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Batalha S, Gomes CM, Brito C. Immune microenvironment dynamics of HER2 overexpressing breast cancer under dual anti-HER2 blockade. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1267621. [PMID: 38022643 PMCID: PMC10643871 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1267621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The clinical prognosis of the HER2-overexpressing (HER2-OE) subtype of breast cancer (BC) is influenced by the immune infiltrate of the tumor. Specifically, monocytic cells, which are promoters of pro-tumoral immunosuppression, and NK cells, whose basal cytotoxic function may be enhanced with therapeutic antibodies. One of the standards of care for HER2+ BC patients includes the combination of the anti-HER2 antibodies trastuzumab and pertuzumab. This dual combination was a breakthrough against trastuzumab resistance; however, this regimen does not yield complete clinical benefit for a large fraction of patients. Further therapy refinement is still hampered by the lack of knowledge on the immune mechanism of action of this antibody-based dual HER2 blockade. Methods To explore how the dual antibody challenge influences the phenotype and function of immune cells infiltrating the HER2-OE BC microenvironment, we developed in vitro 3D heterotypic cell models of this subtype. The models comprised aggregates of HER2+ BC cell lines and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Cells were co-encapsulated in a chemically inert alginate hydrogel and maintained in agitation-based culture system for up to 7 days. Results The 3D models of the HER2-OE immune microenvironment retained original BC molecular features; the preservation of the NK cell compartment was achieved upon optimization of culture time and cytokine supplementation. Challenging the models with the standard-of-care combination of trastuzumab and pertuzumab resulted in enhanced immune cytotoxicity compared with trastuzumab alone. Features of the response to therapy within the immune tumor microenvironment were recapitulated, including induction of an immune effector state with NK cell activation, enhanced cell apoptosis and decline of immunosuppressive PD-L1+ immune cells. Conclusions This work presents a unique human 3D model for the study of immune effects of anti-HER2 biologicals, which can be used to test novel therapy regimens and improve anti-tumor immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Batalha
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Catarina Monteiro Gomes
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Catarina Brito
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
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Siquara da Rocha LDO, Souza BSDF, Coletta RD, Lambert DW, Gurgel Rocha CA. Mapping Cell-in-Cell Structures in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cells 2023; 12:2418. [PMID: 37830632 PMCID: PMC10572403 DOI: 10.3390/cells12192418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-in-cell (CIC) structures contribute to tumor aggressiveness and poor prognosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In vitro 3D models may contribute to the understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of these events. We employed a spheroid model to study the CIC structures in OSCC. Spheroids were obtained from OSCC (HSC3) and cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) lines using the Nanoshuttle-PLTM bioprinting system (Greiner Bio-One). Spheroid form, size, and reproducibility were evaluated over time (EvosTM XL; ImageJ version 1.8). Slides were assembled, stained (hematoxylin and eosin), and scanned (Axio Imager Z2/VSLIDE) using the OlyVIA System (Olympus Life Science) and ImageJ software (NIH) for cellular morphology and tumor zone formation (hypoxia and/or proliferative zones) analysis. CIC occurrence, complexity, and morphology were assessed considering the spheroid regions. Well-formed spheroids were observed within 6 h of incubation, showing the morphological aspects of the tumor microenvironment, such as hypoxic (core) and proliferative zone (periphery) formation. CIC structures were found in both homotypic and heterotypic groups, predominantly in the proliferative zone of the mixed HSC3/CAF spheroids. "Complex cannibalism" events were also noted. These results showcase the potential of this model in further studies on CIC morphology, formation, and relationship with tumor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo de Oliveira Siquara da Rocha
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador 40296-710, BA, Brazil; (L.d.O.S.d.R.); (B.S.d.F.S.)
- Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador 40110-100, BA, Brazil
| | - Bruno Solano de Freitas Souza
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador 40296-710, BA, Brazil; (L.d.O.S.d.R.); (B.S.d.F.S.)
- D’Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Salvador 41253-190, BA, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Della Coletta
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, School of Dentistry, University of Campinas, Piracicaba 13414-903, SP, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, University of Campinas, Piracicaba 13414-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniel W. Lambert
- School of Clinical Dentistry, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TA, UK
| | - Clarissa A. Gurgel Rocha
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador 40296-710, BA, Brazil; (L.d.O.S.d.R.); (B.S.d.F.S.)
- Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador 40110-100, BA, Brazil
- D’Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Salvador 41253-190, BA, Brazil
- Department of Propaedeutics, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador 40110-150, BA, Brazil
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Alves RF, Lopes C, Rocha E, Madureira TV. A Step Forward in the Characterization of Primary Brown Trout Hepatocytic Spheroids as Experimental Models. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2277. [PMID: 37508054 PMCID: PMC10376616 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammal hepatocyte spheroids have been investigated as alternative experimental models in several contexts, since three-dimensional (3D) systems have shown the potential to mimic in vivo scenarios. The description of fish hepatocyte 3D models is still minimal. This study intends to further characterize brown trout primary hepatocyte spheroids at distinct time points up to 25 days in culture. Viability, biometry, histomorphology, and basal expression of a selection of genes (metabolism and detoxification, efflux transport, and estrogenic signalling) were considered. The gene expression of whole liver samples from the same fish donor were evaluated concurrently. After 12 days in culture, the hepatocyte spheroids exhibited biometric and morphological stability. From the 12th to the 20th day in culture, the basal expression levels for most of the selected genes did not vary. The targeted mRNA levels were higher in brown trout liver samples compared to hepatocyte spheroids. Despite that, data supported that this model resembles some in vivo features. As an experimental alternative model, it showed potential to be used in a stable time window that can be exploited for exposure tests to different xenobiotics, namely, estrogenic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo F Alves
- Team of Animal Morphology and Toxicology, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Célia Lopes
- Team of Animal Morphology and Toxicology, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Eduardo Rocha
- Team of Animal Morphology and Toxicology, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Tânia V Madureira
- Team of Animal Morphology and Toxicology, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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Lyu X, Cui F, Zhou H, Cao B, Zhang X, Cai M, Yang S, Sun B, Li G. 3D co-culture of macrophages and fibroblasts in a sessile drop array for unveiling the role of macrophages in skin wound-healing. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 225:115111. [PMID: 36731395 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) heterotypic multicellular spheroid models play important roles in researches of the proliferation and remodeling phases in wound healing. This study aimed to develop a sessile drop array to cultivate 3D spheroids and simulate wound healing stage in vitro using NIH-3T3 fibroblasts and M2-type macrophages. By the aid of the offset of surface tension and gravity, the sessile drop array is able to transfer cell suspensions to spheroids via the superhydrophobic surface of each microwell. Meanwhile, each microwell has a cylinder hole at its bottom that provides adequate oxygen to the spheroid. It demonstrated that the NIH-3T3 fibroblast spheroid and the 3T3 fibroblast/M2-type macrophage heterotypic multicellular spheroid can form and maintain physiological activities within nine days. In order to further investigate the structure without destroying the entire spheroid, we reconstructed its 3D morphology using transparent processing technology and the Z-stack function of confocal microscopy. Additionally, a nano antibody-based 3D immunostaining assay was used to analyze the proliferation and differentiation characteristics of these cells. It found that M2-type macrophages were capable of promoting the differentiation of 3T3 fibroblast spheroid. In this study, a novel, inexpensive platform was constructed for developing spheroids, as well as a 3D immunofluorescence method for investigating the macrophage-associated wound healing microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Lyu
- Department of Dermatology, Laboratory of Dermatology, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Feiyun Cui
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Hang Zhou
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnostics, School of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Bo Cao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xiaolan Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Minghui Cai
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Shulong Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Bangyong Sun
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Technology and Systems, Ministry of Education, Defense Key Disciplines Lab of Novel Micro-Nano Devices and System Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Gang Li
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Technology and Systems, Ministry of Education, Defense Key Disciplines Lab of Novel Micro-Nano Devices and System Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China.
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Tartagni O, Borók A, Mensà E, Bonyár A, Monti B, Hofkens J, Porcelli AM, Zuccheri G. Microstructured soft devices for the growth and analysis of populations of homogenous multicellular tumor spheroids. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:93. [PMID: 36929461 PMCID: PMC10020259 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04748-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Multicellular tumor spheroids are rapidly emerging as an improved in vitro model with respect to more traditional 2D culturing. Microwell culturing is a simple and accessible method for generating a large number of uniformly sized spheroids, but commercially available systems often do not enable researchers to perform complete culturing and analysis pipelines and the mechanical properties of their culture environment are not commonly matching those of the target tissue. We herein report a simple method to obtain custom-designed self-built microwell arrays made of polydimethylsiloxane or agarose for uniform 3D cell structure generation. Such materials can provide an environment of tunable mechanical flexibility. We developed protocols to culture a variety of cancer and non-cancer cell lines in such devices and to perform molecular and imaging characterizations of the spheroid growth, viability, and response to pharmacological treatments. Hundreds of tumor spheroids grow (in scaffolded or scaffold-free conditions) at homogeneous rates and can be harvested at will. Microscopy imaging can be performed in situ during or at the end of the culture. Fluorescence (confocal) microscopy can be performed after in situ staining while retaining the geographic arrangement of spheroids in the plate wells. This platform can enable statistically robust investigations on cancer biology and screening of drug treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ottavia Tartagni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via San Donato, 19/2, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alexandra Borók
- Department of Electronics Technology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Emanuela Mensà
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via San Donato, 19/2, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Attila Bonyár
- Department of Electronics Technology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Barbara Monti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via San Donato, 19/2, 40127, Bologna, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research on Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Johan Hofkens
- Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anna Maria Porcelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via San Donato, 19/2, 40127, Bologna, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research on Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Zuccheri
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via San Donato, 19/2, 40127, Bologna, Italy.
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research on Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
- S3 Center, Institute of Nanoscience, Italian National Research Council, Modena, Italy.
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Effects and Mechanisms of Action of Preussin, a Marine Fungal Metabolite, against the Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cell Line, MDA-MB-231, in 2D and 3D Cultures. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:md21030166. [PMID: 36976215 PMCID: PMC10053333 DOI: 10.3390/md21030166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents an aggressive subtype of breast cancer (BC) with a typically poorer prognosis than other subtypes of BC and limited therapeutic options. Therefore, new drugs would be particularly welcome to help treat TNBC. Preussin, isolated from the marine sponge-associated fungus, Aspergillus candidus, has shown the potential to reduce cell viability and proliferation as well as to induce cell death and cell cycle arrest in 2D cell culture models. However, studies that better mimic the tumors in vivo, such as 3D cell cultures, are needed. Here, we studied the effects of preussin in the MDA-MB-231 cell line, comparing 2D and 3D cell cultures, using ultrastructural analysis and the MTT, BrdU, annexin V-PI, comet (alkaline and FPG modified versions), and wound healing assays. Preussin was found to decrease cell viability, both in 2D and 3D cell cultures, in a dose-dependent manner, impair cell proliferation, and induce cell death, therefore excluding the hypothesis of genotoxic properties. The cellular impacts were reflected by ultrastructural alterations in both cell culture models. Preussin also significantly inhibited the migration of MDA-MB-231 cells. The new data expanded the knowledge on preussin actions while supporting other studies, highlighting its potential as a molecule or scaffold for the development of new anticancer drugs against TNBC.
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