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Luo Z, Mei J, Wang X, Wang R, He Z, Geffen Y, Sun X, Zhang X, Xu J, Wan R, Feng X, Jiao C, Su X, Sun J, Chen S, Chen J, Mao W, Yang Y, Sun Y. Voluntary exercise sensitizes cancer immunotherapy via the collagen inhibition-orchestrated inflammatory tumor immune microenvironment. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114697. [PMID: 39217611 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114697] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Physical activity reduces cancer-associated mortality through multiple mechanisms, including tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) reprogramming. However, whether and how physiological interventions promote anti-tumor immunity remain elusive. Here, we report that clinically relevant voluntary exercise promotes muscle-derived extracellular vesicle (EV)-associated miR-29a-3p for tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) inhibition in patients and mouse models, thereby permitting immune cell infiltration and immunotherapy. Mechanistically, an unbiased screening identifies EV-associated miR-29a-3p in response to leisure-time physical activity or voluntary exercise. MiR-29a-3p-containing EVs accumulate in tumors and downregulate collagen composition by targeting COL1A1. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments and cytometry by time of flight (CyTOF) demonstrate that myocyte-secreted miR-29a-3p promotes anti-tumor immunity. Combining immunotherapy with voluntary exercise or miR-29a-3p further enhances anti-tumor efficacy. Clinically, miR-29a-3p correlates with reduced ECM, increased T cell infiltration, and response to immunotherapy. Our work reveals the predictive value of miR-29a-3p for immunotherapy, provides mechanistic insights into exercise-induced anti-cancer immunity, and highlights the potential of voluntary exercise in sensitizing immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwen Luo
- Department of Sports Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Jie Mei
- The First Clinical Medicine College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
| | - Xianwen Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Ruixin Wang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Zhao He
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yifat Geffen
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Xiaomeng Sun
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Xingyu Zhang
- Department of Sports Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Junying Xu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Renwen Wan
- Department of Sports Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Xinting Feng
- Department of Sports Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Chunmeng Jiao
- Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiaoping Su
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Junming Sun
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Shiyi Chen
- Department of Sports Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Jiwu Chen
- Department of Sports Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Wenjun Mao
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
| | - Yunlong Yang
- Department of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Yaying Sun
- Department of Sports Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China.
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Karunasagara S, Taghizadeh A, Kim SH, Kim SJ, Kim YJ, Taghizadeh M, Kim MY, Oh KY, Lee JH, Kim HS, Hyun J, Kim HW. Tissue Mechanics and Hedgehog Signaling Crosstalk as a Key Epithelial-Stromal Interplay in Cancer Development. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2400063. [PMID: 38976559 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial-stromal interplay through chemomechanical cues from cells and matrix propels cancer progression. Elevated tissue stiffness in potentially malignant tissues suggests a link between matrix stiffness and enhanced tumor growth. In this study, employing chronic oral/esophageal injury and cancer models, it is demonstrated that epithelial-stromal interplay through matrix stiffness and Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is key in compounding cancer development. Epithelial cells actively interact with fibroblasts, exchanging mechanoresponsive signals during the precancerous stage. Specifically, epithelial cells release Sonic Hh, activating fibroblasts to produce matrix proteins and remodeling enzymes, resulting in tissue stiffening. Subsequently, basal epithelial cells adjacent to the stiffened tissue become proliferative and undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, acquiring migratory and invasive properties, thereby promoting invasive tumor growth. Notably, transcriptomic programs of oncogenic GLI2, mechano-activated by actin cytoskeletal tension, govern this process, elucidating the crucial role of non-canonical GLI2 activation in orchestrating the proliferation and mesenchymal transition of epithelial cells. Furthermore, pharmacological intervention targeting tissue stiffening proves highly effective in slowing cancer progression. These findings underscore the impact of epithelial-stromal interplay through chemo-mechanical (Hh-stiffness) signaling in cancer development, and suggest that targeting tissue stiffness holds promise as a strategy to disrupt chemo-mechanical feedback, enabling effective cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanika Karunasagara
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Ali Taghizadeh
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hyun Kim
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science & Technology, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - So Jung Kim
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Jae Kim
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Mohsen Taghizadeh
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Moon-Young Kim
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu-Young Oh
- Department of Oral Pathology, College of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hwan Lee
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Mechanobiology Dental Medicine Research Center, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- UCL Eastman-Korea Dental Medicine Innovation Centre, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomaterials Science, College of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Cell & Matter Institute, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Sung Kim
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Mechanobiology Dental Medicine Research Center, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- UCL Eastman-Korea Dental Medicine Innovation Centre, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongeun Hyun
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Mechanobiology Dental Medicine Research Center, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- UCL Eastman-Korea Dental Medicine Innovation Centre, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Regenerative Dental Medicine, College of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Won Kim
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Mechanobiology Dental Medicine Research Center, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- UCL Eastman-Korea Dental Medicine Innovation Centre, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Regenerative Dental Medicine, College of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Cell & Matter Institute, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
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Sengupta K, Dillard P, Limozin L. Morphodynamics of T-lymphocytes: Scanning to spreading. Biophys J 2024; 123:2224-2233. [PMID: 38425041 PMCID: PMC11331044 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Binding of the T cell receptor complex to its ligand, the subsequent molecular rearrangement, and the concomitant cell-scale shape changes represent the very first steps of adaptive immune recognition. The first minutes of the interaction of T cells and antigen presenting cells have been extensively scrutinized; yet, gaps remain in our understanding of how the biophysical properties of the environment may impact the sequence of events. In particular, many pioneering experiments were done on immobilized ligands and gave major insights into the process of T cell activation, whereas later experiments have indicated that ligand mobility was of paramount importance, especially to enable the formation of T cell receptor clusters. Systematic experiments to compare and reconcile the two schools are still lacking. Furthermore, recent investigations using compliant substrates have elucidated other intriguing aspects of T cell mechanics. Here we review experiments on interaction of T cells with planar artificial antigen presenting cells to explore the impact of mechanics on adhesion and actin morphodynamics during the spreading process. We enumerate a sequence tracing first contact to final spread state that is consistent with current understanding. Finally, we interpret the presented experimental results in light of a mechanical model that captures all the different morphodynamic states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kheya Sengupta
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, CINAM, Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France.
| | - Pierre Dillard
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, CINAM, Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France; Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, LAI, Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | - Laurent Limozin
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, LAI, Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France.
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Rogers J, Bajur AT, Salaita K, Spillane KM. Mechanical control of antigen detection and discrimination by T and B cell receptors. Biophys J 2024; 123:2234-2255. [PMID: 38794795 PMCID: PMC11331051 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The adaptive immune response is orchestrated by just two cell types, T cells and B cells. Both cells possess the remarkable ability to recognize virtually any antigen through their respective antigen receptors-the T cell receptor (TCR) and B cell receptor (BCR). Despite extensive investigations into the biochemical signaling events triggered by antigen recognition in these cells, our ability to predict or control the outcome of T and B cell activation remains elusive. This challenge is compounded by the sensitivity of T and B cells to the biophysical properties of antigens and the cells presenting them-a phenomenon we are just beginning to understand. Recent insights underscore the central role of mechanical forces in this process, governing the conformation, signaling activity, and spatial organization of TCRs and BCRs within the cell membrane, ultimately eliciting distinct cellular responses. Traditionally, T cells and B cells have been studied independently, with researchers working in parallel to decipher the mechanisms of activation. While these investigations have unveiled many overlaps in how these cell types sense and respond to antigens, notable differences exist. To fully grasp their biology and harness it for therapeutic purposes, these distinctions must be considered. This review compares and contrasts the TCR and BCR, placing emphasis on the role of mechanical force in regulating the activity of both receptors to shape cellular and humoral adaptive immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhordan Rogers
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Anna T Bajur
- Department of Physics, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Khalid Salaita
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia; Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.
| | - Katelyn M Spillane
- Department of Physics, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
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Yin Y, Feng W, Chen J, Chen X, Wang G, Wang S, Xu X, Nie Y, Fan D, Wu K, Xia L. Immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in the progression, metastasis, and therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma: from bench to bedside. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:72. [PMID: 39085965 PMCID: PMC11292955 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00539-x] [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: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly heterogeneous malignancy with high incidence, recurrence, and metastasis rates. The emergence of immunotherapy has improved the treatment of advanced HCC, but problems such as drug resistance and immune-related adverse events still exist in clinical practice. The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) of HCC restricts the efficacy of immunotherapy and is essential for HCC progression and metastasis. Therefore, it is necessary to elucidate the mechanisms behind immunosuppressive TME to develop and apply immunotherapy. This review systematically summarizes the pathogenesis of HCC, the formation of the highly heterogeneous TME, and the mechanisms by which the immunosuppressive TME accelerates HCC progression and metastasis. We also review the status of HCC immunotherapy and further discuss the existing challenges and potential therapeutic strategies targeting immunosuppressive TME. We hope to inspire optimizing and innovating immunotherapeutic strategies by comprehensively understanding the structure and function of immunosuppressive TME in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Weibo Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xilang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Guodong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Yongzhan Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China.
| | - Daiming Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China.
| | - Kaichun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China.
| | - Limin Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China.
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China.
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Rodriguez BL, Huang J, Gibson L, Fradette JJ, Chen HIH, Koyano K, Cortez C, Li B, Ho C, Ashique AM, Lin VY, Crawley S, Roda JM, Chen P, Fan B, Kim J, Sissons J, Sitrin J, Kaplan DD, Gibbons DL, Rivera LB. Antitumor Activity of a Novel LAIR1 Antagonist in Combination with Anti-PD1 to Treat Collagen-Rich Solid Tumors. Mol Cancer Ther 2024; 23:1144-1158. [PMID: 38648067 PMCID: PMC11293989 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
We recently reported that resistance to PD-1 blockade in a refractory lung cancer-derived model involved increased collagen deposition and the collagen-binding inhibitory receptor leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor 1 (LAIR1). Thus, we hypothesized that LAIR1 and collagen cooperated to suppress therapeutic response. In this study, we report that LAIR1 is associated with tumor stroma and is highly expressed by intratumoral myeloid cells in both human tumors and mouse models of cancer. Stroma-associated myeloid cells exhibit a suppressive phenotype and correlate with LAIR1 expression in human cancer. NGM438, a novel humanized LAIR1 antagonist mAb, elicits myeloid inflammation and allogeneic T-cell responses by binding to LAIR1 and blocking collagen engagement. Furthermore, a mouse-reactive NGM438 surrogate antibody sensitized refractory KP mouse lung tumors to anti-PD-1 therapy and resulted in increased intratumoral CD8+ T-cell content and inflammatory gene expression. These data place LAIR1 at the intersection of stroma and suppressive myeloid cells and support the notion that blockade of the LAIR1/collagen axis can potentially address resistance to checkpoint inhibitor therapy in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Leticia Rodriguez
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jiawei Huang
- NGM Biopharmaceuticals Inc. South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Laura Gibson
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jared J. Fradette
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hung-I H. Chen
- NGM Biopharmaceuticals Inc. South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kikuye Koyano
- NGM Biopharmaceuticals Inc. South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Czrina Cortez
- NGM Biopharmaceuticals Inc. South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Betty Li
- NGM Biopharmaceuticals Inc. South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Carmence Ho
- NGM Biopharmaceuticals Inc. South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Vicky Y. Lin
- NGM Biopharmaceuticals Inc. South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Julie M. Roda
- NGM Biopharmaceuticals Inc. South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Peirong Chen
- NGM Biopharmaceuticals Inc. South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Bin Fan
- NGM Biopharmaceuticals Inc. South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jeong Kim
- NGM Biopharmaceuticals Inc. South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - James Sissons
- NGM Biopharmaceuticals Inc. South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Don L. Gibbons
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lee B. Rivera
- NGM Biopharmaceuticals Inc. South San Francisco, CA, USA
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Pathni A, Wagh K, Rey-Suarez I, Upadhyaya A. Mechanical regulation of lymphocyte activation and function. J Cell Sci 2024; 137:jcs219030. [PMID: 38995113 PMCID: PMC11267459 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.219030] [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] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Mechanosensing, or how cells sense and respond to the physical environment, is crucial for many aspects of biological function, ranging from cell movement during development to cancer metastasis, the immune response and gene expression driving cell fate determination. Relevant physical stimuli include the stiffness of the extracellular matrix, contractile forces, shear flows in blood vessels, complex topography of the cellular microenvironment and membrane protein mobility. Although mechanosensing has been more widely studied in non-immune cells, it has become increasingly clear that physical cues profoundly affect the signaling function of cells of the immune system. In this Review, we summarize recent studies on mechanical regulation of immune cells, specifically lymphocytes, and explore how the force-generating cytoskeletal machinery might mediate mechanosensing. We discuss general principles governing mechanical regulation of lymphocyte function, spanning from the molecular scale of receptor activation to cellular responses to mechanical stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aashli Pathni
- Biological Sciences Graduate Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Kaustubh Wagh
- Department of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ivan Rey-Suarez
- Insitute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Microcore, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogota, DC 111711, USA
| | - Arpita Upadhyaya
- Biological Sciences Graduate Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Department of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Insitute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Biophysics Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
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8
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Mashayekhi K, Khazaie K, Faubion WA, Kim GB. Biomaterial-enhanced treg cell immunotherapy: A promising approach for transplant medicine and autoimmune disease treatment. Bioact Mater 2024; 37:269-298. [PMID: 38694761 PMCID: PMC11061617 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2024.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are crucial for preserving tolerance in the body, rendering Treg immunotherapy a promising treatment option for both organ transplants and autoimmune diseases. Presently, organ transplant recipients must undergo lifelong immunosuppression to prevent allograft rejection, while autoimmune disorders lack definitive cures. In the last years, there has been notable advancement in comprehending the biology of both antigen-specific and polyclonal Tregs. Clinical trials involving Tregs have demonstrated their safety and effectiveness. To maximize the efficacy of Treg immunotherapy, it is essential for these cells to migrate to specific target tissues, maintain stability within local organs, bolster their suppressive capabilities, and ensure their intended function's longevity. In pursuit of these goals, the utilization of biomaterials emerges as an attractive supportive strategy for Treg immunotherapy in addressing these challenges. As a result, the prospect of employing biomaterial-enhanced Treg immunotherapy holds tremendous promise as a treatment option for organ transplant recipients and individuals grappling with autoimmune diseases in the near future. This paper introduces strategies based on biomaterial-assisted Treg immunotherapy to enhance transplant medicine and autoimmune treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazem Mashayekhi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
- Immunology of Infectious Diseases Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | | | - William A. Faubion
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Gloria B. Kim
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
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Shi L, Lim JY, Kam LC. Improving regulatory T cell production through mechanosensing. J Biomed Mater Res A 2024; 112:1138-1148. [PMID: 38450935 PMCID: PMC11065567 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Induced Tregs (iTregs) have great promise in adoptive immunotherapy for treatment of autoimmune diseases. This report investigates the impacts of substrate stiffness on human Treg induction, providing a powerful yet simple approach to improving production of these cells. Conventional CD4+ human T cells were activated on materials of different elastic modulus and cultured under suppressive conditions. Enhanced Treg induction was observed on softer materials as early as 3 days following activation and persisted for multiple weeks. Substrate stiffness also affected epigenetic modification of Treg specific genes and Treg suppressive capacity. Tregs induced on substrates of an optimal stiffness balance quantity and suppressive quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingting Shi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Jee Yoon Lim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Lance C. Kam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
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10
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Golo M, Newman PLH, Kempe D, Biro M. Mechanoimmunology in the solid tumor microenvironment. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:1489-1502. [PMID: 38856041 DOI: 10.1042/bst20231427] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex and dynamic ecosystem that adjoins the cancer cells within solid tumors and comprises distinct components such as extracellular matrix, stromal and immune cells, blood vessels, and an abundance of signaling molecules. In recent years, the mechanical properties of the TME have emerged as critical determinants of tumor progression and therapeutic response. Aberrant mechanical cues, including altered tissue architecture and stiffness, contribute to tumor progression, metastasis, and resistance to treatment. Moreover, burgeoning immunotherapies hold great promise for harnessing the immune system to target and eliminate solid malignancies; however, their success is hindered by the hostile mechanical landscape of the TME, which can impede immune cell infiltration, function, and persistence. Consequently, understanding TME mechanoimmunology - the interplay between mechanical forces and immune cell behavior - is essential for developing effective solid cancer therapies. Here, we review the role of TME mechanics in tumor immunology, focusing on recent therapeutic interventions aimed at modulating the mechanical properties of the TME to potentiate T cell immunotherapies, and innovative assays tailored to evaluate their clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Golo
- EMBL Australia, Single Molecule Science node, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Peter L H Newman
- EMBL Australia, Single Molecule Science node, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Daryan Kempe
- EMBL Australia, Single Molecule Science node, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Maté Biro
- EMBL Australia, Single Molecule Science node, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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11
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Kasputis T, Hosmer KE, He Y, Chen J. Ensuring food safety: Microfluidic-based approaches for the detection of food contaminants. ANALYTICAL SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 5:e2400003. [PMID: 38948318 PMCID: PMC11210746 DOI: 10.1002/ansa.202400003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Detecting foodborne contamination is a critical challenge in ensuring food safety and preventing human suffering and economic losses. Contaminated food, comprising biological agents (e.g. bacteria, viruses and fungi) and chemicals (e.g. toxins, allergens, antibiotics and heavy metals), poses significant risks to public health. Microfluidic technology has emerged as a transformative solution, revolutionizing the detection of contaminants with precise and efficient methodologies. By manipulating minute volumes of fluid on miniaturized systems, microfluidics enables the creation of portable chips for biosensing applications. Advancements from early glass and silicon devices to modern polymers and cellulose-based chips have significantly enhanced microfluidic technology, offering adaptability, flexibility, cost-effectiveness and biocompatibility. Microfluidic systems integrate seamlessly with various biosensing reactions, facilitating nucleic acid amplification, target analyte recognition and accurate signal readouts. As research progresses, microfluidic technology is poised to play a pivotal role in addressing evolving challenges in the detection of foodborne contaminants. In this short review, we delve into various manufacturing materials for state-of-the-art microfluidic devices, including inorganics, elastomers, thermoplastics and paper. Additionally, we examine several applications where microfluidic technology offers unique advantages in the detection of food contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, allergens and more. This review underscores the significant advancement of microfluidic technology and its pivotal role in advancing the detection and mitigation of foodborne contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Kasputis
- Department of Biological Systems EngineeringVirginia TechBlacksburgVirginiaUSA
| | | | - Yawen He
- Department of Biological Systems EngineeringVirginia TechBlacksburgVirginiaUSA
| | - Juhong Chen
- Department of Biological Systems EngineeringVirginia TechBlacksburgVirginiaUSA
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of CaliforniaRiversideCaliforniaUSA
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12
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Benmelech S, Le T, McKay M, Nam J, Subramaniam K, Tellez D, Vlasak G, Mak M. Biophysical and biochemical aspects of immune cell-tumor microenvironment interactions. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:021502. [PMID: 38572312 PMCID: PMC10990568 DOI: 10.1063/5.0195244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME), composed of and influenced by a heterogeneous set of cancer cells and an extracellular matrix, plays a crucial role in cancer progression. The biophysical aspects of the TME (namely, its architecture and mechanics) regulate interactions and spatial distributions of cancer cells and immune cells. In this review, we discuss the factors of the TME-notably, the extracellular matrix, as well as tumor and stromal cells-that contribute to a pro-tumor, immunosuppressive response. We then discuss the ways in which cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems respond to tumors from both biochemical and biophysical perspectives, with increased focus on CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. Building upon this information, we turn to immune-based antitumor interventions-specifically, recent biophysical breakthroughs aimed at improving CAR-T cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoham Benmelech
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Thien Le
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Maggie McKay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Jungmin Nam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Krupakar Subramaniam
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Daniela Tellez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Grace Vlasak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Michael Mak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
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13
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Zeng Q, Xu B, Deng J, Shang K, Guo Z, Wu S. Optimization of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surface chemical modification and formulation for improved T cell activation and expansion. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2024; 239:113977. [PMID: 38776594 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2024.113977] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive T cell therapy has undergone remarkable advancements in recent decades; nevertheless, the rapid and effective ex vivo expansion of tumor-reactive T cells remains a formidable challenge, limiting their clinical application. Artificial antigen-presenting substrates represent a promising avenue for enhancing the efficiency of adoptive immunotherapy and fostering T cell expansion. These substrates offer significant potential by providing flexibility and modularity in the design of tailored stimulatory environments. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) silicone elastomer stands as a widely utilized biomaterial for exploring the varying sensitivity of T cell activation to substrate properties. This paper explores the optimization of PDMS surface modification and formulation to create customized stimulatory surfaces with the goal of enhancing T cell expansion. By employing soft PDMS elastomer functionalized through silanization and activating agent, coupled with site-directed protein immobilization techniques, a novel T cell stimulatory platform is introduced, facilitating T cell activation and proliferation. Notably, our findings underscore that softer modified elastomers (Young' modulus E∼300 kPa) exhibit superior efficacy in stimulating and activating mouse CD4+ T cells compared to their stiffer counterparts (E∼3 MPa). Furthermore, softened modified PDMS substrates demonstrate enhanced capabilities in T cell expansion and Th1 differentiation, offering promising insights for the advancement of T cell-based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiongjiao Zeng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Bowen Xu
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity & Inflammation, Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jiewen Deng
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity & Inflammation, Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Kun Shang
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity & Inflammation, Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zhenhong Guo
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity & Inflammation, Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Shuqing Wu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China.
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14
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Valentić B, Kelly A, Shestov AA, Gan Z, Shen F, Chatoff A, Jaccard A, Crispim CV, Scholler J, Heeke S, Snyder NW, Ghassemi S, Jones N, Gill S, O'Connor RS. The Glucose Transporter 5 Enhances CAR-T Cell Metabolic Function and Anti-tumour Durability. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4342820. [PMID: 38766088 PMCID: PMC11100898 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4342820/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Activated T cells undergo a metabolic shift to aerobic glycolysis to support the energetic demands of proliferation, differentiation, and cytolytic function. Transmembrane glucose flux is facilitated by glucose transporters (GLUT) that play a vital role in T cell metabolic reprogramming and anti-tumour function. GLUT isoforms are regulated at the level of expression and subcellular distribution. GLUTs also display preferential selectivity for carbohydrate macronutrients including glucose, galactose, and fructose. GLUT5, which selectively transports fructose over glucose, has never been explored as a genetic engineering strategy to enhance CAR-T cells in fructose-rich tumour environments. Fructose levels are significantly elevated in the bone marrow and the plasma of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients. Here, we demonstrate that the expression of wild-type GLUT5 restores T cell metabolic fitness in glucose-free, high fructose conditions. We find that fructose supports maximal glycolytic capacity and ATP replenishment rates in GLUT5-expressing T cells. Using steady state tracer technology, we show that 13C6 fructose supports glycolytic reprogramming and TCA anaplerosis in CAR-T cells undergoing log phase expansion. In cytotoxicity assays, GLUT5 rescues T cell cytolytic function in glucose-free medium. The fructose/GLUT5 metabolic axis also supports maximal migratory velocity, which provides mechanistic insight into why GLUT5-expressing CAR-Ts have superior effector function as they undergo "hit-and-run" serial killing. These findings translate to superior anti-tumour function in a xenograft model of AML. In fact, we found that GLUT5 enhances CAR-T cell anti-tumour function in vivo without any need for fructose intervention. Accordingly, we hypothesize that GLUT5 is sufficient to enhance CAR-T resilience by increasing the cells' competitiveness for glucose at physiologic metabolite levels. Our findings have immediate translational relevance by providing the first evidence that GLUT5 confers a competitive edge in a fructose-enriched milieu, and is a novel approach to overcome glucose depletion in hostile tumour microenvironments (TMEs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bakir Valentić
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Andre Kelly
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alexander A Shestov
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Zhiyang Gan
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Feng Shen
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Division of Haematology-Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Adam Chatoff
- Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Alison Jaccard
- Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Claudia V Crispim
- Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - John Scholler
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Simon Heeke
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nathaniel W Snyder
- Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Saba Ghassemi
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Nicholas Jones
- Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Saar Gill
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Division of Haematology-Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Roddy S O'Connor
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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15
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Mei J, Cai Y, Xu R, Li Q, Chu J, Luo Z, Sun Y, Shi Y, Xu J, Li D, Liang S, Jiang Y, Liu J, Qian Z, Zhou J, Wan M, Yang Y, Zhu Y, Zhang Y, Yin Y. Conserved immuno-collagenic subtypes predict response to immune checkpoint blockade. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2024; 44:554-575. [PMID: 38507505 PMCID: PMC11110954 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has revolutionized the treatment of various cancer types. Despite significant preclinical advancements in understanding mechanisms, identifying the molecular basis and predictive biomarkers for clinical ICB responses remains challenging. Recent evidence, both preclinical and clinical, underscores the pivotal role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in modulating immune cell infiltration and behaviors. This study aimed to create an innovative classifier that leverages ECM characteristics to enhance the effectiveness of ICB therapy. METHODS We analyzed transcriptomic collagen activity and immune signatures in 649 patients with cancer undergoing ICB therapy. This analysis led to the identification of three distinct immuno-collagenic subtypes predictive of ICB responses. We validated these subtypes using the transcriptome data from 9,363 cancer patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset and 1,084 in-house samples. Additionally, novel therapeutic targets were identified based on these established immuno-collagenic subtypes. RESULTS Our categorization divided tumors into three subtypes: "soft & hot" (low collagen activity and high immune infiltration), "armored & cold" (high collagen activity and low immune infiltration), and "quiescent" (low collagen activity and immune infiltration). Notably, "soft & hot" tumors exhibited the most robust response to ICB therapy across various cancer types. Mechanistically, inhibiting collagen augmented the response to ICB in preclinical models. Furthermore, these subtypes demonstrated associations with immune activity and prognostic predictive potential across multiple cancer types. Additionally, an unbiased approach identified B7 homolog 3 (B7-H3), an available drug target, as strongly expressed in "armored & cold" tumors, relating with poor prognosis. CONCLUSION This study introduces histopathology-based universal immuno-collagenic subtypes capable of predicting ICB responses across diverse cancer types. These findings offer insights that could contribute to tailoring personalized immunotherapeutic strategies for patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Mei
- Department of OncologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuP. R. China
- The First Clinical Medicine CollegeNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Yun Cai
- Departments of GynecologyWuxi Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical UniversityWuxiJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Rui Xu
- Department of OncologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuP. R. China
- The First Clinical Medicine CollegeNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Qing Li
- Departments of OncologyXuzhou Central HospitalThe Xuzhou School of Clinical Medicine of Nanjing Medical UniversityXuzhouJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Jiahui Chu
- Department of OncologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuP. R. China
- The First Clinical Medicine CollegeNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Zhiwen Luo
- Department of Sports MedicineHuashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Yaying Sun
- Department of Sports MedicineShanghai General HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Yuxin Shi
- Departments of OncologyThe Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical UniversityWuxiJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Junying Xu
- Departments of OncologyThe Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical UniversityWuxiJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Di Li
- Shanghai Outdo Biotech Co., Ltd., National Engineering Center for BiochipShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Shuai Liang
- Departments of OncologyThe Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical UniversityWuxiJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Ying Jiang
- Departments of GynecologyWuxi Maternity and Child Health Care HospitalAffiliated Women's Hospital of Jiangnan UniversityWuxiJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Jiayu Liu
- Departments of GynecologyWuxi Maternity and Child Health Care HospitalAffiliated Women's Hospital of Jiangnan UniversityWuxiJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Zhiwen Qian
- Departments of GynecologyWuxi Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical UniversityWuxiJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Jiaofeng Zhou
- Department of PhysiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Mengyun Wan
- Department of PhysiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Yunlong Yang
- Department of Cellular and Genetic MedicineSchool of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Yichao Zhu
- Department of PhysiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Departments of GynecologyWuxi Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical UniversityWuxiJiangsuP. R. China
- Departments of GynecologyWuxi Maternity and Child Health Care HospitalAffiliated Women's Hospital of Jiangnan UniversityWuxiJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Yongmei Yin
- Department of OncologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuP. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuP. R. China
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16
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Mai Z, Lin Y, Lin P, Zhao X, Cui L. Modulating extracellular matrix stiffness: a strategic approach to boost cancer immunotherapy. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:307. [PMID: 38693104 PMCID: PMC11063215 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06697-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
The interplay between extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness and the tumor microenvironment is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in cancer progression and the efficacy of immunotherapy. This review comprehensively discusses the key factors regulating ECM remodeling, including the activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts and the accumulation and crosslinking of ECM proteins. Furthermore, it provides a detailed exploration of how ECM stiffness influences the behaviors of both tumor and immune cells. Significantly, the impact of ECM stiffness on the response to various immunotherapy strategies, such as immune checkpoint blockade, adoptive cell therapy, oncolytic virus therapy, and therapeutic cancer vaccines, is thoroughly examined. The review also addresses the challenges in translating research findings into clinical practice, highlighting the need for more precise biomaterials that accurately mimic the ECM and the development of novel therapeutic strategies. The insights offered aim to guide future research, with the potential to enhance the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zizhao Mai
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Yunfan Lin
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Pei Lin
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinyuan Zhao
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China.
| | - Li Cui
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China.
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17
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Zeng Q, Xu B, Qian C, Li N, Guo Z, Wu S. Surface chemical modification of poly(dimethylsiloxane) for stabilizing antibody immobilization and T cell cultures. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:2369-2380. [PMID: 38498344 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01729j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Advances in cell immunotherapy underscore the need for effective methods to produce large populations of effector T cells, driving growing interest in T-cell bioprocessing and immunoengineering. Research suggests that T cells demonstrate enhanced expansion and differentiation on soft matrices in contrast to rigid ones. Nevertheless, the influence of antibody conjugation chemistry on these processes remains largely unexplored. In this study, we examined the effect of antibody conjugation chemistry on T cell activation, expansion and differentiation using a soft and biocompatible polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) platform. We rigorously evaluated three distinct immobilization methods, beginning with the use of amino-silane (PDMS-NH2-Ab), followed by glutaraldehyde (PDMS-CHO-Ab) or succinic acid anhydride (PDMS-COOH-Ab) activation, in addition to the conventional physical adsorption (PDMS-Ab). By employing both stable amide bonds and reducible Schiff bases, antibody conjugation significantly enhanced antibody loading and density compared to physical adsorption. Furthermore, we discovered that the PDMS-COOH-Ab surface significantly promoted IL-2 secretion, CD69 expression, and T cell expansion compared to the other groups. Moreover, we observed that both PDMS-COOH-Ab and PDMS-NH2-Ab surfaces exhibited a tendency to induce the differentiation of naïve CD4+ T cells into Th1 cells, whereas the PDMS-Ab surface elicited a Th2-biased immunological response. These findings highlight the importance of antibody conjugation chemistry in the design and development of T cell culture biomaterials. They also indicate that PDMS holds promise as a material for constructing culture platforms to modulate T cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation.
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MESH Headings
- Dimethylpolysiloxanes/chemistry
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Surface Properties
- Antibodies, Immobilized/chemistry
- Antibodies, Immobilized/immunology
- Cell Differentiation/drug effects
- Animals
- Lymphocyte Activation/drug effects
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Interleukin-2/metabolism
- Interleukin-2/chemistry
- Mice
- Cells, Cultured
- Antigens, CD/immunology
- Antigens, CD/metabolism
- Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte/immunology
- Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte/metabolism
- Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte/chemistry
- Adsorption
- Succinic Anhydrides
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiongjiao Zeng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China.
| | - Bowen Xu
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity & Inflammation, Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Cheng Qian
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity & Inflammation, Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Nan Li
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity & Inflammation, Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Zhenhong Guo
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity & Inflammation, Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Shuqing Wu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China.
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18
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Lizana-Vasquez GD, Mendez-Vega J, Cappabianca D, Saha K, Torres-Lugo M. In vitro encapsulation and expansion of T and CAR-T cells using 3D synthetic thermo-responsive matrices. RSC Adv 2024; 14:13734-13747. [PMID: 38681842 PMCID: PMC11046447 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra01968g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Suspension cell culture and rigid commercial substrates are the most common methods to clinically manufacture therapeutic CAR-T cells ex vivo. However, suspension culture and nano/micro-scale commercial substrates poorly mimic the microenvironment where T cells naturally develop, leading to profound impacts on cell proliferation and phenotype. To overcome this major challenge, macro-scale substrates can be used to emulate that environment with higher precision. This work employed a biocompatible thermo-responsive material with tailored mechanical properties as a potential synthetic macro-scale scaffold to support T cell encapsulation and culture. Cell viability, expansion, and phenotype changes were assessed to study the effect of two thermo-responsive hydrogel materials with stiffnesses of 0.5 and 17 kPa. Encapsulated Pan-T and CAR-T cells were able to grow and physically behave similar to the suspension control. Furthermore, matrix stiffness influenced T cell behavior. In the softer polymer, T cells had higher activation, differentiation, and maturation after encapsulation obtaining significant cell numbers. Even when terpolymer encapsulation affected the CAR-T cell viability and expansion, CAR T cells expressed favorable phenotypical profiles, which was supported with cytokines and lactate production. These results confirmed the biocompatibility of the thermo-responsive hydrogels and their feasibility as a promising 3D macro-scale scaffold for in vitro T cell expansion that could potentially be used for cell manufacturing process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaby D Lizana-Vasquez
- Deparment of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez Road 108 Km. 1.0 Bo. Miradero. P.O. Box 9046 Mayagüez 00681-9046 Puerto Rico USA +1 787 832 4040 Ext. 2585
| | - Janet Mendez-Vega
- Deparment of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez Road 108 Km. 1.0 Bo. Miradero. P.O. Box 9046 Mayagüez 00681-9046 Puerto Rico USA +1 787 832 4040 Ext. 2585
| | - Dan Cappabianca
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison Wisconsin USA
| | - Krishanu Saha
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison Wisconsin USA
| | - Madeline Torres-Lugo
- Deparment of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez Road 108 Km. 1.0 Bo. Miradero. P.O. Box 9046 Mayagüez 00681-9046 Puerto Rico USA +1 787 832 4040 Ext. 2585
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19
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López Ruiz A, Slaughter ED, Kloxin AM, Fromen CA. Bridging the gender gap in autoimmunity with T-cell-targeted biomaterials. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 86:103075. [PMID: 38377884 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are caused by malfunctions of the immune system and generally impact women at twice the frequency of men. Many of the most serious autoimmune diseases are accompanied by a dysregulation of T-cell phenotype, both regarding the ratio of CD4+ to CD8+ T-cells and proinflammatory versus regulatory phenotypes. Biomaterials, in the form of particles and hydrogels, have shown promise in ameliorating this dysregulation both in vivo and ex vivo. In this review, we explore the role of T-cells in autoimmune diseases, particularly those with high incidence rates in women, and evaluate the promise and efficacy of innovative biomaterial-based approaches for targeting T-cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida López Ruiz
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
| | - Eric D Slaughter
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
| | - April M Kloxin
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States; Material Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States.
| | - Catherine A Fromen
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States.
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20
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Mittelheisser V, Gensbittel V, Bonati L, Li W, Tang L, Goetz JG. Evidence and therapeutic implications of biomechanically regulated immunosurveillance in cancer and other diseases. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 19:281-297. [PMID: 38286876 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-023-01535-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Disease progression is usually accompanied by changes in the biochemical composition of cells and tissues and their biophysical properties. For instance, hallmarks of cancer include the stiffening of tissues caused by extracellular matrix remodelling and the softening of individual cancer cells. In this context, accumulating evidence has shown that immune cells sense and respond to mechanical signals from the environment. However, the mechanisms regulating these mechanical aspects of immune surveillance remain partially understood. The growing appreciation for the 'mechano-immunology' field has urged researchers to investigate how immune cells sense and respond to mechanical cues in various disease settings, paving the way for the development of novel engineering strategies that aim at mechanically modulating and potentiating immune cells for enhanced immunotherapies. Recent pioneer developments in this direction have laid the foundations for leveraging 'mechanical immunoengineering' strategies to treat various diseases. This Review first outlines the mechanical changes occurring during pathological progression in several diseases, including cancer, fibrosis and infection. We next highlight the mechanosensitive nature of immune cells and how mechanical forces govern the immune responses in different diseases. Finally, we discuss how targeting the biomechanical features of the disease milieu and immune cells is a promising strategy for manipulating therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Mittelheisser
- Tumor Biomechanics, INSERM UMR_S1109, Strasbourg, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France
| | - Valentin Gensbittel
- Tumor Biomechanics, INSERM UMR_S1109, Strasbourg, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France
| | - Lucia Bonati
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Weilin Li
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Li Tang
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Institute of Materials Science and Engineering, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Jacky G Goetz
- Tumor Biomechanics, INSERM UMR_S1109, Strasbourg, France.
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France.
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France.
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21
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Jeffreys N, Brockman JM, Zhai Y, Ingber DE, Mooney DJ. Mechanical forces amplify TCR mechanotransduction in T cell activation and function. APPLIED PHYSICS REVIEWS 2024; 11:011304. [PMID: 38434676 PMCID: PMC10848667 DOI: 10.1063/5.0166848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive T cell immunotherapies, including engineered T cell receptor (eTCR) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell immunotherapies, have shown efficacy in treating a subset of hematologic malignancies, exhibit promise in solid tumors, and have many other potential applications, such as in fibrosis, autoimmunity, and regenerative medicine. While immunoengineering has focused on designing biomaterials to present biochemical cues to manipulate T cells ex vivo and in vivo, mechanical cues that regulate their biology have been largely underappreciated. This review highlights the contributions of mechanical force to several receptor-ligand interactions critical to T cell function, with central focus on the TCR-peptide-loaded major histocompatibility complex (pMHC). We then emphasize the role of mechanical forces in (i) allosteric strengthening of the TCR-pMHC interaction in amplifying ligand discrimination during T cell antigen recognition prior to activation and (ii) T cell interactions with the extracellular matrix. We then describe approaches to design eTCRs, CARs, and biomaterials to exploit TCR mechanosensitivity in order to potentiate T cell manufacturing and function in adoptive T cell immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yunhao Zhai
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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22
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Zhu Z, Wang Q, Zeng X, Zhu S, Chen J. Validation and identification of anoikis-related lncRNA signatures for improving prognosis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:3915-3933. [PMID: 38385949 PMCID: PMC10929799 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clear cell carcinoma (ccRCC) usually has a high metastasis rate and high mortality rate. To enable precise risk stratification, there is a need for novel biomarkers. As one form of apoptosis, anoikis results from the disruption of cell-cell connection or cell-ECM attachment. However, the impact of anoikis-related lncRNAs on ccRCC has not yet received adequate attention. METHODS The study utilized univariate Cox regression analysis in order to identify the overall survival (OS) associated anoikis-related lncRNAs (ARLs), followed by the LASSO algorithm for selection. On this basis, a risk model was subsequently established using five anoikis-related lncRNAs. To dig the inner molecular mechanism, KEGG, GO, and GSVA analyses were conducted. Additionally, the immune infiltration landscape was estimated using the ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT, and ssGSEA algorithms. RESULTS The study constructed a novel risk model based on five ARLs (AC092611.2, AC027601.2, AC103809.1, AL133215.2, and AL162586.1). Patients categorized as low-risk exhibited significantly better OS. Notably, the study observed marked different immune infiltration landscapes and drug sensitivity by risk stratification. Additionally, the study preliminarily explored potential signal pathways associated with risk stratification. CONCLUSION The study exhibited the crucial role of ARLs in the carcinogenesis of ccRCC, potentially through differential immune infiltration. Furthermore, the established risk model could serve as a valuable stratification factor for predicting OS prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenjie Zhu
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qibo Wang
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaowei Zeng
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shaoxing Zhu
- Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jinchao Chen
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
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23
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Du W, Xia X, Hu F, Yu J. Extracellular matrix remodeling in the tumor immunity. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1340634. [PMID: 38332915 PMCID: PMC10850336 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1340634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a significant constituent of tumors, fulfilling various essential functions such as providing mechanical support, influencing the microenvironment, and serving as a reservoir for signaling molecules. The abundance and degree of cross-linking of ECM components are critical determinants of tissue stiffness. In the process of tumorigenesis, the interaction between ECM and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) frequently leads to ECM stiffness, thereby disrupting normal mechanotransduction and promoting malignant progression. Therefore, acquiring a thorough comprehension of the dysregulation of ECM within the TME would significantly aid in the identification of potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. In this regard, we have compiled a comprehensive summary encompassing the following aspects: (1) the principal components of ECM and their roles in malignant conditions; (2) the intricate interaction between ECM and immune cells within the TME; and (3) the pivotal regulators governing the onco-immune response in ECM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Du
- Department of Targeting Therapy and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xueming Xia
- Division of Head & Neck Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fan Hu
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiayun Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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24
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Yan B, Liao P, Shi L, Lei P. Pan-cancer analyses of senescence-related genes in extracellular matrix characterization in cancer. Discov Oncol 2023; 14:208. [PMID: 37985530 PMCID: PMC10660488 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00828-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aged microenvironment plays a crucial role in tumor onset and progression. However, it remains unclear whether and how the aging of the extracellular matrix (ECM) influences cancer onset and progression. Furthermore, the mechanisms and implications of extracellular matrix senescence-related genes (ECM-SRGs) in pan-cancer have not been investigated. METHODS We collected profiling data from over 10,000 individuals, covering 33 cancer types, 750 small molecule drugs, and 24 immune cell types, for a thorough and systematic analysis of ECM-SRGs in cancer. RESULTS We observed a significant correlation between immune cell infiltrates and Gene Set Variation Analysis enrichment scores of ECM-SRGs in 33 cancer types. Moreover, our results revealed significant differences in immune cell infiltration among patients with copy number variations (CNV) and single nucleotide variations (SNV) in ECM-SRGs across various malignancies. Aberrant hypomethylation led to increased ECM-SRGs expression, and in specific malignancies, a connection between ECM-SRGs hypomethylation and adverse patient survival was established. The frequency of CNV and SNV in ECM-SRGs was elevated. We observed a positive correlation between CNV, SNV, and ECM-SRGs expression. Furthermore, a correlation was found between the high frequency of CNV and SNV in ECM-SRGs and poor patient survival in several cancer types. Additionally, the results demonstrated that ECM-SRGs expression could serve as a predictor of patient survival in diverse cancers. Pathway analysis unveiled the role of ECM-SRGs in activating EMT, apoptosis, and the RAS/MAPK signaling pathway while suppressing the cell cycle, hormone AR, and the response to DNA damage signaling pathway. Finally, we conducted searches in the "Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer" and "Genomics of Therapeutics Response Portal" databases, identifying several drugs that target ECM-SRGs. CONCLUSIONS We conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the genomes and immunogenomics of ECM-SRGs, along with their clinical features in 33 solid tumors. This may provide insights into the relationship between ECM-SRGs and tumorigenesis. Consequently, targeting these ECM-SRGs holds promise as a clinical approach for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yan
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
- Tianjin Geriatrics Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Pan Liao
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
- Tianjin Geriatrics Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
- The School of Medicine, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Liqiu Shi
- Inner Mongolia Forestry General Hospital, 81 Lincheng North Road, Yakeshi, 022150, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Ping Lei
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China.
- Tianjin Geriatrics Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China.
- The School of Medicine, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China.
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25
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Adu-Berchie K, Liu Y, Zhang DKY, Freedman BR, Brockman JM, Vining KH, Nerger BA, Garmilla A, Mooney DJ. Generation of functionally distinct T-cell populations by altering the viscoelasticity of their extracellular matrix. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:1374-1391. [PMID: 37365267 PMCID: PMC10749992 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01052-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of adoptive T-cell therapies largely depends on the generation of T-cell populations that provide rapid effector function and long-term protective immunity. Yet it is becoming clearer that the phenotypes and functions of T cells are inherently linked to their localization in tissues. Here we show that functionally distinct T-cell populations can be generated from T cells that received the same stimulation by altering the viscoelasticity of their surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). By using a model ECM based on a norbornene-modified collagen type I whose viscoelasticity can be adjusted independently from its bulk stiffness by varying the degree of covalent crosslinking via a bioorthogonal click reaction with tetrazine moieties, we show that ECM viscoelasticity regulates T-cell phenotype and function via the activator-protein-1 signalling pathway, a critical regulator of T-cell activation and fate. Our observations are consistent with the tissue-dependent gene-expression profiles of T cells isolated from mechanically distinct tissues from patients with cancer or fibrosis, and suggest that matrix viscoelasticity could be leveraged when generating T-cell products for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwasi Adu-Berchie
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yutong Liu
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David K Y Zhang
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin R Freedman
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joshua M Brockman
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kyle H Vining
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Preventative and Restorative Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Bryan A Nerger
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - David J Mooney
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
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26
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Manca F, Eich G, N'Dao O, Normand L, Sengupta K, Limozin L, Puech PH. Probing mechanical interaction of immune receptors and cytoskeleton by membrane nanotube extraction. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15652. [PMID: 37730849 PMCID: PMC10511455 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42599-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of force application in immune cell recognition is now well established, the force being transmitted between the actin cytoskeleton to the anchoring ligands through receptors such as integrins. In this chain, the mechanics of the cytoskeleton to receptor link, though clearly crucial, remains poorly understood. To probe this link, we combine mechanical extraction of membrane tubes from T cells using optical tweezers, and fitting of the resulting force curves with a viscoelastic model taking into account the cell and relevant molecules. We solicit this link using four different antibodies against various membrane bound receptors: antiCD3 to target the T Cell Receptor (TCR) complex, antiCD45 for the long sugar CD45, and two clones of antiCD11 targeting open or closed conformation of LFA1 integrins. Upon disruption of the cytoskeleton, the stiffness of the link changes for two of the receptors, exposing the existence of a receptor to cytoskeleton link-namely TCR-complex and open LFA1, and does not change for the other two where a weaker link was expected. Our integrated approach allows us to probe, for the first time, the mechanics of the intracellular receptor-cytoskeleton link in immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Manca
- CNRS, INSERM, Laboratoire Adhesion et Inflammation (LAI), Aix Marseille University, 13009, Marseille, France.
- CNRS, Centre Interdisciplinaire de Nanoscience de Marseille (CINaM), Aix Marseille University, 13009, Marseille, France.
- Turing Center for Living Systems (CENTURI), 13009, Marseille, France.
| | - Gautier Eich
- CNRS, INSERM, Laboratoire Adhesion et Inflammation (LAI), Aix Marseille University, 13009, Marseille, France
| | - Omar N'Dao
- CNRS, INSERM, Laboratoire Adhesion et Inflammation (LAI), Aix Marseille University, 13009, Marseille, France
| | - Lucie Normand
- CNRS, INSERM, Laboratoire Adhesion et Inflammation (LAI), Aix Marseille University, 13009, Marseille, France
| | - Kheya Sengupta
- CNRS, Centre Interdisciplinaire de Nanoscience de Marseille (CINaM), Aix Marseille University, 13009, Marseille, France.
- Turing Center for Living Systems (CENTURI), 13009, Marseille, France.
| | - Laurent Limozin
- CNRS, INSERM, Laboratoire Adhesion et Inflammation (LAI), Aix Marseille University, 13009, Marseille, France.
- Turing Center for Living Systems (CENTURI), 13009, Marseille, France.
| | - Pierre-Henri Puech
- CNRS, INSERM, Laboratoire Adhesion et Inflammation (LAI), Aix Marseille University, 13009, Marseille, France.
- Turing Center for Living Systems (CENTURI), 13009, Marseille, France.
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27
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Viúdez-Pareja C, Kreft E, García-Caballero M. Immunomodulatory properties of the lymphatic endothelium in the tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1235812. [PMID: 37744339 PMCID: PMC10512957 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1235812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is an intricate complex and dynamic structure composed of various cell types, including tumor, stromal and immune cells. Within this complex network, lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) play a crucial role in regulating immune responses and influencing tumor progression and metastatic dissemination to lymph node and distant organs. Interestingly, LECs possess unique immunomodulatory properties that can either promote or inhibit anti-tumor immune responses. In fact, tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis can facilitate tumor cell dissemination and metastasis supporting immunoevasion, but also, different molecular mechanisms involved in LEC-mediated anti-tumor immunity have been already described. In this context, the crosstalk between cancer cells, LECs and immune cells and how this communication can shape the immune landscape in the TME is gaining increased interest in recent years. In this review, we present a comprehensive and updated report about the immunomodulatory properties of the lymphatic endothelium within the TME, with special focus on primary tumors and tumor-draining lymph nodes. Furthermore, we outline emerging research investigating the potential therapeutic strategies targeting the lymphatic endothelium to enhance anti-tumor immune responses. Understanding the intricate mechanisms involved in LEC-mediated immune modulation in the TME opens up new possibilities for the development of innovative approaches to fight cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Viúdez-Pareja
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Andalucía Tech, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- IBIMA (Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga)-Plataforma BIONAND, Málaga, Spain
| | - Ewa Kreft
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Andalucía Tech, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- IBIMA (Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga)-Plataforma BIONAND, Málaga, Spain
| | - Melissa García-Caballero
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Andalucía Tech, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- IBIMA (Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga)-Plataforma BIONAND, Málaga, Spain
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28
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Joseph JP, Gugulothu SB, Nandi D, Chatterjee K. Mechanical Properties Affect Primary T Cell Activation in 3D Bioprinted Hydrogels. ACS Macro Lett 2023; 12:1085-1093. [PMID: 37466277 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.3c00271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
T cells play a critical role in the adaptive immune response of the body, especially against intracellular pathogens and cancer. In vitro, T cell activation studies typically employ planar (two-dimensional, 2D) culture systems that do not mimic native cell-to-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions, which influence activation. The goal of this work was to study T cell responses in a cell line (EL4) and primary mouse T cells in three-dimensional (3D) bioprinted matrices of varied stiffness. Cell-laden hydrogels were 3D bioprinted from gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) using a digital light processing (DLP)-based 3D bioprinter operated with visible light (405 nm). Mechanical characterization revealed that the hydrogels had pathophysiologically relevant stiffnesses for a lymph node-mimetic tissue construct. EL4, a mouse T cell lymphoma line, or primary mouse T cells were 3D bioprinted and activated using a combination of 10 ng/mL of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and 0.1 μM of ionomycin. Cellular responses revealed differences between 2D and 3D cultures and that the biomechanical properties of the 3D bioprinted hydrogel influence T cell activation. Cellular responses of the 2D and 3D cultures in a soft matrix (19.83 ± 2.36 kPa) were comparable; however, they differed in a stiff matrix (52.95 ± 1.36 kPa). The fraction of viable EL4 cells was 1.3-fold higher in the soft matrix than in the stiff matrix. Furthermore, primary mouse T cells activated with PMA and ionomycin showed 1.35-fold higher viable cells in the soft matrix than in the stiff matrix. T cells bioprinted in a soft matrix and a stiff matrix released 7.4-fold and 5.9-fold higher amounts of interleukin-2 (IL-2) than 2D cultured cells, respectively. Overall, the study demonstrates the changes in the response of T cells in 3D bioprinted scaffolds toward engineering an ex vivo lymphoid tissue-mimetic system that can faithfully recapitulate T cell activation and unravel pathophysiological characteristics of T cells in infectious biology, autoimmunity, and cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel P Joseph
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru - 560012, India
| | | | - Dipankar Nandi
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru - 560012, India
| | - Kaushik Chatterjee
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru - 560012, India
- Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru - 560012, India
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29
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Strating E, Verhagen MP, Wensink E, Dünnebach E, Wijler L, Aranguren I, De la Cruz AS, Peters NA, Hageman JH, van der Net MMC, van Schelven S, Laoukili J, Fodde R, Roodhart J, Nierkens S, Snippert H, Gloerich M, Rinkes IB, Elias SG, Kranenburg O. Co-cultures of colon cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts recapitulate the aggressive features of mesenchymal-like colon cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1053920. [PMID: 37261365 PMCID: PMC10228738 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1053920] [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: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Poor prognosis in colon cancer is associated with a high content of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. The relationship between these two features is incompletely understood. Here, we aimed to generate a model system for studying the interaction between cancer cells and CAFs and their effect on immune-related cytokines and T cell proliferation. Methods CAFs were isolated from colon cancer liver metastases and were immortalized to prolong lifespan and improve robustness and reproducibility. Established medium and matrix compositions that support the growth of patient-derived organoids were adapted to also support CAF growth. Changes in growth pattern and cellular re-organization were assessed by confocal microscopy, live cell imaging, and immunofluorescence. Single cell RNA sequencing was used to study CAF/organoid co-culture-induced phenotypic changes in both cell types. Conditioned media were used to quantify the production of immunosuppressive factors and to assess their effect on T cell proliferation. Results We developed a co-culture system in which colon cancer organoids and CAFs spontaneously organize into superstructures with a high capacity to contract and stiffen the extracellular matrix (ECM). CAF-produced collagen IV provided a basement membrane supporting cancer cell organization into glandular structures, reminiscent of human cancer histology. Single cell RNA sequencing analysis showed that CAFs induced a partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition in a subpopulation of cancer cells, similar to what is observed in the mesenchymal-like consensus molecular subtype 4 (CMS4) colon cancer. CAFs in co-culture were characterized by high expression of ECM components, ECM-remodeling enzymes, glycolysis, hypoxia, and genes involved in immunosuppression. An expression signature derived from CAFs in co-culture identified a subpopulation of glycolytic myofibroblasts specifically residing in CMS1 and CMS4 colon cancer. Medium conditioned by co-cultures contained high levels of the immunosuppressive factors TGFβ1, VEGFA and lactate, and potently inhibited T cell proliferation. Conclusion Co-cultures of organoids and immortalized CAFs recapitulate the histological, biophysical, and immunosuppressive features of aggressive mesenchymal-like human CRC. The model can be used to study the mechanisms of immunosuppression and to test therapeutic strategies targeting the cross-talk between CAFs and cancer cells. It can be further modified to represent distinct colon cancer subtypes and (organ-specific) microenvironments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Strating
- Laboratory Translational Oncology, Division of Imaging and Cancer, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Emerens Wensink
- Department of Medical Oncology, Division of Imaging and Cancer, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Ester Dünnebach
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Liza Wijler
- Laboratory Translational Oncology, Division of Imaging and Cancer, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Itziar Aranguren
- Laboratory Translational Oncology, Division of Imaging and Cancer, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Alberto Sanchez De la Cruz
- Laboratory Translational Oncology, Division of Imaging and Cancer, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Niek A. Peters
- Laboratory Translational Oncology, Division of Imaging and Cancer, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Joris H. Hageman
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Division LAB, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Mirjam M. C. van der Net
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Division LAB, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Susanne van Schelven
- Laboratory Translational Oncology, Division of Imaging and Cancer, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jamila Laoukili
- Laboratory Translational Oncology, Division of Imaging and Cancer, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Riccardo Fodde
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jeanine Roodhart
- Department of Medical Oncology, Division of Imaging and Cancer, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Stefan Nierkens
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Hugo Snippert
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Division LAB, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Martijn Gloerich
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Division LAB, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Inne Borel Rinkes
- Laboratory Translational Oncology, Division of Imaging and Cancer, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd G. Elias
- Department of Epidemiology, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Onno Kranenburg
- Laboratory Translational Oncology, Division of Imaging and Cancer, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Utrecht Platform for Organoid Technology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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30
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Hyun J, Kim SJ, Cho SD, Kim HW. Mechano-modulation of T cells for cancer immunotherapy. Biomaterials 2023; 297:122101. [PMID: 37023528 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy, despite its promise for future anti-cancer approach, faces significant challenges, such as off-tumor side effects, innate or acquired resistance, and limited infiltration of immune cells into stiffened extracellular matrix (ECM). Recent studies have highlighted the importance of mechano-modulation/-activation of immune cells (mainly T cells) for effective caner immunotherapy. Immune cells are highly sensitive to the applied physical forces and matrix mechanics, and reciprocally shape the tumor microenvironment. Engineering T cells with tuned properties of materials (e.g., chemistry, topography, and stiffness) can improve their expansion and activation ex vivo, and their ability to mechano-sensing the tumor specific ECM in vivo where they perform cytotoxic effects. T cells can also be exploited to secrete enzymes that soften ECM, thus increasing tumor infiltration and cellular therapies. Furthermore, T cells, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells, genomic engineered to be spatiotemporally controllable by physical stimuli (e.g., ultrasound, heat, or light), can mitigate adverse off-tumor effects. In this review, we communicate these recent cutting-edge endeavors devoted to mechano-modulating/-activating T cells for effective cancer immunotherapy, and discuss future prospects and challenges in this field.
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31
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Xu T, Xie K, Wang C, Ivanovski S, Zhou Y. Immunomodulatory nanotherapeutic approaches for periodontal tissue regeneration. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:5992-6008. [PMID: 36896757 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr06149j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Periodontitis is an infection-induced inflammatory disease characterized by progressive destruction of tooth supporting tissues, which, if left untreated, can result in tooth loss. The destruction of periodontal tissues is primarily caused by an imbalance between the host immune protection and immune destruction mechanisms. The ultimate goal of periodontal therapy is to eliminate inflammation and promote the repair and regeneration of both hard and soft tissues, so as to restore the physiological structure and function of periodontium. Advancement in nanotechnologies has enabled the development of nanomaterials with immunomodulatory properties for regenerative dentistry. This review discusses the immune mechanisms of the major effector cells in the innate and adaptive immune systems, the physicochemical and biological properties of nanomaterials, and the research advancements in immunomodulatory nanotherapeutic approaches for the management of periodontitis and the regeneration of periodontal tissues. The current challenges, and prospects for future applications of nanomaterials are then discussed so that researchers at the intersections of osteoimmunology, regenerative dentistry and materiobiology will continue to advance the development of nanomaterials for improved periodontal tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Xu
- School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland, QLD 4006, Australia.
| | - Kunke Xie
- Clinical Laboratory, Bo'Ai Hospital of Zhongshan, 6 Chenggui Road, East District, Zhongshan 528403, Guangdong, China
| | - Cong Wang
- School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland, QLD 4006, Australia.
| | - Sašo Ivanovski
- School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland, QLD 4006, Australia.
| | - Yinghong Zhou
- School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland, QLD 4006, Australia.
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32
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Bomb K, LeValley PJ, Woodward I, Cassel SE, Sutherland BP, Bhattacharjee A, Yun Z, Steen J, Kurdzo E, McCoskey J, Burris D, Levine K, Carbrello C, Lenhoff AM, Fromen CA, Kloxin AM. Cell therapy biomanufacturing: integrating biomaterial and flow-based membrane technologies for production of engineered T-cells. ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES 2023; 8:2201155. [PMID: 37600966 PMCID: PMC10437131 DOI: 10.1002/admt.202201155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive T-cell therapies (ATCTs) are increasingly important for the treatment of cancer, where patient immune cells are engineered to target and eradicate diseased cells. The biomanufacturing of ATCTs involves a series of time-intensive, lab-scale steps, including isolation, activation, genetic modification, and expansion of a patient's T-cells prior to achieving a final product. Innovative modular technologies are needed to produce cell therapies at improved scale and enhanced efficacy. In this work, well-defined, bioinspired soft materials were integrated within flow-based membrane devices for improving the activation and transduction of T cells. Hydrogel coated membranes (HCM) functionalized with cell-activating antibodies were produced as a tunable biomaterial for the activation of primary human T-cells. T-cell activation utilizing HCMs led to highly proliferative T-cells that expressed a memory phenotype. Further, transduction efficiency was improved by several fold over static conditions by using a tangential flow filtration (TFF) flow-cell, commonly used in the production of protein therapeutics, to transduce T-cells under flow. The combination of HCMs and TFF technology led to increased cell activation, proliferation, and transduction compared to current industrial biomanufacturing processes. The combined power of biomaterials with scalable flow-through transduction techniques provides future opportunities for improving the biomanufacturing of ATCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kartik Bomb
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
| | - Paige J. LeValley
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
| | - Ian Woodward
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
| | - Samantha E. Cassel
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
| | | | | | - Zaining Yun
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
| | - Jonathan Steen
- EMD Millipore Corporation, Bedford, MA, an affiliate of Merck, Newark, DE
| | - Emily Kurdzo
- EMD Millipore Corporation, Bedford, MA, an affiliate of Merck, Newark, DE
| | - Jacob McCoskey
- EMD Millipore Corporation, Bedford, MA, an affiliate of Merck, Newark, DE
| | - David Burris
- Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
| | - Kara Levine
- EMD Millipore Corporation, Bedford, MA, an affiliate of Merck, Newark, DE
| | | | - Abraham M. Lenhoff
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
| | | | - April M. Kloxin
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
- Material Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
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33
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Yuan Z, Li Y, Zhang S, Wang X, Dou H, Yu X, Zhang Z, Yang S, Xiao M. Extracellular matrix remodeling in tumor progression and immune escape: from mechanisms to treatments. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:48. [PMID: 36906534 PMCID: PMC10007858 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01744-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 136.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The malignant tumor is a multi-etiological, systemic and complex disease characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation and distant metastasis. Anticancer treatments including adjuvant therapies and targeted therapies are effective in eliminating cancer cells but in a limited number of patients. Increasing evidence suggests that the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in tumor development through changes in macromolecule components, degradation enzymes and stiffness. These variations are under the control of cellular components in tumor tissue via the aberrant activation of signaling pathways, the interaction of the ECM components to multiple surface receptors, and mechanical impact. Additionally, the ECM shaped by cancer regulates immune cells which results in an immune suppressive microenvironment and hinders the efficacy of immunotherapies. Thus, the ECM acts as a barrier to protect cancer from treatments and supports tumor progression. Nevertheless, the profound regulatory network of the ECM remodeling hampers the design of individualized antitumor treatment. Here, we elaborate on the composition of the malignant ECM, and discuss the specific mechanisms of the ECM remodeling. Precisely, we highlight the impact of the ECM remodeling on tumor development, including proliferation, anoikis, metastasis, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and immune escape. Finally, we emphasize ECM "normalization" as a potential strategy for anti-malignant treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhennan Yuan
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yingpu Li
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Sifan Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xueying Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - He Dou
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xi Yu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Zhiren Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China.,Institute of Metabolic Disease, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Metabolic Disorder and Cancer Related Cardiovascular Diseases, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Shanshan Yang
- Department of Gynecological Radiotherapy, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150000, China.
| | - Min Xiao
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China.
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34
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Lee CY, Chooi WH, Ng S, Chew SY. Modulating neuroinflammation through molecular, cellular and biomaterial-based approaches to treat spinal cord injury. Bioeng Transl Med 2023; 8:e10389. [PMID: 36925680 PMCID: PMC10013833 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuroinflammatory response that is elicited after spinal cord injury contributes to both tissue damage and reparative processes. The complex and dynamic cellular and molecular changes within the spinal cord microenvironment result in a functional imbalance of immune cells and their modulatory factors. To facilitate wound healing and repair, it is necessary to manipulate the immunological pathways during neuroinflammation to achieve successful therapeutic interventions. In this review, recent advancements and fresh perspectives on the consequences of neuroinflammation after SCI and modulation of the inflammatory responses through the use of molecular-, cellular-, and biomaterial-based therapies to promote tissue regeneration and functional recovery will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl Yi‐Pin Lee
- Institute of Molecular and Cell BiologyA*STAR Research EntitiesSingaporeSingapore
| | - Wai Hon Chooi
- Institute of Molecular and Cell BiologyA*STAR Research EntitiesSingaporeSingapore
| | - Shi‐Yan Ng
- Institute of Molecular and Cell BiologyA*STAR Research EntitiesSingaporeSingapore
| | - Sing Yian Chew
- School of Chemical and Biomedical EngineeringNanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of MedicineNanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore
- School of Materials Science and EngineeringNanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore
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35
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VanBlunk M, Srikanth V, Pandit SS, Kuznetsov AV, Brudno Y. Absorption rate governs cell transduction in dry macroporous scaffolds. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:2372-2382. [PMID: 36744434 PMCID: PMC10050106 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm01753a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Developing the next generation of cellular therapies will depend on fast, versatile, and efficient cellular reprogramming. Novel biomaterials will play a central role in this process by providing scaffolding and bioactive signals that shape cell fate and function. Previously, our lab reported that dry macroporous alginate scaffolds mediate retroviral transduction of primary T cells with efficiencies that rival the gold-standard clinical spinoculation procedures, which involve centrifugation on Retronectin-coated plates. This scaffold transduction required the scaffolds to be both macroporous and dry. Transduction by dry, macroporous scaffolds, termed "Drydux transduction," provides a fast and inexpensive method for transducing cells for cellular therapy, including for the production of CAR T cells. In this study, we investigate the mechanism of action by which Drydux transduction works through exploring the impact of pore size, stiffness, viral concentration, and absorption speed on transduction efficiency. We report that Drydux scaffolds with macropores ranging from 50-230 μm and with Young's moduli ranging from 25-620 kPa all effectively transduce primary T cells, suggesting that these parameters are not central to the mechanism of action, but also demonstrating that Drydux scaffolds can be tuned without losing functionality. Increasing viral concentrations led to significantly higher transduction efficiencies, demonstrating that increased cell-virus interaction is necessary for optimal transduction. Finally, we discovered that the rate with which the cell-virus solution is absorbed into the scaffold is closely correlated to viral transduction efficiency, with faster absorption producing significantly higher transduction. A computational model of liquid flow through porous media validates this finding by showing that increased fluid flow substantially increases collisions between virus particles and cells in a porous scaffold. Taken together, we conclude that the rate of liquid flow through the scaffolds, rather than pore size or stiffness, serves as a central regulator for efficient Drydux transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelyn VanBlunk
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, USA. .,Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, USA
| | - Vishal Srikanth
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, USA
| | - Sharda S Pandit
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, USA. .,Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, USA
| | - Andrey V Kuznetsov
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, USA.,Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, USA
| | - Yevgeny Brudno
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, USA. .,Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, USA.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
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36
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Materials and extracellular matrix rigidity highlighted in tissue damages and diseases: Implication for biomaterials design and therapeutic targets. Bioact Mater 2023; 20:381-403. [PMID: 35784640 PMCID: PMC9234013 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2022.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Rigidity (or stiffness) of materials and extracellular matrix has proven to be one of the most significant extracellular physicochemical cues that can control diverse cell behaviors, such as contractility, motility, and spreading, and the resultant pathophysiological phenomena. Many 2D materials engineered with tunable rigidity have enabled researchers to elucidate the roles of matrix biophysical cues in diverse cellular events, including migration, lineage specification, and mechanical memory. Moreover, the recent findings accumulated under 3D environments with viscoelastic and remodeling properties pointed to the importance of dynamically changing rigidity in cell fate control, tissue repair, and disease progression. Thus, here we aim to highlight the works related with material/matrix-rigidity-mediated cell and tissue behaviors, with a brief outlook into the studies on the effects of material/matrix rigidity on cell behaviors in 2D systems, further discussion of the events and considerations in tissue-mimicking 3D conditions, and then examination of the in vivo findings that concern material/matrix rigidity. The current discussion will help understand the material/matrix-rigidity-mediated biological phenomena and further leverage the concepts to find therapeutic targets and to design implantable materials for the treatment of damaged and diseased tissues. Discuss the cutting-edge findings on the role of matrix rigidity in dictating diverse cell behaviors. Underscore the dynamic matrix rigidity that interplays with cells, and the related pathophysiological phenomena. Illuminate the significance of matrix rigidity in clinically-relevant settings.
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37
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Sarkar M, Nguyen T, Gundre E, Ogunlusi O, El-Sobky M, Giri B, Sarkar TR. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: The chief architect in the tumor microenvironment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1089068. [PMID: 36793444 PMCID: PMC9923123 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1089068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Stromal heterogeneity of tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in malignancy and therapeutic resistance. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the major players in tumor stroma. The heterogeneous sources of origin and subsequent impacts of crosstalk with breast cancer cells flaunt serious challenges before current therapies to cure triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and other cancers. The positive and reciprocal feedback of CAFs to induce cancer cells dictates their mutual synergy in establishing malignancy. Their substantial role in creating a tumor-promoting niche has reduced the efficacy of several anti-cancer treatments, including radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and endocrine therapy. Over the years, there has been an emphasis on understanding CAF-induced therapeutic resistance in order to enhance cancer therapy results. CAFs, in the majority of cases, employ crosstalk, stromal management, and other strategies to generate resilience in surrounding tumor cells. This emphasizes the significance of developing novel strategies that target particular tumor-promoting CAF subpopulations, which will improve treatment sensitivity and impede tumor growth. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of the origin and heterogeneity of CAFs, their role in tumor progression, and altering the tumor response to therapeutic agents in breast cancer. In addition, we also discuss the potential and possible approaches for CAF-mediated therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrinmoy Sarkar
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
- Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Tristan Nguyen
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Esheksha Gundre
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Olajumoke Ogunlusi
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Mohanad El-Sobky
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Biplab Giri
- Department of Physiology, University of Gour Banga, English Bazar, India
| | - Tapasree Roy Sarkar
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
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38
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Understanding How Cells Probe the World: A Preliminary Step towards Modeling Cell Behavior? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032266. [PMID: 36768586 PMCID: PMC9916635 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032266] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell biologists have long aimed at quantitatively modeling cell function. Recently, the outstanding progress of high-throughput measurement methods and data processing tools has made this a realistic goal. The aim of this paper is twofold: First, to suggest that, while much progress has been done in modeling cell states and transitions, current accounts of environmental cues driving these transitions remain insufficient. There is a need to provide an integrated view of the biochemical, topographical and mechanical information processed by cells to take decisions. It might be rewarding in the near future to try to connect cell environmental cues to physiologically relevant outcomes rather than modeling relationships between these cues and internal signaling networks. The second aim of this paper is to review exogenous signals that are sensed by living cells and significantly influence fate decisions. Indeed, in addition to the composition of the surrounding medium, cells are highly sensitive to the properties of neighboring surfaces, including the spatial organization of anchored molecules and substrate mechanical and topographical properties. These properties should thus be included in models of cell behavior. It is also suggested that attempts at cell modeling could strongly benefit from two research lines: (i) trying to decipher the way cells encode the information they retrieve from environment analysis, and (ii) developing more standardized means of assessing the quality of proposed models, as was done in other research domains such as protein structure prediction.
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39
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Hiltensperger M, Krackhardt AM. Current and future concepts for the generation and application of genetically engineered CAR-T and TCR-T cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1121030. [PMID: 36949949 PMCID: PMC10025359 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1121030] [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: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) has seen a steep rise of new therapeutic approaches in its immune-oncology pipeline over the last years. This is in great part due to the recent approvals of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies and their remarkable efficacy in certain soluble tumors. A big focus of ACT lies on T cells and how to genetically modify them to target and kill tumor cells. Genetically modified T cells that are currently utilized are either equipped with an engineered CAR or a T cell receptor (TCR) for this purpose. Both strategies have their advantages and limitations. While CAR-T cell therapies are already used in the clinic, these therapies face challenges when it comes to the treatment of solid tumors. New designs of next-generation CAR-T cells might be able to overcome these hurdles. Moreover, CARs are restricted to surface antigens. Genetically engineered TCR-T cells targeting intracellular antigens might provide necessary qualities for the treatment of solid tumors. In this review, we will summarize the major advancements of the CAR-T and TCR-T cell technology. Moreover, we will cover ongoing clinical trials, discuss current challenges, and provide an assessment of future directions within the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hiltensperger
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Munich and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- IIIrd Medical Department, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- *Correspondence: Michael Hiltensperger, ; Angela M. Krackhardt,
| | - Angela M. Krackhardt
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Munich and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- IIIrd Medical Department, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Erlangen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Michael Hiltensperger, ; Angela M. Krackhardt,
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40
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Wang K, Wen D, Xu X, Zhao R, Jiang F, Yuan S, Zhang Y, Gao Y, Li Q. Extracellular matrix stiffness-The central cue for skin fibrosis. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1132353. [PMID: 36968277 PMCID: PMC10031116 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1132353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Skin fibrosis is a physiopathological process featuring the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), which is the main architecture that provides structural support and constitutes the microenvironment for various cellular behaviors. Recently, increasing interest has been drawn to the relationship between the mechanical properties of the ECM and the initiation and modulation of skin fibrosis, with the engagement of a complex network of signaling pathways, the activation of mechanosensitive proteins, and changes in immunoregulation and metabolism. Simultaneous with the progression of skin fibrosis, the stiffness of ECM increases, which in turn perturbs mechanical and humoral homeostasis to drive cell fate toward an outcome that maintains and enhances the fibrosis process, thus forming a pro-fibrotic "positive feedback loop". In this review, we highlighted the central role of the ECM and its dynamic changes at both the molecular and cellular levels in skin fibrosis. We paid special attention to signaling pathways regulated by mechanical cues in ECM remodeling. We also systematically summarized antifibrotic interventions targeting the ECM, hopefully enlightening new strategies for fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dongsheng Wen
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuewen Xu
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Rui Zhao
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Feipeng Jiang
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shengqin Yuan
- School of Public Administration, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yifan Zhang, ; Ya Gao, ; Qingfeng Li,
| | - Ya Gao
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yifan Zhang, ; Ya Gao, ; Qingfeng Li,
| | - Qingfeng Li
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yifan Zhang, ; Ya Gao, ; Qingfeng Li,
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41
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Shi L, Lim JY, Kam LC. Substrate stiffness enhances human regulatory T cell induction and metabolism. Biomaterials 2023; 292:121928. [PMID: 36455488 PMCID: PMC9772289 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) provide an essential tolerance mechanism to suppress the immune response. Induced Tregs hold the potential to treat autoimmune diseases in adoptive therapy and can be produced with stimulating signals to CD3 and CD28 in presence of the cytokine TGF-β and IL-2. This report examines the modulation of human Treg induction by leveraging the ability of T cells to sense the mechanical stiffness of an activating substrate. Treg induction on polyacrylamide gels (PA-gels) was sensitive to the substrate's elastic modulus, increasing with greater material stiffness. Single-cell RNA-Seq analysis revealed that Treg induction on stiffer substrates involved greater use of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Inhibition of ATP synthase significantly reduced the rate of Treg induction and abrogated the difference among gels while activation of AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) increased Treg induction on the softer sample but not on the harder sample. Treg induction is thus mechanosensitive and OXPHOS-dependent, providing new strategies for improving the production of these cells for cellular immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingting Shi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, 1210 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Jee Yoon Lim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, 1212 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Lance C Kam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, 1210 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
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Alatoom A, ElGindi M, Sapudom J, Teo JCM. The T Cell Journey: A Tour de Force. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2200173. [PMID: 36190140 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200173] [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: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
T cells act as the puppeteers in the adaptive immune response, and their dysfunction leads to the initiation and progression of pathological conditions. During their lifetime, T cells experience myriad forces that modulate their effector functions. These forces are imposed by interacting cells, surrounding tissues, and shear forces from fluid movement. In this review, a journey with T cells is made, from their development to their unique characteristics, including the early studies that uncovered their mechanosensitivity. Then the studies pertaining to the responses of T cell activation to changes in antigen-presenting cells' physical properties, to their immediate surrounding extracellular matrix microenvironment, and flow conditions are highlighted. In addition, it is explored how pathological conditions like the tumor microenvironment can hinder T cells and allow cancer cells to escape elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aseel Alatoom
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Campus, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, UAE.,Department of Mechanical Engineering Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, 6 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA
| | - Mei ElGindi
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Campus, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Jiranuwat Sapudom
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Campus, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Jeremy C M Teo
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Campus, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, UAE.,Department of Mechanical Engineering Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, 6 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, 6 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA
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Blache U, Ford EM, Ha B, Rijns L, Chaudhuri O, Dankers PY, Kloxin AM, Snedeker JG, Gentleman E. Engineered hydrogels for mechanobiology. NATURE REVIEWS. METHODS PRIMERS 2022; 2:98. [PMID: 37461429 PMCID: PMC7614763 DOI: 10.1038/s43586-022-00179-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Cells' local mechanical environment can be as important in guiding cellular responses as many well-characterized biochemical cues. Hydrogels that mimic the native extracellular matrix can provide these mechanical cues to encapsulated cells, allowing for the study of their impact on cellular behaviours. Moreover, by harnessing cellular responses to mechanical cues, hydrogels can be used to create tissues in vitro for regenerative medicine applications and for disease modelling. This Primer outlines the importance and challenges of creating hydrogels that mimic the mechanical and biological properties of the native extracellular matrix. The design of hydrogels for mechanobiology studies is discussed, including appropriate choice of cross-linking chemistry and strategies to tailor hydrogel mechanical cues. Techniques for characterizing hydrogels are explained, highlighting methods used to analyze cell behaviour. Example applications for studying fundamental mechanobiological processes and regenerative therapies are provided, along with a discussion of the limitations of hydrogels as mimetics of the native extracellular matrix. The article ends with an outlook for the field, focusing on emerging technologies that will enable new insights into mechanobiology and its role in tissue homeostasis and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Blache
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology and Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Disease, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Eden M. Ford
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, DE, USA
| | - Byunghang Ha
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Laura Rijns
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ovijit Chaudhuri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Patricia Y.W. Dankers
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - April M. Kloxin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, DE, USA
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, DE, USA
| | - Jess G. Snedeker
- University Hospital Balgrist and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eileen Gentleman
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
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44
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Lee M, Du H, Winer DA, Clemente-Casares X, Tsai S. Mechanosensing in macrophages and dendritic cells in steady-state and disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1044729. [PMID: 36467420 PMCID: PMC9712790 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1044729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophages and dendritic cells are myeloid cells that play critical roles in immune responses. Macrophages help to maintain homeostasis through tissue regeneration and the clearance of dead cells, but also mediate inflammatory processes against invading pathogens. As the most potent antigen-presenting cells, dendritic cells are important in connecting innate to adaptive immune responses via activation of T cells, and inducing tolerance under physiological conditions. While it is known that macrophages and dendritic cells respond to biochemical cues in the microenvironment, the role of extracellular mechanical stimuli is becoming increasingly apparent. Immune cell mechanotransduction is an emerging field, where accumulating evidence suggests a role for extracellular physical cues coming from tissue stiffness in promoting immune cell recruitment, activation, metabolism and inflammatory function. Additionally, many diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and cirrhosis are associated with changes to the tissue biophysical environment. This review will discuss current knowledge about the effects of biophysical cues including matrix stiffness, topography, and mechanical forces on macrophage and dendritic cell behavior under steady-state and pathophysiological conditions. In addition, we will also provide insight on molecular mediators and signaling pathways important in macrophage and dendritic cell mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Lee
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Huixun Du
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Daniel A. Winer
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Diabetes Research Group, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute (TGHRI), University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pathology, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, United States
| | - Xavier Clemente-Casares
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sue Tsai
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Xu M, Zhang T, Xia R, Wei Y, Wei X. Targeting the tumor stroma for cancer therapy. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:208. [PMID: 36324128 PMCID: PMC9628074 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01670-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors are comprised of both cancer cells and surrounding stromal components. As an essential part of the tumor microenvironment, the tumor stroma is highly dynamic, heterogeneous and commonly tumor-type specific, and it mainly includes noncellular compositions such as the extracellular matrix and the unique cancer-associated vascular system as well as a wide variety of cellular components including activated cancer-associated fibroblasts, mesenchymal stromal cells, pericytes. All these elements operate with each other in a coordinated fashion and collectively promote cancer initiation, progression, metastasis and therapeutic resistance. Over the past few decades, numerous studies have been conducted to study the interaction and crosstalk between stromal components and neoplastic cells. Meanwhile, we have also witnessed an exponential increase in the investigation and recognition of the critical roles of tumor stroma in solid tumors. A series of clinical trials targeting the tumor stroma have been launched continually. In this review, we introduce and discuss current advances in the understanding of various stromal elements and their roles in cancers. We also elaborate on potential novel approaches for tumor-stroma-based therapeutic targeting, with the aim to promote the leap from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maosen Xu
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Ruolan Xia
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yuquan Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.
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Jurj A, Ionescu C, Berindan-Neagoe I, Braicu C. The extracellular matrix alteration, implication in modulation of drug resistance mechanism: friends or foes? J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:276. [PMID: 36114508 PMCID: PMC9479349 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02484-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an important component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), having several important roles related to the hallmarks of cancer. In cancer, multiple components of the ECM have been shown to be altered. Although most of these alterations are represented by the increased or decreased quantity of the ECM components, changes regarding the functional alteration of a particular ECM component or of the ECM as a whole have been described. These alterations can be induced by the cancer cells directly or by the TME cells, with cancer-associated fibroblasts being of particular interest in this regard. Because the ECM has this wide array of functions in the tumor, preclinical and clinical studies have assessed the possibility of targeting the ECM, with some of them showing encouraging results. In the present review, we will highlight the most relevant ECM components presenting a comprehensive description of their physical, cellular and molecular properties which can alter the therapy response of the tumor cells. Lastly, some evidences regarding important biological processes were discussed, offering a more detailed understanding of how to modulate altered signalling pathways and to counteract drug resistance mechanisms in tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ancuta Jurj
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Calin Ionescu
- 7Th Surgical Department, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babes Street, 400012, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Surgical Department, Municipal Hospital, 400139, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Cornelia Braicu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
- Research Center for Oncopathology and Translational Medicine (CCOMT), George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology, 540139, Targu Mures, Romania.
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Tian Q, Gao H, Ma Y, Zhu L, Zhou Y, Shen Y, Wang B. The regulatory roles of T helper cells in distinct extracellular matrix characterization in breast cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:871742. [PMID: 36159822 PMCID: PMC9493030 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.871742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tumors are characterized by extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and stiffening. The ECM has been recognized as an important determinant of breast cancer progression and prognosis. Recent studies have revealed a strong link between ECM remodeling and immune cell infiltration in a variety of tumor types. However, the landscape and specific regulatory mechanisms between ECM and immune microenvironment in breast cancer have not been fully understood. Methods Using genomic data and clinical information of breast cancer patients obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, we conducted an extensive multi-omics analysis to explore the heterogeneity and prognostic significance of the ECM microenvironment. Masson and Sirius red staining were applied to quantify the contents of collagen in the ECM microenvironment. Tissue immunofluorescence (IF) staining was applied to identify T helper (Th) cells. Results We classified breast cancer patients into two ECM-clusters and three gene-clusters by consensus clustering. Significant heterogeneity in prognosis and immune cell infiltration have been found in these distinct clusters. Specifically, in the ECM-cluster with better prognosis, the expression levels of Th2 and regulatory T (Treg) cells were reduced, while the Th1, Th17 and T follicular helper (Tfh) cells-associated activities were significantly enhanced. The correlations between ECM characteristics and Th cells infiltration were then validated by clinical tissue samples from our hospital. The ECM-associated prognostic model was then constructed by 10 core prognostic genes and stratified breast cancer patients into two risk groups. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the overall survival (OS) of breast cancer patients in the high-risk group was significantly worse than that of the low-risk group. The risk scores for breast cancer patients obtained from our prognostic model were further confirmed to be associated with immune cell infiltration, tumor mutation burden (TMB) and stem cell indexes. Finally, the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of antitumor agents for patients in different risk groups were calculated to provide references for therapy targeting distinct ECM characteristics. Conclusion Our findings identify a novel strategy for breast cancer subtyping based on the ECM characterization and reveal the regulatory roles of Th cells in ECM remodeling. Targeting ECM remodeling and Th cells hold potential to be a therapeutic alternative for breast cancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Tian
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Huan Gao
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yingying Ma
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Lizhe Zhu
- Department of Breast Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yanwei Shen
- Department of Surgery Oncology, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Yanwei Shen, ; Bo Wang,
| | - Bo Wang
- Center for Translational Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Yanwei Shen, ; Bo Wang,
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48
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Wheatley BA, Rey-Suarez I, Hourwitz MJ, Kerr S, Shroff H, Fourkas JT, Upadhyaya A. Nanotopography modulates cytoskeletal organization and dynamics during T cell activation. Mol Biol Cell 2022; 33:ar88. [PMID: 35830602 PMCID: PMC9582624 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e21-12-0601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to MHC-antigen complexes on the surface of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) activates T cells, inducing the formation of the immune synapse (IS). Antigen detection at the APC surface is thus a critical step in the adaptive immune response. The physical properties of antigen-presenting surfaces encountered by T cells in vivo are believed to modulate T cell activation and proliferation. Although stiffness and ligand mobility influence IS formation, the effect of the complex topography of the APC surface on this process is not well understood. Here we investigate how nanotopography modulates cytoskeletal dynamics and signaling during the early stages of T cell activation using high-resolution fluorescence microscopy on nanofabricated surfaces with parallel nanoridges of different spacings. We find that although nanoridges reduce the maximum spread area as compared with cells on flat surfaces, the ridges enhance the accumulation of actin and the signaling kinase ZAP-70 at the IS. Actin polymerization is more dynamic in the presence of ridges, which influence the directionality of both actin flows and microtubule (MT) growth. Our results demonstrate that the topography of the activating surface exerts both global effects on T cell morphology and local changes in actin and MT dynamics, collectively influencing T cell signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany A Wheatley
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology and.,Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458
| | - Ivan Rey-Suarez
- Institute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
| | - Matt J Hourwitz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
| | - Sarah Kerr
- Department of Physics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80302
| | - Hari Shroff
- National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - John T Fourkas
- Institute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742.,Maryland Quantum Materials Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
| | - Arpita Upadhyaya
- Institute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742.,Department of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
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Oh J, Xia X, Wong WKR, Wong SHD, Yuan W, Wang H, Lai CHN, Tian Y, Ho YP, Zhang H, Zhang Y, Li G, Lin Y, Bian L. The Effect of the Nanoparticle Shape on T Cell Activation. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2107373. [PMID: 35297179 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202107373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The mechanism of extracellular ligand nano-geometry in ex vivo T cell activation for immunotherapy remains elusive. Herein, the authors demonstrate large aspect ratio (AR) of gold nanorods (AuNRs) conjugated on cell culture substrate enhancing both murine and human T cell activation through the nanoscale anisotropic presentation of stimulatory ligands (anti-CD3(αCD3) and anti-CD28(αCD28) antibodies). AuNRs with large AR bearing αCD3 and αCD28 antibodies significantly promote T cell expansion and key cytokine secretion including interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). High membrane tension observed in large AR AuNRs regulates actin filament and focal adhesion assembly and develops maturation-related morphological features in T cells such as membrane ruffle formation, cell spreading, and large T cell receptor (TCR) cluster formation. Anisotropic stimulatory ligand presentation promotes differentiation of naïve CD8+ T cells toward the effector phenotype inducing CD137 expression upon co-culture with human cervical carcinoma. The findings suggest the importance of manipulating extracellular ligand nano-geometry in optimizing T cell behaviors to enhance therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwon Oh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Xingyu Xia
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Wai Ki Ricky Wong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Siu Hong Dexter Wong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Weihao Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Department of Orthopedic and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital Shatin, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Haixing Wang
- Department of Orthopedic and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital Shatin, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Chun Him Nathanael Lai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Ye Tian
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Yi-Ping Ho
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Honglu Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 511442, P.R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 511442, P.R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Orthopedic and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital Shatin, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Yuan Lin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Advanced Biomedical Instrumentation Centre, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New territories, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- HKU-Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation (HKU-SIRI), Shenzhen, Guang Dong, 518000, China
| | - Liming Bian
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 511442, P.R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
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Jain N, Lord JM, Vogel V. Mechanoimmunology: Are inflammatory epigenetic states of macrophages tuned by biophysical factors? APL Bioeng 2022; 6:031502. [PMID: 36051106 PMCID: PMC9427154 DOI: 10.1063/5.0087699] [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: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Many inflammatory diseases that are responsible for a majority of deaths are still uncurable, in part as the underpinning pathomechanisms and how to combat them is still poorly understood. Tissue-resident macrophages play pivotal roles in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis, but if they gradually convert to proinflammatory phenotypes, or if blood-born proinflammatory macrophages persist long-term after activation, they contribute to chronic inflammation and fibrosis. While biochemical factors and how they regulate the inflammatory transcriptional response of macrophages have been at the forefront of research to identify targets for therapeutic interventions, evidence is increasing that physical factors also tune the macrophage phenotype. Recently, several mechanisms have emerged as to how physical factors impact the mechanobiology of macrophages, from the nuclear translocation of transcription factors to epigenetic modifications, perhaps even DNA methylation. Insight into the mechanobiology of macrophages and associated epigenetic modifications will deliver novel therapeutic options going forward, particularly in the context of increased inflammation with advancing age and age-related diseases. We review here how biophysical factors can co-regulate pro-inflammatory gene expression and epigenetic modifications and identify knowledge gaps that require urgent attention if this therapeutic potential is to be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Jain
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed: and
| | | | - Viola Vogel
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Translational Medicine, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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