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Yang F, Yang J, Wu M, Chen C, Chu X. Tertiary lymphoid structures: new immunotherapy biomarker. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1394505. [PMID: 39026662 PMCID: PMC11254617 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1394505] [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: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy shows substantial advancement in cancer and is becoming widely used in clinical practice. A variety of biomarkers have been proposed to predict the efficacy of immunotherapy, but most of them have low predictive ability. Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs), the aggregation of multiple lymphocytes, have been found to exist in various tumor tissues. TLSs have been shown to correlate with patient prognosis and immunotherapy response. This review summarizes the characteristics of TLSs and the inducing factors of TLS formation, presents available evidence on the role of TLSs in predicting immunotherapy response in different cancers, and lastly emphasizes their predictive potential for neoadjuvant immunotherapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyuan Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiahe Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meijuan Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Chu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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2
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Xu J, Lu W, Yang J, Liu X. B cells present a double-sided effect in digestive system tumors: a review for tumor microenvironment. Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 9:46. [PMID: 39091659 PMCID: PMC11292093 DOI: 10.21037/tgh-23-127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past few years, there has been an increasing interest in investigating tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. B lymphocytes (B cells) are extensively distributed within tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) as multifaceted subgroups and are intimately linked to the anti-tumor properties of TLS, as well as the survival and prognostication of individuals. While the investigation of T lymphocytes in the TLS has advanced to the level of clinical practice, the study of B cells remains limited. The principal impediment to the utilization of B cells in immunotherapy is their notable dual impact on tumors. Compared with tumors in other parts and systems, the function of B cells in the microenvironment of digestive system tumors to promote tumors proliferation, differentiation and migration cannot be ignored. Therefore, this review collects the studies of B cell subsets in tumor microenvironments, particularly related single cell sequencing research. The multifaceted role and function of B cells are investigated in esophageal, liver, colorectal, gastric and pancreatic cancers. And through the identification of B cell subsets and specific markers, this review attempts to explain the reasons why B cells produce different tumor-promoting effects in those tumors. The insights gleaned from this review may provide potential help and support the development of B cell-based immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaren Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weiying Lu
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinpu Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaosun Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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3
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Lee H, Park S, Yun JH, Seo C, Ahn JM, Cha HY, Shin YS, Park HR, Lee D, Roh J, Heo HJ, Baek SE, Kim EK, Lee HS, Kim CH, Kim YH, Jang JY. Deciphering head and neck cancer microenvironment: Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics reveals human papillomavirus-associated differences. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29386. [PMID: 38235919 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29386] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major causative factor of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and the incidence of HPV- associated HNSCC is increasing. The role of tumor microenvironment in viral infection and metastasis needs to be explored further. We studied the molecular characteristics of primary tumors (PTs) and lymph node metastatic tumors (LNMTs) by stratifying them based on their HPV status. Eight samples for single-cell RNA profiling and six samples for spatial transcriptomics (ST), composed of matched primary tumors (PT) and lymph node metastases (LNMT), were collected from both HPV- negative (HPV- ) and HPV-positive (HPV+ ) patients. Using the 10x Genomics Visium platform, integrative analyses with single-cell RNA sequencing were performed. Intracellular and intercellular alterations were analyzed, and the findings were confirmed using experimental validation and publicly available data set. The HPV+ tissues were composed of a substantial amount of lymphoid cells regardless of the presence or absence of metastasis, whereas the HPV- tissue exhibited remarkable changes in the number of macrophages and plasma cells, particularly in the LNMT. From both single-cell RNA and ST data set, we discovered a central gene, pyruvate kinase muscle isoform 1/2 (PKM2), which is closely associated with the stemness of cancer stem cell-like populations in LNMT of HPV- tissue. The consistent expression was observed in HPV- HNSCC cell line and the knockdown of PKM2 weakened spheroid formation ability. Furthermore, we found an ectopic lymphoid structure morphology and clinical effects of the structure in ST slide of the HPV+ patients and verified their presence in tumor tissue using immunohistochemistry. Finally, the ephrin-A (EPHA2) pathway was detected as important signals in angiogenesis for HPV- patients from single-cell RNA and ST profiles, and knockdown of EPHA2 declined the cell migration. Our study described the distinct cellular composition and molecular alterations in primary and metastatic sites in HNSCC patients based on their HPV status. These results provide insights into HNSCC biology in the context of HPV infection and its potential clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hansong Lee
- Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University, Yangsan, South Korea
| | - Sohee Park
- Data Science Center, Insilicogen, Inc., Yongin-si, South Korea
| | - Ju Hyun Yun
- Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Chorong Seo
- Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Ji Mi Ahn
- Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Hyun-Young Cha
- Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Yoo Seob Shin
- Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Hae Ryoun Park
- Department of Periodontology and Dental Research Institute, Pusan National University Dental Hospital, Yangsan, South Korea
- Periodontal Disease Signaling Network Research Center, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Yangsan, South Korea
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Yangsan, South Korea
| | - Dongjun Lee
- Department of Convergence Medicine, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, South Korea
| | - Jin Roh
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Hye Jin Heo
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, South Korea
| | - Seung Eun Baek
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, South Korea
| | - Eun Kyoung Kim
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, South Korea
| | - Hae Seul Lee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, South Korea
| | - Chul-Ho Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Yun Hak Kim
- Periodontal Disease Signaling Network Research Center, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Yangsan, South Korea
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, South Korea
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, South Korea
| | - Jeon Yeob Jang
- Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ajou University Graduate School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
- Department of Convergence Healthcare Medicine, Graduate School of Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
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Tobias J, Högler S, Raigel M, Lin DSC, Chao Y, Kenner L, Garner-Spitzer E, Yavrom S, Ede NJ, Zielinski CC, Kundi M, Wiedermann U. Preclinical and Clinical Observations Implying Combination Therapy to Enhance the Efficacy of the Her-2/neu B-Cell Peptide-Based Vaccine HER-Vaxx and to Prevent Immune Evasion. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:287. [PMID: 38203458 PMCID: PMC10778754 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010287] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Her-2/neu-targeting therapy by passive application with trastuzumab is associated with acquired resistance and subsequent metastasis development, which is attributed to the upregulation of tumoral PD-L1 expression and the downregulation of Her-2/neu. We aimed to investigate this association, following active immunization with our recently constructed B-cell peptide-based Her-2/neu vaccines in both preclinical and clinical settings. Immunohistochemistry (IHC), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and combined positive score (CPS) were applied to evaluate Her-2/neu and PD-L1 expression using a murine syngeneic tumor model for Her-2/neu lung metastases and tumor biopsies from a gastric cancer patient with disease progression. A significant and concomitant reduction in Her-2/neu and the upregulation of PD-L1 expression was observed in vaccinated mice after 45 days, but not after 30 days, of metastases development. A significant increase in tumor-infiltrating B lymphocytes was observed at both time points. The downregulation of Her-2/neu and the upregulation of PD-L1 were observed in a patient's primary tumor at the disease progression time point but not prior to vaccination (Her-2/neu IHC: 3 to 0, FISH: 4.98 to 1.63; PD-L1 CPS: 0% to 5%). Our results further underline the need for combination therapy by targeting PD-L1 to prevent metastasis formation and immune evasion of Her-2/neu-positive and PD-L1-negative tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Tobias
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Sandra Högler
- Institute of Pathology, Unit of Laboratory Animal Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (S.H.)
| | - Martin Raigel
- Institute of Pathology, Unit of Laboratory Animal Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (S.H.)
| | - Diego Shih-Chieh Lin
- Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (D.S.-C.L.); (Y.C.)
| | - Yee Chao
- Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (D.S.-C.L.); (Y.C.)
| | - Lukas Kenner
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Erika Garner-Spitzer
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Sharon Yavrom
- Imugene Limited, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia; (S.Y.); (N.J.E.)
| | - Nicholas J. Ede
- Imugene Limited, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia; (S.Y.); (N.J.E.)
| | - Christoph C. Zielinski
- Central European Cancer Center, Wiener Privatklinik, and Central European Cooperative Oncology Group (CECOG), 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Michael Kundi
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Ursula Wiedermann
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
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Zhou R, Zhou J, Muhuitijiang B, Zeng X, Tan W. Construction and experimental validation of a B cell-related gene signature to predict the prognosis and immunotherapeutic sensitivity in bladder cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:5355-5380. [PMID: 37379131 PMCID: PMC10333061 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND B cells are essential components of tumor microenvironment and exert important functions in anti-tumor immune response. However, the prognosis value of B cell-related genes in bladder cancer (BLCA) remains obscure. MATERIALS AND METHODS The infiltrating levels of B cells were measured via the CD20 staining in the local samples and the computational biology analyses in the TCGA-BLCA cohort. The single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, gene-pair strategy, LASSO regression, random forest, and Cox regression were used for B cell-related signature construction. TCGA-BLCA cohort was chosen as the training cohort, and three independent cohorts from GEO and the local cohort were used for external validation. 326 B cells were adopted to explore the association between the model and B cells' biological processes. TIDE algorithm and two BLCA cohorts receiving anti-PD1/PDL1 treatment were utilized to detect its predictive ability to the immunotherapeutic response. RESULTS High infiltration levels of B cells heralded favorable prognosis, both in the TCGA-BLCA cohort and the local cohort (all P < 0.05). A 5-gene-pair model was established and served as a significant prognosis predictor across multiple cohorts (pooled hazard ratio = 2.79, 95% confidence interval = 2.22-3.49). The model could evaluate the prognosis effectively in 21 of 33 cancer types (P < 0.05). The signature was negatively associated with B cells' activation, proliferation, and infiltrating levels, and could serve as a potential predictor of immunotherapeutic outcomes. CONCLUSIONS A B cell-related gene signature was constructed to predict the prognosis and immunotherapeutic sensitivity in BLCA, helping to guide the personalized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranran Zhou
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiawei Zhou
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong, China
| | - Bahaerguli Muhuitijiang
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiangbo Zeng
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong, China
| | - Wanlong Tan
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong, China
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Han L, Zhang L. CCL21/CCR7 axis as a therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 121:110431. [PMID: 37331295 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110431] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) is a G protein-coupled receptor containing 7 transmembrane domains that is expressed on various cells, such as naive T/B cells, central memory T cells, regulatory T cells, immature/mature dendritic cells (DCs), natural killer cells, and a minority of tumor cells. Chemokine ligand 21 (CCL21) is the known high-affinity ligand that binds to CCR7 and drives cell migration in tissues. CCL21 is mainly produced by stromal cells and lymphatic endothelial cells, and its expression is significantly increased under inflammatory conditions. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have shown a strong association between CCL21/CCR7 axis and disease severity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, sjogren's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, polymyositis, ankylosing spondylitis, and asthma. Disrupting CCL21/CCR7 interaction with antibodies or inhibitors prevents the migration of CCR7-expressing immune and non-immune cells at the site of inflammation and reduces disease severity. This review emphasizes the importance of the CCL21 /CCR7 axis in autoimmune diseases and evaluates its potential as a novel therapeutic target for these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Han
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Southeast University Medical College, Jiangyin 214400, China
| | - Lingling Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Centre of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Center of Rheumatoid Arthritis of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
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7
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Milardi G, Lleo A. Tumor-Infiltrating B Lymphocytes: Promising Immunotherapeutic Targets for Primary Liver Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072182. [PMID: 37046842 PMCID: PMC10093314 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma are the fourth most lethal primary cancers worldwide. Therefore, there is an urgent need for therapeutic strategies, including immune cell targeting therapies. The heterogeneity of liver cancer is partially explained by the characteristics of the tumor microenvironment (TME), where adaptive and innate immune system cells are the main components. Pioneering studies of primary liver cancers revealed that tumor-infiltrating immune cells and their dynamic interaction with cancer cells significantly impacted carcinogenesis, playing an important role in cancer immune evasion and responses to immunotherapy treatment. In particular, B cells may play a prominent role and have a controversial function in the TME. In this work, we highlight the effect of B lymphocytes as tumor infiltrates in relation to primary liver cancers and their potential prognostic value. We also present the key pathways underlying B-cell interactions within the TME, as well as the way that a comprehensive characterization of B-cell biology can be exploited to develop novel immune-based therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Milardi
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Labaratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Ana Lleo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072 Milan, Italy
- Department of Gastroenterology, Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
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Magara T, Nakamura M, Nojiri Y, Yoshimitsu M, Kano S, Kato H, Morita A. Tumor immune microenvironment of cutaneous angiosarcoma with cancer testis antigens and the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1106434. [PMID: 37081973 PMCID: PMC10112511 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1106434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous angiosarcoma (CAS) is a highly malignant tumor with few effective treatments. Although the indication for immune checkpoint inhibitors such as anti-PD-1 antibodies is expected to expand, there are many unknowns regarding the tumor immune microenvironment in CAS, which is generally considered an immunologically “cold” tumor. Our previous study demonstrated that tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) were associated with a favorable prognosis in CAS. However, we still don’t know what the difference is between cases of TLS-rich and TLS-poor. Furthermore, the number of TLSs can vary significantly between lesions in the same case, for example, between primary and recurrence. To analyze the changes in the tumor immune microenvironment in CAS in more detail, we performed comprehensive RNA sequencing using a Next-generation sequencer (NGS). Sixty-two samples from 31 cases of CAS treated at Nagoya City University were collected. NGS and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed on 15 samples among them. Immunohistochemistry and prognostic analysis by Kaplan-Meier method were performed on all 62 samples. NGS results showed that NY-ESO-1 (CTAG1B) was significantly upregulated in the TLS-positive cases. Immune checkpoint molecules including programmed death-1 (PD-1) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) were upregulated in TLS-negative or TLS-low cases and seemed to associate with the suppression of TLS formation. In a comparison of primary and recurrent lesions, other cancer-testis antigens (CTAs) including XAGE-1B were significantly upregulated in recurrent lesions. The number of infiltrating CD8-positive cells and TLSs showed no significant trend between primary and recurrent lesions. However, the PD-L1 expression of tumor cells was significantly lower in recurrent than in primary lesions. Chemokines correlated with NY-ESO-1 expression were CCL21 and CXCL8, and only CCL21 correlated with the number of TLS. There was no chemokine associated with XAGE-1. NY-ESO-1 and XAGE-1 are detectable by immunohistochemistry. Although each cannot be a prognostic marker by itself, they can be a helpful marker in combination with the number of TLSs. CTAs play an essential role in forming the tumor immune microenvironment in CAS. These findings are evidence that CAS is an immunologically “hot” tumor and provides us with potential therapeutic targets and encourages the expansion of immunotherapy indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Magara
- Department of Geriatric and Environmental Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Motoki Nakamura
- Department of Geriatric and Environmental Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yuka Nojiri
- Department of Geriatric and Environmental Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Maki Yoshimitsu
- Department of Geriatric and Environmental Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shinji Kano
- Department of Geriatric and Environmental Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kato
- Department of Geriatric and Environmental Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akimichi Morita
- Department of Geriatric and Environmental Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
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Revisiting the Role of the CXCL13/CXCR5-Associated Immune Axis in Melanoma: Potential Implications for Anti-PD-1-Related Biomarker Research. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020553. [PMID: 36836910 PMCID: PMC9958642 DOI: 10.3390/life13020553] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
CXCL13 is a potent chemoattractant cytokine that promotes the migration of cells expressing its cognate receptor, CXCR5. Accordingly, T follicular helper cells and B cells migrate towards B cell follicles in lymph nodes, where the resulting spatial proximity promotes B cell/T cell interaction and antibody formation. Moreover, effector cells of the CXCL13/CXCR5-associated immune axis express PD-1, with corresponding circulating cells occurring in the blood. The formation of so-called ectopic or tertiary lymphoid structures, recently detected in different cancer types, represents an integral part of this axis, particularly in the context of its emerging role in anti-tumor defense. These aspects of the CXCL13/CXCR5-associated immune axis are highlighted in this review, which focuses on cutaneous malignant melanoma. Specifically, we elaborate on the role of this important immune axis as a possible ancillary target of immune checkpoint inhibition with anti-PD-1 antibodies in different therapeutic settings and as a potential source of predictive biomarkers regarding treatment efficacy.
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10
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Nie Y, Fan H, Li J, Lei X, Zhang T, Wang Y, Mao Z, Tao K, Song W. Tertiary lymphoid structures: Associated multiple immune cells and analysis their formation in hepatocellular carcinoma. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22586. [PMID: 36190431 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200269rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The prognostic value of immune cells in tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) remains unclear in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, 59 of 145 patients had TLSs in training set, 48 of 120 patients had TLSs in testing set. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to label CD3+ T cells, CD20+ B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD208+ dendritic cells, and CD21+ follicular dendritic cells in TLSs. High CD20+, CD208+, and CD8+ cell densities were favorable prognostic factors for overall survival (OS). High CD3+, CD20+, CD208+, and CD8+ cell densities were significantly associated with reduced early recurrence. TLSs were divided into three grades (A, B, and C) based on immune cell density. Patients with grade C or B had significantly improved OS. Patients with grade C had the lowest recurrence rate, followed by those with grade B, while patients with grade A had the highest recurrence rate. The stromal, immune, and ESTIMATE scores derived from the ESTIMATE package were significantly higher and tumor purity was significantly lower in patients with TLSs. Patients with TLSs had significantly higher relative numbers of memory B cells, plasma cells, CD8+ T cells, NK cells, and dendritic cells and lower relative numbers of Treg cells, macrophages, and M2 macrophages according to the CIBERSORT assessment. Bioinformatics analysis and experiments confirmed that KLRK1 and GZMA expression are associated TLSs formation and can predict TLSs existence. Grade B and grade C were favorable prognostic factors for OS and recurrence and could represent immune-active tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Nie
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hanlu Fan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jianhui Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xinjun Lei
- Department of General Surgery, The Centre Hospital Weinan Shaanxi, Weinan, China
| | - Tianchen Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yanfang Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhenzhen Mao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kaishan Tao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wenjie Song
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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11
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Therapeutic targets and biomarkers of tumor immunotherapy: response versus non-response. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:331. [PMID: 36123348 PMCID: PMC9485144 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01136-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancers are highly complex diseases that are characterized by not only the overgrowth of malignant cells but also an altered immune response. The inhibition and reprogramming of the immune system play critical roles in tumor initiation and progression. Immunotherapy aims to reactivate antitumor immune cells and overcome the immune escape mechanisms of tumors. Represented by immune checkpoint blockade and adoptive cell transfer, tumor immunotherapy has seen tremendous success in the clinic, with the capability to induce long-term regression of some tumors that are refractory to all other treatments. Among them, immune checkpoint blocking therapy, represented by PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors (nivolumab) and CTLA-4 inhibitors (ipilimumab), has shown encouraging therapeutic effects in the treatment of various malignant tumors, such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and melanoma. In addition, with the advent of CAR-T, CAR-M and other novel immunotherapy methods, immunotherapy has entered a new era. At present, evidence indicates that the combination of multiple immunotherapy methods may be one way to improve the therapeutic effect. However, the overall clinical response rate of tumor immunotherapy still needs improvement, which warrants the development of novel therapeutic designs as well as the discovery of biomarkers that can guide the prescription of these agents. Learning from the past success and failure of both clinical and basic research is critical for the rational design of studies in the future. In this article, we describe the efforts to manipulate the immune system against cancer and discuss different targets and cell types that can be exploited to promote the antitumor immune response.
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Jia W, Zhang T, Yao Q, Li J, Nie Y, Lei X, Mao Z, Wang Y, Shi W, Song W. Tertiary Lymphatic Structures in Primary Hepatic Carcinoma: Controversy Cannot Overshadow Hope. Front Immunol 2022; 13:870458. [PMID: 35844587 PMCID: PMC9278517 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.870458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) are organized aggregates of immune cells found in the tumor microenvironment. TLS can influence primary hepatic carcinoma (PHC) occurrence and have an active role in cancer. TLS can promote or inhibit the growth of PHC depending on their location, and although available findings are controversial, they suggest that TLS have a protective role in PHC tissues and a non-protective role in paracancerous tissues. In addition, the cellular composition of TLS can also influence the outcome of PHC. As an immunity marker, TLS can act as a marker of immunotherapy to predict its effect and help to identify patients who will respond well to immunotherapy. Modulation of TLS formation through the use of chemokines/cytokines, immunotherapy, or induction of high endothelial vein to interfere with tumor growth has been studied extensively in PHC and other cancers. In addition, new tools such as genetic interventions, cellular crosstalk, preoperative radiotherapy, and advances in materials science have been shown to influence the prognosis of malignant tumors by modulating TLS production. These can also be used to develop PHC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weili Jia
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Tianchen Zhang
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Qianyun Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jianhui Li
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ye Nie
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xinjun Lei
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhenzhen Mao
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yanfang Wang
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wen Shi
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wenjie Song
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Wenjie Song,
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Rojas F, Parra ER, Wistuba II, Haymaker C, Solis Soto LM. Pathological Response and Immune Biomarker Assessment in Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma Receiving Neoadjuvant Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112775. [PMID: 35681755 PMCID: PMC9179283 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved neoadjuvant immunotherapy plus chemotherapy for the treatment of resectable non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) due to the clinical benefits reported in several clinical trials. In these settings, the pathological assessment of the tumor bed to quantify a pathological response has been used as a surrogate method of clinical benefit to neoadjuvant therapy. In addition, several clinical trials are including the assessment of tissue-, blood-, or host-based biomarkers to predict therapy response and to monitor the response to neoadjuvant treatment. In this manuscript, we provide an overview of current recommendations for the evaluation of pathological response and describe potential biomarkers used in clinical trials of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in resectable NSCLC. Abstract Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer incidence and mortality worldwide. Adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy have been used in the perioperative setting of non-small-cell carcinoma (NSCLC); however, the five-year survival rate only improves by about 5%. Neoadjuvant treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has become significant due to improved survival in advanced NSCLC patients treated with immunotherapy agents. The assessment of pathology response has been proposed as a surrogate indicator of the benefits of neaodjuvant therapy. An outline of recommendations has been published by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) for the evaluation of pathologic response (PR). However, recent studies indicate that evaluations of immune-related changes are distinct in surgical resected samples from patients treated with immunotherapy. Several clinical trials of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in resectable NSCLC have included the study of biomarkers that can predict the response of therapy and monitor the response to treatment. In this review, we provide relevant information on the current recommendations of the assessment of pathological responses in surgical resected NSCLC tumors treated with neoadjuvant immunotherapy, and we describe current and potential biomarkers to predict the benefits of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in patients with resectable NSCLC.
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Perspectives on Vascular Regulation of Mechanisms Controlling Selective Immune Cell Function in the Tumor Immune Response. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042313. [PMID: 35216427 PMCID: PMC8877013 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The vasculature plays a major role in regulating the tumor immune cell response although the underlying mechanisms explaining such effects remain poorly understood. This review discusses current knowledge on known vascular functions with a viewpoint on how they may yield distinct immune responses. The vasculature might directly influence selective immune cell infiltration into tumors by its cell surface expression of cell adhesion molecules, expression of cytokines, cell junction properties, focal adhesions, cytoskeleton and functional capacity. This will alter the tumor microenvironment and unleash a plethora of responses that will influence the tumor’s immune status. Despite our current knowledge of numerous mechanisms operating, the field is underexplored in that few functions providing a high degree of specificity have yet been provided in relation to the enormous divergence of responses apparent in human cancers. Further exploration of this field is much warranted.
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