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Wu LY, Park SH, Jakobsson H, Shackleton M, Möller A. Immune Regulation and Immune Therapy in Melanoma: Review with Emphasis on CD155 Signalling. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1950. [PMID: 38893071 PMCID: PMC11171058 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16111950] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is commonly diagnosed in a younger population than most other solid malignancies and, in Australia and most of the world, is the leading cause of skin-cancer-related death. Melanoma is a cancer type with high immunogenicity; thus, immunotherapies are used as first-line treatment for advanced melanoma patients. Although immunotherapies are working well, not all the patients are benefitting from them. A lack of a comprehensive understanding of immune regulation in the melanoma tumour microenvironment is a major challenge of patient stratification. Overexpression of CD155 has been reported as a key factor in melanoma immune regulation for the development of therapy resistance. A more thorough understanding of the actions of current immunotherapy strategies, their effects on immune cell subsets, and the roles that CD155 plays are essential for a rational design of novel targets of anti-cancer immunotherapies. In this review, we comprehensively discuss current anti-melanoma immunotherapy strategies and the immune response contribution of different cell lineages, including tumour endothelial cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, cytotoxic T cells, cancer-associated fibroblast, and nature killer cells. Finally, we explore the impact of CD155 and its receptors DNAM-1, TIGIT, and CD96 on immune cells, especially in the context of the melanoma tumour microenvironment and anti-cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ying Wu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia;
- JC STEM Lab, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China;
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Su-Ho Park
- JC STEM Lab, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China;
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Haakan Jakobsson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia;
| | - Mark Shackleton
- Department of Medical Oncology, Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia;
- School of Translational Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Andreas Möller
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia;
- JC STEM Lab, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China;
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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2
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Marin ND, Becker-Hapak M, Song WM, Alayo QA, Marsala L, Sonnek N, Berrien-Elliott MM, Foster M, Foltz JA, Tran J, Wong P, Cubitt CC, Pence P, Hwang K, Zhou AY, Jacobs MT, Schappe T, Russler-Germain DA, Fields RC, Ciorba MA, Fehniger TA. Memory-like differentiation enhances NK cell responses against colorectal cancer. Oncoimmunology 2024; 13:2348254. [PMID: 38737793 PMCID: PMC11086027 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2024.2348254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Metastatic (m) colorectal cancer (CRC) is an incurable disease with a poor prognosis and thus remains an unmet clinical need. Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB)-based immunotherapy is effective for mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR)/microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) mCRC patients, but it does not benefit the majority of mCRC patients. NK cells are innate lymphoid cells with potent effector responses against a variety of tumor cells but are frequently dysfunctional in cancer patients. Memory-like (ML) NK cells differentiated after IL-12/IL-15/IL-18 activation overcome many challenges to effective NK cell anti-tumor responses, exhibiting enhanced recognition, function, and in vivo persistence. We hypothesized that ML differentiation enhances the NK cell responses to CRC. Compared to conventional (c) NK cells, ML NK cells displayed increased IFN-γ production against both CRC cell lines and primary patient-derived CRC spheroids. ML NK cells also exhibited improved killing of CRC target cells in vitro in short-term and sustained cytotoxicity assays, as well as in vivo in NSG mice. Mechanistically, enhanced ML NK cell responses were dependent on the activating receptor NKG2D as its blockade significantly decreased ML NK cell functions. Compared to cNK cells, ML NK cells exhibited greater antibody-dependent cytotoxicity when targeted against CRC by cetuximab. ML NK cells from healthy donors and mCRC patients exhibited increased anti-CRC responses. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that ML NK cells exhibit enhanced responses against CRC targets, warranting further investigation in clinical trials for mCRC patients, including those who have failed ICB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy D. Marin
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michelle Becker-Hapak
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Wilbur M. Song
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Quazim A. Alayo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Lynne Marsala
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Naomi Sonnek
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Melissa M. Berrien-Elliott
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Mark Foster
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Foltz
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jennifer Tran
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Pamela Wong
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Celia C. Cubitt
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Patrick Pence
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kimberly Hwang
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Alice Y. Zhou
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Miriam T. Jacobs
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Timothy Schappe
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - David A. Russler-Germain
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ryan C. Fields
- Section of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Matthew A. Ciorba
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Todd A. Fehniger
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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3
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Lei X, Gou YN, Hao JY, Huang XJ. Mechanisms of TREM2 mediated immunosuppression and regulation of cancer progression. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1375729. [PMID: 38725629 PMCID: PMC11079285 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1375729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has recently emerged as a key strategy for cancer treatment. TREM2, a key target for regulating the tumor immune microenvironment, is important in cancer treatment and progression. TREM2 is an immune signaling hub that regulates multiple pathological pathways. It not only suppresses anti-tumor immune responses by inhibiting T cell-mediated immune responses, but it also influences tumorigenesis by affecting NK cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity. Noticeably, TREM2 expression levels also vary significantly among different tumor cells, and it can regulate tumor progression by modulating various signaling pathways. Above all, by summarizing the role of TREM2 in cancer immunotherapy and the mechanism by which TREM2 regulates tumor progression, this paper clarifies TREM2's role in both tumor progression and cancer therapy, identifying a new therapeutic target for oncology diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Xiao Jun Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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Peng X, Lu X, Yang D, Liu J, Wu H, Peng H, Zhang Y. A novel CD8+ T cell-related gene signature as a prognostic biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37496. [PMID: 38489709 PMCID: PMC10939595 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
CD8+ T cells have great roles in tumor suppression and elimination of various tumors including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nonetheless, potential prognostic roles of CD8+ T cell-related genes (CD8Gs) in HCC remains unknown. In our study, 416 CD8Gs were identified in HCC, which were enriched in inflammatory and immune signaling pathways. Using The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset, a 5-CD8Gs risk model (KLRB1, FYN, IL2RG, FCER1G, and DGKZ) was constructed, which was verified in International Cancer Genome Consortium and gene expression omnibus datasets. Furthermore, we found that overall survival was independently correlated with the CD8Gs signature, and it was associated with immune- and cancer-related signaling pathways and immune cells infiltration. Finally, drug sensitivity data indicated that 10 chemotherapeutic drugs held promise as therapeutics for HCC patients with high-risk. In conclusion, multi-databases analysis showed that 5-CD8Gs and their signature could be an indicator to predict candidate drugs for HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaozhen Peng
- School of Public Health & Laboratory Medicine, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Synthetic Biology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, China
| | - Xingjun Lu
- School of Public Health & Laboratory Medicine, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, China
| | - Daqing Yang
- School of Public Health & Laboratory Medicine, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, China
| | - Jinyan Liu
- Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Honglin Wu
- School of Public Health & Laboratory Medicine, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, China
| | - Hong Peng
- Medical School, Huanghe Science & Technology College, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yiya Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Dorjkhorloo G, Erkhem-Ochir B, Shiraishi T, Sohda M, Okami H, Yamaguchi A, Shioi I, Komine C, Nakazawa N, Ozawa N, Shibasaki Y, Okada T, Osone K, Sano A, Sakai M, Ogawa H, Yokobori T, Shirabe K, Saeki H. Prognostic value of a modified‑immune scoring system in patients with pathological T4 colorectal cancer. Oncol Lett 2024; 27:104. [PMID: 38298428 PMCID: PMC10829066 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating immune cells, such as lymphocytes and macrophages, have been associated with tumor aggressiveness, prognosis and treatment response in colorectal cancer (CRC). An immune scoring system, Immunoscore (IS), based on tumor-infiltrating T cells in stage I-III CRC, was used to predict prognosis. An alternative immune scoring signature of immune activation (SIA) reflects the balance between anti- and pro-tumoral immune components. The present study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of modified IS (mIS) and modified SIA (mSIA) in locally advanced pathological T4 (pT4) CRC, including stage IV CRC. Immunohistochemical staining for immune cell markers, such as CD3 (pan-T cell marker), CD8 (anti-tumoral cytotoxic T cell marker) and CD163 (tumor-supportive macrophage marker), in specimens from patients with radically resected pT4 CRC at stages II-IV was performed. mIS levels in the T4 CRC cohort were not associated with prognosis. However, low mSIA levels were associated with low survival. Furthermore, low mSIA was an independent predictor of recurrence in patients with radically resected pT4 CRC. In patients with CRC who did not receive postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, low mSIA was a major poor prognostic factor; however, this was not observed in patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. Evaluation of the tumor-infiltrating immune cell population could serve as a valuable marker of recurrence and poor prognosis in patients with locally advanced CRC. mSIA assessment after radical CRC resection may be promising for identifying high-risk patients with pT4 CRC who require aggressive adjuvant chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gendensuren Dorjkhorloo
- Department of General Surgical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Bilguun Erkhem-Ochir
- Division of Integrated Oncology Research, Gunma University Initiative for Advanced Research, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Takuya Shiraishi
- Department of General Surgical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Makoto Sohda
- Department of General Surgical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Haruka Okami
- Department of General Surgical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Arisa Yamaguchi
- Department of General Surgical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Ikuma Shioi
- Department of General Surgical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Chika Komine
- Department of General Surgical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Nakazawa
- Department of General Surgical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Naoya Ozawa
- Department of General Surgical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Yuta Shibasaki
- Department of General Surgical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Takuhisa Okada
- Department of General Surgical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Katsuya Osone
- Department of General Surgical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Akihiko Sano
- Department of General Surgical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Makoto Sakai
- Department of General Surgical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Hiroomi Ogawa
- Department of General Surgical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Takehiko Yokobori
- Division of Integrated Oncology Research, Gunma University Initiative for Advanced Research, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Ken Shirabe
- Department of General Surgical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Saeki
- Department of General Surgical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
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Peng X, Zheng J, Liu T, Zhou Z, Song C, Geng Y, Wang Z, Huang Y. Tumor Microenvironment Heterogeneity, Potential Therapeutic Avenues, and Emerging Therapies. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2024; 24:288-307. [PMID: 37537777 DOI: 10.2174/1568009623666230712095021] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This review describes the comprehensive portrait of tumor microenvironment (TME). Additionally, we provided a panoramic perspective on the transformation and functions of the diverse constituents in TME, and the underlying mechanisms of drug resistance, beginning with the immune cells and metabolic dynamics within TME. Lastly, we summarized the most auspicious potential therapeutic strategies. RESULTS TME is a unique realm crafted by malignant cells to withstand the onslaught of endogenous and exogenous therapies. Recent research has revealed many small-molecule immunotherapies exhibiting auspicious outcomes in preclinical investigations. Furthermore, some pro-immune mechanisms have emerged as a potential avenue. With the advent of nanosystems and precision targeting, targeted therapy has now transcended the "comfort zone" erected by cancer cells within TME. CONCLUSION The ceaseless metamorphosis of TME fosters the intransigent resilience and proliferation of tumors. However, existing therapies have yet to surmount the formidable obstacles posed by TME. Therefore, scientists should investigate potential avenues for therapeutic intervention and design innovative pharmacological and clinical technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xintong Peng
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Jingfan Zheng
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Tianzi Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Ziwen Zhou
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Chen Song
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yan Geng
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Zichuan Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
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Fan Z, Han D, Fan X, Zhao L. Ovarian cancer treatment and natural killer cell-based immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1308143. [PMID: 38187402 PMCID: PMC10768003 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1308143] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the malignant tumors that poses a serious threat to women's health. Natural killer (NK) cells are an integral part of the immune system and have the ability to kill tumor cells directly or participate indirectly in the anti-tumor immune response. In recent years, NK cell-based immunotherapy for OC has shown remarkable potential. However, its mechanisms and effects remain unclear when compared to standard treatment. Methods To explore the value of NK cell-based immunotherapy in the treatment of OC, we conducted a literature review. In comparison to standard treatment, our focus was primarily on the current anti-tumor mechanisms, the clinical effect of NK cells against OC, factors affecting the structure and function of NK cells, and strategies to enhance the effectiveness of NK cells. Results We found that NK cells exert their therapeutic effects in OC through mechanisms such as antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity, perforin release, and granule enzyme secretion. They also secrete IFN-γ and TNF-α or engage in Fas/FasL and TRAIL/TRAILR pathways, mediating the death of OC cells. In clinical trials, the majority of patients experienced disease stability with mild side effects after receiving NK cell-based immunotherapy, but there is still a lack of high-quality research evidence regarding its clinical effectiveness. OC and prior experience with standard treatments have an effect on NK cells, and it may be considered to maximize NK cell effects through the modulation of the tumor microenvironment or combination with other therapies. Conclusions In this review, we have summarized the current evidence of NK cell applications in the treatment of OC. Furthermore, factors and strategies that influence and enhance the role of NK cell immunotherapy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongru Fan
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Dongyu Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Meddical School, Nanjing University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xin Fan
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Meddical School, Nanjing University, Suzhou, China
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Kong Y, Wang X, Xu H, Liu S, Qie R. A Mendelian randomization study on the causal association of circulating cytokines with colorectal cancer. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0296017. [PMID: 38096329 PMCID: PMC10721084 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circulating cytokines have been associated with colorectal cancer (CRC). However, their causal correlation remains undetermined. This investigation uses genetic data to evaluate the mechanism that links circulating cytokines and CRC via Mendelian Randomization (MR). METHODS A two-sample MR evaluation was carried out to investigate the mechanism associating circulating cytokines and CRC in individuals of European ancestry. The Genome-wide association studies statistics, which are publically accessible, were used. Eligible instrumental SNPs that were significantly related to the circulating cytokines were selected. Multiple MR analysis approaches were carried out, including Simple Mode, inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, Weighted Mode, Weighted Median, and MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) methods. RESULTS The evidence supporting the association of genetically predicted circulating levels with the increased risk of CRC was revealed; these included vascular endothelial growth factor (OR = 1.352, 95% CI: 1.019-1.315, P = 0.024), interleukin-12p70 (OR = 1.273, 95% CI: 1.133-1.430, P = 4.68×10-5), interleukin-13 (OR = 1.149, 95% CI: 1.012-1.299, P = 0.028), interleukin-10 (OR = 1.230, 95% CI: 1.013-1.493, P = 0.037), and interleukin-7 (OR = 1.191, 95% CI: 1.023-1.386 P = 0.024). Additionally, MR analysis negative causal association between macrophage colony stimulating factor and CRC (OR = 0.854, 95% CI: 0.764-0.955, P = 0.005). The data from Simple Mode, Weighted Median, MR-Egger, and Weighted Mode analyses were consistent with the IVW estimates. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis indicated that the presence of no horizontal pleiotropy to bias the causal estimates. CONCLUSION This investigation identified a causal association between circulating cytokines levels risk of CRC and may provide a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of CRC, as well as offer promising leads for the development of novel therapeutic targets for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youqian Kong
- Graduate School, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- Graduate School, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Hongyun Xu
- Graduate School, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Shaoxuan Liu
- Graduate School, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Rui Qie
- Department of Internal Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
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Yoon SE, Park S, Cho J, Ryu KJ, Yandava B, Lee S, Kim SJ, Kim WS. The impact of sMICA/sMICB on immunochemotherapy outcomes in newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1194315. [PMID: 38033491 PMCID: PMC10687412 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1194315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Soluble MHC class I-related chain A (sMICA) and B (sMICB) play a critical role tumor evolution and poor prognosis through an immune evasion mechanism. Thus, this study determines the interaction between sMICA/sMICB and the tumor immune environment in newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (ND-DLBCL). Methods We analyzed sMICA/sMICB, cytokine in serum, and macrophage polarization analysis in tissue samples before the first chemotherapy administration. This research was performed to investigate the correlation between sMICA/sMICB expression and treatment outcomes as well as their influence on the immune system within ND-DLBCL. Results Of the 262 patients, 47.3% (n = 124) presented stage III or IV at diagnosis and 50.8% (n = 133) had a high International Prognostic Index (IPI ≥ 3). The patients with high (p = 0.034 and 0.004), elevated lactate dehydrogenase (p = 0.002 and 0.030), advanced stage (p = 0.003 and 0.012), and higher IPI risk (p = 0.009, and 0.032) correlated with the detection of sMICA or sMICB. The median progression-free survival (PFS) of patients with sMICA (p = 0.006) or sMICB (p =0.032) was inferior. Among the patients with advanced-stage or high IPI, those with sMICA or sMICB presented an inferior PFS and OS compared to those without. TNF-a, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, showed statistical significance with detected sMICA (p = 0.035) or sMICB (p = 0.044). Among anti-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1RA (P-value = 0.013) and IL-10 (p = 0.005) were associated with detecting sMICB, but not sMICA. In tissue samples, sMICA or sMICB detection did not correlate with the CD68/CD163 ratio. Discussion Conclusively, the identification of sMICA/sMICB presented unfavorable immunochemotherapy outcomes, and it was assumed that sMICA or sMICB and various cytokines interact, but the relationship with macrophage differentiation is unclear. Therefore, further research is needed to determine the relationship between sMICA/sMICB and tumor microenvironment in DLBCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Eun Yoon
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sujin Park
- Department of Pathology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Junhun Cho
- Department of Pathology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Ju Ryu
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Sewon Lee
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Jin Kim
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Seog Kim
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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10
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Li M, Song J, Wang L, Wang Q, Huang Q, Mo D. Natural killer cell-related prognosis signature predicts immune response in colon cancer patients. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1253169. [PMID: 38026928 PMCID: PMC10679416 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1253169] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial components of the innate immune system that fight tumors and viral infections. Patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) have a poor prognosis, and immunotherapeutic tools play a key role in the treatment of CRC. Methods: Public data on CRC patients was collected from the TCGA and the GEO databases. Tissue data of CRC patients were collected from Guangxi Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital. An NK-related prognostic model was developed by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and Cox regression method. Validation data were collected from different clinical subgroups and an external independent validation cohort to verify the model's accuracy. In addition, multiple external independent immunotherapy datasets were collected to further examine the value of NK-related risk scores (NKRS) in the prediction of immunotherapy response. Potential biological functions of key genes were examined by methods of cell proliferation, apoptosis and Western blotting. Results: A novel prognostic model for CRC patients based on NK-related genes was developed and NKRS was generated. There was a significantly poorer prognosis among the high-NKRS group. Based on immune response prediction, patients with low NKRS may be more suitable for immunotherapy and they are more sensitive to immunotherapy. The proliferation rate of CRC cells was significantly reduced and apoptosis of CRC cells was increased after SLC2A3 was knocked down. SLC2A3 was also found to be associated with the TGF-β signaling pathway. Conclusion: NKRS has potential applications for predicting prognostic status and response to immunotherapy in CRC patients. SLC2A3 has potential as a therapeutic target for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiqin Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Guang Xi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Jingqing Song
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guang Xi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Basic Medicine, Guangxi Health Science College, Nanning, China
| | - Qinghua Huang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Wuzhou Red Cross Hospital, Wuzhou, China
| | - Dan Mo
- Department of Breast, Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
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11
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Sartorius D, Blume ML, Fleischer JR, Ghadimi M, Conradi LC, De Oliveira T. Implications of Rectal Cancer Radiotherapy on the Immune Microenvironment: Allies and Foes to Therapy Resistance and Patients' Outcome. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5124. [PMID: 37958298 PMCID: PMC10650490 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15215124] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Aside from surgical resection, locally advanced rectal cancer is regularly treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Since the concept of cancer treatment has shifted from only focusing on tumor cells as drivers of disease progression towards a broader understanding including the dynamic tumor microenvironment (TME), the impact of radiotherapy on the TME and specifically the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is increasingly recognized. Both promoting as well as suppressing effects on anti-tumor immunity have been reported in response to rectal cancer (chemo-)radiotherapy and various targets for combination therapies are under investigation. A literature review was conducted searching the PubMed database for evidence regarding the pleiotropic effects of (chemo-)radiotherapy on the rectal cancer TIME, including alterations in cytokine levels, immune cell populations and activity as well as changes in immune checkpoint proteins. Radiotherapy can induce immune-stimulating and -suppressive alterations, potentially mediating radioresistance. The response is influenced by treatment modalities, including the dosage administered and the highly individual intrinsic pre-treatment immune status. Directly addressing the main immune cells of the TME, this review aims to highlight therapeutical implications since efficient rectal cancer treatment relies on personalized strategies combining conventional therapies with immune-modulating approaches, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Lena-Christin Conradi
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straβe 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (D.S.); (M.L.B.); (J.R.F.); (M.G.)
| | - Tiago De Oliveira
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straβe 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (D.S.); (M.L.B.); (J.R.F.); (M.G.)
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12
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Liu Y, Liu Z, Yang Y, Cui J, Sun J, Liu Y. The prognostic and biology of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes in the immunotherapy of cancer. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:1041-1049. [PMID: 37452117 PMCID: PMC10539364 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02321-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumour immunotherapy has achieved remarkable clinical success in many different types of cancer in the past two decades. The outcome of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer patients has been linked to the quality and magnitude of T cell, NK cell, and more recently, B cell within the tumour microenvironment, suggesting that the immune landscape of a tumour is highly connected to patient response and prognosis. It is critical to understanding tumour immune microenvironments for identifying immune modifiers of cancer progression and developing cancer immunotherapies. The infiltration of solid tumours by immune cells with anti-tumour activity is both a strong prognostic factor and a therapeutic goal. Recent approaches and applications of new technologies, especially single-cell mRNA analysis in dissecting tumour microenvironments have brought important insights into the biology of tumour-infiltrating immune cells, revealed a remarkable degree of cellular heterogeneity and distinct patterns of immune response. In this review, we will discuss recent advances in the understanding of tumour infiltrated lymphocytes, their prognostic benefit, and predictive value for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanbin Liu
- Grit Biotechnology Ltd., Building 25, Area C, Sangtian Island Biological Industrial Park, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhenjiang Liu
- Grit Biotechnology Ltd., Building 24, 388 Shengrong Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China
| | - Yixiao Yang
- Grit Biotechnology Ltd., Building 24, 388 Shengrong Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Cui
- Grit Biotechnology Ltd., Building 24, 388 Shengrong Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingwei Sun
- Grit Biotechnology Ltd., Building 24, 388 Shengrong Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China
| | - Yarong Liu
- Grit Biotechnology Ltd., Building 24, 388 Shengrong Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China.
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13
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Liu Z, Ding M, Qiu P, Pan K, Guo Q. Natural killer cell-related prognostic risk model predicts prognosis and treatment outcomes in triple-negative breast cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1200282. [PMID: 37520534 PMCID: PMC10373504 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1200282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial to the emergence, identification, and prognosis of cancers. The roles of NK cell-related genes in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and immunotherapy treatment are unclear. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive malignant tumor. Hence, this study was conducted to develop a reliable risk model related to NK cells and provide a novel system for predicting the prognosis of TNBC. Methods NK cell-related genes were collected from previous studies. Based on TCGA and GEO database, univariate and LASSO cox regression analysis were used to establish the NK cell-related gene signature. The patients with TNBC were separated to high-risk and low-risk groups. After that, survival analysis was conducted and the responses to immunotherapies were evaluated on the basis of the signature. Moreover, the drug sensitivity of some traditional chemotherapeutic drugs was assessed by using the "oncoPredict" R package. In addition, the expression levels of the genes involved in the signature were validated by using qRT-PCR in TNBC cell lines. Results The patients with TNBC were divided into high- and low-risk groups according to the median risk score of the 5-NK cell-related gene signature. The low-risk group was associated with a better clinical outcome. Besides, the differentially expressed genes between the different risk groups were enriched in the biological activities associated with immunity. The tumor immune cells were found to be highly infiltrated in the low-risk groups. In accordance with the TIDE score and immune checkpoint-related gene expression analysis, TNBC patients in the low-risk groups were suggested to have better responses to immunotherapies. Eventually, some classical anti-tumor drugs were shown to be less effective in high-risk groups than in low-risk groups. Conclusion The 5-NK cell-related gene signature exhibit outstanding predictive performance and provide fresh viewpoints for evaluating the success of immunotherapy. It will provide new insights to achieve precision and integrated treatment for TNBC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zundong Liu
- Stem Cell Laboratory, Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Mingji Ding
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Pengjun Qiu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Kelun Pan
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Qiaonan Guo
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
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14
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Aureli A, Marziani B, Venditti A, Sconocchia T, Sconocchia G. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Immunotherapy Treatment: Now, Next, and Beyond. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3346. [PMID: 37444456 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a blood cancer that primarily affects children but also adults. It is due to the malignant proliferation of lymphoid precursor cells that invade the bone marrow and can spread to extramedullary sites. ALL is divided into B cell (85%) and T cell lineages (10 to 15%); rare cases are associated with the natural killer (NK) cell lineage (<1%). To date, the survival rate in children with ALL is excellent while in adults continues to be poor. Despite the therapeutic progress, there are subsets of patients that still have high relapse rates after chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and an unsatisfactory cure rate. Hence, the identification of more effective and safer therapy choices represents a primary issue. In this review, we will discuss novel therapeutic options including bispecific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-based therapies, and other promising treatments for both pediatric and adult patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Aureli
- CNR Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Via Carducci 32, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Beatrice Marziani
- Emergency Medicine Department, Sant'Anna University Hospital, Via A. Moro, 8, Cona, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Adriano Venditti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, The University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso Sconocchia
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Giuseppe Sconocchia
- CNR Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Via Carducci 32, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
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15
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Levy JJ, Zavras JP, Veziroglu EM, Nasir-Moin M, Kolling FW, Christensen BC, Salas LA, Barney RE, Palisoul SM, Ren B, Liu X, Kerr DA, Pointer KB, Tsongalis GJ, Vaickus LJ. Identification of Spatial Proteomic Signatures of Colon Tumor Metastasis: A Digital Spatial Profiling Approach. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 193:778-795. [PMID: 37037284 PMCID: PMC10284031 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2023.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Over 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) every year, and annually >50,000 individuals are estimated to die of CRC, necessitating improvements in screening, prognostication, disease management, and therapeutic options. CRC tumors are removed en bloc with surrounding vasculature and lymphatics. Examination of regional lymph nodes at the time of surgical resection is essential for prognostication. Developing alternative approaches to indirectly assess recurrence risk would have utility in cases where lymph node yield is incomplete or inadequate. Spatially dependent, immune cell-specific (eg, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes), proteomic, and transcriptomic expression patterns inside and around the tumor-the tumor immune microenvironment-can predict nodal/distant metastasis and probe the coordinated immune response from the primary tumor site. The comprehensive characterization of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and other immune infiltrates is possible using highly multiplexed spatial omics technologies, such as the GeoMX Digital Spatial Profiler. In this study, machine learning and differential co-expression analyses helped identify biomarkers from Digital Spatial Profiler-assayed protein expression patterns inside, at the invasive margin, and away from the tumor, associated with extracellular matrix remodeling (eg, granzyme B and fibronectin), immune suppression (eg, forkhead box P3), exhaustion and cytotoxicity (eg, CD8), Programmed death ligand 1-expressing dendritic cells, and neutrophil proliferation, among other concomitant alterations. Further investigation of these biomarkers may reveal independent risk factors of CRC metastasis that can be formulated into low-cost, widely available assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua J Levy
- Emerging Diagnostic and Investigative Technologies, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth Health, Lebanon, New Hampshire; Department of Dermatology, Dartmouth Health, Lebanon, New Hampshire; Department of Epidemiology, Dartmouth College Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, New Hampshire; Program in Quantitative Biomedical Sciences, Dartmouth College Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, New Hampshire.
| | | | - Eren M Veziroglu
- Dartmouth College Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, New Hampshire
| | | | | | - Brock C Christensen
- Department of Epidemiology, Dartmouth College Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, New Hampshire; Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Dartmouth College Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, New Hampshire; Department of Community and Family Medicine, Dartmouth College Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, New Hampshire
| | - Lucas A Salas
- Department of Epidemiology, Dartmouth College Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, New Hampshire; Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Dartmouth College Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, New Hampshire; Integrative Neuroscience at Dartmouth Graduate Program, Dartmouth College Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, New Hampshire
| | - Rachael E Barney
- Emerging Diagnostic and Investigative Technologies, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth Health, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Scott M Palisoul
- Emerging Diagnostic and Investigative Technologies, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth Health, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Bing Ren
- Emerging Diagnostic and Investigative Technologies, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth Health, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Xiaoying Liu
- Emerging Diagnostic and Investigative Technologies, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth Health, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Darcy A Kerr
- Emerging Diagnostic and Investigative Technologies, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth Health, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Kelli B Pointer
- Section of Radiation Oncology, Department of Medicine, Dartmouth College Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, New Hampshire
| | - Gregory J Tsongalis
- Emerging Diagnostic and Investigative Technologies, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth Health, Lebanon, New Hampshire.
| | - Louis J Vaickus
- Emerging Diagnostic and Investigative Technologies, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth Health, Lebanon, New Hampshire
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16
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Portale F, Di Mitri D. NK Cells in Cancer: Mechanisms of Dysfunction and Therapeutic Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119521. [PMID: 37298470 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer cells (NK) are innate lymphocytes endowed with the ability to recognize and kill cancer cells. Consequently, adoptive transfer of autologous or allogeneic NK cells represents a novel opportunity in cancer treatment that is currently under clinical investigation. However, cancer renders NK cells dysfunctional, thus restraining the efficacy of cell therapies. Importantly, extensive effort has been employed to investigate the mechanisms that restrain NK cell anti-tumor function, and the results have offered forthcoming solutions to improve the efficiency of NK cell-based therapies. The present review will introduce the origin and features of NK cells, summarize the mechanisms of action and causes of dysfunction of NK cells in cancer, and frame NK cells in the tumoral microenvironment and in the context of immunotherapies. Finally, we will discuss therapeutic potential and current limitations of NK cell adoptive transfer in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Portale
- Tumor Microenviroment Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Diletta Di Mitri
- Tumor Microenviroment Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072 Milan, Italy
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17
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Liu K, Sadeghipour N, Hoover AR, Valero TI, Furrer C, Adams J, Naqash AR, Zhao M, Papin JF, Chen WR. Single-cell transcriptomics reveals that tumor-infiltrating natural killer cells are activated by localized ablative immunotherapy and share anti-tumor signatures induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.02.539163. [PMID: 37205468 PMCID: PMC10187236 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.02.539163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Rationale Natural killer (NK) cells provide protective anti-cancer immunity. However, the cancer therapy induced activation gene signatures and pathways in NK cells remain unclear. Methods We applied a novel localized ablative immunotherapy (LAIT) by synergizing photothermal therapy (PTT) with intra-tumor delivering of the immunostimulant N-dihydrogalactochitosan (GC), to treat breast cancer using a mammary tumor virus-polyoma middle tumor-antigen (MMTV-PyMT) mouse model. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) analysis to unveil the cellular heterogeneity and compare the transcriptional alterations induced by PTT, GC, and LAIT in NK cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Results ScRNAseq showed that NK subtypes, including cycling, activated, interferon-stimulated, and cytotoxic NK cells. Trajectory analysis revealed a route toward activation and cytotoxicity following pseudotime progression. Both GC and LAIT elevated gene expression associated with NK cell activation, cytolytic effectors, activating receptors, IFN pathway components, and cytokines/chemokines in NK subtypes. Single-cell transcriptomics analysis using immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-treated animal and human samples revealed that ICI-induced NK activation and cytotoxicity across several cancer types. Furthermore, ICI-induced NK gene signatures were also induced by LAIT treatment. We also discovered that several types of cancer patients had significantly longer overall survival when they had higher expression of genes in NK cells that were also specifically upregulated by LAIT. Conclusion Our findings show for the first time that LAIT activates cytotoxicity in NK cells and the upregulated genes positively correlate with beneficial clinical outcomes for cancer patients. More importantly, our results further establish the correlation between the effects of LAIT and ICI on NK cells, hence expanding our understanding of mechanism of LAIT in remodeling TME and shedding light on the potentials of NK cell activation and anti-tumor cytotoxic functions in clinical applications.
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18
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Garza Treviño EN, Quiroz Reyes AG, Rojas Murillo JA, de la Garza Kalife DA, Delgado Gonzalez P, Islas JF, Estrada Rodriguez AE, Gonzalez Villarreal CA. Cell Therapy as Target Therapy against Colon Cancer Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098163. [PMID: 37175871 PMCID: PMC10179203 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subpopulation of cells within tumors with properties, such as self-renewal, differentiation, and tumorigenicity. CSCs have been proposed as a plausible therapeutic target as they are responsible for tumor recurrence, metastasis, and conventional therapy resistance. Selectively targeting CSCs is a promising strategy to eliminate the propagation of tumor cells and impair overall tumor development. Recent research shows that several immune cells play a crucial role in regulating tumor cell proliferation by regulating different CSC maintenance or proliferation pathways. There have been great advances in cellular immunotherapy using T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages, or stem cells for the selective targeting of tumor cells or CSCs in colorectal cancer (CRC). This review summarizes the CRC molecular profiles that may benefit from said therapy and the main vehicles used in cell therapy against CSCs. We also discuss the challenges, limitations, and advantages of combining conventional and/or current targeted treatments in the late stages of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa N Garza Treviño
- Laboratorio de Terapia Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Dr. José Eleuterio González 235, Monterrey 64460, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Adriana G Quiroz Reyes
- Laboratorio de Terapia Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Dr. José Eleuterio González 235, Monterrey 64460, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Juan Antonio Rojas Murillo
- Laboratorio de Terapia Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Dr. José Eleuterio González 235, Monterrey 64460, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - David A de la Garza Kalife
- Laboratorio de Terapia Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Dr. José Eleuterio González 235, Monterrey 64460, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Paulina Delgado Gonzalez
- Laboratorio de Terapia Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Dr. José Eleuterio González 235, Monterrey 64460, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Jose F Islas
- Laboratorio de Terapia Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Dr. José Eleuterio González 235, Monterrey 64460, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Ana Esther Estrada Rodriguez
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Vicerrectoría de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Monterrey, Ignacio Morones Prieto 4500. Jesus M. Garza, San Pedro Garza García 66238, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Carlos A Gonzalez Villarreal
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Vicerrectoría de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Monterrey, Ignacio Morones Prieto 4500. Jesus M. Garza, San Pedro Garza García 66238, Nuevo León, Mexico
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19
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Park MD, Reyes-Torres I, LeBerichel J, Hamon P, LaMarche NM, Hegde S, Belabed M, Troncoso L, Grout JA, Magen A, Humblin E, Nair A, Molgora M, Hou J, Newman JH, Farkas AM, Leader AM, Dawson T, D'Souza D, Hamel S, Sanchez-Paulete AR, Maier B, Bhardwaj N, Martin JC, Kamphorst AO, Kenigsberg E, Casanova-Acebes M, Horowitz A, Brown BD, De Andrade LF, Colonna M, Marron TU, Merad M. TREM2 macrophages drive NK cell paucity and dysfunction in lung cancer. Nat Immunol 2023; 24:792-801. [PMID: 37081148 PMCID: PMC11088947 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01475-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are commonly reduced in human tumors, enabling many to evade surveillance. Here, we sought to identify cues that alter NK cell activity in tumors. We found that, in human lung cancer, the presence of NK cells inversely correlated with that of monocyte-derived macrophages (mo-macs). In a murine model of lung adenocarcinoma, we show that engulfment of tumor debris by mo-macs triggers a pro-tumorigenic program governed by triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2). Genetic deletion of Trem2 rescued NK cell accumulation and enabled an NK cell-mediated regression of lung tumors. TREM2+ mo-macs reduced NK cell activity by modulating interleukin (IL)-18/IL-18BP decoy interactions and IL-15 production. Notably, TREM2 blockade synergized with an NK cell-activating agent to further inhibit tumor growth. Altogether, our findings identify a new axis, in which TREM2+ mo-macs suppress NK cell accumulation and cytolytic activity. Dual targeting of macrophages and NK cells represents a new strategy to boost antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Park
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ivan Reyes-Torres
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jessica LeBerichel
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pauline Hamon
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nelson M LaMarche
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Thoracic Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Samarth Hegde
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Meriem Belabed
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Leanna Troncoso
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - John A Grout
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Assaf Magen
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Etienne Humblin
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Achuth Nair
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Martina Molgora
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jinchao Hou
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jenna H Newman
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adam M Farkas
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrew M Leader
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Travis Dawson
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Human Immune Monitoring Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Darwin D'Souza
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Human Immune Monitoring Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Steven Hamel
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alfonso Rodriguez Sanchez-Paulete
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Barbara Maier
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nina Bhardwaj
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jerome C Martin
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- CHU Nantes, Laboratoire d'Immunologie, Center for ImmunoMonitoring Nantes-Atlantique (CIMNA), Nantes, France
| | - Alice O Kamphorst
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ephraim Kenigsberg
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria Casanova-Acebes
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Cancer Immunity Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Amir Horowitz
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brian D Brown
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lucas Ferrari De Andrade
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marco Colonna
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Thomas U Marron
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Thoracic Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Miriam Merad
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Center for Thoracic Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Human Immune Monitoring Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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20
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Zhou Y, Cheng L, Liu L, Li X. NK cells are never alone: crosstalk and communication in tumour microenvironments. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:34. [PMID: 36797782 PMCID: PMC9933398 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01737-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune escape is a hallmark of cancer. The dynamic and heterogeneous tumour microenvironment (TME) causes insufficient infiltration and poor efficacy of natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy, which becomes a key factor triggering tumour progression. Understanding the crosstalk between NK cells and the TME provides new insights for optimising NK cell-based immunotherapy. Here, we present new advances in direct or indirect crosstalk between NK cells and 9 specialised TMEs, including immune, metabolic, innervated niche, mechanical, and microbial microenvironments, summarise TME-mediated mechanisms of NK cell function inhibition, and highlight potential targeted therapies for NK-TME crosstalk. Importantly, we discuss novel strategies to overcome the inhibitory TME and provide an attractive outlook for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongqiang Zhou
- grid.32566.340000 0000 8571 0482The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, 222 Tianshui South Road, Lanzhou, 730000 China ,grid.412643.60000 0004 1757 2902Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China ,Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lu Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lu Liu
- grid.412643.60000 0004 1757 2902Department of Pediatrics, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xun Li
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, 222 Tianshui South Road, Lanzhou, 730000, China. .,Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China. .,Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.
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21
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Ghazvinian Z, Abdolahi S, Tokhanbigli S, Tarzemani S, Piccin A, Reza Zali M, Verdi J, Baghaei K. Contribution of natural killer cells in innate immunity against colorectal cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1077053. [PMID: 36686835 PMCID: PMC9846259 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1077053] [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: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer cells are members of the innate immune system and promote cytotoxic activity against tumor or infected cells independently from MHC recognition. NK cells are modulated by the expression of activator/inhibitory receptors. The ratio of this activator/inhibitory receptors is responsible for the cytotoxic activity of NK cells toward the target cells. Owing to the potent anti-tumor properties of NK cells, they are considered as interesting approach in tumor treatment. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of death in the world and the incidence is about 2 million new cases per year. Metastatic CRC is accompanied by a poor prognosis with less than three years of overall survival. Chemotherapy and surgery are the most adopted treatments. Besides, targeted therapy and immune checkpoint blockade are novel approach to CRC treatment. In these patients, circulating NK cells are a prognostic marker. The main target of CRC immune cell therapy is to improve the tumor cell's recognition and elimination by immune cells. Adaptive NK cell therapy is the milestone to achieve the purpose. Allogeneic NK cell therapy has been widely investigated within clinical trials. In this review, we focus on the NK related approaches including CAR NK cells, cell-based vaccines, monoclonal antibodies and immunomodulatory drugs against CRC tumoral cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Ghazvinian
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahrokh Abdolahi
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samaneh Tokhanbigli
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shadi Tarzemani
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Andrea Piccin
- Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service, Belfast, United Kingdom
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Verdi
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kaveh Baghaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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22
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Zhao W, Lin J, Cheng S, Li H, Shu Y, Xu C. Comprehensive analysis of COMMD10 as a novel prognostic biomarker for gastric cancer. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14645. [PMID: 36919165 PMCID: PMC10008319 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14645] [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: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background COMMD10 has an important role in the development of certain tumors, but its relevance to gastric cancer (GC) is unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the difference of COMMD10 expression in gastric adenocarcinoma (STAD) and analyze the correlation between COMMD10 expression and prognosis of STAD patients. Methods The expression levels of COMMD10 between STAD and normal tissues were explored using the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. In addition, the expression of COMMD10 in GC was further validated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, qRT-PCR and Western blot. Dot blot experiments were used for exploring m6A expression levels in tissues with high and low COMMD10 expression. Kaplan-Meier analysis and COX regression analysis were used to explore the relationship between COMMD10 and STAD prognosis. A nomogram was constructed to predict the survival probability of STAD patients. GO and KEGG functional enrichment of COMMD10-related genes were performed. The Corrlot software package was used to analyze the correlation between COMMD10 expression levels and m6A modifications in STAD. An analysis of immune infiltration based on the CIBERSOFT and the single-sample GSEA (ssGSEA) method was performed. Results COMMD10 expression was significantly associated with multiple cancers, including STAD in TCGA. COMMD10 expression was elevated in STAD cancer tissues compared to paracancerous tissues. COMMD10 upregulation was associated with poorer overall survival (OS), clinical stage, N stage, and primary treatment outcome in STAD. Functional enrichment of COMMD10-related genes was mainly involved in biological processes such as RNA localization, RNA splicing, RNA transport, mRNA surveillance pathways, and spliceosomes. The dot blot experiment showed that m6A levels were higher in cancer tissues with high COMMD10 expression compared with paracancerous tissues. COMMD10 was significantly correlated with most m6A-related genes. COMMD10 was involved in STAD immune cells infiltration, correlated with macrophage cells expression. Conclusion High COMMD10 expression was significantly associated with poor prognosis in STAD patients, and its functional realization was related to m6A modification. COMMD10 involved in STAD immune infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfang Zhao
- The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiahui Lin
- The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Sha Cheng
- The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Huan Li
- The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yufeng Shu
- The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Canxia Xu
- The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
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23
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Sconocchia G, Lanzilli G, Cesarini V, Silvestris DA, Rezvani K, Arriga R, Caratelli S, Chen K, Dou J, Cenciarelli C, Toietta G, Baldari S, Sconocchia T, De Paolis F, Aureli A, Iezzi G, Irno Consalvo M, Buccisano F, Del Principe MI, Maurillo L, Venditti A, Ottaviani A, Spagnoli GC. Direct CD32 T-cell cytotoxicity: implications for breast cancer prognosis and treatment. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 5:5/12/e202201590. [PMID: 36241426 PMCID: PMC9586128 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The FcγRII (CD32) ligands are IgFc fragments and pentraxins. The existence of additional ligands is unknown. We engineered T cells with human chimeric receptors resulting from the fusion between CD32 extracellular portion and transmembrane CD8α linked to CD28/ζ chain intracellular moiety (CD32-CR). Transduced T cells recognized three breast cancer (BC) and one colon cancer cell line among 15 tested in the absence of targeting antibodies. Sensitive BC cell conjugation with CD32-CR T cells induced CD32 polarization and down-regulation, CD107a release, mutual elimination, and proinflammatory cytokine production unaffected by human IgGs but enhanced by cetuximab. CD32-CR T cells protected immunodeficient mice from subcutaneous growth of MDA-MB-468 BC cells. RNAseq analysis identified a 42 gene fingerprint predicting BC cell sensitivity and favorable outcomes in advanced BC. ICAM1 was a major regulator of CD32-CR T cell-mediated cytotoxicity. CD32-CR T cells may help identify cell surface CD32 ligand(s) and novel prognostically relevant transcriptomic signatures and develop innovative BC treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Sconocchia
- Department of Biomedicine Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Lanzilli
- Department of Biomedicine Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Valeriana Cesarini
- Department of Biomedicine Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | | | - Katayoun Rezvani
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Division of Cancer Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Roberto Arriga
- Department of Systems Medicine, the University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Caratelli
- Department of Biomedicine Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Ken Chen
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Division of Cancer Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jinzhuang Dou
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Division of Cancer Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Carlo Cenciarelli
- Department of Biomedicine Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Toietta
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Baldari
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso Sconocchia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Francesca De Paolis
- Department of Biomedicine Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Aureli
- Department of Biomedicine Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Giandomenica Iezzi
- Department of Surgery, Università Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Maria Irno Consalvo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Buccisano
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Maria I Del Principe
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Maurillo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Adriano Venditti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Ottaviani
- Department of Biomedicine Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Giulio C Spagnoli
- Department of Biomedicine Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
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Yu L, Zhang MM, Hou JG. Molecular and cellular pathways in colorectal cancer: apoptosis, autophagy and inflammation as key players. Scand J Gastroenterol 2022; 57:1279-1290. [PMID: 35732586 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2022.2088247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal carcinogenesis (CRC) is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer, particularly in developing countries. It accounts for the second and third-highest reason for cancer-induced lethality in women and men respectively. CRC involves genetic and epigenetic modifications in colonic epithelium, leading to colon adenocarcinoma. The current review highlights the pathogenic mechanisms and multifactorial etiology of CRC, influenced by apoptosis, inflammation, and autophagy pathways. METHODS We have carried out a selective literature review on mechanisms contributing to the pathogenesis of CRC. RESULTS Resistance to senescence and apoptosis of the mesenchymal cells, which play a key role in intestinal organogenesis, morphogenesis and homeostasis, appears important for sporadic CRC. Additionally, inflammation-associated tumorigenesis is a key incident in CRC, supported by immune disruptors, adaptive and innate immune traits, environmental factors, etc. involving oxidative stress, DNA damage and epigenetic modulations. The self-digesting mechanism, autophagy, also plays a twin role in CRC through the participation of LC3/LC3-II, Beclin-1, ATG5, other autophagy proteins, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) susceptibility genes. It facilitates the promotion of effective surveillance pathways and stimulates the generation of malignant tumor cells. The autophagy and apoptotic pathways undergo synergistic or antagonistic interactions in CRC and bear a critical association with IBD that results from the pro-neoplastic effects of persistent intestinal inflammation. Conversely, pro-inflammatory factors stimulate tumor growth and angiogenesis and inhibit apoptosis, suppressing anti-tumor activities. CONCLUSION Hence, research attempts for the development of potential therapies for CRC are in progress, primarily based on combinatorial approaches targeting apoptosis, inflammation, and autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yu
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Miao-Miao Zhang
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ji-Guang Hou
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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CHANDAN G, KUMAR C, SATTI NK, TULI HS, FAGOONEE S, HAQUE S, SAINI AK, SAINI RV. Daturalactones as immunomodulators: activation of immune cells conferring cytotoxicity towards colon and pancreatic cancer cells. MINERVA BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOMOLECULAR RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.23736/s2724-542x.22.02931-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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26
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Cord Blood-Derived Natural Killer Cell Exploitation in Immunotherapy Protocols: More Than a Promise? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14184439. [PMID: 36139598 PMCID: PMC9496735 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary NK cell anti-tumor activity against hematological malignancies is well-established and many studies support their role in the control of solid tumor growth and metastasis generation. However, tumor microenvironment may affect NK cell function. Ongoing studies are aimed to design novel immunotherapeutic protocols to combine NK cell-based immunotherapy with other therapeutic strategies to improve the anti-tumor NK cell response. In this context, UCB is one of the main sources of both mature NK cells and of CD34+ HSPC that can generate NK cells, both in-vivo and in-vitro. UCB-derived NK cells represent a valuable tool to perform in-vitro and preclinical analyses and are already used in several clinical settings, particularly against hematological malignancies. The present review describes the characteristics of different types of UCB-derived NK cells and the in-vitro models to expand them, both for research and clinical purposes in the context of cancer immunotherapy. Abstract In the last 20 years, Natural Killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy has become a promising approach to target various types of cancer. Indeed, NK cells play a pivotal role in the first-line defense against tumors through major histocompatibility complex-independent immunosurveillance. Their role in the control of leukemia relapse has been clearly established and, moreover, the presence of NK cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) generally correlates with good prognosis. However, it has also been observed that, often, NK cells poorly infiltrate the tumor tissue, and, in TME, their functions may be compromised by immunosuppressive factors that contribute to the failure of anti-cancer immune response. Currently, studies are focused on the design of effective strategies to expand NK cells and enhance their cytotoxic activity, exploiting different cell sources, such as peripheral blood (PB), umbilical cord blood (UCB) and NK cell lines. Among them, UCB represents an important source of mature NK cells and CD34+ Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells (HSPCs), as precursors of NK cells. In this review, we summarize the UCB-derived NK cell activity in the tumor context, review the different in-vitro models to expand NK cells from UCB, and discuss the importance of their exploitation in anti-tumor immunotherapy protocols.
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NK Cells and Other Cytotoxic Innate Lymphocytes in Colorectal Cancer Progression and Metastasis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147859. [PMID: 35887206 PMCID: PMC9322916 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies and leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite its complex pathogenesis and progression, CRC represents a well-fitting example of how the immune contexture can dictate the disease outcome. The presence of cytotoxic lymphocytes, both CD8+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, represents a relevant prognostic factor in CRC and is associated with a better overall survival. Together with NK cells, other innate lymphocytes, namely, innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), have been found both in biopsies of CRC patients and in murine models of intestinal cancer, playing both pro- and anti-tumor activities. In particular, several type 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC1) with cytotoxic functions have been recently described, and evidence in mice shows a role for both NK cells and ILC1 in controlling CRC metastasis. In this review, we provide an overview of the features of NK cells and the expanding spectrum of innate lymphocytes with cytotoxic functions. We also comment on both the described and the potential roles these innate lymphocytes can play during the progression of intestinal cancer leading to metastasis. Finally, we discuss recent advances in the molecular mechanisms underlying the functional regulation of cytotoxic innate lymphocytes in CRC.
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28
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Wang C, Tang Y, Ma H, Wei S, Hu X, Zhao L, Wang G. Identification of Hypoxia-Related Subtypes, Establishment of Prognostic Models, and Characteristics of Tumor Microenvironment Infiltration in Colon Cancer. Front Genet 2022; 13:919389. [PMID: 35783281 PMCID: PMC9247151 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.919389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Immunotherapy is a treatment that can significantly improve the prognosis of patients with colon cancer, but the response to immunotherapy is different in patients with colon cancer because of the heterogeneity of colon carcinoma and the complex nature of the tumor microenvironment (TME). In the precision therapy mode, finding predictive biomarkers that can accurately identify immunotherapy-sensitive types of colon cancer is essential. Hypoxia plays an important role in tumor proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis, energy metabolism, and chemotherapy and immunotherapy resistance. Thus, understanding the mechanism of hypoxia-related genes (HRGs) in colon cancer progression and constructing hypoxia-related signatures will help enrich our treatment strategies and improve patient prognosis. Methods: We obtained the gene expression data and corresponding clinical information of 1,025 colon carcinoma patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, respectively. We identified two distinct hypoxia subtypes (subtype A and subtype B) according to unsupervised clustering analysis and assessed the clinical parameters, prognosis, and TME cell-infiltrating characteristics of patients in the two subtypes. We identified 1,132 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two hypoxia subtypes, and all patients were randomly divided into the training group (n = 513) and testing groups (n = 512). Following univariate Cox regression with DEGs, we construct the prognostic model (HRG-score) including six genes (S1PR3, ETV5, CD36, FOXC1, CXCL10, and MMP12) through the LASSO–multivariate cox method in the training group. We comprehensively evaluated the sensitivity and applicability of the HRG-score model from the training group and the testing group, respectively. We explored the correlation between HRG-score and clinical parameters, tumor microenvironment, cancer stem cells (CSCs), and MMR status. In order to evaluate the value of the risk model in clinical application, we further analyzed the sensitivity of chemotherapeutics and immunotherapy between the low-risk group and high-risk group and constructed a nomogram for improving the clinical application of the HRG-score. Result: Subtype A was significantly enriched in metabolism-related pathways, and subtype B was significantly enriched in immune activation and several tumor-associated pathways. The level of immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint-related genes, stromal score, estimate score, and immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) prediction score was significantly different in subtype A and subtype B. The level of immune checkpoint-related genes and TIDE score was significantly lower in subtype A than that in subtype B, indicating that subtype A might benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors. Finally, an HRG-score signature for predicting prognosis was constructed through the training group, and the predictive capability was validated through the testing group. The survival analysis and correlation analysis of clinical parameters revealed that the prognosis of patients in the high-risk group was significantly worse than that in the low-risk group. There were also significant differences in immune status, mismatch repair status (MMR), and cancer stem cell index (CSC), between the two risk groups. The correlation analysis of risk scores with IC50 and IPS showed that patients in the low-risk group had a higher benefit from chemotherapy and immunotherapy than those in the high-risk group, and the external validation IMvigor210 demonstrated that patients with low risk were more sensitive to immunotherapy. Conclusion: We identified two novel molecular subgroups based on HRGs and constructed an HRG-score model consisting of six genes, which can help us to better understand the mechanisms of hypoxia-related genes in the progression of colon cancer and identify patients susceptible to chemotherapy or immunotherapy, so as to achieve precision therapy for colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changjing Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yujie Tang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Hongqing Ma
- The Second Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Sisi Wei
- Research Center, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xuhua Hu
- The Second Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lianmei Zhao
- Research Center, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- *Correspondence: Guiying Wang, ; Lianmei Zhao,
| | - Guiying Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- The Second Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- *Correspondence: Guiying Wang, ; Lianmei Zhao,
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Lanuza PM, Alonso MH, Hidalgo S, Uranga-Murillo I, García-Mulero S, Arnau R, Santos C, Sanjuan X, Santiago L, Comas L, Redrado S, Pazo-Cid R, Agustin-Ferrández MJ, Jaime-Sánchez P, Pesini C, Gálvez EM, Ramírez-Labrada A, Arias M, Sanz-Pamplona R, Pardo J. Adoptive NK Cell Transfer as a Treatment in Colorectal Cancer Patients: Analyses of Tumour Cell Determinants Correlating With Efficacy In Vitro and In Vivo. Front Immunol 2022; 13:890836. [PMID: 35747143 PMCID: PMC9210952 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.890836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous disease with variable mutational profile and tumour microenvironment composition that influence tumour progression and response to treatment. While chemoresistant and poorly immunogenic CRC remains a challenge, the development of new strategies guided by biomarkers could help stratify and treat patients. Allogeneic NK cell transfer emerges as an alternative against chemoresistant and poorly immunogenic CRC. Methods NK cell-related immunological markers were analysed by transcriptomics and immunohistochemistry in human CRC samples and correlated with tumour progression and overall survival. The anti-tumour ability of expanded allogeneic NK cells using a protocol combining cytokines and feeder cells was analysed in vitro and in vivo and correlated with CRC mutational status and the expression of ligands for immune checkpoint (IC) receptors regulating NK cell activity. Results HLA-I downmodulation and NK cell infiltration correlated with better overall survival in patients with a low-stage (II) microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) CRC, suggesting a role of HLA-I as a prognosis biomarker and a potential benefit of NK cell immunotherapy. Activated allogeneic NK cells were able to eliminate CRC cultures without PD-1 and TIM-3 restriction but were affected by HLA-I expression. In vivo experiments confirmed the efficacy of the therapy against both HLA+ and HLA− CRC cell lines. Concomitant administration of pembrolizumab failed to improve tumour control. Conclusions Our results reveal an immunological profile of CRC tumours in which immunogenicity (MSI-H) and immune evasion mechanisms (HLA downmodulation) favour NK cell immunosurveillance at early disease stages. Accordingly, we have shown that allogeneic NK cell therapy can target tumours expressing mutations conferring poor prognosis regardless of the expression of T cell-related inhibitory IC ligands. Overall, this study provides a rationale for a new potential basis for CRC stratification and NK cell-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar M. Lanuza
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- *Correspondence: Pilar M. Lanuza,
| | - M. Henar Alonso
- Unit of Biomarkers and Susceptibility, Oncology Data Analytics Program (ODAP), Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) and CIBERESP, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra Hidalgo
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Microbiology, Radiology, Pediatry and Public Health, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Iratxe Uranga-Murillo
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Microbiology, Radiology, Pediatry and Public Health, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra García-Mulero
- Unit of Biomarkers and Susceptibility, Oncology Data Analytics Program (ODAP), Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) and CIBERESP, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raquel Arnau
- Unit of Biomarkers and Susceptibility, Oncology Data Analytics Program (ODAP), Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) and CIBERESP, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Santos
- Department of Medical Oncology, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL)-CIBERONC, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Sanjuan
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Bellvitge (HUB-IDIBELL), L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Llipsy Santiago
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Oncology and Pharmacology Units, HUMSICB-CSIC, Instituto de Carboquímica ICB-CSIC, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Laura Comas
- Oncology and Pharmacology Units, HUMSICB-CSIC, Instituto de Carboquímica ICB-CSIC, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sergio Redrado
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Oncology and Pharmacology Units, HUMSICB-CSIC, Instituto de Carboquímica ICB-CSIC, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | | | - Paula Jaime-Sánchez
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Cecilia Pesini
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Eva M. Gálvez
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Oncology and Pharmacology Units, HUMSICB-CSIC, Instituto de Carboquímica ICB-CSIC, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ariel Ramírez-Labrada
- Unidad de Nanotoxicología e Inmunotoxicología (UNATI), Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Maykel Arias
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Microbiology, Radiology, Pediatry and Public Health, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rebeca Sanz-Pamplona
- Unit of Biomarkers and Susceptibility, Oncology Data Analytics Program (ODAP), Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) and CIBERESP, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- ARAID Foundation, Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Julián Pardo
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Microbiology, Radiology, Pediatry and Public Health, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- ARAID Foundation, Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
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Busà R, Bulati M, Badami E, Zito G, Maresca DC, Conaldi PG, Ercolano G, Ianaro A. Tissue-Resident Innate Immune Cell-Based Therapy: A Cornerstone of Immunotherapy Strategies for Cancer Treatment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:907572. [PMID: 35757002 PMCID: PMC9221069 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.907572] [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: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has led to impressive advances in cancer treatment. Unfortunately, in a high percentage of patients is difficult to consistently restore immune responses to eradicate established tumors. It is well accepted that adaptive immune cells, such as B lymphocytes, CD4+ helper T lymphocytes, and CD8+ cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs), are the most effective cells able to eliminate tumors. However, it has been recently reported that innate immune cells, including natural killer cells (NK), dendritic cells (DC), macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), represent important contributors to modulating the tumor microenvironment and shaping the adaptive tumor response. In fact, their role as a bridge to adaptive immunity, make them an attractive therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the pleiotropic role of tissue-resident innate immune cells in different tumor contexts. In addition, we discuss how current and future therapeutic approaches targeting innate immune cells sustain the adaptive immune system in order to improve the efficacy of current tumor immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalia Busà
- Research Department, Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies (IRCCS ISMETT), Palermo, Italy
| | - Matteo Bulati
- Research Department, Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies (IRCCS ISMETT), Palermo, Italy
| | - Ester Badami
- Research Department, Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies (IRCCS ISMETT), Palermo, Italy
- Ri.MED Foundation, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Zito
- Research Department, Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies (IRCCS ISMETT), Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Pier Giulio Conaldi
- Research Department, Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies (IRCCS ISMETT), Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ercolano
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Giuseppe Ercolano,
| | - Angela Ianaro
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Nel AE, Mei KC, Liao YP, Lu X. Multifunctional Lipid Bilayer Nanocarriers for Cancer Immunotherapy in Heterogeneous Tumor Microenvironments, Combining Immunogenic Cell Death Stimuli with Immune Modulatory Drugs. ACS NANO 2022; 16:5184-5232. [PMID: 35348320 PMCID: PMC9519818 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c01252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
In addition to the contribution of cancer cells, the solid tumor microenvironment (TME) has a critical role in determining tumor expansion, antitumor immunity, and the response to immunotherapy. Understanding the details of the complex interplay between cancer cells and components of the TME provides an unprecedented opportunity to explore combination therapy for intervening in the immune landscape to improve immunotherapy outcome. One approach is the introduction of multifunctional nanocarriers, capable of delivering drug combinations that provide immunogenic stimuli for improvement of tumor antigen presentation, contemporaneous with the delivery of coformulated drug or synthetic molecules that provide immune danger signals or interfere in immune-escape, immune-suppressive, and T-cell exclusion pathways. This forward-looking review will discuss the use of lipid-bilayer-encapsulated liposomes and mesoporous silica nanoparticles for combination immunotherapy of the heterogeneous immune landscapes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and triple-negative breast cancer. We describe how the combination of remote drug loading and lipid bilayer encapsulation is used for the synthesis of synergistic drug combinations that induce immunogenic cell death, interfere in the PD-1/PD-L1 axis, inhibit the indoleamine-pyrrole 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO-1) immune metabolic pathway, restore spatial access to activated T-cells to the cancer site, or reduce the impact of immunosuppressive stromal components. We show how an integration of current knowledge and future discovery can be used for a rational approach to nanoenabled cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- André E. Nel
- Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine University of California, Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- Correspondence should be addressed to: André E. Nel, Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 52-175 CHS, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA. Phone: 310.825.6620;
| | - Kuo-Ching Mei
- Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine University of California, Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Yu-Pei Liao
- Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine University of California, Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Xiangsheng Lu
- Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine University of California, Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
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The Regulatory Role of Neuropeptide Gene Glucagon in Colorectal Cancer: A Comprehensive Bioinformatic Analysis. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:4262600. [PMID: 35340411 PMCID: PMC8956438 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4262600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer is highly prevalent and causes high global mortality, and glucagon axis has been implicated in colon cancer. The present study is aimed at investigating the regulating mechanisms of glucagon involvement in colorectal cancer. Methods Publicly available data from the TCGA database was utilized to explore the expression pattern and regulating role of glucagon (GCG) in colorectal cancer (COADREAD) including colon adenocarcinomas (COAD) and rectum adenocarcinomas (READ). Statistical analyses were performed using the R software packages and public web servers. The expression pattern and prognostic significance of GCG gene in pan-cancer and TCGA-COADREAD data were investigated by performing unpaired and paired sample analyses. The association of GCG expression with clinical characteristics was investigated using logistic regression analysis. Univariate cox regression analysis was performed to test the prognostic value of GCG expression for overall survival in COADREAD patients. GCG-significantly correlated genes were obtained. Biological functions and signaling pathways were identified by performing functional enrichment analysis and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Additionally, the potential involvement of GCG in tumor immunity was researched by investigating the correlation between GCG expression and 24 tumor infiltrating immune cells. Results GCG was found to be significantly downregulated in COADREAD tumor samples compared with healthy control samples. GCG gene was shown to be associated with the prognostic outcomes of COADREAD, whereby its upregulation predicted improved survival outcomes. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the top 100 positively and top 100 negatively GCG-correlated genes were mainly enriched in three signaling pathways including ribosome, nitrogen metabolism, and proximal tubule bicarbonate reclamation. The GSEA showed that GCG-significantly correlated genes were mainly enriched in cell cycle-related pathways (reactome cell cycle, reactome cell cycle mitotic, reactome cell cycle checkpoints, reactome M phase, Reactome G2 M DNA damage checkpoint, and Reactome G2 M checkpoints), neuropeptide ligand receptor interaction, RHO GTPases signaling, WNT signaling, RUNX1 signaling, NOTCH signaling, ESR signaling, HCMV infection, and oxidative stress-related signaling. GCG was positively correlated with Th17 cells, pDC, macrophages, TFH cells, iDC, Tem, B cells, dendritic cells, neutrophils, mast cells, and eosinophils and was negatively associated with NK cells. Conclusions GCG dysregulation with high prognostic value in COADREAD was noted. Several tumor progression-related pathways and tumor immune-modulatory cells were linked to GCG expression in COADREAD. Therefore, GCG may be regarded as a potential therapeutic target for treating colorectal cancer.
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Väyrynen JP, Haruki K, Lau MC, Väyrynen SA, Ugai T, Akimoto N, Zhong R, Zhao M, Dias Costa A, Borowsky J, Bell P, Takashima Y, Fujiyoshi K, Arima K, Kishikawa J, Shi SS, Twombly TS, Song M, Wu K, Chan AT, Zhang X, Fuchs CS, Meyerhardt JA, Giannakis M, Ogino S, Nowak JA. Spatial organization and prognostic significance of NK and NKT-like cells via multimarker analysis of the colorectal cancer microenvironment. Cancer Immunol Res 2021; 10:215-227. [DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-21-0772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Aureli A, Marziani B, Sconocchia T, Del Principe MI, Buzzatti E, Pasqualone G, Venditti A, Sconocchia G. Immunotherapy as a Turning Point in the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246246. [PMID: 34944865 PMCID: PMC8699368 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Despite recent progress achieved in the management of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), it remains a life-threatening disease with a poor prognosis, particularly in the elderly, having an average 5-year survival of approximately 28%. However, recent evidence suggests that immunotherapy can provide the background for developing personalized targeted therapy to improve the clinical course of AML patients. Our review aimed to assess the immunotherapy effectiveness in AML by discussing the impact of monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptor T cells, and vaccines in AML preclinical and clinical studies. Abstract Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignant disease of hematopoietic precursors at the earliest stage of maturation, resulting in a clonalproliferation of myoblasts replacing normal hematopoiesis. AML represents one of the most common types of leukemia, mostly affecting elderly patients. To date, standard chemotherapy protocols are only effective in patients at low risk of relapse and therapy-related mortality. The average 5-year overall survival (OS) is approximately 28%. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) improves prognosis but is limited by donor availability, a relatively young age of patients, and absence of significant comorbidities. Moreover, it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, increasing understanding of AML immunobiology is leading to the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. Immunotherapy is considered an attractive strategy for controlling and eliminating the disease. It can be a real breakthrough in the treatment of leukemia, especially in patients who are not eligible forintensive chemotherapy. In this review, we focused on the progress of immunotherapy in the field of AML by discussing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), immune checkpoint inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T cells), and vaccine therapeutic choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Aureli
- CNR Institute of Translational Pharmacology, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (G.S.)
| | - Beatrice Marziani
- Emergency and Urgent Department, University Hospital Sant’Anna of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy;
| | | | - Maria Ilaria Del Principe
- Hematology, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.I.D.P.); (E.B.); (G.P.); (A.V.)
| | - Elisa Buzzatti
- Hematology, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.I.D.P.); (E.B.); (G.P.); (A.V.)
| | - Gianmario Pasqualone
- Hematology, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.I.D.P.); (E.B.); (G.P.); (A.V.)
| | - Adriano Venditti
- Hematology, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.I.D.P.); (E.B.); (G.P.); (A.V.)
| | - Giuseppe Sconocchia
- CNR Institute of Translational Pharmacology, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (G.S.)
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Wang G, Yang Y, Yi D, Yuan L, Yin PH, Ke X, Jun-Jie W, Tao MF. Eudragit S100 prepared pH-responsive liposomes-loaded betulinic acid against colorectal cancer in vitro and in vivo. J Liposome Res 2021; 32:250-264. [PMID: 34895013 DOI: 10.1080/08982104.2021.1999974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to develop polymer Eudragit S100 for preparing pH-responsive liposomes-loaded betulinic acid (pH-BA-LP) to improve the therapeutic index of chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. BA-loaded liposomes were coated with Eudragit S100 by a thin film dispersion and easily scalable pH-driven method. The prepared liposomes were evaluated for size, surface morphology, entrapment efficiency, stability, in vitro drug release, and antitumor activity. In particular, pH-BA-LP showed advantages such as lower size (<100 nm), encapsulation efficiency of 90%, high stability, and stably cumulative release. By detecting the antitumor effects of pH-BA-LP in vivo, it showed that the tumor proliferation and cell migration were significantly inhibited in colorectal cancer. The pH-BA-LP also inhibited tumor growth via the regulation of Akt/TLR-mediated signalling and significantly down-regulated the expression of NFAT1 and NFAT4 proteins. It was found that pH-BA-LP can increase NK cells and CD3+ cells in tumor tissues, and the proportion of CD8+ cells in CD3+ cells was also increased, which proved that pH-BA-LP can play an antitumor effect by enhancing the autoimmunity level in tumor-bearing mice. The positive infiltration rates of CD8 and CD68 were increased and CD163 was relatively decreased by using pH-BA-LP, which proved that pH-BA-LP can regulate the immune infiltration levels in tumor-bearing mice. Therefore, the present work provides an effective method to prepare pH-responsive polymer-coated liposomes for colonic delivery with biologically active compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Yang
- Jiangsu University School of Pharmacy, Zhenjiang City, China
| | - Du Yi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Yuan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pei-Hao Yin
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Ke
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wang Jun-Jie
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min-Fang Tao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Shanghai, China
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Hao X, Sun G, Zhang Y, Kong X, Rong D, Song J, Tang W, Wang X. Targeting Immune Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment of HCC: New Opportunities and Challenges. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:775462. [PMID: 34869376 PMCID: PMC8633569 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.775462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune associated cells in the microenvironment have a significant impact on the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and have received more and more attention. Different types of immune-associated cells play different roles, including promoting/inhibiting HCC and several different types that are controversial. It is well known that immune escape of HCC has become a difficult problem in tumor therapy. Therefore, in recent years, a large number of studies have focused on the immune microenvironment of HCC, explored many mechanisms worth identifying tumor immunosuppression, and developed a variety of immunotherapy methods as targets, laying the foundation for the final victory in the fight against HCC. This paper reviews recent studies on the immune microenvironment of HCC that are more reliable and important, and provides a more comprehensive view of the investigation of the immune microenvironment of HCC and the development of more immunotherapeutic approaches based on the relevant summaries of different immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopei Hao
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guangshun Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangyi Kong
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dawei Rong
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinhua Song
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weiwei Tang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuehao Wang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Wang G, Yu Y, Li ZM, Zhu ZM, Wang ZJ, Tao MF. Triterpenoids of Rhus chinensis Supressed Colorectal Cancer Progress by Enhancing Antitumor Immunity and CD8 + T Cells Tumor Infiltration. Nutr Cancer 2021; 74:2550-2564. [PMID: 34866510 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2021.2009523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The absence of CD8+ T cells in the tumor center has become a major obstacle in the immunotherapy of colorectal cancer. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to promote the accumulation of CD8+ T cells in the tumor center. Previous studies have shown that triterpenoid of Rhus chinensis (TER) is involved in the proliferation and apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells, and can regulate their immune activity, but its mechanism needs to be further elucidated. In this study, the antitumor effect and adaptive immune response of TER on tumor-bearing mice were evaluated and compared with 5-fluorouracil. The results showed that TER could significantly inhibit tumor growth and prolong the survival time of tumor-bearing mice. The In Vivo studies have shown that TER can not only enhance antitumor immunity and promote the accumulation of CD8 + T cells to tumor sites, but also inhibit tumor progression by regulating the expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 and significantly reducing the mortality of mice. Our study demonstrated for the first time that TER has oncolytic effect, and recruited adaptive immune cells to enhance the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 in colorectal cancer, which provides a potential therapeutic target for combined immunotherapy of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Department of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zi-Meng Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Min Zhu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Jie Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min-Fang Tao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Shanghai, China
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Vuletić A, Mirjačić Martinović K, Tišma Miletić N, Zoidakis J, Castellvi-Bel S, Čavić M. Cross-Talk Between Tumor Cells Undergoing Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition and Natural Killer Cells in Tumor Microenvironment in Colorectal Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:750022. [PMID: 34858978 PMCID: PMC8631470 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.750022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells undergoing epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and immune cells in tumor microenvironment (TME) reciprocally influence each other. Immune cells, by supplying TME with bioactive molecules including cytokines, chemokines, enzymes, metabolites, and by physical interactions with tumor cells via their receptors, represent an important factor that affects EMT. Chronical inflammation in TME favorizes tumor growth and invasiveness and stimulates synthesis of EMT promoting transcription factors. Natural killer (NK) cells, owing to their unique ability to exert cytotoxic function independent of major histocompatibility (MHC)-mediated antigen presentation, play a significant role in the control of metastasis in colorectal cancer (CRC). Although, the cross-talk between immune cells and tumor cells in general favors the induction of EMT and inhibition of antitumor immune responses, there are some changes in the immunogenicity of tumor cells during EMT of CRC cells that increase their susceptibility to NK cell cytotoxic lysis. However, suppressive TME downmodulates the expression of activating NK cell receptors, decreases the expression of activating and increases the expression of inhibitory NK cell ligands on tumor cells, and impairs NK cell metabolism that altogether negatively affects the overall NK cell function. Furthermore, process of EMT is often associated with increased expression of programmed cell death ligand (PD-L) and expression of immune checkpoint molecules PD-1, TIGIT, and TIM3 on functionally exhausted NK cells in TME in CRC. In this review we discuss modalities of cross-talk between tumor cells and NK cells, with regard of EMT-driven changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Vuletić
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Nevena Tišma Miletić
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jerome Zoidakis
- Department of Biotechnology, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Sergi Castellvi-Bel
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Clínic, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Institut d'Investigacions Biomčdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Milena Čavić
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
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Ye T, Feng J, Cui M, Yang J, Wan X, Xie D, Liu J. LncRNA MIAT Services as a Noninvasive Biomarker for Diagnosis and Correlated with Immune Infiltrates in Breast Cancer. Int J Womens Health 2021; 13:991-1004. [PMID: 34712062 PMCID: PMC8548061 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s312714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Myocardial infarction associated transcript (MIAT) is identified as a long chain non-coding RNA (lncRNA), which was associated with myocardial infarction susceptibility. While intense efforts have been made to elucidate the relationship between MIAT and carcinogenesis, the tumor immunoreaction of MIAT remains elusive. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the role of MIAT in the immunoregulation of breast cancer (BC) and further explore the better clinical significance. Methods The differential expression of MIAT between BC and normal/adjacent tissues was compared using Wilcoxon rank sum test. The diagnostic and prognostic values of elevated MIAT expression in BC tissues were unveiled via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and KM-plotter analysis. Limma and edgeR package were used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and microRNAs (DEMs) from TCGA database respectively. A co-expression dataset was constructed to comprehensively understand the relationship between MIAT and DEGs based on the Pearson correlation coefficient. Furthermore, GO and KEGG analyses were conducted to predict the potential functions of MIAT. We next intersected immune-related genes (IRGs) from ImmPort database with MIAT-co-expressed genes to obtain MIAT-co-expressed IRGs, in order to construct MIAT-microRNA (miRNA)-mRNA network. And the correlation between MIAT and tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs) and immunophenoscore (IPS) analysis was analyzed by TIMER and CIBERSORT. Finally, the reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression profiles of MIAT in serum samples. Results The expression levels of MIAT were notably higher in BC than in normal or adjacent tissues. And MIAT expression could be used as a prognostic indicator of mortality risk in patients with BC in different aspects. Moreover, the enrichment analyses suggested that MIAT was strongly involved in BC immune response. In addition, TIMER database and CIBERSORT analyses indicated that MIAT was significantly correlated with 13 types of TICs (B cells, dendritic cells, neutrophils, CD8 T cells, CD4 memory resting T cells, CD4 memory activated T cells, gamma delta T cells, M1 macrophages, plasma cells, activated NK cells, monocytes, M2 macrophages, activated mast cells). Simultaneously, the IPS analysis implied that the higher the MIAT expression, the better the immunotherapy effect. The ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) value of MIAT was 0.86 (sensitivity = 87.80%, specificity = 75.61%). And the high MIAT expression in serum was positive related to TNM stage (P = 0.032) and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.028). Conclusion MIAT may be a valuable noninvasive diagnostic biomarker for BC and is associated with tumor-infiltrating immune cells in tumor microenvironment, suggesting MIAT as a potential target for future treatment of BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Ye
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Feng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Cui
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Leshan People's Hospital, Luzhou, Sichuan, 614000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Leshan People's Hospital, Luzhou, Sichuan, 614000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Wan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Xie
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinbo Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, People's Republic of China
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Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Colorectal Cancer: Challenges and Future Prospects. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9091075. [PMID: 34572263 PMCID: PMC8467932 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a new pillar of cancer therapy that provides novel opportunities to treat solid tumors. In this context, the development of new drugs targeting immune checkpoints is considered a promising approach in colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment because it can be induce specific and durable anti-cancer effects. Despite many advances in the immunotherapy of CRC, there are still limitations and obstacles to successful treatment. The immunosuppressive function of the tumor microenvironment (TME) is one of the causes of poor response to treatment in CRC patients. For this reason, checkpoint-blocking antibodies have shown promising outcomes in CRC patients by blocking inhibitory immune checkpoints and enhancing immune responses against tumors. This review summarizes recent advances in immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as CTLA-4, PD-1, PD-L1, LAG-3, and TIM-3 in CRC, and it discusses various therapeutic strategies with ICIs, including the double blockade of ICIs, combination therapy of ICIs with other immunotherapies, and conventional treatments. This review also delineates a new hopeful path in the combination of anti-PD-1/anti-PD-L1 with other ICIs such as anti-CTLA-4, anti-LAG-3, and anti-TIM-3 for CRC treatment.
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Yang Q, Zhou C, Han C, Zhang Y, Jiang Y, Li Z, Ma J. [Effects of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy on infiltrating immune cells in the tumor microenvironment of rectal cancer]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2021; 41:1270-1276. [PMID: 34549721 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2021.08.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To detect the changes in the number and phenotype of tumor infiltrating immune cells in rectal cancer tissues before and after neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and analyze their correlation with the clinicopathological parameters of the patients. METHODS The protein expressions of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD56 and Foxp3 in biopsy specimens and postoperative pathological specimens collected from 20 rectal cancer patients before and after neoadjuvant CRT were detected using ElivisionTM Plus immunohistochemistry, and the results were statistically analyzed. RESULTS Compared with the measurements before the therapy, neoadjuvant CRT resulted in significant increments in CD3 (21.8% vs 48.8%, P < 0.001), CD4(16.5% vs 42.2%, P < 0.001), CD8(8.3% vs 33.4%, P < 0.001)and CD56(0 vs 7.6%, P=0.012), obvious reduction in Foxp3 expression(26.0% vs 15.3%, P=0.005), but no significant changes in CD4/CD8 ratio of(2.7 vs 5.1).Multivariate analysis showed that the increase of CD3-positive cells(HR=0.16, P=0.028)and CD8-positive cells(HR=0.03, P=0.001)was positively correlated with the disease-free survival of the patients after the operation. CONCLUSION Neoadjuvant CRT can significantly increase the proportions of infiltrating immune cells positive for CD3, CD4, CD8 and CD56 and decrease the proportion of Treg lymphocytes in the tumor tissues in patients with rectal cancer.The patients with increased CD3-and CD8-positive T lymphocytes may have longer disease-free survival after the surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q Yang
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, Xiangya Second Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, China.,Department of Oncology, Xiangya Second Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - C Zhou
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, Xiangya Second Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, China.,Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Xiangya Second Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - C Han
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Second Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Y Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Second Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Y Jiang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Second Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Z Li
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Second Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - J Ma
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Second Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
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Elaraby E, Malek AI, Abdullah HW, Elemam NM, Saber-Ayad M, Talaat IM. Natural Killer Cell Dysfunction in Obese Patients with Breast Cancer: A Review of a Triad and Its Implications. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:9972927. [PMID: 34212054 PMCID: PMC8205589 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9972927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer cells (NK cells) are a crucial constituent of the innate immune system as they mediate immunity against viruses, bacteria, parasites, and most importantly, tumor cells. The exact mechanism of how the innate immune system and specifically NK cells interact with cancer cells is complex and is yet to be understood. Several factors that constitute the tumor microenvironment (TME) such as hypoxia and TGF-β are believed to play a role in the complex physiological reaction of NK cells to tumor cells. On the other hand, several risk factors are implicated in the development and progression of breast cancer, most importantly: obesity. Cytokines released from adipose tissue such as adipokines, leptin, and resistin, among others, are also believed to facilitate tumor progression. In this study, we aimed to build a triad of breast cancer, obesity, and NK cell dysfunction to elucidate a link between these pillars on a cellular level. Directing efforts towards solidifying the link between these factors will help in designing a targeted immunotherapy with a low side-effect profile that can revolutionize breast cancer treatment and improve survival in obese patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esraa Elaraby
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | | | | | - Noha Mousaad Elemam
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Maha Saber-Ayad
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
- Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Iman M. Talaat
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
- Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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NK cell and ILC heterogeneity in colorectal cancer. New perspectives from high dimensional data. Mol Aspects Med 2021; 80:100967. [PMID: 33941383 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2021.100967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) and tissue-resident natural killer (NK) cells ensure immunity at environmental interfaces and help maintain barrier integrity of the intestinal tract. This wide range of innate lymphocytes is able to provide fast and potent inflammatory responses that, when deregulated, have been associated with pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC). While the presence of tumor-infiltrating NK cells is generally associated with a favorable outcome in CRC patients, emerging evidence reveals distinct roles for ILCs in regulating CRC pathogenesis and progression. Advances in next generation sequencing technology, and in particular of single-cell RNA-seq approaches, along with multidimensional flow cytometry analysis, have helped to deconvolute the complexity and heterogeneity of the ILC system both in homeostatic and pathological contexts. In this review, we discuss the protective and detrimental roles of NK cells and ILCs in the pathogenesis of CRC, focusing on the phenotypic and transcriptional modifications these cells undergo during CRC development and progression.
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Emerging Trends for Radio-Immunotherapy in Rectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061374. [PMID: 33803620 PMCID: PMC8003099 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rectal cancer is a heterogeneous disease at the genetic and molecular levels, both aspects having major repercussions on the tumor immune contexture. Whilst microsatellite status and tumor mutational load have been associated with response to immunotherapy, presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes is one of the most powerful prognostic and predictive biomarkers. Yet, the majority of rectal cancers are characterized by microsatellite stability, low tumor mutational burden and poor T cell infiltration. Consequently, these tumors do not respond to immunotherapy and treatment largely relies on radiotherapy alone or in combination with chemotherapy followed by radical surgery. Importantly, pre-clinical and clinical studies suggest that radiotherapy can induce a complete reprograming of the tumor microenvironment, potentially sensitizing it for immune checkpoint inhibition. Nonetheless, growing evidence suggest that this synergistic effect strongly depends on radiotherapy dosing, fractionation and timing. Despite ongoing work, information about the radiotherapy regimen required to yield optimal clinical outcome when combined to checkpoint blockade remains largely unavailable. In this review, we describe the molecular and immune heterogeneity of rectal cancer and outline its prognostic value. In addition, we discuss the effect of radiotherapy on the tumor microenvironment, focusing on the mechanisms and benefits of its combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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AlMusawi S, Ahmed M, Nateri AS. Understanding cell-cell communication and signaling in the colorectal cancer microenvironment. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e308. [PMID: 33635003 PMCID: PMC7868082 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Carcinomas are complex heterocellular systems containing epithelial cancer cells, stromal fibroblasts, and multiple immune cell-types. Cell-cell communication between these tumor microenvironments (TME) and cells drives cancer progression and influences response to existing therapies. In order to provide better treatments for patients, we must understand how various cell-types collaborate within the TME to drive cancer and consider the multiple signals present between and within different cancer types. To investigate how tissues function, we need a model to measure both how signals are transferred between cells and how that information is processed within cells. The interplay of collaboration between different cell-types requires cell-cell communication. This article aims to review the current in vitro and in vivo mono-cellular and multi-cellular cultures models of colorectal cancer (CRC), and to explore how they can be used for single-cell multi-omics approaches for isolating multiple types of molecules from a single-cell required for cell-cell communication to distinguish cancer cells from normal cells. Integrating the existing single-cell signaling measurements and models, and through understanding the cell identity and how different cell types communicate, will help predict drug sensitivities in tumor cells and between- and within-patients responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaikha AlMusawi
- Cancer Genetics & Stem Cell Group, BioDiscovery Institute, Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, School of MedicineUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamUK
| | - Mehreen Ahmed
- Cancer Genetics & Stem Cell Group, BioDiscovery Institute, Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, School of MedicineUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamUK
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Translational Cancer ResearchLund UniversityLundSweden
| | - Abdolrahman S. Nateri
- Cancer Genetics & Stem Cell Group, BioDiscovery Institute, Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, School of MedicineUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamUK
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Hong GQ, Cai D, Gong JP, Lai X. Innate immune cells and their interaction with T cells in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2021; 21:57. [PMID: 33281968 PMCID: PMC7709558 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.12319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor and is associated with necroinflammation driven by various immune cells, such as dendritic cells, macrophages and natural killer cells. Innate immune cells can directly affect HCC or regulate the T-cell responses that mediate HCC. In addition, innate immune cells and T cells are not isolated, which means the interaction between them is important in the HCC microenvironment. Considering the current unsatisfactory efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with HCC, understanding the relationship between innate immune cells and T cells is necessary. In the present review the roles and clinical value of innate immune cells that have been widely reported to be involved in HCC, including dendritic cells, macrophages (including kupffer cells), neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils and innate lymphoid cells and the crosstalk between the innate and adaptive immune responses in the antitumor process have been discussed. The present review will facilitate researchers in understanding the importance of innate immune cells in HCC and lead to innovative immunotherapy approaches for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Qing Hong
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Thyroid Breast Surgery, Tongnan District People's Hospital, Chongqing 402660, P.R. China
| | - Dong Cai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Ping Gong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, P.R. China
| | - Xing Lai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Thyroid Breast Surgery, Tongnan District People's Hospital, Chongqing 402660, P.R. China
- Correspondence to: Dr Xing Lai, Department of Hepatobiliary and Thyroid Breast Surgery, Tongnan District People's Hospital, 271 Datong, Tongnan, Chongqing 402660, P.R. China, E-mail:
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Sargenti A, Musmeci F, Bacchi F, Delprete C, Cristaldi DA, Cannas F, Bonetti S, Pasqua S, Gazzola D, Costa D, Villa F, Zocchi MR, Poggi A. Physical Characterization of Colorectal Cancer Spheroids and Evaluation of NK Cell Infiltration Through a Flow-Based Analysis. Front Immunol 2020; 11:564887. [PMID: 33424829 PMCID: PMC7786051 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.564887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
To improve pathogenetic studies in cancer development and reliable preclinical testing of anti-cancer treatments, three-dimensional (3D) cultures, including spheroids, have been widely recognized as more physiologically relevant in vitro models of in vivo tumor behavior. Currently, the generation of uniformly sized spheroids is still challenging: different 3D cell culture methods produce heterogeneous populations in dimensions and morphology, that may strongly influence readouts reliability correlated to tumor growth rate or antitumor natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity. In this context, an increasing consensus claims the integration of microfluidic technologies within 3D cell culture, as the physical characterization of tumor spheroids is unavoidably demanded to standardize protocols and assays for in vitro testing. In this paper, we employed a flow-based method specifically conceived to measure weight, size and focused onto mass density values of tumor spheroids. These measurements are combined with confocal and digital imaging of such samples. We tested the spheroids of four colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines that exhibit statistically relevant differences in their physical characteristics, even though starting from the same cell seeding density. These variations are seemingly cell line-dependent and associated with the number of growing cells and the degree of spheroid compaction as well, supported by different adenosine-triphosphate contents. We also showed that this technology can estimate the NK cell killing efficacy by measuring the weight loss and diameter shrinkage of tumor spheroids, alongside with the commonly used cell viability in vitro test. As the activity of NK cells relies on their infiltration rate, the in vitro sensitivity of CRC spheroids proved to be exposure time- and cell line-dependent with direct correlation to the cell viability reduction. All these functional aspects can be measured by the system and are documented by digital image analysis. In conclusion, this flow-based method potentially paves the way towards standardization of 3D cell cultures and its early adoption in cancer research to test antitumor immune response and set up new immunotherapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Cecilia Delprete
- Laboratory of Human and General Physiology, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Delfina Costa
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Federico Villa
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Raffaella Zocchi
- Division of Immunology, Transplants and Infectious Diseases, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Poggi
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
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Huang YW, Lin CW, Pan P, Shan T, Echeveste CE, Mo YY, Wang HT, Aldakkak M, Tsai S, Oshima K, Yearsley M, Xiao J, Cao H, Sun C, Du M, Bai W, Yu J, Wang LS. Black Raspberries Suppress Colorectal Cancer by Enhancing Smad4 Expression in Colonic Epithelium and Natural Killer Cells. Front Immunol 2020; 11:570683. [PMID: 33424832 PMCID: PMC7793748 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.570683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Innate immune cells in the tumor microenvironment have been proposed to control the transition from benign to malignant stages. In many cancers, increased infiltration of natural killer (NK) cells associates with good prognosis. Although the mechanisms that enable NK cells to restrain colorectal cancer (CRC) are unclear, the current study suggests the involvement of Smad4. We found suppressed Smad4 expression in circulating NK cells of untreated metastatic CRC patients. Moreover, NK cell-specific Smad4 deletion promoted colon adenomas in DSS-treated ApcMin/+ mice and adenocarcinomas in AOM/DSS-treated mice. Other studies have shown that Smad4 loss or weak expression in colonic epithelium associates with poor survival in CRC patients. Therefore, targeting Smad4 in both colonic epithelium and NK cells could provide an excellent opportunity to manage CRC. Toward this end, we showed that dietary intervention with black raspberries (BRBs) increased Smad4 expression in colonic epithelium in patients with FAP or CRC and in the two CRC mouse models. Also, benzoate metabolites of BRBs, such as hippurate, upregulated Smad4 and Gzmb expression that might enhance the cytotoxicity of primary human NK cells. Of note, increased levels of hippurate is a metabolomic marker of a healthy gut microbiota in humans, and hippurate also has antitumor effects. In conclusion, our study suggests a new mechanism for the action of benzoate metabolites derived from plant-based foods. This mechanism could be exploited clinically to upregulate Smad4 in colonic epithelium and NK cells, thereby delaying CRC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Wen Huang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Chien-Wei Lin
- Division of Biostatistics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Pan Pan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Tianjiao Shan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Carla Elena Echeveste
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Yue Yang Mo
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Hsin-Tzu Wang
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Mohammed Aldakkak
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Susan Tsai
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Kiyoko Oshima
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Martha Yearsley
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Jianbo Xiao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macau, Macau
| | - Hui Cao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macau, Macau
| | - Chongde Sun
- Laboratory of Fruit Quality Biology/Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Integrative Biology/The State Agriculture Ministry Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Growth, Development and Quality Improvement, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ming Du
- School of Food Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, China
| | - Weibin Bai
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Guangdong Engineering Technology Center of Food Safety Molecular Rapid Detection, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianhua Yu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Li-Shu Wang
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
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49
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Ferretti E, Carlomagno S, Pesce S, Muccio L, Obino V, Greppi M, Solari A, Setti C, Marcenaro E, Della Chiesa M, Sivori S. Role of the Main Non HLA-Specific Activating NK Receptors in Pancreatic, Colorectal and Gastric Tumors Surveillance. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3705. [PMID: 33321719 PMCID: PMC7763095 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human NK cells can control tumor growth and metastatic spread thanks to their powerful cytolytic activity which relies on the expression of an array of activating receptors. Natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs) NKG2D and DNAM-1 are those non-HLA-specific activating NK receptors that are mainly involved in sensing tumor transformation by the recognition of different ligands, often stress-induced molecules, on the surface of cancer cells. Tumors display several mechanisms aimed at dampening/evading NK-mediated responses, a relevant fraction of which is based on the downregulation of the expression of activating receptors and/or their ligands. In this review, we summarize the role of the main non-HLA-specific activating NK receptors, NCRs, NKG2D and DNAM-1, in controlling tumor growth and metastatic spread in solid malignancies affecting the gastrointestinal tract with high incidence in the world population, i.e., pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), colorectal cancer (CRC), and gastric cancer (GC), also describing the phenotypic and functional alterations induced on NK cells by their tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Ferretti
- Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Simona Carlomagno
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.C.); (S.P.); (L.M.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (A.S.); (C.S.)
| | - Silvia Pesce
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.C.); (S.P.); (L.M.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (A.S.); (C.S.)
| | - Letizia Muccio
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.C.); (S.P.); (L.M.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (A.S.); (C.S.)
| | - Valentina Obino
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.C.); (S.P.); (L.M.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (A.S.); (C.S.)
| | - Marco Greppi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.C.); (S.P.); (L.M.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (A.S.); (C.S.)
| | - Agnese Solari
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.C.); (S.P.); (L.M.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (A.S.); (C.S.)
| | - Chiara Setti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.C.); (S.P.); (L.M.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (A.S.); (C.S.)
| | - Emanuela Marcenaro
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES) and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Mariella Della Chiesa
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES) and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Simona Sivori
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES) and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
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50
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Cózar B, Greppi M, Carpentier S, Narni-Mancinelli E, Chiossone L, Vivier E. Tumor-Infiltrating Natural Killer Cells. Cancer Discov 2020; 11:34-44. [PMID: 33277307 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-20-0655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Because of their potent antitumor activity and their proinflammatory role, natural killer (NK) cells are at the forefront of efforts to develop immuno-oncologic treatments. NK cells participate in immune responses to tumors by killing target cells and producing cytokines. However, in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, NK cells become dysfunctional through exposure to inhibitory molecules produced by cancer cells, leading to tumor escape. We provide an overview of what is known about NK tumor infiltration and surveillance and about the mechanisms by which NK cells become dysfunctional. SIGNIFICANCE: The functions of tumor-infiltrating NK cells may be impaired. This review aims to describe the various mechanisms by which tumors alter NK-cell functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Cózar
- Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France
| | - Marco Greppi
- Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | | | - Laura Chiossone
- Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France
| | - Eric Vivier
- Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France. .,Aix Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Marseille, France.,APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Service d'Immunologie, Marseille-Immunopôle, Marseille, France
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