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Monaci S, Coppola F, Filippi I, Falsini A, Carraro F, Naldini A. Targeting hypoxia signaling pathways in angiogenesis. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1408750. [PMID: 38725568 PMCID: PMC11079266 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1408750] [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: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Oxygen (O2) supply is constantly maintained by the vascular network for a proper tissue oxygenation. Hypoxia is the result of an increased O2 demand and/or decreased supply and is common in both physiological conditions and human diseases. Angiogenesis is one of the adaptive responses to hypoxia and is mainly regulated by the hypoxia-inducible factors, HIFs. These heterodimeric transcription factors are composed of one of three O2-dependent α subunits (HIF-1, HIF-2, and HIF-3) and a constitutively expressed O2-insensitive subunit (HIF-1β). Among them HIF-1α is the most characterized and its activity is tightly controlled. Under hypoxia, its intracellular accumulation triggers the transcription of several genes, involved in cell survival/proliferation, autophagy, apoptosis, cell metabolism, and angiogenesis. HIF pathway is also modulated by specific microRNAs (miRNAs), thus resulting in the variation of several cellular responses, including alteration of the angiogenic process. The pro-angiogenic activity of HIF-1α is not restricted to endothelial cells, as it also affects the behavior of other cell types, including tumor and inflammatory/immune cells. In this context, exosomes play a crucial role in cell-cell communication by transferring bio-active cargos such as mRNAs, miRNAs, and proteins (e.g., VEGFA mRNA, miR210, HIF-1α). This minireview will provide a synopsis of the multiple factors able to modulate hypoxia-induced angiogenesis especially in the tumor microenvironment context. Targeting hypoxia signaling pathways by up-to-date approaches may be relevant in the design of therapeutic strategies in those pathologies where angiogenesis is dysregulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Monaci
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Unit, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Federica Coppola
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Unit, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Irene Filippi
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Unit, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Falsini
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Unit, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Fabio Carraro
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Antonella Naldini
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Unit, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Zhang L, Xiong Y, Zhang J, Feng Y, Xu A. Systematic proteome-wide Mendelian randomization using the human plasma proteome to identify therapeutic targets for lung adenocarcinoma. J Transl Med 2024; 22:330. [PMID: 38576019 PMCID: PMC10993587 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-04919-z] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the predominant histological subtype of lung cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Identifying effective drug targets is crucial for advancing LUAD treatment strategies. METHODS This study employed proteome-wide Mendelian randomization (MR) and colocalization analyses. We collected data on 1394 plasma proteins from a protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL) study involving 4907 individuals. Genetic associations with LUAD were derived from the Transdisciplinary Research in Cancer of the Lung (TRICL) study, including 11,245 cases and 54,619 controls. We integrated pQTL and LUAD genome-wide association studies (GWASs) data to identify candidate proteins. MR utilizes single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as genetic instruments to estimate the causal effect of exposure on outcome, while Bayesian colocalization analysis determines the probability of shared causal genetic variants between traits. Our study applied these methods to assess causality between plasma proteins and LUAD. Furthermore, we employed a two-step MR to quantify the proportion of risk factors mediated by proteins on LUAD. Finally, protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis elucidated potential links between proteins and current LUAD medications. RESULTS We identified nine plasma proteins significantly associated with LUAD. Increased levels of ALAD, FLT1, ICAM5, and VWC2 exhibited protective effects, with odds ratios of 0.79 (95% CI 0.72-0.87), 0.39 (95% CI 0.28-0.55), 0.91 (95% CI 0.72-0.87), and 0.85 (95% CI 0.79-0.92), respectively. Conversely, MDGA2 (OR, 1.13; 95% CI 1.08-1.19), NTM (OR, 1.12; 95% CI 1.09-1.16), PMM2 (OR, 1.35; 95% CI 1.18-1.53), RNASET2 (OR, 1.15; 95% CI 1.08-1.21), and TFPI (OR, 4.58; 95% CI 3.02-6.94) increased LUAD risk. Notably, none of the nine proteins showed evidence of reverse causality. Bayesian colocalization indicated that RNASET2, TFPI, and VWC2 shared the same variant with LUAD. Furthermore, NTM and FLT1 demonstrated interactions with targets of current LUAD medications. Additionally, FLT1 and TFPI are currently under evaluation as therapeutic targets, while NTM, RNASET2, and VWC2 are potentially druggable. These findings shed light on LUAD pathogenesis, highlighting the tumor-promoting effects of RNASET2, TFPI, and NTM, along with the protective effects of VWC2 and FLT1, providing a significant biological foundation for future LUAD therapeutic targets. CONCLUSIONS Our proteome-wide MR analysis highlighted RNASET2, TFPI, VWC2, NTM, and FLT1 as potential drug targets for further clinical investigation in LUAD. However, the specific mechanisms by which these proteins influence LUAD remain elusive. Targeting these proteins in drug development holds the potential for successful clinical trials, providing a pathway to prioritize and reduce costs in LUAD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yajun Xiong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yuying Feng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Aiguo Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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Gulia S, Chandra P, Das A. The Prognosis of Cancer Depends on the Interplay of Autophagy, Apoptosis, and Anoikis within the Tumor Microenvironment. Cell Biochem Biophys 2023; 81:621-658. [PMID: 37787970 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-023-01179-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Within the tumor microenvironment, the fight between the immune system and cancer influences tumor transformation. Metastasis formation is an important stage in the progression of cancer. This process is aided by cellular detachment and resistance to anoikis, which are achieved by altering intercellular signaling. Autophagy, specifically pro-survival autophagy, aids cancer cells in developing treatment resistance. Numerous studies have shown that autophagy promotes tumor growth and resistance to anoikis. To regulate protective autophagy, cancer-related genes phosphorylate both pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins. Apoptosis, a type of controlled cell death, eliminates damaged or unwanted cells. Anoikis is a type of programmed cell death in which cells lose contact with the extracellular matrix. The dysregulation of these cellular pathways promotes tumor growth and spread. Apoptosis, anoikis, and autophagy interact meticulously and differently depending on the cellular circumstances. For instance, autophagy can protect cancer cells from apoptosis by removing cellular components that are damaged and might otherwise trigger apoptotic pathways. Similarly, anoikis dysregulation can trigger autophagy by causing cellular harm and metabolic stress. In order to prevent or treat metastatic disease, specifically, targeting these cellular mechanisms may present a promising prospect for cancer therapy. This review discourses the state of our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying tumor transformation and the establishment of metastatic tumors. To enhance the prognosis for cancer, we highlight and discuss potential therapeutic approaches that target these processes and genes involved in them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Gulia
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Main Bawana Road, Delhi, 110042, India
| | - Prakash Chandra
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Main Bawana Road, Delhi, 110042, India
| | - Asmita Das
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Main Bawana Road, Delhi, 110042, India.
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Campomenosi P, Mortara L, Bassani B, Valli R, Porta G, Bruno A, Acquati F. The Potential Role of the T2 Ribonucleases in TME-Based Cancer Therapy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2160. [PMID: 37626657 PMCID: PMC10452627 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082160] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in developing innovative anticancer therapies targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME is a complex and dynamic milieu surrounding the tumor mass, consisting of various cellular and molecular components, including those from the host organism, endowed with the ability to significantly influence cancer development and progression. Processes such as angiogenesis, immune evasion, and metastasis are crucial targets in the search for novel anticancer drugs. Thus, identifying molecules with "multi-tasking" properties that can counteract cancer cell growth at multiple levels represents a relevant but still unmet clinical need. Extensive research over the past two decades has revealed a consistent anticancer activity for several members of the T2 ribonuclease family, found in evolutionarily distant species. Initially, it was believed that T2 ribonucleases mainly acted as anticancer agents in a cell-autonomous manner. However, further investigation uncovered a complex and independent mechanism of action that operates at a non-cell-autonomous level, affecting crucial processes in TME-induced tumor growth, such as angiogenesis, evasion of immune surveillance, and immune cell polarization. Here, we review and discuss the remarkable properties of ribonucleases from the T2 family in the context of "multilevel" oncosuppression acting on the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Campomenosi
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy;
- Genomic Medicine Research Center, University of Insubria, Via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy; (R.V.); (G.P.)
| | - Lorenzo Mortara
- Immunology and General Pathology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Via Monte Generoso 71, 21100 Varese, Italy;
| | - Barbara Bassani
- Laboratory of Innate Immunity, Unit of Molecular Pathology, Biochemistry, and Immunology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) MultiMedica, Via G. Fantoli 16/15, 20138 Milan, Italy;
| | - Roberto Valli
- Genomic Medicine Research Center, University of Insubria, Via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy; (R.V.); (G.P.)
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Giovanni Porta
- Genomic Medicine Research Center, University of Insubria, Via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy; (R.V.); (G.P.)
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Antonino Bruno
- Immunology and General Pathology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Via Monte Generoso 71, 21100 Varese, Italy;
- Laboratory of Innate Immunity, Unit of Molecular Pathology, Biochemistry, and Immunology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) MultiMedica, Via G. Fantoli 16/15, 20138 Milan, Italy;
| | - Francesco Acquati
- Genomic Medicine Research Center, University of Insubria, Via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy; (R.V.); (G.P.)
- Human Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
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Gallo D, De Vito A, Roncoroni R, Bruno A, Piantanida E, Bartalena L, Tanda ML, Mortara L, Acquati F. A potential role of human RNASET2 overexpression in the pathogenesis of Graves' disease. Endocrine 2023; 79:55-59. [PMID: 36180758 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-022-03207-4] [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: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Genetic variation of the gene encoding for the only human enzyme of the T2 ribonucleases family (RNASET2) emerged in genome-wide association studies as a putative risk hotspot for Graves' disease (GD). T2 ribonucleases activities include immune regulation, induction of cell apoptosis and differentiation. Several reports supported the hypothesis that RNASET2 represents a "danger" message addressed to the innate immune system in peculiar conditions. This was a longitudinal, case-control study. RNASET2 protein levels were assessed in blood samples from 34 consecutive newly diagnosed GD patients and in healthy controls. At enrollment, RNASET2 levels were significantly higher in GD patients (98.5 ± 29.1 ng/ml) compared to healthy controls (72.5 ± 27.9 ng/ml, p = 0.001). After 6 months of methimazole treatment, RNASET2 levels significantly decrease and return to levels similar to healthy controls (62.4 ± 22 ng/ml, p = 0.69). These preliminary results suggest that RNASET2 is overexpressed in patients with GD and might represent an "alarm signal" generated by thyroid cells in response to endogenous or environmental stress to alert the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Gallo
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, 21100, Varese, Italy.
| | - Annarosaria De Vito
- Human Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - Rossella Roncoroni
- Human Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - Antonino Bruno
- Immunology and General Pathology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100, Varese, Italy
- IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, 20138, Italy
| | - Eliana Piantanida
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - Luigi Bartalena
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Tanda
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Mortara
- Immunology and General Pathology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - Francesco Acquati
- Human Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100, Varese, Italy
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Zheng Z, Bian C, Wang H, Su J, Meng L, Xin Y, Jiang X. Prediction of immunotherapy efficacy and immunomodulatory role of hypoxia in colorectal cancer. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2022; 14:17588359221138383. [PMID: 36425871 PMCID: PMC9679351 DOI: 10.1177/17588359221138383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has been used in the clinical treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC); however, most patients fail to achieve satisfactory survival benefits. Biomarkers with high specificity and sensitivity are being increasingly developed to predict the efficacy of CRC immunotherapy. In addition to DNA alteration markers, such as microsatellite instability/mismatch repair and tumor mutational burden, immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoints (ICs), epigenetic changes and no-coding RNA, and gut microbiomes all show potential predictive ability. Recently, the hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME) has been identified as a key factor mediating CRC immune evasion and resistance to treatment. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α is the central transcription factor in the hypoxia response that drives the expression of a vast number of survival genes by binding to the hypoxia response element in cancer and immune cells in the TME. Hypoxia regulates angiogenesis, immune cell infiltration and activation, expression of ICs, and secretion of various immune molecules in the TME and is closely associated with the immunotherapeutic efficacy of CRC. Currently, various agents targeting hypoxia have been found to improve the TME and enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy. We reviewed current markers commonly used in CRC to predict therapeutic efficacy and the mechanisms underlying hypoxia-induced angiogenesis and tumor immune evasion. Exploring the mechanisms by which hypoxia affects the TME will assist the discovery of new immunotherapeutic predictive biomarkers and development of more effective combinations of agents targeting hypoxia and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuangzhuang Zheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, Changchun, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chenbin Bian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, Changchun, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Huanhuan Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, Changchun, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jing Su
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, Changchun, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lingbin Meng
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Ying Xin
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Street, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xin Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun 130021, China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, Changchun, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Meng T, Li X, Li C, Liu J, Chang H, Jiang N, Li J, Zhou Y, Liu Z. Natural products of traditional Chinese medicine treat atherosclerosis by regulating inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:997598. [PMID: 36249778 PMCID: PMC9563010 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.997598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a prevalent arteriosclerotic vascular disease that forms a pathological basis for coronary heart disease, stroke, and other diseases. Inflammatory and oxidative stress responses occur throughout the development of AS. Treatment for AS over the past few decades has focused on administering high-intensity statins to reduce blood lipid levels, but these inevitably damage liver and kidney function over the long term. Natural medicines are widely used to prevent and treat AS in China because of their wide range of beneficial effects, low toxicity, and minimal side effects. We searched for relevant literature over the past 5 years in databases such as PubMed using the keywords, “atherosclerosis,” “traditional Chinese medicine,” “natural medicines,” “inflammation,” and “oxidative stress.” We found that the PI3K/AKT, TLR4, JAK/STAT, Nrf2, MAPK, and NF-κB are the most relevant inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways in AS. This review summarizes studies of the natural alkaloid, flavonoid, polyphenol, saponin, and quinone pathways through which natural medicines used to treat AS. This study aimed to update and summarize progress in understanding how natural medicines treat AS via inflammatory and oxidative stress-related signaling pathways. We also planned to create an information base for the development of novel drugs for future AS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianwei Meng
- Graduate School, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xinghua Li
- Graduate School, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Chengjia Li
- Graduate School, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jiawen Liu
- Graduate School, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Hong Chang
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Graduate School, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jiarui Li
- Graduate School, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yabin Zhou
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- *Correspondence: Yabin Zhou, ; Zhiping Liu,
| | - Zhiping Liu
- Respiratoy Disease Department, First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- *Correspondence: Yabin Zhou, ; Zhiping Liu,
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Gao W, Wang X, Zhou Y, Wang X, Yu Y. Autophagy, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis in tumor immunotherapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:196. [PMID: 35725836 PMCID: PMC9208265 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01046-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 319] [Impact Index Per Article: 159.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, immunotherapy represented by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has led to unprecedented breakthroughs in cancer treatment. However, the fact that many tumors respond poorly or even not to ICIs, partly caused by the absence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), significantly limits the application of ICIs. Converting these immune “cold” tumors into “hot” tumors that may respond to ICIs is an unsolved question in cancer immunotherapy. Since it is a general characteristic of cancers to resist apoptosis, induction of non-apoptotic regulated cell death (RCD) is emerging as a new cancer treatment strategy. Recently, several studies have revealed the interaction between non-apoptotic RCD and antitumor immunity. Specifically, autophagy, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis exhibit synergistic antitumor immune responses while possibly exerting inhibitory effects on antitumor immune responses. Thus, targeted therapies (inducers or inhibitors) against autophagy, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis in combination with immunotherapy may exert potent antitumor activity, even in tumors resistant to ICIs. This review summarizes the multilevel relationship between antitumor immunity and non-apoptotic RCD, including autophagy, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis, and the potential targeting application of non-apoptotic RCD to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy in malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weitong Gao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xueying Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xueqian Wang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yan Yu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China.
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Mortezaee K, Majidpoor J. The impact of hypoxia on immune state in cancer. Life Sci 2021; 286:120057. [PMID: 34662552 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia is a known feature of solid tumors and a critical promoter of tumor hallmarks. Hypoxia influences tumor immunity in a way favoring immune evasion and resistance. Extreme hypoxia and aberrant hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) activity in tumor microenvironment (TME) is a drawback for effective immunotherapy. Infiltration and activity of CD8+ T cells is reduced in such condition, whereas regulatory T cells (Tregs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) show high activities. Highly hypoxic TME also impairs maturation and activity of dendritic cell (DCs) and natural killer (NK) cells. In addition, the hypoxic TME positively is linked positively with metabolic changes in cells of immune system. These alterations are indicative of a need for hypoxia modulation as a complementary targeting strategy to go with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keywan Mortezaee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
| | - Jamal Majidpoor
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Infectious Disease Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
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