effective pancreatic cancer treatment. By improving their infiltration and tumor-killing capabilities, these CXCR2-augmented CAR-NK cells have the potential to overcome the challenges posed by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, providing improved therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Hyeon Yoon
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Han-Na Yoon
- Rare & Pediatric Cancer Branch, Division of Rare and Refractory Cancer, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Ju Kang
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyejin Yoo
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Moon Jung Choi
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Joo-Yoon Chung
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- KHU-KIST Department of Converging Science and Technology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Minkoo Seo
- Corporate Research & Development Center, UCI Therapeutics, Seoul 04784, Republic of Korea
| | - Minsung Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Si On Lim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Jun Kim
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- KHU-KIST Department of Converging Science and Technology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Ku Lee
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Mihue Jang
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- KHU-KIST Department of Converging Science and Technology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
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16
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Liu Y, Jiang X, Wu Y, Yu H. Global research landscape and trends of cancer radiotherapy plus immunotherapy: A bibliometric analysis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27103. [PMID: 38449655 PMCID: PMC10915415 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27103] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to present current research trends on the synergistic use of radiotherapy and immunotherapy (IRT) for cancer treatment. On March 1, 2023, we conducted a literature search for IRT papers using the Web of Science database. We extracted information and constructed two databases - the Core Database (CD) with 864 papers and Generalized Database (GD) with 6344 papers. A bibliometric analysis was performed to provide insights into the research landscape, to identify emerging trends and highly cited papers and journals in the field of IRT. The CD contained 864 papers that were collectively cited 31,818 times. Prominent journals in this area included the New England Journal of Medicine, Lancet Oncology, and the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Corresponding authors from the USA contributed the most publications. In recent years, lung cancer, melanoma, stereotactic radiotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and the tumor microenvironment emerged as hot research areas. This bibliometric analysis presented quantitative insights into research concerning IRT and proposed potential avenues for further exploration. Moreover, researchers can use our findings to select appropriate journals for publication or identify prospective collaborators. In summary, this bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the historical progression and recent advancements in IRT research that may serve as inspiration for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhao Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Department of Oncology, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Hospital), Qingdao, China
| | - Xu Jiang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Hospital), Qingdao, China
| | - Yujuan Wu
- Department of Oncology, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Hospital), Qingdao, China
| | - Haiming Yu
- Department of Oncology, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Hospital), Qingdao, China
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17
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Koziol-Bohatkiewicz P, Liberda-Matyja D, Wrobel TP. Fast cancer imaging in pancreatic biopsies using infrared imaging. Analyst 2024; 149:1799-1806. [PMID: 38385553 DOI: 10.1039/d3an01555f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer, particularly Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, remains a highly lethal form of cancer with limited early diagnosis and treatment options. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy, combined with machine learning, has demonstrated great potential in detecting various cancers. This study explores the translation of a diagnostic model from Fourier Transform Infrared to Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) microscopy for pancreatic cancer classification. Furthermore, QCL microscopy offers faster measurements with selected frequencies, improving clinical feasibility. Thus, the goals of the study include establishing a QCL-based model for pancreatic cancer classification and creating a fast surgical margin detection model using reduced spectral information. The research involves preprocessing QCL data, training Random Forest (RF) classifiers, and optimizing the selection of spectral features for the models. Results demonstrate successful translation of the diagnostic model to QCL microscopy, achieving high predictive power (AUC = 98%) in detecting cancerous tissues. Moreover, a model for rapid surgical margin recognition, based on only a few spectral frequencies, is developed with promising differentiation between benign and cancerous regions. The findings highlight the potential of QCL microscopy for efficient pancreatic cancer diagnosis and surgical margin detection within clinical timeframes of minutes per surgical resection tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Koziol-Bohatkiewicz
- Solaris National Synchrotron Radiation Centre, Jagiellonian University, Czerwone Maki 98, 30-392, Krakow, Poland.
- Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Applied Computer Science, Jagiellonian University, Łojasiewicza 11, 30-348 Krakow, Poland
| | - Danuta Liberda-Matyja
- Solaris National Synchrotron Radiation Centre, Jagiellonian University, Czerwone Maki 98, 30-392, Krakow, Poland.
- Jagiellonian University, Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Prof. St. Łojasiewicza 11, PL30348, Cracow, Poland
| | - Tomasz P Wrobel
- Solaris National Synchrotron Radiation Centre, Jagiellonian University, Czerwone Maki 98, 30-392, Krakow, Poland.
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18
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Kuramochi T, Sano M, Kajiwara I, Oshima Y, Itaya T, Kim J, Ichimaru Y, Kitajima O, Masamune A, Ijichi H, Suzuki T. Effects of tramadol via a µ-opioid receptor on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in vitro and in vivo. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2024; 49:200-208. [PMID: 37353355 DOI: 10.1136/rapm-2023-104511] [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: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tramadol, a weak opioid anesthetic, is used for pain management in patients with cancer, but the effects of tramadol on cancer via µ-opioid receptor are still unknown. We assessed the effects of tramadol on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma using transgenic mice (LSL-KrasG12D/+; Trp53flox/flox; Pdx-1cre/+ ). METHODS Six-week-old transgenic mice were orally administered 10 mg/kg/day tramadol (n=12), 10 mg/kg/day tramadol and 1 mg/kg/day naltrexone (n=9), or vehicle water (n=14) until the humane endpoint. Cancer-related pain and plasma cytokine levels were assessed by the mouse grimace scale and cytokine array, respectively. Tumor status was determined histopathologically. Tramadol's effects on proliferation and invasion in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell lines were studied in vitro. RESULTS Tramadol with/without naltrexone improved mouse grimace scale scores while decreasing inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6. Proliferative Ki-67 and cyclins decreased by tramadol, while local M1-like tumor-associated macrophages increased by tramadol, which was blocked by naltrexone. Meanwhile, tramadol with/without naltrexone reduced juxta-tumoral cancer-associated fibroblasts and M2-like tumor-associated macrophages. Tumor-associated neutrophils, natural killers, and cytotoxic T cells were not altered. Tramadol decreased the proliferative and invasive potentials of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell lines via decreasing cyclins/cyclin-dependent kinases, which was partially reversed by naltrexone. CONCLUSIONS These findings imply that tramadol might be a useful anesthetic for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: inhibiting the proliferation and invasion along with increasing antitumor M1-like tumor-associated macrophages via the µ-opioid receptor, while improving cancer-associated pain possibly through the antitumor effects with the decrease of inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Kuramochi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Sano
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ichie Kajiwara
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukino Oshima
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Itaya
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jinsuk Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshimi Ichimaru
- School of Pharmacy, Shonan University of Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Osamu Kitajima
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Masamune
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Hideaki Ijichi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Clinical Nutrition Center, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Suzuki
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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19
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Chen Y, Huang A, Bi Y, Wei W, Huang Y, Ye Y. Genomic insights and prognostic significance of novel biomarkers in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: A comprehensive analysis. Biochem Biophys Rep 2024; 37:101580. [PMID: 38107664 PMCID: PMC10724495 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2023.101580] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly prevalent digestive system malignancy, with a significant impact on public health, especially in the elderly population. The advent of the Human Genome Project has opened new avenues for precision medicine, allowing researchers to explore genetic markers and molecular targets for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Despite significant advances in genomic research, early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer remains elusive due to the lack of highly sensitive and specific markers. Therefore, there is a need for in-depth research to identify more precise and reliable diagnostic markers for pancreatic cancer. In this study, we utilized a combination of public databases from different sources to meticulously screen genes associated with prognosis in pancreatic cancer. We used gene differential analysis, univariate cox regression analysis, least absolute selection and shrinkage operator (LASSO) regression, and multivariate cox regression analysis to identify genes associated with prognosis. Subsequently, we constructed a scoring system, validated its validity using survival analysis and ROC analysis, and further confirmed its reliability by nomogram and decision curve analysis (DCA). We evaluated the diagnostic value of this scoring system for pancreatic cancer prognosis and validated the function of the genes using single cell data analysis. Our analysis identifies six genes, including GABRA3, IL20RB, CDK1, GPR87, TTYH3, and KCNA2, that were strongly associated with PDAC prognosis. Clinical prognostic models based on these genes showed strong predictive power not only in the training set but also in external datasets. Functional enrichment analysis revealed significant differences between high- and low-risk groups mainly in immune-related functions. Additionally, we explored the potential of the risk score as a marker for immunotherapy response and identified key factors within the tumor microenvironment. The single-cell RNA sequencing analysis further enriched our understanding of cell clusters and six hub genes expressions. This comprehensive investigation provides valuable insights into pancreatic PDAC and its intricate immune landscape. The identified genes and their functional significance underscore the importance of continued research into improving diagnosis and treatment strategies for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuling Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Anle Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China, 361001
| | - Yuanjie Bi
- School of Science, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Emergency, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yongsheng Huang
- School of Science, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Yuanchun Ye
- School of Science, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Hematology Oncology and Tumor Immunity, Benjamin Franklin Campus, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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20
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Lin X, Tan Y, Pan L, Tian Z, Lin L, Su M, Ou G, Chen Y. Prognostic value of RRM1 and its effect on chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2024; 93:237-251. [PMID: 38040978 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-023-04616-6] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pancreatic cancer (PC) remains a lethal disease, and gemcitabine resistance is prevalent. However, the biomarkers suggestive of gemcitabine resistance remain unclear. METHODS Bioinformatic tools identified ribonucleotide reductase catalytic subunit M1 (RRM1) in gemcitabine-related datasets. A cox regression model revealed the predictive value of RRM1 with clinical features. An external clinical cohort confirmed the prognostic value of RRM1. RRM1 expression was validated in gemcitabine-resistant cells in vitro and in orthotopic PC model. CCK8, flow cytometry, transwell migration, and invasion assays were used to explore the effect of RRM1 on gemcitabine-resistant cells. The CIBERSORT algorithm investigated the impact of RRM1 on immune infiltration. RESULTS The constructed nomogram based on RRM1 effectively predicted prognosis and was further validated. Moreover, patients with higher RRM1 had shorter overall survival. RRM1 expression was significantly higher in PC tissue and gemcitabine-resistant cells in vitro and in vivo. RRM1 knockdown reversed gemcitabine resistance, inhibited migration and invasion. The infiltration levels of CD4 + T cells, CD8 + T cells, neutrophils, and plasma cells correlated markedly with RRM1 expression, and communication between tumor and immune cells probably depends on NF-κB/mTOR signaling. CONCLUSION RRM1 may be a potential marker for prognosis and a target marker for gemcitabine resistance in PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyi Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Tan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Lele Pan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenfeng Tian
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Lijun Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingxin Su
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangsheng Ou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third-Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510600, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yinting Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.
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21
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Fei Y, Wu Y, Chen L, Yu H, Pan L. Comprehensive pan-carcinoma analysis of ITGB1 distortion and its potential clinical significance for cancer immunity. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:47. [PMID: 38402311 PMCID: PMC10894187 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-00901-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The human protein-coding gene ITGB1 (Integrin 1), also known as CD29, has a length of 58048 base pairs. The Integrin family's most prevalent subunit, it participates in the transmission of numerous intracellular signaling pathways. A thorough examination of ITGB1's functions in human malignancies, however, is inadequate and many of their relationships to the onset and development of human cancers remain unknown. In this work, we examined ITGB1's role in 33 human cancers. Finally, a multi-platform analysis revealed that three of the 33 malignancies had significantly altered ITGB1 expression in tumor tissues in comparison to normal tissues. In addition, it was discovered through survival analysis that ITGB1 was a stand-alone prognostic factor in a number of cancers. ITGB1 expression was linked to immune cell infiltration in colon cancer, according to an investigation of immune infiltration in pan-cancer. In the gene co-expression research, ITGB1 showed a positive connection with the majority of the cell proliferation and EMT indicators, indicating that ITGB1 may have an essential function in controlling cancer metastasis and proliferation. Our pan-cancer analysis of ITGB1 gives evidence in favor of a further investigation into its oncogenic function in various cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchang Fei
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Jiashan, Jiashan Hospital Affiliated of Jiaxing University, Jiashan, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yulun Wu
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Research Institute of Zhejiang Province, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Luting Chen
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Wenling, Wenling, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huan Yu
- The Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lei Pan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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22
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Delgado-Coka LA, Horowitz M, Torrente-Goncalves M, Roa-Peña L, Leiton CV, Hasan M, Babu S, Fassler D, Oentoro J, Karen Bai JD, Petricoin EF, Matrisian LM, Blais EM, Marchenko N, Allard FD, Jiang W, Larson B, Hendifar A, Chen C, Abousamra S, Samaras D, Kurc T, Saltz J, Escobar-Hoyos LF, Shroyer K. Keratin 17 modulates the immune topography of pancreatic cancer. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3886691. [PMID: 38464123 PMCID: PMC10925455 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3886691/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Background The immune microenvironment impacts tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, and patient survival and may provide opportunities for therapeutic intervention in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Although never studied as a potential modulator of the immune response in most cancers, Keratin 17 (K17), a biomarker of the most aggressive (basal) molecular subtype of PDAC, is intimately involved in the histogenesis of the immune response in psoriasis, basal cell carcinoma, and cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Thus, we hypothesized that K17 expression could also impact the immune cell response in PDAC, and that uncovering this relationship could provide insight to guide the development of immunotherapeutic opportunities to extend patient survival. Methods Multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) and automated image analysis based on novel computational imaging technology were used to decipher the abundance and spatial distribution of T cells, macrophages, and tumor cells, relative to K17 expression in 235 PDACs. Results K17 expression had profound effects on the exclusion of intratumoral CD8 + T cells and was also associated with decreased numbers of peritumoral CD8 + T cells, CD16 + macrophages, and CD163 + macrophages (p < 0.0001). The differences in the intratumor and peritumoral CD8 + T cell abundance were not impacted by neoadjuvant therapy, tumor stage, grade, lymph node status, histologic subtype, nor KRAS, p53, SMAD4, or CDKN2A mutations. Conclusions Thus, K17 expression correlates with major differences in the immune microenvironment that are independent of any tested clinicopathologic or tumor intrinsic variables, suggesting that targeting K17-mediated immune effects on the immune system could restore the innate immunologic response to PDAC and might provide novel opportunities to restore immunotherapeutic approaches for this most deadly form of cancer.
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23
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Szczepanski JM, Rudolf MA, Shi J. Clinical Evaluation of the Pancreatic Cancer Microenvironment: Opportunities and Challenges. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:794. [PMID: 38398185 PMCID: PMC10887250 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Advances in our understanding of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and its tumor microenvironment (TME) have the potential to transform treatment for the hundreds of thousands of patients who are diagnosed each year. Whereas the clinical assessment of cancer cell genetics has grown increasingly sophisticated and personalized, current protocols to evaluate the TME have lagged, despite evidence that the TME can be heterogeneous within and between patients. Here, we outline current protocols for PDAC diagnosis and management, review novel biomarkers, and highlight potential opportunities and challenges when evaluating the PDAC TME as we prepare to translate emerging TME-directed therapies to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jiaqi Shi
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Labs, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (J.M.S.); (M.A.R.)
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24
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Sini MC, Doro MG, Frogheri L, Zinellu A, Paliogiannis P, Porcu A, Scognamillo F, Delogu D, Santeufemia DA, Persico I, Palomba G, Maestrale GB, Cossu A, Palmieri G. Combination of mutations in genes controlling DNA repair and high mutational load plays a prognostic role in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC): a retrospective real-life study in Sardinian population. J Transl Med 2024; 22:108. [PMID: 38280995 PMCID: PMC10821545 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-04923-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDCA) carrying impaired mismatch repair mechanisms seem to have an outcome advantage under treatment with conventional chemotherapy, whereas the role for the tumor mutation burden on prognosis is controversial. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic role of the mutated genes involved in genome damage repair in a real-life series of PDAC patients in a hospital-based manner from the main Institution deputed to surgically treat such a disease in North Sardinia. METHODS A cohort of fifty-five consecutive PDAC patients with potentially resectable/border line resectable PDAC (stage IIB-III) or oligometastatic disease (stage IV) and tumor tissue availability underwent next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based analysis using a panel containing driver oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes as well as genes controlling DNA repair mechanisms. RESULTS Genes involved in the both genome damage repair (DR) and DNA mismatch repair (MMR) were found mutated in 17 (31%) and 15 (27%) cases, respectively. One fourth of PDAC cases (14/55; 25.5%) carried tumors presenting a combination of mutations in repair genes (DR and MMR) and the highest mutation load rates (MLR-H). After correction for confounders (surgery, adjuvant therapy, stage T, and metastasis), multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that mutations in DR genes (HR = 3.0126, 95% CI 1.0707 to 8.4764, p = 0.0367) and the MLR (HR = 1.0018, 95%CI 1.0005 to 1.0032, p = 0.009) were significantly related to worse survival. CONCLUSIONS The combination of mutated repair genes and MLR-H, which is associated with a worse survival in our series of PDAC patients treated with conventional chemotherapy protocols, might become a predictive biomarker of response to immunotherapy in addition to its prognostic role in predicting survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Sini
- Unit of Cancer Genetics, Institute of Genetic Biomedical Research (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), Sassari, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Doro
- Unit of Cancer Genetics, Institute of Genetic Biomedical Research (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), Sassari, Italy
| | - Laura Frogheri
- Unit of Cancer Genetics, Institute of Genetic Biomedical Research (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), Sassari, Italy
| | - Angelo Zinellu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Panagiotis Paliogiannis
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Traversa La Crucca 3, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Alberto Porcu
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Traversa La Crucca 3, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Scognamillo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Traversa La Crucca 3, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Daniele Delogu
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Traversa La Crucca 3, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Ivana Persico
- Unit of Cancer Genetics, Institute of Genetic Biomedical Research (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), Sassari, Italy
| | - Grazia Palomba
- Unit of Cancer Genetics, Institute of Genetic Biomedical Research (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), Sassari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Battista Maestrale
- Unit of Cancer Genetics, Institute of Genetic Biomedical Research (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonio Cossu
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Traversa La Crucca 3, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Palmieri
- Unit of Cancer Genetics, Institute of Genetic Biomedical Research (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), Sassari, Italy.
- Immuno-Oncology & Targeted Cancer Biotherapies, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.
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Jancewicz I, Śmiech M, Winiarska M, Zagozdzon R, Wisniewski P. New CEACAM-targeting 2A3 single-domain antibody-based chimeric antigen receptor T-cells produce anticancer effects in vitro and in vivo. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:30. [PMID: 38279989 PMCID: PMC10821984 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03602-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Recently, a breakthrough immunotherapeutic strategy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells has been introduced to hematooncology. However, to apply this novel treatment in solid cancers, one must identify suitable molecular targets in the tumors of choice. CEACAM family proteins are involved in the progression of a range of malignancies, including pancreatic and breast cancers, and pose attractive targets for anticancer therapies. In this work, we used a new CEACAM-targeted 2A3 single-domain antibody-based chimeric antigen receptor T-cells to evaluate their antitumor properties in vitro and in animal models. Originally, 2A3 antibody was reported to target CEACAM6 molecule; however, our in vitro co-incubation experiments showed activation and high cytotoxicity of 2A3-CAR T-cells against CEACAM5 and/or CEACAM6 high human cell lines, suggesting cross-reactivity of this antibody. Moreover, 2A3-CAR T-cells tested in vivo in the BxPC-3 xenograft model demonstrated high efficacy against pancreatic cancer xenografts in both early and late intervention treatment regimens. Our results for the first time show an enhanced targeting toward CEACAM5 and CEACAM6 molecules by the new 2A3 sdAb-based CAR T-cells. The results strongly support the further development of 2A3-CAR T-cells as a potential treatment strategy against CEACAM5/6-overexpressing cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iga Jancewicz
- 4Cell Therapies S.A., 59C Bojkowska Street, 44-100, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Magdalena Śmiech
- 4Cell Therapies S.A., 59C Bojkowska Street, 44-100, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Magdalena Winiarska
- 4Cell Therapies S.A., 59C Bojkowska Street, 44-100, Gliwice, Poland
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 5 Nielubowicza St., Building F, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Radoslaw Zagozdzon
- 4Cell Therapies S.A., 59C Bojkowska Street, 44-100, Gliwice, Poland.
- Laboratory of Cellular and Genetic Therapies, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1B, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland.
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, The Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 5 Roentgena Street, 02-781, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Pawel Wisniewski
- 4Cell Therapies S.A., 59C Bojkowska Street, 44-100, Gliwice, Poland.
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Hamel Z, Sanchez S, Standing D, Anant S. Role of STAT3 in pancreatic cancer. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2024; 5:20-34. [PMID: 38464736 PMCID: PMC10918236 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2024.00202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer remains a serious and deadly disease, impacting people globally. There remain prominent gaps in the current understanding of the disease, specifically regarding the role of the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family of proteins in pancreatic tumors. STAT proteins, particularly STAT3, play important roles in pancreatic cancer, especially pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which is the most prevalent histotype. The role of STAT3 across a continuum of molecular processes, such as PDAC tumorigenesis and progression, immune escape, drug resistance and stemness, and modulation of the tumor microenvironment (TME), are only a tip of the iceberg. In some ways, the role of STAT3 in PDAC may hold greater importance than that of oncogenic Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (KRAS). This makes STAT3 a highly attractive target for developing targeted therapies for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. In this review, the current knowledge of STAT3 in pancreatic cancer has been summarized, particularly relating to STAT3 activation in cancer cells, cells of the TME, and the state of targeting STAT3 in pre-clinical and clinical trials of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Hamel
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Sierra Sanchez
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - David Standing
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Shrikant Anant
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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Tong F, Sun Y, Zhu Y, Sha H, Ni J, Qi L, Gu Q, Zhu C, Xi W, Liu B, Kong W, Du J. Making "cold" tumors "hot"- radiotherapy remodels the tumor immune microenvironment of pancreatic cancer to benefit from immunotherapy: a case report. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1277810. [PMID: 38179049 PMCID: PMC10765511 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1277810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors have limited efficacy in metastatic pancreatic cancer due to the complex tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Studies have shown that radiotherapy can cause cell lesions to release tumor antigens and then take part in the remodeling of the tumor environment and the induction of ectopic effects via regional and systemic immunoregulation. Here, we reported a case of advanced metastatic pancreatic cancer treated with immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy and radiotherapy and a sharp shift of the TIME from T3 to T2 was also observed. One hepatic metastasis within the planning target volume (PTV) was evaluated complete response (CR), the other one was evaluated partial response (PR) and 2 hepatic metastases outside the PTV were surprisingly considered PR. In the study, we found that immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy and radiotherapy achieved significant therapeutic benefits, which may provide a new strategy for the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Tong
- Department of oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center of Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Sun
- Department of oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yahui Zhu
- Department of oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huizi Sha
- Department of oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiayao Ni
- Department of oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center of Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Liang Qi
- Department of oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qing Gu
- National Institute of Healthcare Data Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Neurology and Oncology Drug Development Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co, Ltd, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenjing Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Neurology and Oncology Drug Development Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co, Ltd, Nanjing, China
| | - Baorui Liu
- Department of oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weiwei Kong
- Department of oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Juan Du
- Department of oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center of Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Hapuarachi B, Danson S, Wadsley J, Muthana M. Exercise to transform tumours from cold to hot and improve immunotherapy responsiveness. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1335256. [PMID: 38149260 PMCID: PMC10749948 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1335256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Exercise provides significant health benefits to patients diagnosed with cancer including improved survival outcomes, quality of life and reduced cancer recurrence. Across multiple murine cancer models, aerobic exercise and resistance training has exhibited anti-tumour properties illustrated by inhibited tumour growth, reduced metastatic potential and modulation of the tumour microenvironment to allow the recognition and destruction of cancer cells. Clinical studies have demonstrated the rapid mobilisation and circulatory release of mature lymphoid populations, myokines and cytokines that occurs with exercise along with tumour vasculature normalisation. Tumour microenvironments enriched with immune cells with anti-cancer potential, such as CD8+ T cells, are termed 'hot', whilst those favouring an immunosuppressive environment and lacking in effector immune cells are classed as 'cold'. Pre-clinical evidence suggests exercise training has the potential to reprogramme cold tumours to become hot, although this requires validation in clinical studies. This hot environment could potentiate immunotherapy responsiveness, improving survival outcomes of patients undergoing cancer immunotherapy and allow those with typically cold tumours to benefit from immunotherapy. This review discusses the complex interactions between exercise and cancer, including exercise-induced alterations within the tumour microenvironment and systemic immunity. The potential role exercise may play in improving cancer immunotherapy responsiveness is explored. This review also highlights the need for translational studies exploring the role of exercise in patients with cancer with the potential to widen the spectrum of tumours that derive significant benefit from immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brindley Hapuarachi
- University Sheffield, Division of Clinical Medicine, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Weston Park Cancer Centre, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Danson
- University Sheffield, Division of Clinical Medicine, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Weston Park Cancer Centre, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Jon Wadsley
- Weston Park Cancer Centre, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Munitta Muthana
- University Sheffield, Division of Clinical Medicine, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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Liu Z, Zhang Y, Wu C. Single-cell sequencing in pancreatic cancer research: A deeper understanding of heterogeneity and therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115664. [PMID: 37837881 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115664] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs), is a malignant tumor with characteristics of tumor-stroma interactions. Patients often have a poor prognosis and a poor long-term survival rate. In recent years, rapidly-developing single-cell sequencing techniques have been used to analyze cell populations at a single-cell resolution, so that it is now possible to have a more in-depth and clearer understanding of the genetic composition of pancreatic cancer. In this review, we provide an overview of the current single-cell sequencing techniques and their applications in the exploration of intratumoral heterogeneity, the tumor microenvironment, therapy resistance, and novel treatments. Our hope is to provide new insight into the potential of precision therapy, which will perhaps one day lead to significant advances in PDAC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuomiao Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yalin Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Chunli Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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Jian S, Kong D, Tian J. Expression of miR-425-5p in Pancreatic Carcinoma and Its Correlation with Tumor Immune Microenvironment. J INVEST SURG 2023; 36:2216756. [PMID: 37455016 DOI: 10.1080/08941939.2023.2216756] [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: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Background: Pancreatic carcinoma (PC) is a global health threat with a high death rate. miRNAs are implicated in tumor initiation and progression. This study explored the expression of miR-425-5p in PC patients and its correlation with tumor immune microenvironment (TIME).Method: miR-425-5p expression in cancer tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues of PC patients was examined by RT-qPCR. The levels of immune cells and cytokines were measured by flow cytometry and ELISA. The correlation of miR-425-5p with TNM stage and TIME was assessed by Spearman method. The death of PC patients was recorded through 36-month follow-ups. The prognosis of patients was assessed by Kaplan-Meier curves.Results: miR-425-5p expression was upregulated in PC tissues and elevated with increasing TNM stage. miR-425-5p expression was positively correlated with TNM stage. The PC tissues had decreased levels of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and natural killer (NK) cells, CD4+/CD8+ ratio, IL-2, and INF-γ, but increased levels of Tregs, IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β. miR-425-5p level in cancer tissues was positively correlated with Tregs/IL-10/TGF-β, but negatively related to CD3+/CD4+/CD8+/NK cells and IL-2/INF-γ. Moreover, high miR-425-5p expression predicted a poor prognosis in PC patients.Conclusion: miR-425-5p is upregulated in PC patients and is prominently associated with the TIME, and high miR-425-5p predicts a poor prognosis in PC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Jian
- Department of Oncology, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Dehua Kong
- Department of Oncology, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jieli Tian
- Department of Oncology, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, Sichuan Province, China
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31
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Fyfe J, Dye D, Razak NBA, Metharom P, Falasca M. Immune evasion on the nanoscale: Small extracellular vesicles in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma immunity. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 96:36-47. [PMID: 37748738 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a type of cancer alarmingly expanding in our modern societies that is still proving to be very challenging to counteract. This disease constitutes a quintessential example of the multiple interactions existing between the tumour and its surrounding microenvironment. In particular, PDAC is characterized by a very immunosuppressive environment that favours cancer growth and makes this cancer type very resistant to immunotherapy. The primary tumour releases many factors that influence both the microenvironment and the immune landscape. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), recently identified as indispensable entities ensuring cell-to-cell communication in both physiological and pathological processes, seem to play a pivotal function in ensuring the delivery of these factors to the tumour-surrounding tissues. In this review, we summarize the present understanding on the crosstalk among tumour cells and the cellular immune microenvironment emphasizing the pro-malignant role played by extracellular vesicles. We also discuss how a greater knowledge of the roles of EVs in tumour immune escape could be translated into clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Fyfe
- Metabolic Signalling Group, Curtin Medical School, Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute [1], Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Danielle Dye
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute [1], Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Norbaini Binti Abdol Razak
- Platelet Research Laboratory, Curtin Medical School, Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute [1], Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Pat Metharom
- Platelet Research Laboratory, Curtin Medical School, Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute [1], Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Marco Falasca
- Metabolic Signalling Group, Curtin Medical School, Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute [1], Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia; University of Parma, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Via Volturno 39, 43125 Parma, Italy.
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Jin L, Qian D, Tang X, Huang Y, Zou J, Wu Z. SMYD2 Imparts Gemcitabine Resistance to Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Cells by Upregulating EVI2A. Mol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s12033-023-00908-7. [PMID: 37812330 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00908-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Although gemcitabine (GEM) is the first‑line drug for advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD), the development of GEM resistance severely limits the effectiveness of this chemotherapy. This study investigated the mechanisms of ecotropic viral integration site 2 A (EVI2A) for resistance to GEM and immune evasion in PAAD. GEM resistance-related biomarkers were predicted using GEO datasets, and GEM-resistant PAAD cells were generated. EVI2A was found expressed highly in GEM-resistant PAAD cells. Gain-of-function analyses revealed that EVI2A encouraged the proliferation and motility of GEM-resistant cells and prevented apoptosis. In addition, EVI2A reduced T cell effector activation. SMYD2 was overexpressed in GEM-resistant cells, and SMYD2 enhanced H3K36me2 modification of EVI2A, thereby promoting EVI2A expression. SMYD2 reduced the sensitivity of GEM-resistant cells, which was reversed by EVI2A knockdown. SMYD2 increased the amount of M2 macrophages (co-cultured with PAAD cells) and decreased T cell effector activation (co-cultured with macrophage supernatant), and the number of M2 macrophages was decreased and T cell effectors were activated following EVI2A knockdown. Our findings indicate that EVI2A, manipulated by the SMYD2-H3K36me2 epigenetic axis, promoted GEM resistance and M2 macrophage-mediated immune evasion in PAAD. Therefore, EVI2A might represent a therapeutic target for overcoming GEM resistance and immunosuppressive environment in PAAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, No. 10, Kangfu Road, Jinghu District, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, People's Republic of China.
| | - Daohai Qian
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaolei Tang
- Translational Medicine Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Junwei Zou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaoying Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, People's Republic of China
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Tapeinos C, Torrieri G, Wang S, Martins JP, Santos HA. Evaluation of cell membrane-derived nanoparticles as therapeutic carriers for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma using an in vitro tumour stroma model. J Control Release 2023; 362:225-242. [PMID: 37625597 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.08.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Here, we fabricated nanoparticles made solely from the membrane of cells found in the pancreatic tumour's microenvironment (TME), like the human MiaPaCa-2 cells and M2-polarized macrophages. The cell membrane-derived nanoparticles (CMNPs) deriving from the MiaPaCa-2 cells (MPC2-CMNPs) were loaded with the chemotherapeutic drug paclitaxel (PTX), and the CMNPs deriving from M2-polarized macrophages (M2-CMNPs) were loaded with the colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor, pexidartinib (PXDB). The CMNPs' thorough morphological and physicochemical characterisation was followed by an in-depth study of their targeting ability and the endocytosis pathway involved during their internalisation. An in vitro model of the desmoplastic stroma comprising cancer-associated fibroblast-mimicking cells and M2-polarized macrophages was also developed. The model was characterised by collagen and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression (overexpressed in desmoplasia) and was used to assess the CMNPs' ability to cross the stroma and target the tumour cells. Moreover, we assessed the effect of PXDB-loaded M2-CMNPs on the expression of M1 (CD80/CD86) and M2 (CD206/CD209) polarisation markers on activated macrophages. Finally, we evaluated the PTX and PXDB-loaded CMNPs' effect on the viability of all the used TME cell lines alone or in combination. Overall, this pilot study showed the potential of the CMNPs to cross an in vitro stroma model and act synergistically to treat PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Tapeinos
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, Helsinki FI-00014, Finland; Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Stopford Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK.
| | - Giulia Torrieri
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, Helsinki FI-00014, Finland
| | - Shiqi Wang
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, Helsinki FI-00014, Finland
| | - João P Martins
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, Helsinki FI-00014, Finland
| | - Hélder A Santos
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, Helsinki FI-00014, Finland; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen 9713, AV, the Netherlands; W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, 9713, AV, the Netherlands.
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Landon-Brace N, Li NT, McGuigan AP. Exploring New Dimensions of Tumor Heterogeneity: The Application of Single Cell Analysis to Organoid-Based 3D In Vitro Models. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2300903. [PMID: 37589373 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Modeling the heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in vitro is essential to investigating fundamental cancer biology and developing novel treatment strategies that holistically address the factors affecting tumor progression and therapeutic response. Thus, the development of new tools for both in vitro modeling, such as patient-derived organoids (PDOs) and complex 3D in vitro models, and single cell omics analysis, such as single-cell RNA-sequencing, represents a new frontier for investigating tumor heterogeneity. Specifically, the integration of PDO-based 3D in vitro models and single cell analysis offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersecting effects of interpatient, microenvironmental, and tumor cell heterogeneity on cell phenotypes in the TME. In this review, the current use of PDOs in complex 3D in vitro models of the TME is discussed and the emerging directions in the development of these models are highlighted. Next, work that has successfully applied single cell analysis to PDO-based models is examined and important experimental considerations are identified for this approach. Finally, open questions are highlighted that may be amenable to exploration using the integration of PDO-based models and single cell analysis. Ultimately, such investigations may facilitate the identification of novel therapeutic targets for cancer that address the significant influence of tumor-TME interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Landon-Brace
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, M5S3E5, Canada
| | - Nancy T Li
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College St, Toronto, M5S3E5, Canada
| | - Alison P McGuigan
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 200 College St, Toronto, M5S3E5, Canada
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Kim HA, Kim H, Nam MK, Park JK, Lee MY, Chung S, Lee KM, Kuh HJ. Suppression of the antitumoral activity of natural killer cells under indirect coculture with cancer-associated fibroblasts in a pancreatic TIME-on-chip model. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:219. [PMID: 37759302 PMCID: PMC10536815 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03064-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, natural killer (NK) cells emerged as a treatment option for various solid tumors. However, the immunosuppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) can reduce the cytotoxic ability of NK cells in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cancer-associated fibroblasts within the tumor stroma can suppress immune surveillance by dysregulating factors involved in the cellular activity of NK cells. Herein, the effect of activated pancreatic stellate cells (aPSCs) on NK cell-mediated anticancer efficacy under three-dimensional (3D) coculture conditions was investigated. METHODS 3D cocultures of PANC-1 tumor spheroids (TSs) with aPSCs and NK-92 cells in a collagen matrix were optimized to identify the occurring cellular interactions and differential cytokine profiles in conditioned media using microchannel chips. PANC-1 TSs and aPSCs were indirectly cocultured, whereas NK-92 cells were allowed to infiltrate the TS channel using convective medium flow. RESULTS Coculture with aPSCs promoted PANC-1 TSs growth and suppressed the antitumor cytotoxic effects of NK-92 cells. Mutual inhibition of cellular activity without compromising migration ability was observed between aPSCs and NK-92 cells. Moreover, the reduced killing activity of NK-92 cells was found to be related with reduced granzyme B expression in NK cells. CONCLUSIONS Herein, a novel TIME-on-chip model based on the coculture of PANC-1 TSs, aPSCs, and NK-92 cells was described. This model may be useful for studying the detailed mechanisms underlying NK cells dysregulation and for exploring future therapeutic interventions to restore NK cell activity in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Ah Kim
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunsoo Kim
- School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Kyung Nam
- Cancer Evolution Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Kook Park
- Department of Biomedical Science and Research Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology, Hallym University, Chuncheon, 24252 Republic of Korea
| | - Moo-Yeal Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, 3940 North Elm Street, Denton, TX 76207 USA
| | - Seok Chung
- School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Mi Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Jeong Kuh
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Evolution Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Life Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-ku, Seoul, 06591 Republic of Korea
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Igata Y, Kojima M, Suzuki T, Ishii G, Morisue R, Suzuki T, Kudo M, Sugimoto M, Kobayashi S, Martin JD, Stylianopoulos T, Cabral H, Kano MR, Konishi M, Gotohda N. Relationships between physical and immunological tumor microenvironment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cancer Sci 2023; 114:3783-3792. [PMID: 37337413 PMCID: PMC10475771 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is physically palpated as a hard tumor with an unfavorable prognosis. Assessing physical features and their association with pathological features could help to elucidate the mechanism of physical abnormalities in cancer tissues. A total of 93 patients who underwent radical surgery for pancreatic and bile duct cancers at a single center hospital during a 28-month period were recruited for this study that aimed to estimate the stiffness of PDAC tissues compared to the other neoplasms and assess relationships between tumor stiffness and pathological features. Physical alterations and pathological features of PDAC, with or without preoperative therapy, were analyzed. The immunological tumor microenvironment was evaluated using multiplexed fluorescent immunohistochemistry. The stiffness of PDAC correlated with the ratio of Azan-Mallory staining, α-smooth muscle actin, and collagen I-positive areas of the tumors. Densities of CD8+ T cells and CD204+ macrophages were associated with tumor stiffness in cases without preoperative therapy. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma treated with preoperative therapy was softer than that without, and the association between tumor stiffness and immune cell infiltration was not shown after preoperative therapy. We observed the relationship between tumor stiffness and immunological features in human PDAC for the first time. Immune cell densities in the tumor center were smaller in hard tumors than in soft tumors without preoperative therapies. Preoperative therapy could alter physical and immunological aspects, warranting further study. Understanding of the correlations between physical and immunological aspects could lead to the development of new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Igata
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic SurgeryNational Cancer Center Hospital EastKashiwaJapan
- Course of Advanced Clinical Research of CancerJuntendo University Graduate School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Motohiro Kojima
- Division of Pathology, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial CenterNational Cancer CenterKashiwaJapan
| | | | - Genichiro Ishii
- Department of Pathology and Clinical LaboratoriesNational Cancer Center Hospital EastKashiwaJapan
| | - Ryo Morisue
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic SurgeryNational Cancer Center Hospital EastKashiwaJapan
- Division of Pathology, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial CenterNational Cancer CenterKashiwaJapan
| | - Toshihiro Suzuki
- Division of Pharmacology, School of MedicineTeikyo UniversityTokyoJapan
- Department of Cancer Immunotherapy, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial CenterNational Cancer CenterKashiwaJapan
| | - Masashi Kudo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic SurgeryNational Cancer Center Hospital EastKashiwaJapan
| | - Motokazu Sugimoto
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic SurgeryNational Cancer Center Hospital EastKashiwaJapan
| | - Shin Kobayashi
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic SurgeryNational Cancer Center Hospital EastKashiwaJapan
| | | | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing EngineeringUniversity of CyprusNicosiaCyprus
| | - Horacio Cabral
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of EngineeringThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Mitsunobu R. Kano
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health SystemsOkayama UniversityOkayamaJapan
| | - Masaru Konishi
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic SurgeryNational Cancer Center Hospital EastKashiwaJapan
| | - Naoto Gotohda
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic SurgeryNational Cancer Center Hospital EastKashiwaJapan
- Course of Advanced Clinical Research of CancerJuntendo University Graduate School of MedicineTokyoJapan
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Chouari T, La Costa FS, Merali N, Jessel MD, Sivakumar S, Annels N, Frampton AE. Advances in Immunotherapeutics in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4265. [PMID: 37686543 PMCID: PMC10486452 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) accounts for up to 95% of all pancreatic cancer cases and is the seventh-leading cause of cancer death. Poor prognosis is a result of late presentation, a lack of screening tests and the fact some patients develop resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Novel therapies like immunotherapeutics have been of recent interest in pancreatic cancer. However, this field remains in its infancy with much to unravel. Immunotherapy and other targeted therapies have yet to yield significant progress in treating PDAC, primarily due to our limited understanding of the disease immune mechanisms and its intricate interactions with the tumour microenvironment (TME). In this review we provide an overview of current novel immunotherapies which have been studied in the field of pancreatic cancer. We discuss their mechanisms, evidence available in pancreatic cancer as well as the limitations of such therapies. We showcase the potential role of combining novel therapies in PDAC, postulate their potential clinical implications and the hurdles associated with their use in PDAC. Therapies discussed with include programmed death checkpoint inhibitors, Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4, Chimeric Antigen Receptor-T cell therapy, oncolytic viral therapy and vaccine therapies including KRAS vaccines, Telomerase vaccines, Gastrin Vaccines, Survivin-targeting vaccines, Heat-shock protein (HSP) peptide complex-based vaccines, MUC-1 targeting vaccines, Listeria based vaccines and Dendritic cell-based vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarak Chouari
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Department, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford GU2 7XX, UK; (T.C.); (F.S.L.C.); (N.M.)
- Section of Oncology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7WG, UK; (M.-D.J.); (N.A.)
| | - Francesca Soraya La Costa
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Department, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford GU2 7XX, UK; (T.C.); (F.S.L.C.); (N.M.)
| | - Nabeel Merali
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Department, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford GU2 7XX, UK; (T.C.); (F.S.L.C.); (N.M.)
- Section of Oncology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7WG, UK; (M.-D.J.); (N.A.)
- The Minimal Access Therapy Training Unit, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7WG, UK
| | - Maria-Danae Jessel
- Section of Oncology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7WG, UK; (M.-D.J.); (N.A.)
| | - Shivan Sivakumar
- Oncology Department and Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Birmingham Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;
| | - Nicola Annels
- Section of Oncology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7WG, UK; (M.-D.J.); (N.A.)
| | - Adam E. Frampton
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Department, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford GU2 7XX, UK; (T.C.); (F.S.L.C.); (N.M.)
- Section of Oncology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7WG, UK; (M.-D.J.); (N.A.)
- The Minimal Access Therapy Training Unit, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7WG, UK
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Ma Y, Xing Y, Li H, Yuan T, Liang B, Li R, Li J, Li Z, Li S, Niu L. Irreversible electroporation combined with chemotherapy and PD-1/PD-L1 blockade enhanced antitumor immunity for locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1193040. [PMID: 37691923 PMCID: PMC10485610 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1193040] [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: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a novel local tumor ablation approach with the potential to stimulate an antitumor immune response. However, it is not effective in preventing distant metastasis in isolation. This study aimed to compare the potential of augmenting the antitumor immune response in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) who underwent IRE combined with chemotherapy and PD-1/PD-L1 blockade with those who underwent IRE combined with chemotherapy. Methods A retrospective review was conducted on LAPC patients treated either with IRE in combination with chemotherapy and PD-1/PD-L1 blockade (group A) or with IRE with chemotherapy alone (group B) from July 2015 to June 2021. The primary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), with immune responses and adverse events serving as secondary endpoints. Risk factors for OS and PFS were identified using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results A total of 103 patients were included in the final analysis, comprising 25 in group A and 78 in group B. The median duration of follow-up was 18.2 months (3.0-38.6 months). Group A patients demonstrated improved survival compared to group B (median OS: 23.6 vs. 19.4 months, p = 0.001; median PFS: 18.2 vs. 14.7 months, p = 0.022). The data suggest a robust immune response in group A, while adverse events related to the treatment were similar in both groups. The multivariate analysis identified the combination of IRE, chemotherapy, and PD-1/PD-L1 blockade as an independent prognostic factor for OS and PFS. Conclusion The addition of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade to the regimen of IRE combined with chemotherapy enhanced antitumor immunity and extended survival in LAPC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Ma
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Fuda Cancer Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanli Xing
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Fuda Cancer Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongmei Li
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Fuda Cancer Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Yuan
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Fuda Cancer Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bing Liang
- Department of Surgery and Anesthesia, Affiliated Fuda Cancer Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongrong Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Affiliated Fuda Cancer Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianyu Li
- Department of Surgery and Anesthesia, Affiliated Fuda Cancer Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhonghai Li
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Fuda Cancer Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuying Li
- Department of Surgery and Anesthesia, Affiliated Fuda Cancer Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lizhi Niu
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Fuda Cancer Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Fan J, Yu Y, Yan L, Yuan Y, Sun B, Yang D, Liu N, Guo J, Zhang J, Zhao X. GAS6-based CAR-T cells exhibit potent antitumor activity against pancreatic cancer. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:77. [PMID: 37475048 PMCID: PMC10357739 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01467-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The receptor tyrosine kinases TAM family (TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK) are highly expressed in multiple forms of cancer cells and tumor-associated macrophages and promote the development of cancers including pancreatic tumor. Targeting TAM receptors could be a promising therapeutic option. METHODS We designed a novel CAR based on the extracellular domain of growth arrest-specific protein 6 (GAS6), a natural ligand for all TAM members. The ability of CAR-T to kill pancreatic cancer cells is tested in vitro and in vivo, and the safety is evaluated in mice and nonhuman primate. RESULTS GAS6-CAR-T cells efficiently kill TAM-positive pancreatic cancer cell lines, gemcitabine-resistant cancer cells, and cancer stem-like cells in vitro. GAS6-CAR-T cells also significantly suppressed the growth of PANC1 xenografts and patient-derived xenografts in mice. Furthermore, these CAR-T cells did not induce obvious side effects in nonhuman primate or mice although the CAR was demonstrated to recognize mouse TAM. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that GAS6-CAR-T-cell therapy may be effective for pancreatic cancers with low toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Fan
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Ye Yu
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Lanzhen Yan
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuncang Yuan
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Bin Sun
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Dong Yang
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Nan Liu
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Core Facilities of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Xudong Zhao
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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Heiduk M, Klimova A, Reiche C, Digomann D, Beer C, Aust DE, Distler M, Weitz J, Seifert AM, Seifert L. TIGIT Expression Delineates T-cell Populations with Distinct Functional and Prognostic Impact in Pancreatic Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:2638-2650. [PMID: 37140899 PMCID: PMC10345964 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Immunotherapy has led to a fundamental shift in the treatment of several cancers. However, its efficacy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is limited. Understanding the expression of inhibitory immune checkpoint receptors (ICR) by intratumoral T cells may help to unravel their involvement in insufficient T-cell-mediated antitumor immunity. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Using multicolor flow cytometry, we analyzed circulating and intratumoral T cells from blood (n = 144) and matched tumor samples (n = 107) of patients with PDAC. We determined the expression of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif (ITIM) domains (TIGIT) by CD8+ T-cells, conventional CD4+ T-cells (Tconv) and regulatory T cells (Treg) and their association with T-cell differentiation, tumor reactivity, and cytokine expression. A comprehensive follow-up was used to determine their prognostic value. RESULTS Intratumoral T cells were characterized by increased PD-1 and TIGIT expression. Both markers delineated distinct T-cell subpopulations. PD-1+TIGIT- T cells highly expressed proinflammatory cytokines and markers of tumor reactivity (CD39, CD103), whereas TIGIT expression was linked to antiinflammatory and exhausted phenotypes. In addition, the enhanced presence of intratumoral PD-1+TIGIT- Tconv was associated with improved clinical outcomes, while high ICR expression on blood T cells was a significant hazard for overall survival (OS). CONCLUSIONS Our results uncover the association between ICR expression and T-cell functionality. PD-1 and TIGIT characterized intratumoral T cells with highly divergent phenotypes linked to clinical outcomes, further underscoring the relevance of TIGIT for immunotherapeutic approaches in PDAC. The prognostic value of ICR expression in patient blood may be a valuable tool for patient stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Heiduk
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
| | - Anna Klimova
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
| | - Charlotte Reiche
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - David Digomann
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Carolin Beer
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Daniela E. Aust
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Biobank Dresden, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marius Distler
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jürgen Weitz
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Adrian M. Seifert
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lena Seifert
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Else Kröner Clinician Scientist Professor for Translational Tumor Immunological Research, Dresden, Germany
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Itaya T, Sano M, Kajiwara I, Oshima Y, Kuramochi T, Kim J, Ichimaru Y, Kitajima O, Masamune A, Ijichi H, Ishii Y, Suzuki T. Mirogabalin improves cancer-associated pain but increases the risk of malignancy in mice with pancreatic cancer. Pain 2023; 164:1545-1554. [PMID: 36701124 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Mirogabalin, a selective voltage-gated calcium channel α2δ ligand, improves peripheral neuropathic pain; however, its effects on patients with cancers including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remain unknown. We analyzed the effects of mirogabalin on a KPPC ( LSL-KrasG12D/+; Trp53flox/flox; Pdx-1cre/+ ) mouse model of PDAC. Six-week-old KPPC mice received oral mirogabalin (10 mg/kg/day) (n = 10) or vehicle water (n = 14) until the humane end point. Cancer-associated pain was evaluated using the scores of hunching and mouse grimace scale (MGS). Tumor status and plasma cytokine levels were determined using histopathological analysis and cytokine array, respectively. The effects of mirogabalin on the proliferative ability of PDAC cell lines were determined. The scores of the hunching and MGS improved after mirogabalin administration with a decrease in the plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interferon-γ. Although no significant difference in the survival rate was observed, mirogabalin significantly increased pancreatic tumor size and proliferative index of Ki-67 and cyclins. Local arginase-1 + M2-like tumor-associated macrophages and CD31 + tumor blood vessels increased after mirogabalin administration. By contrast, the number of α-smooth muscle actin + cancer-associated fibroblasts, desmoplastic stroma, and CD8 + T cells decreased. Local myeloperoxidase + tumor-associated neutrophils and CD45R + B cells were unaltered. Mirogabalin enhanced the proliferative ability of PDAC cell lines with the upregulation of cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases; however, it inhibited the potential of pancreatic stellate cells in vitro. Therefore, our results suggest that mirogabalin improves cancer-associated pain but enhances the proliferative potential of PDAC in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoaki Itaya
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Sano
- Division of Medical Research Planning and Development, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ichie Kajiwara
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukino Oshima
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoya Kuramochi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jinsuk Kim
- Division of Medical Research Planning and Development, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshimi Ichimaru
- School of Pharmacy, Shonan University of Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Osamu Kitajima
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Masamune
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hideaki Ijichi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Clinical Nutrition Center, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukimoto Ishii
- Division of Medical Research Planning and Development, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Suzuki
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Wu Y, Kou Q, Sun L, Hu X. Effects of anoxic prognostic model on immune microenvironment in pancreatic cancer. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9104. [PMID: 37277450 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36413-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer has one of the worst prognoses in the world, which suggests that the tumor microenvironment, which is characterized by hypoxia and immunosuppression, plays a significant role in the prognosis and progression of pancreatic cancer. We identified PLAU, LDHA, and PKM as key genes involved in pancreatic cancer hypoxia through GO/KEGG enrichment related hypoxia pathways and cox regression, established prognostic models, and studied their relationship to immune invasion through bioinformatics using R and related online databases. We verified the high expression of PLAU, LDHA, and PKM in pancreatic cancer cells using qPCR in vitro, and we also discovered that the expression of PLAU, LDHA, and PKM in hypoxic pancreatic cancer cells differed from that in normal cultured pancreatic cancer cells. Finally, we discovered that our prognostic model accurately predicted postrain in pancreatic cancer patients with hypoxia and immune infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangdong Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingyan Kou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Sun
- Department of ICU, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiao Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
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Wu M, Wang Z, Zhang J. Analysis on tumor immune microenvironment and construction of a prognosis model for immune-related skin cutaneous melanoma. ZHONG NAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF CENTRAL SOUTH UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCES 2023; 48:671-681. [PMID: 37539569 PMCID: PMC10930407 DOI: 10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2023.230069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Malignant melanoma is a highly malignant and heterogeneous skin cancer. Although immunotherapy has improved survival rates, the inhibitory effect of tumor microenvironment has weakened its efficacy. To improve survival and treatment strategies, we need to develop immune-related prognostic models. Based on the analysis of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and Sequence Read Archive (SRA) database, this study aims to establish an immune-related prognosis prediction model, and to evaluate the tumor immune microenvironment by risk score to guide immunotherapy. METHODS Skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) transcriptome sequencing data and corresponding clinical information were obtained from the TCGA database, differentially expressed genes were analyzed, and prognostic models were developed using univariate Cox regression, the LASSO method, and stepwise regression. Differentially expressed genes in prognostic models confirmed by real-time reverse transcription PCR (real-time RT-PCR) and Western blotting. Survival analysis was performed by using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the effect of the model was evaluated by time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve as well as multivariate Cox regression, and the prognostic model was validated by 2 GEO melanoma datasets. Furthermore, correlations between risk score and immune cell infiltration, Estimation of STromal and Immune cells in MAlignant Tumor tissues using Expression data (ESTIMATE) score, immune checkpoint mRNA expression levels, tumor immune cycle, or tumor immune micro-environmental pathways were analyzed. Finally, we performed association analysis for risk score and the efficacy of immunotherapy. RESULTS We identified 4 genes that were differentially expressed in TCGA-SKCM datasets, which were mainly associated with the tumor immune microenvironment. A prognostic model was also established based on 4 genes. Among 4 genes, the mRNA and protein levels of killer cell lectin like receptor D1 (KLRD1), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and cellular retinoic acid binding protein 2 (CRABP2) genes in melanoma tissues differed significantly from those in normal skin (all P<0.01). The prognostic model was a good predictor of prognosis for patients with SKCM. The patients with high-risk scores had significantly shorter overall survival than those with low-risk scores, and consistent results were achieved in the training cohort and multiple validation cohorts (P<0.001). The risk score was strongly associated with immune cell infiltration, ESTIMATE score, immune checkpoint mRNA expression levels, tumor immune cycle, and tumor immune microenvironmental pathways (P<0.001). The correlation analysis showed that patients with the high-risk scores were in an inhibitory immune microenvironment based on the prognostic model (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS The immune-related SKCM prognostic model constructed in this study can effectively predict the prognosis of SKCM patients. Considering its close correlation to the tumor immune microenvironment, the model has some reference value for clinical immunotherapy of SKCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008.
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Changsha 410002.
| | - Zheng Wang
- School of Computer Science, Hunan First Normal University, Changsha 410205. w8614@ hotmail.com
| | - Jianglin Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008.
- Department of Dermatology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen Guangdong 518020, China.
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Brichkina A, Polo P, Sharma SD, Visestamkul N, Lauth M. A Quick Guide to CAF Subtypes in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092614. [PMID: 37174079 PMCID: PMC10177377 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer represents one of the most desmoplastic malignancies and is characterized by an extensive deposition of extracellular matrix. The latter is provided by activated cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which are abundant cells in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment. Many recent studies have made it clear that CAFs are not a singular cellular entity but represent a multitude of potentially dynamic subgroups that affect tumor biology at several levels. As mentioned before, CAFs significantly contribute to the fibrotic reaction and the biomechanical properties of the tumor, but they can also modulate the local immune environment and the response to targeted, chemo or radiotherapy. As the number of known and emerging CAF subgroups is steadily increasing, it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with these developments and to clearly discriminate the cellular subsets identified so far. This review aims to provide a helpful overview that enables readers to quickly familiarize themselves with field of CAF heterogeneity and to grasp the phenotypic, functional and therapeutic distinctions of the various stromal subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Brichkina
- Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Clinics for Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Pierfrancesco Polo
- Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Clinics for Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Shrey Dharamvir Sharma
- Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Clinics for Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Nico Visestamkul
- Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Clinics for Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Lauth
- Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Clinics for Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
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Diskin B, Schwartz S, Miller G. The critical immune basis for differential responses to immunotherapy in primary versus metastatic pancreatic cancer. Oncotarget 2023; 14:364-365. [PMID: 37096987 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
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Bhoopathi P, Mannangatti P, Das SK, Fisher PB, Emdad L. Chemoresistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Overcoming resistance to therapy. Adv Cancer Res 2023; 159:285-341. [PMID: 37268399 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2023.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a prominent cause of cancer deaths worldwide, is a highly aggressive cancer most frequently detected at an advanced stage that limits treatment options to systemic chemotherapy, which has provided only marginal positive clinical outcomes. More than 90% of patients with PDAC die within a year of being diagnosed. PDAC is increasing at a rate of 0.5-1.0% per year, and it is expected to be the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality by 2030. The resistance of tumor cells to chemotherapeutic drugs, which can be innate or acquired, is the primary factor contributing to the ineffectiveness of cancer treatments. Although many PDAC patients initially responds to standard of care (SOC) drugs they soon develop resistance caused partly by the substantial cellular heterogeneity seen in PDAC tissue and the tumor microenvironment (TME), which are considered key factors contributing to resistance to therapy. A deeper understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in PDAC progression and metastasis development, and the interplay of the TME in all these processes is essential to better comprehend the etiology and pathobiology of chemoresistance observed in PDAC. Recent research has recognized new therapeutic targets ushering in the development of innovative combinatorial therapies as well as enhancing our comprehension of several different cell death pathways. These approaches facilitate the lowering of the therapeutic threshold; however, the possibility of subsequent resistance development still remains a key issue and concern. Discoveries, that can target PDAC resistance, either alone or in combination, have the potential to serve as the foundation for future treatments that are effective without posing undue health risks. In this chapter, we discuss potential causes of PDAC chemoresistance and approaches for combating chemoresistance by targeting different pathways and different cellular functions associated with and mediating resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Bhoopathi
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Padmanabhan Mannangatti
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Swadesh K Das
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Paul B Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
| | - Luni Emdad
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
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Myo Min KK, Ffrench CB, Jessup CF, Shepherdson M, Barreto SG, Bonder CS. Overcoming the Fibrotic Fortress in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Challenges and Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082354. [PMID: 37190281 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
An overabundance of desmoplasia in the tumour microenvironment (TME) is one of the defining features that influences pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) development, progression, metastasis, and treatment resistance. Desmoplasia is characterised by the recruitment and activation of fibroblasts, heightened extracellular matrix deposition (ECM) and reduced blood supply, as well as increased inflammation through an influx of inflammatory cells and cytokines, creating an intrinsically immunosuppressive TME with low immunogenic potential. Herein, we review the development of PDAC, the drivers that initiate and/or sustain the progression of the disease and the complex and interwoven nature of the cellular and acellular components that come together to make PDAC one of the most aggressive and difficult to treat cancers. We review the challenges in delivering drugs into the fortress of PDAC tumours in concentrations that are therapeutic due to the presence of a highly fibrotic and immunosuppressive TME. Taken together, we present further support for continued/renewed efforts focusing on aspects of the extremely dense and complex TME of PDAC to improve the efficacy of therapy for better patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay K Myo Min
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Charlie B Ffrench
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Claire F Jessup
- College of Medicine & Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Mia Shepherdson
- College of Medicine & Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
- Hepatopancreatobiliary & Liver Transplant Unit, Division of Surgery & Perioperative Medicine, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Savio George Barreto
- College of Medicine & Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
- Hepatopancreatobiliary & Liver Transplant Unit, Division of Surgery & Perioperative Medicine, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Claudine S Bonder
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
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Fudalej M, Kwaśniewska D, Nurzyński P, Badowska-Kozakiewicz A, Mękal D, Czerw A, Sygit K, Deptała A. New Treatment Options in Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082327. [PMID: 37190255 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the seventh leading cause of cancer death across the world. Poor prognosis of PC is associated with several factors, such as diagnosis at an advanced stage, early distant metastases, and remarkable resistance to most conventional treatment options. The pathogenesis of PC seems to be significantly more complicated than originally assumed, and findings in other solid tumours cannot be extrapolated to this malignancy. To develop effective treatment schemes prolonging patient survival, a multidirectional approach encompassing different aspects of the cancer is needed. Particular directions have been established; however, further studies bringing them all together and connecting the strengths of each therapy are needed. This review summarises the current literature and provides an overview of new or emerging therapeutic strategies for the more effective management of metastatic PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Fudalej
- Department of Oncology Propaedeutics, Medical University of Warsaw, 01-445 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Oncology, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Interior and Administration, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Daria Kwaśniewska
- Department of Oncology, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Interior and Administration, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Nurzyński
- Department of Oncology, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Interior and Administration, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Dominika Mękal
- Department of Oncology Propaedeutics, Medical University of Warsaw, 01-445 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Czerw
- Department of Health Economics and Medical Law, Medical University of Warsaw, 01-445 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Economic and System Analyses, National Institute of Public Health NIH-National Research Institute, 00-791 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Sygit
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Calisia University, 62-800 Kalisz, Poland
| | - Andrzej Deptała
- Department of Oncology Propaedeutics, Medical University of Warsaw, 01-445 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Oncology, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Interior and Administration, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland
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Boucher Y, Posada JM, Subudhi S, Kumar AS, Rosario SR, Gu L, Kumra H, Mino-Kenudson M, Talele NP, Duda DG, Fukumura D, Wo JY, Clark JW, Ryan DP, Fernandez-Del Castillo C, Hong TS, Pittet MJ, Jain RK. Addition of Losartan to FOLFIRINOX and Chemoradiation Reduces Immunosuppression-Associated Genes, Tregs, and FOXP3+ Cancer Cells in Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:1605-1619. [PMID: 36749873 PMCID: PMC10106451 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-1630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Adding losartan (LOS) to FOLFIRINOX (FFX) chemotherapy followed by chemoradiation (CRT) resulted in 61% R0 surgical resection in our phase II trial in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC). Here we identify potential mechanisms of benefit by assessing the effects of neoadjuvant LOS on the tumor microenvironment. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We performed a gene expression and immunofluorescence (IF) analysis using archived surgical samples from patients treated with LOS+FFX+CRT (NCT01821729), FFX+CRT (NCT01591733), or surgery upfront, without any neoadjuvant therapy. We also conducted a longitudinal analysis of multiple biomarkers in the plasma of treated patients. RESULTS In comparison with FFX+CRT, LOS+FFX+CRT downregulated immunosuppression and pro-invasion genes. Overall survival (OS) was associated with dendritic cell (DC) and antigen presentation genes for patients treated with FFX+CRT, and with immunosuppression and invasion genes or DC- and blood vessel-related genes for those treated with LOS+FFX+CRT. Furthermore, LOS induced specific changes in circulating levels of IL-8, sTie2, and TGF-β. IF revealed significantly less residual disease in lesions treated with LOS+FFX+CRT. Finally, patients with a complete/near complete pathologic response in the LOS+FFX+CRT-treated group had reduced CD4+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), fewer immunosuppressive FOXP3+ cancer cells (C-FOXP3), and increased CD8+ T cells in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma lesions. CONCLUSIONS Adding LOS to FFX+CRT reduced pro-invasion and immunosuppression-related genes, which were associated with improved OS in patients with LAPC. Lesions from responders in the LOS+FFX+CRT-treated group had reduced Tregs, decreased C-FOXP3 and increased CD8+ T cells. These findings suggest that LOS may potentiate the benefit of FFX+CRT by reducing immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves Boucher
- Steele Laboratories of Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Jessica M. Posada
- Steele Laboratories of Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sonu Subudhi
- Steele Laboratories of Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Ashwin S. Kumar
- Steele Laboratories of Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
- Harvard–MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Spencer R. Rosario
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Liqun Gu
- Steele Laboratories of Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Heena Kumra
- Steele Laboratories of Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Mari Mino-Kenudson
- Department of Pathology, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nilesh P. Talele
- Steele Laboratories of Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Dan G. Duda
- Steele Laboratories of Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Dai Fukumura
- Steele Laboratories of Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Jennifer Y. Wo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jeffrey W. Clark
- Department of Medicine, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - David P. Ryan
- Department of Medicine, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Theodore S. Hong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mikael J. Pittet
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Rakesh K. Jain
- Steele Laboratories of Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
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Song T, Zhang H, Luo Z, Shang L, Zhao Y. Primary Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells Cultivation in Microfluidic Hydrogel Microcapsules for Drug Evaluation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2206004. [PMID: 36808707 PMCID: PMC10131826 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy is an essential postoperative treatment for pancreatic cancer, while due to the lack of effective drug evaluation platforms, the therapeutic outcomes are hampered by tumor heterogeneity among individuals. Here, a novel microfluidic encapsulated and integrated primary pancreatic cancer cells platform is proposed for biomimetic tumor 3D cultivation and clinical drug evaluation. These primary cells are encapsulated into hydrogel microcapsules of carboxymethyl cellulose cores and alginate shells based on a microfluidic electrospray technique. Benefiting from the good monodispersity, stability, and precise dimensional controllability of the technology, the encapsulated cells can proliferate rapidly and spontaneously form 3D tumor spheroids with highly uniform size and good cell viability. By integrating these encapsulated tumor spheroids into a microfluidic chip with concentration gradient channels and culture chambers, dynamic and high-throughput drug evaluation of different chemotherapy regimens could be realized. It is demonstrated that different patient-derived tumor spheroids show different drug sensitivity on-chip, which is significantly consistent with the clinical follow-up study after the operation. The results demonstrate that the microfluidic encapsulated and integrated tumor spheroids platform has great application potential in clinical drug evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiyu Song
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyInstitute of Translational MedicineThe Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical SchoolNanjing210002China
| | - Hui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of BioelectronicsSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
| | - Zhiqiang Luo
- State Key Laboratory of BioelectronicsSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
| | - Luoran Shang
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyInstitute of Translational MedicineThe Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical SchoolNanjing210002China
- Zhongshan‐Xuhui Hospital and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics the International Colaboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology)Institutes of Biomedical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyInstitute of Translational MedicineThe Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical SchoolNanjing210002China
- State Key Laboratory of BioelectronicsSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
- Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation CenterNanjing UniversityNanjing210023China
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