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Safaei S, Fadaee M, Farzam OR, Yari A, Poursaei E, Aslan C, Samemaleki S, Shanehbandi D, Baradaran B, Kazemi T. Exploring the dynamic interplay between exosomes and the immune tumor microenvironment: implications for breast cancer progression and therapeutic strategies. Breast Cancer Res 2024; 26:57. [PMID: 38553754 PMCID: PMC10981336 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-024-01810-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer continues to pose a substantial worldwide health concern, demanding a thorough comprehension of the complex interaction between cancerous cells and the immune system. Recent studies have shown the significant function of exosomes in facilitating intercellular communication and their participation in the advancement of cancer. Tumor-derived exosomes have been identified as significant regulators in the context of breast cancer, playing a crucial role in modulating immune cell activity and contributing to the advancement of the illness. This study aims to investigate the many effects of tumor-derived exosomes on immune cells in the setting of breast cancer. Specifically, we will examine their role in influencing immune cell polarization, facilitating immunological evasion, and modifying the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, we explore the nascent domain of exosomes produced from immune cells and their prospective involvement in the prevention of breast cancer. This paper focuses on new research that emphasizes the immunomodulatory characteristics of exosomes produced from immune cells. It also explores the possibility of these exosomes as therapeutic agents or biomarkers for the early identification and prevention of breast cancer. The exploration of the reciprocal connections between exosomes formed from tumors and immune cells, together with the rising significance of exosomes derived from immune cells, presents a potential avenue for the advancement of novel approaches in the field of breast cancer therapy and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Safaei
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Gholghasht Ave, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Manouchehr Fadaee
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Gholghasht Ave, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Omid Rahbar Farzam
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Gholghasht Ave, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Yari
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Gholghasht Ave, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Biology, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Elham Poursaei
- Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Cynthia Aslan
- Research Center for Integrative Medicine in Aging, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sahar Samemaleki
- Department of Immunology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Dariush Shanehbandi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Gholghasht Ave, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Gholghasht Ave, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Tohid Kazemi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Gholghasht Ave, Tabriz, Iran.
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2
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Xu M, Zhao X, Wen T, Qu X. Unveiling the role of KRAS in tumor immune microenvironment. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116058. [PMID: 38171240 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Kirsten rats sarcoma viral oncogene (KRAS), the first discovered human oncogene, has long been recognized as "undruggable". KRAS mutations frequently occur in multiple human cancers including non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC), colorectal cancer(CRC) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC), functioning as a "molecule switch" determining the activation of various oncogenic signaling pathways. Except for its intrinsic pro-tumorigenic role, KRAS alteration also exhibits an unique immune signature characterized by elevated PD-L1 level and high tumor mutational burden(TMB). KRAS mutation shape an immune suppressive microenvironment by impeding effective T cells infiltration and recruiting suppressive immune cells including myeloid-derived suppressor cells(MDSCs), regulatory T cells(Tregs), cancer associated fibroblasts(CAFs). In immune checkpoint inhibitor(ICI) era, NSCLC patients with mutated KRAS tend to be more responsive to ICI than patients with intact KRAS. The hallmark for KRAS mutation is the existence of multiple kinds of co-mutations. Different types of co-alterations have distinct tumor microenvironment(TME) signatures and responses to ICI. TP53 co-mutation possess a "hot" TME and achieve higher response to immunotherapy while other loss of function mutation correlated with a "colder" TME and a poor outcome to ICI-based therapy. The groundbreaking discovery of KRAS G12C inhibitors significantly improved outcomes for this KRAS subtype even though efficacy was limited to NSCLC patients. KRAS G12C inhibitors also restore the suppressive TME, creating an opportunity for combinations with ICI. However, an inevitable challenge to KRAS inhibitors is drug resistance. Promising combination strategies such as combination with SHP2 is an approach deserve further exploration because of their immune modulatory effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 North Nanjing Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Provinces, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Clinical Cancer Research Center of Shenyang, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xing Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, the First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 North Nanjing Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Ti Wen
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 North Nanjing Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Provinces, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Clinical Cancer Research Center of Shenyang, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiujuan Qu
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 North Nanjing Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Provinces, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Clinical Cancer Research Center of Shenyang, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
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3
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Liang H, Zhang L, Zhao X, Rong J. The therapeutic potential of exosomes in lung cancer. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2023; 46:1181-1212. [PMID: 37365450 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00815-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer (LC) is one of the most common malignancies globally. Besides early detection and surgical resection, there is currently no effective curative treatment for metastatic advanced LC. Exosomes are endogenous nano-extracellular vesicles produced by somatic cells that play an important role in the development and maintenance of normal physiology. Exosomes can carry proteins, peptides, lipids, nucleic acids, and various small molecules for intra- and intercellular material transport or signal transduction. LC cells can maintain their survival, proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis, by producing or interacting with exosomes. Basic and clinical data also show that exosomes can be used to suppress LC cell proliferation and viability, induce apoptosis, and enhance treatment sensitivity. Due to the high stability and target specificity, good biocompatibility, and low immunogenicity of exosomes, they show promise as vehicles of LC therapy. CONCLUSION We have written this comprehensive review to communicate the LC treatment potential of exosomes and their underlying molecular mechanisms. We found that overall, LC cells can exchange substances or crosstalk with themselves or various other cells in the surrounding TME or distant organs through exosomes. Through this, they can modulate their survival, proliferation, stemness, migration, and invasion, EMT, metastasis, and apoptotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyuan Liang
- Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Lingyun Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, No. 210, BaiTa Street, Hunnan District, Shenyang, 110001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangxuan Zhao
- Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110022, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jian Rong
- Department of Pediatrics, PICU, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110004, People's Republic of China.
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4
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Julian C, Pal N, Gershon A, Evangelista M, Purkey H, Lambert P, Shi Z, Zhang Q. Overall survival in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer with KRAS G12C mutation with or without STK11 and/or KEAP1 mutations in a real-world setting. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:352. [PMID: 37069542 PMCID: PMC10108521 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-10778-6] [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: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND KRAS mutations occur frequently in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC); the G12C mutation is the most prevalent. Alterations in STK11 or KEAP1 commonly co-occur with KRAS mutations in aNSCLC. Using real-world data, we assessed the effect of KRAS G12C mutation with or without STK11 and/or KEAP1 mutations on overall survival (OS) in patients with aNSCLC receiving cancer immunotherapy (CIT), chemotherapy, or both in first line (1L) and second line (2L). METHODS Patients diagnosed with aNSCLC between January 2011 and March 2020 in a clinico-genomic database were included. Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for left truncation, baseline demographics and clinical characteristics were used to analyze the effect of STK11 and/or KEAP1 co-mutational status on OS in patients with KRAS wild-type (WT) or G12C mutation. RESULTS Of 2715 patients with aNSCLC without other actionable driver mutations, 1344 (49.5%) had KRAS WT cancer, and 454 (16.7%) had KRAS G12C-positive cancer. At 1L treatment start, significantly more patients with KRAS G12C-positive cancer were female, smokers, and had non-squamous histology, a higher prevalence of metastasis and programmed death-ligand 1 positivity than those with KRAS WT cancer. Median OS was comparable between patients with KRAS G12C-positive and KRAS WT cancer when receiving chemotherapy or combination CIT and chemotherapy in the 1L or 2L. Median OS was numerically longer in patients with KRAS G12C vs KRAS WT cancer treated with 1L CIT (30.2 vs 10.6 months, respectively) or 2L CIT (11.3 vs 7.6 months, respectively). Co-mutation of STK11 and KEAP1 was associated with significantly shorter OS in patients receiving any type of 1L therapy, regardless of KRAS G12C mutational status. CONCLUSIONS This real-world study showed that patients with KRAS G12C-positive or KRAS WT cancer have similar OS in the 1L or 2L when treated with chemotherapy or combination CIT and chemotherapy. In contrast to aNSCLC patients with EGFR or ALK driver mutations, patients with KRAS G12C-positive cancer may benefit from CIT monotherapy. Co-mutation of STK11 and KEAP1 was associated with significantly shorter survival, independent of KRAS G12C mutational status, reflecting the poor prognosis and high unmet need in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Julian
- 1 DNA Way, Genentech, Inc, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Navdeep Pal
- 1 DNA Way, Genentech, Inc, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Anda Gershon
- 1 DNA Way, Genentech, Inc, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | | | - Hans Purkey
- 1 DNA Way, Genentech, Inc, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Peter Lambert
- 1 DNA Way, Genentech, Inc, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Zhen Shi
- 1 DNA Way, Genentech, Inc, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA.
| | - Qing Zhang
- 1 DNA Way, Genentech, Inc, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA.
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5
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Heydari Z, Peshkova M, Gonen ZB, Coretchi I, Eken A, Yay AH, Dogan ME, Gokce N, Akalin H, Kosheleva N, Galea-Abdusa D, Ulinici M, Vorojbit V, Shpichka A, Groppa S, Vosough M, Todiras M, Butnaru D, Ozkul Y, Timashev P. EVs vs. EVs: MSCs and Tregs as a source of invisible possibilities. J Mol Med (Berl) 2023; 101:51-63. [PMID: 36527475 PMCID: PMC9759062 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-022-02276-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are produced by various cells and exist in most biological fluids. They play an important role in cell-cell signaling, immune response, and tumor metastasis, and also have theranostic potential. They deliver many functional biomolecules, including DNA, microRNAs (miRNA), messenger RNA (mRNA), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), lipids, and proteins, thus affecting different physiological processes in target cells. Decreased immunogenicity compared to liposomes or viral vectors and the ability to cross through physiological barriers such as the blood-brain barrier make them an attractive and innovative option as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic carriers. Here, we highlighted two types of cells that can produce functional EVs, namely, mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs), discussing MSC/Treg-derived EV-based therapies for some specific diseases including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), autoimmune diseases, and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Heydari
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria Peshkova
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia.,World-Class Research Center "Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare", Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Ianos Coretchi
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Ahmet Eken
- Betül-Ziya Eren Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), Kayseri, Turkey.,Department of Medical Biology, Erciyes University School of Medicine, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Arzu Hanım Yay
- Betül-Ziya Eren Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), Kayseri, Turkey.,Department of Histology and Embryology, Erciyes University School of Medicine, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Muhammet Ensar Dogan
- Department of Medical Genetic, Erciyes University School of Medicine, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Nuriye Gokce
- Department of Medical Genetic, Erciyes University School of Medicine, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Hilal Akalin
- Department of Medical Genetic, Erciyes University School of Medicine, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Nastasia Kosheleva
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia.,FSBSI Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Daniela Galea-Abdusa
- Genetics Laboratory, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Mariana Ulinici
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Valentina Vorojbit
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Anastasia Shpichka
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia.,World-Class Research Center "Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare", Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia.,Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Stanislav Groppa
- Department of Neurology, Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Moldova.,Laboratory of Neurobiology and Medical Genetics, Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Moldova.,Department of Neurology, Institute of Emergency Medicine, Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mihail Todiras
- Drug Research Center, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Moldova
| | | | - Yusuf Ozkul
- Betül-Ziya Eren Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), Kayseri, Turkey. .,Department of Medical Genetic, Erciyes University School of Medicine, Kayseri, Turkey.
| | - Peter Timashev
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia. .,World-Class Research Center "Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare", Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia. .,Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.
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6
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Sattler M, Mohanty A, Kulkarni P, Salgia R. Precision oncology provides opportunities for targeting KRAS-inhibitor resistance. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:42-54. [PMID: 36751115 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Novel inhibitors targeting Kirsten rat sarcoma virus homolog (KRAS) KRASG12C in various cancers have shown good initial efficacy, but therapy-related drug resistance eventually occurs in most patients. It has become apparent that cancer cells not only rely on novel mutations that provide escape mechanisms, but about half of them become resistant in the absence of apparent genetic mutations. Redundancies within the KRAS signaling pathways and cross-talk between these pathways - as well as other canonical cancer-driving mechanisms - not only provide challenges but also present opportunities for drug development and targeted approaches. We discuss the challenges for the duality of KRAS inhibitor drug resistance with an additional focus on nongenetic mechanisms and the potential for patient-centered combination treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Sattler
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Atish Mohanty
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Prakash Kulkarni
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
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7
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Reale A, Khong T, Spencer A. Extracellular Vesicles and Their Roles in the Tumor Immune Microenvironment. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11236892. [PMID: 36498469 PMCID: PMC9737553 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11236892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells actively incorporate molecules (e.g., proteins, lipids, RNA) into particles named extracellular vesicles (EVs). Several groups have demonstrated that EVs can be transferred to target (recipient) cells, making EVs an important means of intercellular communication. Indeed, EVs are able to modulate the functions of target cells by reprogramming signaling pathways. In a cancer context, EVs promote the formation of a supportive tumor microenvironment (TME) and (pre)metastatic niches. Recent studies have revealed that immune cells, tumor cells and their secretome, including EVs, promote changes in the TME and immunosuppressive functions of immune cells (e.g., natural killer, dendritic cells, T and B cells, monocytes, macrophages) that allow tumor cells to establish and propagate. Despite the growing knowledge on EVs and on their roles in cancer and as modulators of the immune response/escape, the translation into clinical practice remains in its early stages, hence requiring improved translational research in the EVs field. Here, we comprehensively review the current knowledge and most recent research on the roles of EVs in tumor immune evasion and immunosuppression in both solid tumors and hematological malignancies. We also highlight the clinical utility of EV-mediated immunosuppression targeting and EV-engineering. Importantly, we discuss the controversial role of EVs in cancer biology, current limitations and future perspectives to further the EV knowledge into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Reale
- Myeloma Research Group, Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University—Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (A.S.)
| | - Tiffany Khong
- Myeloma Research Group, Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University—Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Andrew Spencer
- Myeloma Research Group, Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University—Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Malignant Haematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Haematology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Department of Clinical Hematology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (A.S.)
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8
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Clinical and Molecular Features of KRAS-Mutated Lung Cancer Patients Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194933. [PMID: 36230855 PMCID: PMC9562655 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The molecular and clinical features of KRAS-mutated lung cancer patients treated with immunotherapy have yet to be characterized, which could guide the development of therapeutics targeting KRAS with potential immuno-oncology treatment combinations. Research Question: Do KRAS-mutated patients with different subtypes and comutations have different clinical responses and overall survival (OS) to checkpoint inhibitors? Study Design and Methods: 87 patients with NSCLC at the City of Hope who received immune checkpoint inhibitors were identified and analyzed retrospectively. Tumor genomic alterations were extracted from the clinical data with next-generation sequencing using various platforms. Demographic, clinical, molecular, and pathological information was collected with the approval of the institutional review board of the City of Hope. OS was calculated if it was available at the study time point, and responses were determined according to the RECIST v1.1. Results: Among 87 patients, 32 had a KRAS G12C mutation (36.8%), 19 had G12V (21.9%), 18 had G12D (20.7%), 6 had G12A (6.9%), 3 had G12R (3.45%), and 10 had amplification (11.49%) and other uncommon mutations. G12D had a statistically significant Odds Ratio (OR) between patients who had responses and progression of the disease (OR (95% CI) = 0.31 (0.09−0.95), p < 0.05), with 5 G12D-mutated patients having responses and 11 G12D-mutated patients having progression of the disease. In the univariate analysis with OS, there was a trend of better OS in the G12D-mutated patients, with no statistically significant difference in terms of OS between the patients who had G12D mutation and the patients who had other KRAS mutations (HR (95% CI) = 0.53 (0.21−1.36), p = 0.185). The median OS was significantly worse with KRAS comutation CDKN2A/B loss (4.2 vs. 16.9 months, HR = 3.07 (1.09−8.69), p < 0.05) and MET (3.4 vs. 17 months, HR = 3.80 (1.44−10.05), p < 0.01), which were included for the multivariate analysis. The OS with other KRAS comutations was not statistically significant, including STK11 and KEAP1. Conclusion: KRAS mutation subtypes such as G12D and comutations such as CDKN2/A and MET may modulate the immunotherapy responses and outcomes in lung cancer.
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9
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Tang Q, Yang S, He G, Zheng H, Zhang S, Liu J, Wei S, Fan Q, Peng X, Li X, Zhang D, Yang L, Li H. Tumor-derived exosomes in the cancer immune microenvironment and cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Lett 2022; 548:215823. [PMID: 35835409 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-derived exosomes (TDEs) are key immune regulators in the tumor microenvironment. They have been shown to reshape the immune microenvironment and prevent antitumor immune responses via their immunosuppressive cargo, thereby determining responsiveness to cancer therapy. By delivering suppressive cargo to the immune cells, TDEs directly or indirectly influence the functions and antitumor activities of immune cells. TDE-based therapy is emerging as a cutting-edge and promising strategy for inhibiting tumor progression or enhancing antitumor immunity. Therefore, in this study, we reviewed the mechanism by which TDEs regulate immune cells and their applications in immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiushi Tang
- Chinese Journal of Practical Surgery, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China; Shenyang Clinical Medical Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Health Management of Early Digestive Cancer, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Guangpeng He
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China; Shenyang Clinical Medical Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Health Management of Early Digestive Cancer, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Hongyu Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China; Shenyang Clinical Medical Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Health Management of Early Digestive Cancer, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China; Shenyang Clinical Medical Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Health Management of Early Digestive Cancer, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Jiaxing Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China; Shenyang Clinical Medical Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Health Management of Early Digestive Cancer, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Shibo Wei
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China; Shenyang Clinical Medical Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Health Management of Early Digestive Cancer, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Qing Fan
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China; Shenyang Clinical Medical Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Health Management of Early Digestive Cancer, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Xueqiang Peng
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China; Shenyang Clinical Medical Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Health Management of Early Digestive Cancer, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China; Shenyang Clinical Medical Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Health Management of Early Digestive Cancer, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Dewei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China; Shenyang Clinical Medical Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Health Management of Early Digestive Cancer, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Liang Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China; Shenyang Clinical Medical Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Health Management of Early Digestive Cancer, Shenyang, 110032, China.
| | - Hangyu Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China; Shenyang Clinical Medical Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Health Management of Early Digestive Cancer, Shenyang, 110032, China.
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10
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An emerging role of KRAS in biogenesis, cargo sorting and uptake of cancer-derived extracellular vesicles. Future Med Chem 2022; 14:827-845. [PMID: 35502655 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2021-0332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanovesicles secreted for intercellular communication with endosomal network regulating secretion of small EVs (or exosomes) that play roles in cancer progression. As an essential oncoprotein, Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (KRAS) is tightly regulated by its endosomal trafficking for membrane attachment. However, the crosstalk between KRAS and EVs has been scarcely discussed despite its endocytic association. An overview of the oncogenic role of KRAS focusing on its correlation with cancer-associated EVs should provide important clues for disease prognosis and inspire novel therapeutic approaches for treating KRAS mutant cancers. Therefore, this review summarizes the relevant studies that provide substantial evidence linking KRAS mutation to EVs and discusses the oncogenic implication from the aspects of biogenesis, cargo sorting, and release and uptake of the EVs.
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11
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Song P, Zhou S, Qi X, Jiao Y, Gong Y, Zhao J, Yang H, Qian Z, Qian J, Tang L. RNA modification writers influence tumor microenvironment in gastric cancer and prospects of targeted drug therapy. J Bioinform Comput Biol 2022; 20:2250004. [PMID: 35287562 DOI: 10.1142/s0219720022500044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background: RNA adenosine modifications are crucial for regulating RNA levels. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), N1-methyladenosine (m1A), adenosine-to-inosine RNA editing, and alternative polyadenylation (APA) are four major RNA modification types. Methods: We evaluated the altered mRNA expression profiles of 27 RNA modification enzymes and compared the differences in tumor microenvironment (TME) and clinical prognosis between two RNA modification patterns using unsupervised clustering. Then, we constructed a scoring system, WM_score, and quantified the RNA modifications in patients of gastric cancer (GC), associating WM_score with TME, clinical outcomes, and effectiveness of targeted therapies. Results: RNA adenosine modifications strongly correlated with TME and could predict the degree of TME cell infiltration, genetic variation, and clinical prognosis. Two modification patterns were identified according to high and low WM_scores. Tumors in the WM_score-high subgroup were closely linked with survival advantage, CD4[Formula: see text] T-cell infiltration, high tumor mutation burden, and cell cycle signaling pathways, whereas those in the WM_score-low subgroup showed strong infiltration of inflammatory cells and poor survival. Regarding the immunotherapy response, a high WM_score showed a significant correlation with PD-L1 expression, predicting the effect of PD-L1 blockade therapy. Conclusion: The WM_scoring system could facilitate scoring and prediction of GC prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Song
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou, No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Sheng Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou, No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyang Qi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou, No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Yuwen Jiao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou, No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Yu Gong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou, No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou, No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Haojun Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou, No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Zhifen Qian
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou, No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Jun Qian
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou, No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Liming Tang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou, No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
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12
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Zhang J, Song C, Tian Y, Yang X. Single-Cell RNA Sequencing in Lung Cancer: Revealing Phenotype Shaping of Stromal Cells in the Microenvironment. Front Immunol 2022; 12:802080. [PMID: 35126365 PMCID: PMC8807562 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.802080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The lung tumor microenvironment, which is composed of heterogeneous cell populations, plays an important role in the progression of lung cancer and is closely related to therapeutic efficacy. Increasing evidence has shown that stromal components play a key role in regulating tumor invasion, metastasis and drug resistance. Therefore, a better understanding of stromal components in the tumor microenvironment is helpful for the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. Rapid advances in technology have brought our understanding of disease into the genetic era, and single-cell RNA sequencing has enabled us to describe gene expression profiles with unprecedented resolution, enabling quantitative analysis of gene expression at the single-cell level to reveal the correlations among heterogeneity, signaling pathways, drug resistance and microenvironment molding in lung cancer, which is important for the treatment of this disease. In this paper, several common single-cell RNA sequencing methods and their advantages and disadvantages are briefly introduced to provide a reference for selection of suitable methods. Furthermore, we review the latest progress of single-cell RNA sequencing in the study of stromal cells in the lung tumor microenvironment.
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13
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Shenoy GN, Bhatta M, Bankert RB. Tumor-Associated Exosomes: A Potential Therapeutic Target for Restoring Anti-Tumor T Cell Responses in Human Tumor Microenvironments. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113155. [PMID: 34831378 PMCID: PMC8619102 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are a subset of extracellular vesicles (EVs) that are released by cells and play a variety of physiological roles including regulation of the immune system. Exosomes are heterogeneous and present in vast numbers in tumor microenvironments. A large subset of these vesicles has been demonstrated to be immunosuppressive. In this review, we focus on the suppression of T cell function by exosomes in human tumor microenvironments. We start with a brief introduction to exosomes, with emphasis on their biogenesis, isolation and characterization. Next, we discuss the immunosuppressive effect of exosomes on T cells, reviewing in vitro studies demonstrating the role of different proteins, nucleic acids and lipids known to be associated with exosome-mediated suppression of T cell function. Here, we also discuss initial proof-of-principle studies that established the potential for rescuing T cell function by blocking or targeting exosomes. In the final section, we review different in vivo models that were utilized to study as well as target exosome-mediated immunosuppression, highlighting the Xenomimetic mouse (X-mouse) model and the Omental Tumor Xenograft (OTX) model that were featured in a recent study to evaluate the efficacy of a novel phosphatidylserine-binding molecule for targeting immunosuppressive tumor-associated exosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gautam N. Shenoy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA;
| | - Maulasri Bhatta
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA;
| | - Richard B. Bankert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-716-829-2701
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14
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Ma F, Vayalil J, Lee G, Wang Y, Peng G. Emerging role of tumor-derived extracellular vesicles in T cell suppression and dysfunction in the tumor microenvironment. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-003217. [PMID: 34642246 PMCID: PMC8513270 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapeutic drugs including immune checkpoint blockade antibodies have been approved to treat patients in many types of cancers. However, some patients have little or no reaction to the immunotherapy drugs. The mechanisms underlying resistance to tumor immunotherapy are complicated and involve multiple aspects, including tumor-intrinsic factors, formation of immunosuppressive microenvironment, and alteration of tumor and stromal cell metabolism in the tumor microenvironment. T cell is critical and participates in every aspect of antitumor response, and T cell dysfunction is a severe barrier for effective immunotherapy for cancer. Emerging evidence indicates that extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by tumor is one of the major factors that can induce T cell dysfunction. Tumor-derived EVs are widely distributed in serum, tissues, and the tumor microenvironment of patients with cancer, which serve as important communication vehicles for cancer cells. In addition, tumor-derived EVs can carry a variety of immune suppressive signals driving T cell dysfunction for tumor immunity. In this review, we explore the potential mechanisms employed by tumor-derived EVs to control T cell development and effector function within the tumor microenvironment. Especially, we focus on current understanding of how tumor-derived EVs molecularly and metabolically reprogram T cell fates and functions for tumor immunity. In addition, we discuss potential translations of targeting tumor-derived EVs to reconstitute suppressive tumor microenvironment or to develop antigen-based vaccines and drug delivery systems for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiya Ma
- Biology, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Jensen Vayalil
- Biology, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Grace Lee
- Biology, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Yuqi Wang
- Biology, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Guangyong Peng
- Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
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15
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The Immunomodulation Potential of Exosomes in Tumor Microenvironment. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:3710372. [PMID: 34616851 PMCID: PMC8490057 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3710372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are lipid bilayer particles that originated from almost all types of cells and play an important role in intercellular communication. Tumor-derived exosomes contain large amounts of noncoding RNA, DNA, and proteins, which can be transferred into recipient cells as functional components in exosomes. These exosomal functional constituents depend on the originating cells, and it has been proved that types and numbers of exosomal components differ in cancer patients and healthy individuals. This review summarizes the role of tumor-derived exosomes in immunomodulation and discusses the application of exosomes in immunotherapy in cancers. Overall, exosomes isolated from cancer cells are turned out to promote immune evasion and interfere with immune responses in tumors through inducing apoptosis of CD8+ T cells, facilitating generation of Tregs, suppressing natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity, inhibiting maturation and differentiation of monocyte, and enhancing suppressive function of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Mechanistically, exosomal functional components play a significant role in the immunomodulation in cancers. Moreover, based on the existing studies, exosomes could potentially serve as therapeutic delivery vehicles, noninvasive biomarkers, and immunotherapeutic vaccines for various types of cancers.
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16
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Massaro C, Min W, Pegtel DM, Baglio SR. Harnessing EV communication to restore antitumor immunity. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 176:113838. [PMID: 34144088 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Restoring effective anti-tumor immune responses to cure cancer is a promising strategy, but challenging to achieve due to the intricate crosstalk between tumor and immune cells. While it is established that tumor cells acquire traits to escape immune recognition, the involvement of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in curbing immune cell activation is rapidly emerging. By assisting cancer cells in spreading immunomodulatory signals in the form of (glyco)proteins, lipids, nucleic acids and metabolic regulators, EVs recently emerged as versatile mediators of immune suppression. Blocking their action might reactivate immune cell function and natural antitumor immune responses. Alternatively, EV communication may be exploited to boost anti-tumor immunity. Indeed, novel insights into EV biology paved the way for efficient ex vivo production of 'rationally engineered' EVs that function as potent antitumor vaccines or carry out specific functional tasks. In this review we discuss the latest findings on immune regulation by cancer EVs and explore how EV-mediated communication can be either targeted or harnessed to restore immunity as a means for cancer therapy.
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17
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Qi R, Zhao Y, Guo Q, Mi X, Cheng M, Hou W, Zheng H, Hua B. Exosomes in the lung cancer microenvironment: biological functions and potential use as clinical biomarkers. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:333. [PMID: 34193120 PMCID: PMC8247080 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01990-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant tumours worldwide. however, emerging immunotherapy and targeted therapies continue to show limited efficacy. In the search for new targets for lung cancer treatment, exosomes have become a major focus of research. Exosomes play an important role in the tumour microenvironment (TME) of lung cancer and affect invasion, metastasis, and treatment responses. This review describes our current understanding of the release of exosomes derived from different cells in the TME, the effects of exosomes on T/Tregs, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, tumour-associated macrophages, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells, and the role of exosomes in the endothelial–mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, and cancer-associated fibroblasts. In particular, this review focuses on the potential clinical applications of exosomes in the lung cancer microenvironment and their prognostic and diagnostic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runzhi Qi
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Yuwei Zhao
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Qiujun Guo
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Mi
- Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Qindu District, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Mengqi Cheng
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Hou
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Honggang Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Xicheng District, Beijing, China.
| | - Baojin Hua
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Xicheng District, Beijing, China.
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18
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Biswas A, De S. Drivers of dynamic intratumor heterogeneity and phenotypic plasticity. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2021; 320:C750-C760. [PMID: 33657326 PMCID: PMC8163571 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00575.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a clonal disease, i.e., all tumor cells within a malignant lesion trace their lineage back to a precursor somatic cell that acquired oncogenic mutations during development and aging. And yet, those tumor cells tend to have genetic and nongenetic variations among themselves-which is denoted as intratumor heterogeneity. Although some of these variations are inconsequential, others tend to contribute to cell state transition and phenotypic heterogeneity, providing a substrate for somatic evolution. Tumor cell phenotypes can dynamically change under the influence of genetic mutations, epigenetic modifications, and microenvironmental contexts. Although epigenetic and microenvironmental changes are adaptive, genetic mutations are usually considered permanent. Emerging reports suggest that certain classes of genetic alterations show extensive reversibility in tumors in clinically relevant timescales, contributing as major drivers of dynamic intratumor heterogeneity and phenotypic plasticity. Dynamic heterogeneity and phenotypic plasticity can confer resistance to treatment, promote metastasis, and enhance evolvability in cancer. Here, we first highlight recent efforts to characterize intratumor heterogeneity at genetic, epigenetic, and microenvironmental levels. We then discuss phenotypic plasticity and cell state transition by tumor cells, under the influence of genetic and nongenetic determinants and their clinical significance in classification of tumors and therapeutic decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antara Biswas
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Subhajyoti De
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
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19
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Singh D, Bocci F, Kulkarni P, Jolly MK. Coupled Feedback Loops Involving PAGE4, EMT and Notch Signaling Can Give Rise to Non-genetic Heterogeneity in Prostate Cancer Cells. ENTROPY (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 23:288. [PMID: 33652914 PMCID: PMC7996788 DOI: 10.3390/e23030288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Non-genetic heterogeneity is emerging as a crucial factor underlying therapy resistance in multiple cancers. However, the design principles of regulatory networks underlying non-genetic heterogeneity in cancer remain poorly understood. Here, we investigate the coupled dynamics of feedback loops involving (a) oscillations in androgen receptor (AR) signaling mediated through an intrinsically disordered protein PAGE4, (b) multistability in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and c) Notch-Delta-Jagged signaling mediated cell-cell communication, each of which can generate non-genetic heterogeneity through multistability and/or oscillations. Our results show how different coupling strengths between AR and EMT signaling can lead to monostability, bistability, or oscillations in the levels of AR, as well as propagation of oscillations to EMT dynamics. These results reveal the emergent dynamics of coupled oscillatory and multi-stable systems and unravel mechanisms by which non-genetic heterogeneity in AR levels can be generated, which can act as a barrier to most existing therapies for prostate cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divyoj Singh
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India;
- Undergraduate Programme, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Federico Bocci
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA;
- NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Prakash Kulkarni
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India;
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20
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Salgia R, Pharaon R, Mambetsariev I, Nam A, Sattler M. The improbable targeted therapy: KRAS as an emerging target in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Cell Rep Med 2021; 2:100186. [PMID: 33521700 PMCID: PMC7817862 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2020.100186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
KRAS is a frequent oncogenic driver in solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It was previously thought to be an "undruggable" target due to the lack of deep binding pockets for specific small-molecule inhibitors. A better understanding of the mechanisms that drive KRAS transformation, improved KRAS-targeted drugs, and immunological approaches that aim at yielding immune responses against KRAS neoantigens have sparked a race for approved therapies. Few treatments are available for KRAS mutant NSCLC patients, and several approaches are being tested in clinicals trials to fill this void. Here, we review promising therapeutics tested for KRAS mutant NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Rebecca Pharaon
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Isa Mambetsariev
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Arin Nam
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Martin Sattler
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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21
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Kugeratski FG, Kalluri R. Exosomes as mediators of immune regulation and immunotherapy in cancer. FEBS J 2020; 288:10-35. [PMID: 32910536 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Exosomes are nanosized extracellular vesicles of endosomal origin that enclose a multitude of functional biomolecules. Exosomes have emerged as key players of intercellular communication in physiological and pathological conditions. In cancer, depending on the context, exosomes can oppose or potentiate the development of an aggressive tumor microenvironment, thereby impacting tumor progression and clinical outcome. Increasing evidence has established exosomes as important mediators of immune regulation in cancer, as they deliver a plethora of signals that can either support or restrain immunosuppression of lymphoid and myeloid cell populations in tumors. Here, we review the current knowledge related to exosome-mediated regulation of lymphoid (T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and NK cells) and myeloid (macrophages, dendritic cells, monocytes, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and neutrophils) cell populations in cancer. We also discuss the translational potential of engineered exosomes as immunomodulatory agents for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda G Kugeratski
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Raghu Kalluri
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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22
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Yang D, Liu J. Targeting extracellular vesicles-mediated hepatic inflammation as a therapeutic strategy in liver diseases. Liver Int 2020; 40:2064-2073. [PMID: 32593200 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) are nano- to micro-sized membranous vesicles that can be produced by normal and diseased cells. As carriers of biologically active molecules including proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, EVs mediate cell-to-cell communication and execute diverse functions by delivering their cargoes to specific cell types. Hepatic inflammation caused by virus infection, autoimmunity and malignancy is a common driver of progressive liver fibrosis and permanent liver damage. Emerging evidence has shown that EVs-mediated inflammation as critical player in the progression of liver diseases since they shuttle within the liver as well as between other tissues with inflammatory signals. Therefore, targeting inflammatory EVs could represent a potential therapeutic strategy in liver diseases. Moreover, EVs are emerging as a promising tool for intracellular delivery of therapeutic nucleic acid. In this review, we will discuss not only recent advances on the role of EVs in mediating hepatic inflammation and present strategies for targeted therapy on the context of liver diseases but also the challenging questions that need to be answered in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dakai Yang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Liu
- Microbiology and Immunity Department, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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23
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Shi X, Sun J, Li H, Lin H, Xie W, Li J, Tan W. Antitumor efficacy of interferon-γ-modified exosomal vaccine in prostate cancer. Prostate 2020; 80:811-823. [PMID: 32427375 DOI: 10.1002/pros.23996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exosomes secreted by tumor cells can be regarded as carriers of tumor-associated antigens and have potential value in tumor immunotherapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antitumor efficacy of a novel exosomal vaccine (interferon-γ [IFN-γ]-modified exosomal vaccine) in prostate cancer. METHODS Prostate cancer cell-derived exosomes were used to prepare the exosomal vaccine using our protein-anchoring technique. The immunogenicity and therapeutic efficacy of the exosomes was evaluated by measuring the effects of the exosomal vaccine on M1 macrophage differentiation, the ability of macrophages to engulf the exosomes, the production of antibodies against exosomes, and tumor angiogenesis and metastasis, and tumor growth. RESULTS The IFN-γ fusion protein was efficiently anchored on the surface of prostate cancer cell-derived exosomes and retained its bioactivity. The IFN-γ-exosomal vaccine increased the number of M1 macrophages, enhanced the ability of M1 macrophages to engulf RM-1 cell-derived exosomes, and induced the production of specific antibodies against exosomes. The exosomal vaccine downregulated the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 and attenuated the effect of exosomes in promoting tumor metastasis. The proportions of CD4+ , CD8+ , and IFN-γ+ CD8+ T cells in the exosomal vaccine group were the highest among the four groups. Interestingly, the IFN-γ-exosomal vaccine decreased the percentage of Tregs and downregulated the expression of programed death-ligand 1 and indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase 1 in the tumor environment. The exosomal vaccine significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged the survival time of mice with prostate cancer. The exosomal and tumor cell vaccines had a good synergistic effect in promoting tumor immunity. CONCLUSIONS The novel exosomal vaccine induced an immune response that cleared prostate cancer cell-derived exosomes, thereby eliminating the regulatory effect of the exosomes. This study may provide experimental evidence for the use of exosomes as a therapeutic tool or target in immunotherapy for human prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Shi
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of Health Management, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haoran Li
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Lin
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Xie
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinlong Li
- Department of Institute of Biotherapy, Institute of Biotherapy, School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wanlong Tan
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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