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Cho YJ, Hwang I, Park S, Lee S, Kang SY, Kim MJ, Ahn S, Kim KM. Prognostic Effect of Tertiary Lymphoid Structures in Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Gastric Carcinomas Measured by Digital Image Analysis. J Transl Med 2024; 104:102071. [PMID: 38677591 DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2024.102071] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC) is characterized by prominent tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and has a favorable prognosis. Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS), characterized by ectopic aggregated lymphocytes with high-endothelial venules (HEV), are associated with favorable outcomes in various solid tumors. We hypothesized that EBVaGC, characterized by intense TILs, may be closely associated with TLS or HEV. To test this hypothesis, we digitally analyzed the TLS, HEV, and TILs in 73 surgically resected advanced EBVaGCs. For HEV, dual MECA-79 and CD31 dual immunohistochemistry were performed, and the ectopic expression of MECA-79 in tumor cells was measured. In 73 patients with EBVaGC, a high-TLS ratio was found in 29 (39.7%) cases, high-tumor-associated HEV density in 44 (60.3%) cases, and high-CD8+ TIL density in 38 (52.1%) cases. Ectopic tumor expression of MECA-79 was observed in 36 patients (49.3%) cases. A low-TLS ratio and tumor-associated HEV density were significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (P =.005 and.042, respectively). Ectopic MECA-79 expression was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (P =.003). Patients with a low-TLS ratio (P =.038), low-HEV density (P =.042), and ectopic tumor MECA-79 expression (P =.032) had significantly worse prognoses. In conclusion, TLS ratio and HEV density affect the survival of patients with EBVaGC and may be related to the immune response that interrupts lymph node metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Joo Cho
- Department of Pathology and Translational Genomics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Inwoo Hwang
- Department of Pathology and Translational Genomics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Suho Park
- Department of Pathology and Translational Genomics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Somin Lee
- Center for Companion Diagnostics, Precision Medicine Research Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - So Young Kang
- Department of Pathology and Translational Genomics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min-Ji Kim
- Biomedical Statistics Center, Research Institute for Future Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soomin Ahn
- Department of Pathology and Translational Genomics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyoung-Mee Kim
- Department of Pathology and Translational Genomics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea; Center for Companion Diagnostics, Precision Medicine Research Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Doi N, Ino Y, Fuse M, Esaki M, Shimada K, Hiraoka N. Correlation of Vein-Rich Tumor Microenvironment of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma With Tertiary Lymphoid Structures and Patient Outcome. Mod Pathol 2024; 37:100401. [PMID: 38043787 DOI: 10.1016/j.modpat.2023.100401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is an aggressive cancer composed of large-duct and small-duct types. Understanding the tumor immune microenvironment and its related vascular system is important for developing novel and efficient therapies. We focused on tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) as a hallmark of antitumor immunity and investigated the clinicopathologic significance of TLSs and the influence of vascular microenvironment on TLS formation in iCCAs. We examined 261 iCCA cases clinicopathologically and analyzed the vascular system using immunohistochemistry. Single-cell (102,685 cells) and bulk RNA (33 iCCA cases) sequencing analyses were performed using data sets downloaded from public databases, and endothelial cell characteristics in iCCA tissues and functional networks related to the tumor microenvironment were bioinformatically examined. High densities of both intratumoral and peritumoral TLSs were significantly associated with prolonged survival only in large-duct-type iCCA. Multivariate analyses showed that peritumoral TLS was a prognostic factor for the large-duct type. TLS-rich iCCA had a significantly higher vein density and tumor-infiltrating T-cell count than TLS-poor iCCA. Both the presence of TLSs and high vein endothelial cells in iCCA tissues were significantly associated with molecular networks representing active immune responses in transcriptomic analysis. Vein density was a prognostic factor in patients with large-duct and small-duct types. This suggests that TLS formation is involved in a microenvironment with high vein density, which represents an antitumor-directed immune microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriteru Doi
- Division of Molecular Pathology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan; Division of Innovative Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, National Cancer Center EPOC, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Ino
- Division of Molecular Pathology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan; Division of Innovative Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, National Cancer Center EPOC, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masanori Fuse
- Division of Molecular Pathology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan; Division of Innovative Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, National Cancer Center EPOC, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Minoru Esaki
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Shimada
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuyoshi Hiraoka
- Division of Molecular Pathology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan; Division of Innovative Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, National Cancer Center EPOC, Tokyo, Japan.
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Sun H, Shi Y, Ran H, Peng J, Li Q, Zheng G, He Y, Liu S, Chang W, Xiao Y. Prognostic value of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) in digestive system cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:1248. [PMID: 38110876 PMCID: PMC10729333 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11738-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Existing literature suggests that tertiary lymphatic structure (TLS) is associated with the progression of cancer. However, the prognostic role of TLS in digestive system cancers remains controversial. This meta-analysis aims to synthesize currently available evidence in the association between TLS and the survival of digestive system cancers. METHODS We systematically searched three digital databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science) for articles published from database inception to December 23, 2022. Study selection criteria are based on PECO framework: P (population: patients with digestive system cancers), E (exposure: presence of TLS), C (comparator: absence of TLS), O (outcome: overall survival, OS; recurrence-free survival, RFS; disease-free survival, DFS). The Quality in Prognostic Studies (QUIPS) tool was used to assess risk of bias for included studies. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023416307). RESULTS A total of 25 studies with 6910 patients were included into the final meta-analysis. Random-effects models revealed that the absence of TLS was associated with compromised OS, RFS, and DFS of digestive system cancers, with pooled hazard ratios (HRs) of 1.74 (95% CI: 1.50-2.03), 1.96 (95% CI: 1.58-2.44), and 1.81 (95% CI: 1.49-2.19), respectively. Subgroup analyses disclosed a stronger TLS-survival association for pancreatic cancer, compared with other digestive system cancers. CONCLUSION TLS may be of prognostic significance for digestive system cancers. More original studies are needed to further corroborate this finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Sun
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, Division of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Chengong District, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Street, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yuanyu Shi
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, Division of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Chengong District, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Street, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Hailiang Ran
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, Division of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Chengong District, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Street, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Junwei Peng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, Division of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Chengong District, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Street, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Qiongxian Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, Division of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Chengong District, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Street, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Guiqing Zheng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, Division of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Chengong District, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Street, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yandie He
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, Division of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Chengong District, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Street, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Shuqing Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, Division of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Chengong District, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Street, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Wei Chang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, Division of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Chengong District, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Street, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Xiao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, Division of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Chengong District, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Street, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
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Zhan Z, Shi-Jin L, Yi-Ran Z, Zhi-Long L, Xiao-Xu Z, Hui D, Pan YL, Pan JH. High endothelial venules proportion in tertiary lymphoid structure is a prognostic marker and correlated with anti-tumor immune microenvironment in colorectal cancer. Ann Med 2023; 55:114-126. [PMID: 36503344 PMCID: PMC9754014 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2022.2153911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High endothelial venules (HEV) and tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) are associated with clinical outcomes of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). However, because HEV are components of TLS, there have been few studies of the role of the HEV proportion in TLS (HEV/TLS). This study investigated the role of the HEV/TLS and its relationship with the tumor immune microenvironment in CRC. METHODS A retrospective analysis of 203 cases of tissue pathologically diagnosed as CRC after general surgery was performed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University from January 2014 to July 2017. Paraffin sections were obtained from the paracancerous intestinal mucosal tissues. The area of HEV and TLS and immune cells were detected by immunohistochemistry. We further divided the positive HEV expression group into the high HEV/TLS group and the low HEV/TLS group by the average area of HEV/TLS. After grouping, the data were also analyzed using the chi-square test, Kaplan-Meier method, and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional risk regression analyses. A correlation analysis of the HEV/TLS and immune cells as well as angiogenesis was performed. RESULTS Patients with a high HEV/TLS in CRC tissue were associated with longer OS, DFS and lower TNM stage. Meanwhile, CRC tissue with a high HEV/TLS showed a greater ability to recruit the CD3+ T cells, CD8+ T cells and M1 macrophages and correlated with less angiogenesis. Conclusively, high HEV/TLS links to the favorable prognosis of CRC patients and correlated with anti-tumor immune microenvironment, which can be a potential biomarker for prognosis of CRC patients. CONCLUSION A high HEV/TLS is associated with a favorable prognosis for CRC and is correlated with the anti-tumor immune microenvironment. Therefore, it is a potential biomarker of the CRC prognosis.KEY MESSAGESHigh HEV/TLS is associated with a favorable prognosis for CRC.High HEV/TLS correlated with the anti-tumor immune microenvironment of CRC and can serve as a novel prognostic biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Zhan
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liu Shi-Jin
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhang Yi-Ran
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liu Zhi-Long
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhao Xiao-Xu
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ding Hui
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun-Long Pan
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing-Hua Pan
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Kim Y, Song JS, Choi SH, Nam SY, Kim SY, Cho KJ. P16 expression and presence of lymphoid stroma are correlated with good prognosis in mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the head and neck. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 251:154874. [PMID: 37866005 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154874] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common salivary gland malignancy. This study was designed to identify valuable prognosticator in MEC. METHODS Histopathologic analysis, immunohistochemistry, and in situ hybridization were performed on 128 carcinomas diagnosed as MEC of the head and neck. RESULTS Expression of p16 was found in 96 cases (76%) of MEC. Lymphoid stroma was identified in 63 cases (49%). There was a significant correlation between loss of p16 expression and absence of lymphoid stroma. Expression of p16 was significantly associated with better clinicopathologic features. Lymphoid stroma was significantly associated with lower histologic grade. Overall survival (OS) was significantly longer in cases expressing p16 (P = 0.00096) and lymphoid stroma cases (P = 0.0023). Multivariate analysis revealed loss of p16 expression as negative prognosticators for OS. CONCLUSION Our data showed p16 expression and the presence of lymphoid stroma were significantly associated with good clinical outcomes. Testing for these factors could lead to better prognostication and treatment of patients with MEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeseul Kim
- Department of Pathology, University of Korea College of Medicine, Anam Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Joon Seon Song
- Departments of Pathology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seung-Ho Choi
- Departments of Otalaryngology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Soon Yuhl Nam
- Departments of Otalaryngology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sang Yoon Kim
- Departments of Otalaryngology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyung-Ja Cho
- Departments of Pathology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea.
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Esparcia-Pinedo L, Romero-Laorden N, Alfranca A. Tertiary lymphoid structures and B lymphocytes: a promising therapeutic strategy to fight cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1231315. [PMID: 37622111 PMCID: PMC10445545 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1231315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) are clusters of lymphoid cells with an organization that resembles that of secondary lymphoid organs. Both structures share common developmental characteristics, although TLSs usually appear in chronically inflamed non-lymphoid tissues, such as tumors. TLSs contain diverse types of immune cells, with varying degrees of spatial organization that represent different stages of maturation. These structures support both humoral and cellular immune responses, thus the correlation between the existence of TLS and clinical outcomes in cancer patients has been extensively studied. The finding that TLSs are associated with better prognosis in some types of cancer has led to the design of therapeutic strategies based on promoting the formation of these structures. Agents such as chemokines, cytokines, antibodies and cancer vaccines have been used in combination with traditional antitumor treatments to enhance TLS generation, with good results. The induction of TLS formation therefore represents a novel and promising avenue for the treatment of a number of tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Esparcia-Pinedo
- Immunology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria Romero-Laorden
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, Madrid, Spain
- Cátedra Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM)-Fundación Instituto Roche de Medicina Personalizada de Precisión, Madrid, Spain
| | - Arantzazu Alfranca
- Immunology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Cátedra Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM)-Fundación Instituto Roche de Medicina Personalizada de Precisión, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cardiovascular, CIBERCV, Madrid, Spain
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Mani N, Andrews D, Obeng RC. Modulation of T cell function and survival by the tumor microenvironment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1191774. [PMID: 37274739 PMCID: PMC10232912 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1191774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is shifting paradigms in cancer care. T cells are an indispensable component of an effective antitumor immunity and durable clinical responses. However, the complexity of the tumor microenvironment (TME), which consists of a wide range of cells that exert positive and negative effects on T cell function and survival, makes achieving robust and durable T cell responses difficult. Additionally, tumor biology, structural and architectural features, intratumoral nutrients and soluble factors, and metabolism impact the quality of the T cell response. We discuss the factors and interactions that modulate T cell function and survive in the TME that affect the overall quality of the antitumor immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Mani
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Dathan Andrews
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Rebecca C. Obeng
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, United States
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8
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Cai D, Yu H, Wang X, Mao Y, Liang M, Lu X, Shen X, Guan W. Turning Tertiary Lymphoid Structures (TLS) into Hot Spots: Values of TLS in Gastrointestinal Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020367. [PMID: 36672316 PMCID: PMC9856964 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) are ectopic lymphocyte aggregation structures found in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Emerging evidence shows that TLSs are significantly correlated with the progression of gastrointestinal tumors, patients' prognosis, and the efficacy of adjuvant therapy. Besides, there are still some immunosuppressive factors in the TLSs that may affect the anti-tumor responses of TLSs, including negative regulators of anti-tumor immune responses, the immune checkpoint molecules, and inappropriate tumor metabolism. Therefore, a more comprehensive understanding of TLSs' responses in gastrointestinal tumors is essential to fully understand how TLSs can fully exert their anti-tumor responses. In addition, targeting TLSs with immune checkpoint inhibitors and vaccines to establish mature TLSs is currently being developed to reprogram the TME, further benefiting cancer immunotherapies. This review summarizes recent findings on the formation of TLSs, the mechanisms of their anti-tumor immune responses, and the association between therapeutic strategies and TLSs, providing a novel perspective on tumor-associated TLSs in gastrointestinal tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daming Cai
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Heng Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Xingzhou Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yonghuan Mao
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Mengjie Liang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Xiaofeng Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Xiaofei Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
- Department of General Surgery, Drum Tower Clinical Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, China
- Correspondence: (X.S.); (W.G.)
| | - Wenxian Guan
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
- Correspondence: (X.S.); (W.G.)
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Zhang FP, Zhu K, Zhu TF, Liu CQ, Zhang HH, Xu LB, Xiao G, Liu C. Intra-Tumoral Secondary Follicle-like Tertiary Lymphoid Structures Are Associated with a Superior Prognosis of Overall Survival of Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246107. [PMID: 36551593 PMCID: PMC9776022 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ectopic lymphoid structures termed tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) have an immunomodulatory function and positively affect prognosis in certain cancers. However, their clinical relevance and prognostic utility in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) are unknown. Therefore, determining the involvement and prognostic utility of TLSs in pCCA is the aim of this study. Ninety-three patients with surgically resected pCCA were included retrospectively. Hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemical staining identified and classified the TLSs, and multiplex immunofluorescence determined the TLS composition in the pCCA sample. The correlations between clinical features and TLSs were analyzed using either Fisher's exact test or the Chi-squared test. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) correlations with TLSs were analyzed using Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses. We identified TLSs in 86% of patients with pCCA, including lymphoid aggregates (6.45%), primary (13.98%) and secondary follicles (65.59%). Patients with intra-tumoral secondary follicle-like TLSs (S-TLSs) had better OS (p = 0.003) and RFS (p = 0.0313). The multivariate analysis identified the presence of S-TLSs as a good independent prognostic indicator for OS but not for RFS. Interestingly, the presence of S-TLS only indicated better 5-year OS in 54 patients without lymph node metastasis (LNM-, p = 0.0232) but not in the 39 patients with lymph node metastasis (LNM+, p = 0.1244). Intra-tumoral S-TLSs predicted longer OS in patients with surgically resected pCCA, suggesting intra-tumoral S-TLSs' contribution to effective antitumor immunity and that S-TLSs hold promise for diagnostic and therapeutic development in pCCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fa-Peng Zhang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Ke Zhu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Tai-Feng Zhu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Chao-Qun Liu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Hong-Hua Zhang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Lei-Bo Xu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Gang Xiao
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510180, China
- Correspondence: (G.X.); (C.L.); Tel.: +86-20-81048236 (G.X.); +86-20-34078840 (C.L.)
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Correspondence: (G.X.); (C.L.); Tel.: +86-20-81048236 (G.X.); +86-20-34078840 (C.L.)
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Rossi A, Belmonte B, Carnevale S, Liotti A, De Rosa V, Jaillon S, Piconese S, Tripodo C. Stromal and Immune Cell Dynamics in Tumor Associated Tertiary Lymphoid Structures and Anti-Tumor Immune Responses. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:933113. [PMID: 35874810 PMCID: PMC9304551 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.933113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) are ectopic lymphoid organs that have been observed in chronic inflammatory conditions including cancer, where they are thought to exert a positive effect on prognosis. Both immune and non-immune cells participate in the genesis of TLS by establishing complex cross-talks requiring both soluble factors and cell-to-cell contact. Several immune cell types, including T follicular helper cells (Tfh), regulatory T cells (Tregs), and myeloid cells, may accumulate in TLS, possibly promoting or inhibiting their development. In this manuscript, we propose to review the available evidence regarding specific aspects of the TLS formation in solid cancers, including 1) the role of stromal cell composition and architecture in the recruitment of specific immune subpopulations and the formation of immune cell aggregates; 2) the contribution of the myeloid compartment (macrophages and neutrophils) to the development of antibody responses and the TLS formation; 3) the immunological and metabolic mechanisms dictating recruitment, expansion and plasticity of Tregs into T follicular regulatory cells, which are potentially sensitive to immunotherapeutic strategies directed to costimulatory receptors or checkpoint molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Rossi
- Department of Internal Clinical Sciences, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Beatrice Belmonte
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother-Child Care “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Antonietta Liotti
- Istituto per l’Endocrinologia e l’Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Naples, Italy
| | - Veronica De Rosa
- Istituto per l’Endocrinologia e l’Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Naples, Italy
| | - Sebastien Jaillon
- RCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Piconese
- Department of Internal Clinical Sciences, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Unità di Neuroimmunologia, Rome, Italy
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Silvia Piconese,
| | - Claudio Tripodo
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother-Child Care “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Histopathology Unit, FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology (IFOM), Milan, Italy
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11
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Role of tertiary lymphoid organs in the regulation of immune responses in the periphery. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:359. [PMID: 35689679 PMCID: PMC9188279 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04388-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tertiary lymphoid organs (TLOs) are collections of immune cells resembling secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs) that form in peripheral, non-lymphoid tissues in response to local chronic inflammation. While their formation mimics embryologic lymphoid organogenesis, TLOs form after birth at ectopic sites in response to local inflammation resulting in their ability to mount diverse immune responses. The structure of TLOs can vary from clusters of B and T lymphocytes to highly organized structures with B and T lymphocyte compartments, germinal centers, and lymphatic vessels (LVs) and high endothelial venules (HEVs), allowing them to generate robust immune responses at sites of tissue injury. Although our understanding of the formation and function of these structures has improved greatly over the last 30 years, their role as mediators of protective or pathologic immune responses in certain chronic inflammatory diseases remains enigmatic and may differ based on the local tissue microenvironment in which they form. In this review, we highlight the role of TLOs in the regulation of immune responses in chronic infection, chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, cancer, and solid organ transplantation.
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12
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Peripheral node addressin, a ligand for L-selectin is found in tumor cells and in high endothelial venules in endometrial cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 233:153888. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.153888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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13
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Qin M, Jin Y, Pan LY. Tertiary lymphoid structure and B-cell-related pathways: A potential target in tumor immunotherapy. Oncol Lett 2021; 22:836. [PMID: 34712360 PMCID: PMC8548801 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.13097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS), also referred to as the ectopic lymphoid structure, has recently become a focus of attention. The TLS consists of T-cell and B-cell-rich regions, as well as plasma cells, follicular helper T cells, follicular dendritic cells (FDCs), germinal centers (GCs) and high endothelial venules. TLSs can be divided into different subtypes and mature stages according to the density of FDCs and GCs. The TLS serves as an effective site in which an antitumor inflammatory response is generated through infiltrating immune cells. B-cell-related pathways, known as the CXC chemokine ligand 13/CXC chemokine receptor type 5 axis and the CC chemokine ligand (CCL)19/CCL21/CC-chemokine receptor 7 axis, play a key role in the generation and formation of TLSs. The aim of the present review was to systematically summarize updated research progress on the formation, subtypes, evaluation and B-cell-related pathways of TLSs. Furthermore, researchers have previously reported that TLSs are present in several types of solid cancers and that they are associated with survival outcomes. Therefore, studies on TLS in breast, lung, colorectal and ovarian cancers and melanoma were summarized and compared. The TLS and B-cell-related pathways require further investigation as important immune signals and promising new immunotherapy targets in the era of T-cell therapy revolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Qin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, P.R. China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric and Gynecologic Diseases, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Ying Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, P.R. China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric and Gynecologic Diseases, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Ling-Ya Pan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, P.R. China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric and Gynecologic Diseases, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
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14
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Park HS, Kim YM, Kim S, Lee WS, Kong SJ, Yang H, Kang B, Cheon J, Shin SJ, Kim C, Chon HJ. High endothelial venule is a surrogate biomarker for T-cell inflamed tumor microenvironment and prognosis in gastric cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-003353. [PMID: 34670828 PMCID: PMC8529985 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003353] [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] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background High endothelial venule (HEV) is a specialized vasculature for lymphocyte trafficking. While HEVs are frequently observed within gastric cancer (GC), the vascular–immune interaction between HEV and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) has not been well elucidated. In this study, we aimed to unveil the potential value of HEVs as a surrogate marker for T-cell inflamed immune microenvironment in GC using a large number of prospectively collected surgical specimens of GC. Methods We included 460 patients with GC who underwent surgical resection. Nanostring PanCancer immune profiling was performed to evaluate the immunological phenotype of GCs. HEV density and three distinct patterns of TILs (Crohn-like lymphoid reaction, peritumoral lymphoid reaction, and intratumoral lymphoid reaction) were analyzed for their relationship and evaluated as prognostic factors for relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Results HEV-high GC revealed increased infiltration by immune cell subsets, including dendritic cells, CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, and CD4+ helper T cells. In addition, HEV-high GC demonstrated increased immune-modulating chemokines, type I or II interferon pathway, and immune checkpoints, all of which indicate the inflamed tumor microenvironment (TME). All three distinct patterns of TILs were associated with HEV density. In survival analysis, patients with HEV-high GC displayed significantly longer RFS and OS than those with HEV-low GC (p<0.001 for RFS, p<0.001 for OS). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that HEV was the most significant immunological prognostic factor for RFS (patients with high HEV compared with those with low HEV; HR 0.412, 95% CI 0.241 to 0.705, p=0.001) and OS (HR 0.547, 95% CI 0.329 to 0.909, p=0.02) after adjustment for age, stage, and TIL. Conclusion HEV is the most significant immunological prognosticator for RFS and OS in resected GC, indicating inflamed TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung Soon Park
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Yoo Min Kim
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Sewha Kim
- Department of Pathology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Won Suk Lee
- Medical Oncology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - So Jung Kong
- Medical Oncology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Hannah Yang
- Medical Oncology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Beodeul Kang
- Medical Oncology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Jaekyung Cheon
- Medical Oncology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Su-Jin Shin
- Department of Pathology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Chan Kim
- Medical Oncology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Hong Jae Chon
- Medical Oncology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, Korea (the Republic of)
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15
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Zhang NN, Qu FJ, Liu H, Li ZJ, Zhang YC, Han X, Zhu ZY, Lv Y. Prognostic impact of tertiary lymphoid structures in breast cancer prognosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:536. [PMID: 34654433 PMCID: PMC8520238 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02242-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs), organizationally resemble lymph nodes, are frequently present in breast cancer (BCa). It is usually, but not always, associated with a positive prognosis or immunotherapy response in cancer patients. This meta-analysis was performed to assess the prognostic and clinical impact of TLSs in BCa. METHODS We conducted a systematic search in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and WanFang Database to obtain eligible research data up to May 30, 2021. This meta-analysis is focusing on the studies evaluated the prognostic value of TLSs and the associated clinicopathologic indicators, related gene expression and survival. STATA software 16.0 software was used to assess the prognostic significance and clinical impact of TLSs. RESULTS Nine studies involved with 2281 cases were incorporated in this meta-analysis, in which four of them evaluated the prognostic value of TLSs. There are 6 studies assessed the relationship of TLSs and 4 studies investigated the clinicopathologic parameters as well as the key gene expression, respectively. The results showed the presence of TLSs were predicting a better OS (HR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.51-0.73, p < 0.001) and DFS (HR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.17-0.93, p < 0.001) of BCa patients. It also revealed that the presence of TLSs was significantly correlated with tumor differentiation (p < 0.001), pTNM stage (p < 0.001), lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001), and TILs density (p < 0.001) of BCa, and the expression of Her2 (p < 0.001), ER (p < 0.001), PR (p < 0.001) and Ki67 (p = 0.009) of the tumor cell. CONCLUSION Our results indicated that high levels of TLSs could predict a favorable prognosis for BCa. Moreover, the TLSs were significantly correlated with the clinicopathological indicators and the critical gene expression of BCa, indicating its potential clinical impact on BCa patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na-Na Zhang
- Center for Regenerative and Reconstructive Medicine, Med-X Institute of Western China Science and Technology Innovation Harbour, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China.,National Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Precision Surgery and Regenerative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Feng-Jin Qu
- Center for Regenerative and Reconstructive Medicine, Med-X Institute of Western China Science and Technology Innovation Harbour, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China.,National Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Precision Surgery and Regenerative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Center for Regenerative and Reconstructive Medicine, Med-X Institute of Western China Science and Technology Innovation Harbour, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhu-Jun Li
- Center for Regenerative and Reconstructive Medicine, Med-X Institute of Western China Science and Technology Innovation Harbour, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yu-Chi Zhang
- National Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Precision Surgery and Regenerative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xuan Han
- National Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Precision Surgery and Regenerative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zi-Yu Zhu
- Center for Regenerative and Reconstructive Medicine, Med-X Institute of Western China Science and Technology Innovation Harbour, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yi Lv
- Center for Regenerative and Reconstructive Medicine, Med-X Institute of Western China Science and Technology Innovation Harbour, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China. .,National Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Precision Surgery and Regenerative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China. .,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.
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16
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Mustapha R, Ng K, Monypenny J, Ng T. Insights Into Unveiling a Potential Role of Tertiary Lymphoid Structures in Metastasis. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:661516. [PMID: 34568423 PMCID: PMC8455920 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.661516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) develop in non-lymphatic tissue in chronic inflammation and cancer. TLS can mature to lymph node (LN) like structures with germinal centers and associated vasculature. TLS neogenesis in cancer is highly varied and tissue dependent. The role of TLS in adaptive antitumor immunity is of great interest. However, data also show that TLS can play a role in cancer metastasis. The importance of lymphatics in cancer distant metastasis is clear yet the precise detail of how various immunosurveillance mechanisms interplay within TLS and/or draining LN is still under investigation. As part of the tumor lymphatics, TLS vasculature can provide alternative routes for the establishment of the pre-metastatic niche and cancer dissemination. The nature of the cytokine and chemokine signature at the heart of TLS induction can be key in determining the success of antitumor immunity or in promoting cancer invasiveness. Understanding the biochemical and biomechanical factors underlying TLS formation and the resulting impact on the primary tumor will be key in deciphering cancer metastasis and in the development of the next generation of cancer immunotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami Mustapha
- Richard Dimbleby Laboratory of Cancer Research, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, Guy’s Medical School Campus, London, United Kingdom
- Cancer Research UK King’s Health Partners Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kenrick Ng
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Medical Oncology, University College Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - James Monypenny
- Richard Dimbleby Laboratory of Cancer Research, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, Guy’s Medical School Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tony Ng
- Richard Dimbleby Laboratory of Cancer Research, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, Guy’s Medical School Campus, London, United Kingdom
- Cancer Research UK King’s Health Partners Centre, London, United Kingdom
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Cancer Research UK City of London Centre, London, United Kingdom
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17
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Kang W, Feng Z, Luo J, He Z, Liu J, Wu J, Rong P. Tertiary Lymphoid Structures in Cancer: The Double-Edged Sword Role in Antitumor Immunity and Potential Therapeutic Induction Strategies. Front Immunol 2021; 12:689270. [PMID: 34394083 PMCID: PMC8358404 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.689270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The complex tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a vital role in cancer development and dramatically determines the efficacy of immunotherapy. Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) within the TME are well recognized and consist of T cell-rich areas containing dendritic cells (DCs) and B cell-rich areas containing germinal centers (GCs). Accumulating research has indicated that there is a close association between tumor-associated TLSs and favorable clinical outcomes in most types of cancers, though a minority of studies have reported an association between TLSs and a poor prognosis. Overall, the double-edged sword role of TLSs in the TME and potential mechanisms need to be further investigated, which will provide novel therapeutic perspectives for antitumor immunoregulation. In this review, we focus on discussing the main functions of TLSs in the TME and recent advances in the therapeutic manipulation of TLSs through multiple strategies to enhance local antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendi Kang
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhichao Feng
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Molecular Imaging Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jianwei Luo
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhenhu He
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jianzhen Wu
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Pengfei Rong
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Molecular Imaging Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
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18
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Cheng N, Li P, Cheng H, Zhao X, Dong M, Zhang Y, Zhao P, Chen J, Shao C. Prognostic Value of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes and Tertiary Lymphoid Structures in Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated and -Negative Gastric Carcinoma. Front Immunol 2021; 12:692859. [PMID: 34276684 PMCID: PMC8281029 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.692859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are considered a manifestation of the host immune response against cancer and tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) may contribute to lymphocytes recruitment. Both of them have been reported as potential prognostic parameters in some human malignancies. However, the roles of TILs, TLS, and their correlation in Epstein-Barr Virus-associated gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC) and EBV-negative gastric carcinoma (EBVnGC) are largely unknown. Methods To observe the correlation among TILs, TLS, and clinicopathological characteristics and their prognostic significance in EBVaGC and EBVnGC, respectively. TILs and TLS were assessed by morphology and/or immunohistochemistry, and accompanied by clinicopathological analysis from 846 gastric cancer patients in multiple institutions. Results Forty-two (5.0%) cases of EBVaGC and 804 cases of EBVnGC were identified by in situ hybridization, respectively. For EBVnGC, higher TILs grade was correlated with TLS-present. EBVnGC patients with high TILs grade and TLS-present exhibited survival benefits. TILs (P = 0.001) and TLS (P = 0.003), especially TILs & TLS (P < 0.001) were independent prognostic factors in EBVnGC. A nomogram was constructed and validated for predicting the probability of overall survival and performed well with a good calibration. No significant prognostic value was detected in EBVaGC. Conclusion TILs and TLS, especially TILs & TLS were promising prognostic indicators for overall survival in EBVnGC. TILs and TLS were highly overlapping in their extent and prognostic abilities, and may be considered as a coindicator of prognosis of gastric cancer. The evaluations of TILs and TLS are simple and can be assessed routinely in pathological diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Cheng
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology of Basic Medical Department, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Huanhuan Cheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Zhao
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pathology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Min Dong
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiwang Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peizhen Zhao
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianning Chen
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunkui Shao
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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19
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Johansson-Percival A, Ganss R. Therapeutic Induction of Tertiary Lymphoid Structures in Cancer Through Stromal Remodeling. Front Immunol 2021; 12:674375. [PMID: 34122434 PMCID: PMC8191417 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.674375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Improving the effectiveness of anti-cancer immunotherapy remains a major clinical challenge. Cytotoxic T cell infiltration is crucial for immune-mediated tumor rejection, however, the suppressive tumor microenvironment impedes their recruitment, activation, maturation and function. Nevertheless, solid tumors can harbor specialized lymph node vasculature and immune cell clusters that are organized into tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS). These TLS support naïve T cell infiltration and intratumoral priming. In many human cancers, their presence is a positive prognostic factor, and importantly, predictive for responsiveness to immune checkpoint blockade. Thus, therapeutic induction of TLS is an attractive concept to boost anti-cancer immunotherapy. However, our understanding of how cancer-associated TLS could be initiated is rudimentary. Exciting new reagents which induce TLS in preclinical cancer models provide mechanistic insights into the exquisite stromal orchestration of TLS formation, a process often associated with a more functional or "normalized" tumor vasculature and fueled by LIGHT/LTα/LTβ, TNFα and CC/CXC chemokine signaling. These emerging insights provide innovative opportunities to induce and shape TLS in the tumor microenvironment to improve immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Johansson-Percival
- Cancer Microenvironment Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Ruth Ganss
- Cancer Microenvironment Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
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20
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Blanchard L, Girard JP. High endothelial venules (HEVs) in immunity, inflammation and cancer. Angiogenesis 2021; 24:719-753. [PMID: 33956259 PMCID: PMC8487881 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-021-09792-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
High endothelial venules (HEVs) are specialized blood vessels mediating lymphocyte trafficking to lymph nodes (LNs) and other secondary lymphoid organs. By supporting high levels of lymphocyte extravasation from the blood, HEVs play an essential role in lymphocyte recirculation and immune surveillance for foreign invaders (bacterial and viral infections) and alterations in the body’s own cells (neoantigens in cancer). The HEV network expands during inflammation in immune-stimulated LNs and is profoundly remodeled in metastatic and tumor-draining LNs. HEV-like blood vessels expressing high levels of the HEV-specific sulfated MECA-79 antigens are induced in non-lymphoid tissues at sites of chronic inflammation in many human inflammatory and allergic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, allergic rhinitis and asthma. Such vessels are believed to contribute to the amplification and maintenance of chronic inflammation. MECA-79+ tumor-associated HEVs (TA-HEVs) are frequently found in human tumors in CD3+ T cell-rich areas or CD20+ B-cell rich tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs). TA-HEVs have been proposed to play important roles in lymphocyte entry into tumors, a process essential for successful antitumor immunity and lymphocyte-mediated cancer immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors, vaccines or adoptive T cell therapy. In this review, we highlight the phenotype and function of HEVs in homeostatic, inflamed and tumor-draining lymph nodes, and those of HEV-like blood vessels in chronic inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, we discuss the role and regulation of TA-HEVs in human cancer and mouse tumor models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Blanchard
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, IPBS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Girard
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, IPBS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France.
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Apatinib combined with PD-L1 blockade synergistically enhances antitumor immune responses and promotes HEV formation in gastric cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2021; 147:2209-2222. [PMID: 33891173 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-021-03633-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Apatinib, an antiangiogenic drug, has shown beneficial effects only in a fraction of advanced gastric cancer (GC) patients. Given the recent success of immunotherapies, combination of apatinib with immune checkpoint inhibitor may provide sustained and potent antitumor responses. METHODS Immunocompetent mice with subcutaneous MFC tumors grown were given a combination of apatinib and anti-PD-L1 antibody therapy. GC tissues from patients undergoing curative resection in China were collected, and the density of HEVs, MSI status and tumor-infiltrated lymphocytes were analyzed by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS Combined apatinib and PD-L1 blockade therapy synergistically delayed tumor growth and increased survival in MFC-bearing immunocompetent mice. The combination therapy promoted antitumor immunity by increasing the ratio of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells to Foxp3+ Treg cells, the accumulation of CD20+ B cells and the Th1/Th2 cytokine ratio (IFN-γ/IL-10). The combination therapy induced the formation of HEVs through activation of LTβR signaling, thus promoting CD8+ cytotoxic T cell and CD20+ B cell infiltration in tumors. In clinical GC samples, the density of HEVs positively correlated with the intratumoral infiltration of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and CD20+ B cells. MSI-high GC showed a higher density of HEVs, CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and CD20+ B cells than MSS/MSI-low GC. GC patients with high densities of HEVs, CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and CD20+ B cells had an improved prognosis with superior overall survival. CONCLUSION Combining apatinib with PD-L1 blockade treatment synergistically enhances antitumor immune responses and promotes HEV formation in GC.
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22
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Zhao Y, Ting KK, Coleman P, Qi Y, Chen J, Vadas M, Gamble J. The Tumour Vasculature as a Target to Modulate Leucocyte Trafficking. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071724. [PMID: 33917287 PMCID: PMC8038724 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tumour blood vessels, characterised by abnormal morphology and function, create an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment via restricting the appropriate leucocyte subsets trafficking. Strategies to trigger phenotypic alteration in tumour vascular system to resemble normal vascular system, named vascular normalisation, promote effective trafficking of leucocytes into tumours through enhancing the interactions between leucocytes and endothelial cells. This review specifically demonstrates how targeting tumour blood vessels modulates the critical steps of leucocyte trafficking. Furthermore, selective regulation of leucocyte subsets trafficking in tumours can be achieved by vasculature-targeting strategies, contributing to improved immunotherapy and thereby delayed tumour progression. Abstract The effectiveness of immunotherapy against solid tumours is dependent on the appropriate leucocyte subsets trafficking and accumulating in the tumour microenvironment (TME) with recruitment occurring at the endothelium. Such recruitment involves interactions between the leucocytes and the endothelial cells (ECs) of the vessel and occurs through a series of steps including leucocyte capture, their rolling, adhesion, and intraluminal crawling, and finally leucocyte transendothelial migration across the endothelium. The tumour vasculature can curb the trafficking of leucocytes through influencing each step of the leucocyte recruitment process, ultimately producing an immunoresistant microenvironment. Modulation of the tumour vasculature by strategies such as vascular normalisation have proven to be efficient in facilitating leucocyte trafficking into tumours and enhancing immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss the underlying mechanisms of abnormal tumour vasculature and its impact on leucocyte trafficking, and potential strategies for overcoming the tumour vascular abnormalities to boost immunotherapy via increasing leucocyte recruitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Correspondence: (Y.Z.); (J.G.); Tel.: +86-025-85811237 (Y.Z.); +61-02-95656225 (J.G.)
| | - Ka Ka Ting
- Vascular Biology Program, Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia; (K.K.T.); (P.C.); (Y.Q.); (M.V.)
| | - Paul Coleman
- Vascular Biology Program, Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia; (K.K.T.); (P.C.); (Y.Q.); (M.V.)
| | - Yanfei Qi
- Vascular Biology Program, Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia; (K.K.T.); (P.C.); (Y.Q.); (M.V.)
| | - Jinbiao Chen
- Liver Injury and Cancer Program, Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia;
| | - Mathew Vadas
- Vascular Biology Program, Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia; (K.K.T.); (P.C.); (Y.Q.); (M.V.)
| | - Jennifer Gamble
- Vascular Biology Program, Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia; (K.K.T.); (P.C.); (Y.Q.); (M.V.)
- Correspondence: (Y.Z.); (J.G.); Tel.: +86-025-85811237 (Y.Z.); +61-02-95656225 (J.G.)
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High endothelial venules are present in pharyngeal and laryngeal carcinomas and they are associated with better prognosis. Pathol Res Pract 2021; 220:153392. [PMID: 33647862 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2021.153392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumors lymphocytic infiltration has prognostic and predictive value. However, the mechanisms involved in lymphocyte recruitment remain poorly characterized. High endothelial venules (HEV) are blood vessels specialized in lymphocyte recruitment, recently showing prognostic significance in some types of cancer. Their implications in laryngeal or pharyngeal cancer is largely unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the possible presence of HEVs in head and neck cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS Oropharyngeal (n = 61), hypopharyngeal (n = 53) and laryngeal (n = 21) squamous cell carcinomas were immunohistochemically studied with the MECA-79 antibody, which specifically recognizes HEVs. Histological and clinical factors were correlated with HEVs' presence. RESULTS HEVs were present in 34% of tumors, showing significant correlations with oropharyngeal localization, higher lymphocytic response, lower tumor budding, lower T status, absence of distant metastases and better overall and progression-free survival. CONCLUSION HEVs represent an important prognostic factor in head and neck cancer.
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24
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Rodriguez AB, Engelhard VH. Insights into Tumor-Associated Tertiary Lymphoid Structures: Novel Targets for Antitumor Immunity and Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Res 2020; 8:1338-1345. [PMID: 33139300 PMCID: PMC7643396 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-20-0432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) are ectopic lymphoid aggregates that phenotypically resemble conventional secondary lymphoid organs and are commonly found at sites of chronic inflammation. They are also found in a wide variety of primary and metastatic human tumors. The presence of tumor-associated TLS (TA-TLS) is associated with prolonged patient survival, higher rates of disease-free survival, and a favorable response to current cancer therapies. However, the immune responses that occur in these structures, and how they contribute to improved clinical outcomes, remain incompletely understood. In addition, it is unknown how heterogeneity in TA-TLS cellular composition, structural organization, and anatomic location influences their functionality and prognostic significance. Understanding more about TA-TLS development, formation, and function may offer new therapeutic options to modulate antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony B Rodriguez
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Victor H Engelhard
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia.
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
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25
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Prognostic value of tertiary lymphoid structure and tumour infiltrating lymphocytes in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Int J Oral Sci 2020; 12:24. [PMID: 32934197 PMCID: PMC7493903 DOI: 10.1038/s41368-020-00092-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) are ectopic lymphoid structures in cancers that are largely associated with favourable prognosis. However, the prognostic value of TLSs in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is largely unknown, and the association between tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and TLSs has been rarely explored in OSCC. In this study, associated markers of TLS, including peripheral node address (PNAd) in high endothelial venules, CD20 in B cells and CD3 in T cells, were examined in 168 OSCC patients, and survival analysis was performed between TLS-positive and TLS-negative cohorts. We detected the presence of TILs by staining CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and CD57+ NK cells as well. TLSs appeared as highly organized structures in 45 (26.8%) cases. TLS-positive patients had a better 5-year overall survival (OS) rate (88.9% vs. 56.1%, P < 0.001) and relapse-free survival (RFS) rate (88.9% vs. 63.4%, P = 0.002). Moreover, the presence of TLS was an independent prognostic factor for both the 5-year OS rate (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.784; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.498-9.562) and RFS rate (HR = 3.296; 95% CI, 1.279-8.490) in multivariate analysis. Furthermore, a higher density of CD8+ T cells and CD57+ NK cells was found in TLS-positive sections than in TLS-negative counterparts (P < 0.001), and their combination provided a higher predictive accuracy (AUC = 0.730; 95% CI, 0.654-0.805). In conclusion, our results suggest that TLS is an independent positive prognostic factor for OSCC patients. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the future diagnostic and therapeutic value of TLSs in OSCC treatment.
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26
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High Endothelial Venule with Concomitant High CD8+ Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes Is Associated with a Favorable Prognosis in Resected Gastric Cancer. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9082628. [PMID: 32823631 PMCID: PMC7464373 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9082628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) play a major role in antitumor immunity. High endothelial venules (HEVs) are related to diverse immune cells in solid tumors. We analyzed CD8+ and Foxp3+ TILs in combination with HEVs to determine their prognostic role in advanced gastric cancer (AGC). We enrolled 157 patients with AGC in this study. The densities of CD8+ TILs and Foxp3+ TILs were calculated using immunohistochemical staining. HEVs were evaluated by MECA-79 expression. HEVs were identified in 60 (38.2%) cases and was significantly associated with an increased number of CD8+ TILs (p = 0.027) but not of Foxp3+ TILs (p = 0.455) and CD20+ TILs (p = 0.163). A high CD8+/HEV+ level was significantly associated with nodal metastasis (p = 0.048). In survival analysis, patients with high CD8+/HEV+ levels demonstrated the longest overall survival (OS) (p = 0.015). Furthermore, a high CD8+/HEV+ level was an independent prognostic factor in AGC (p = 0.011; hazard ratio (HR) = 0.435; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.245–0.837). HEVs were found to play an important role in antitumor immunity associated with CD8+ TILs in AGC. This analysis of HEVs and CD8+ TILs helps stratify patients with AGC and sheds light on tumor immunity.
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27
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Najibi AJ, Mooney DJ. Cell and tissue engineering in lymph nodes for cancer immunotherapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2020; 161-162:42-62. [PMID: 32750376 PMCID: PMC7736208 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In cancer, lymph nodes (LNs) coordinate tumor antigen presentation necessary for effective antitumor immunity, both at the levels of local cellular interactions and tissue-level organization. In this review, we examine how LNs may be engineered to improve the therapeutic outcomes of cancer immunotherapy. At the cellular scale, targeting the LNs impacts the potency of cancer vaccines, immune checkpoint blockade, and adoptive cell transfer. On a tissue level, macro-scale biomaterials mimicking LN features can function as immune niches for cell reprogramming or delivery in vivo, or be utilized in vitro to enable preclinical testing of drugs and vaccines. We additionally review strategies to induce ectopic lymphoid sites reminiscent of LNs that may improve antitumor T cell priming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Najibi
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138; Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
| | - David J Mooney
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138; Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138.
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28
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He W, Zhang D, Liu H, Chen T, Xie J, Peng L, Zheng X, Xu B, Li Q, Jiang J. The High Level of Tertiary Lymphoid Structure Is Correlated With Superior Survival in Patients With Advanced Gastric Cancer. Front Oncol 2020; 10:980. [PMID: 32733793 PMCID: PMC7358602 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: A tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) is a crucial component of the tumor microenvironment, which reflects the anti-tumor immune response in the host. The aim of the present study was to carry out a histopathological evaluation for TLS and assess its prognostic value in gastric cancer (GC). Methods: A total of 1,033 cases that have received a gastrectomy were reviewed, including 914 in the primary cohort and 119 in the validation cohort. TLS was assessed by optical microscopy and verified by immunohistochemistry. A total of five histopathological evaluation methods were compared in the primary cohort and validated in the validation cohort. In addition, MECA-79 and CD21 were used to verify the accuracy of the histopathological scoring system for TLS. The association among TLS, clinicopathological parameters, and patient prognosis was analyzed. Results: TLS as assessed by morphology and immunohistochemistry were significantly correlated and consistent. The morphological evaluation of TLS was accurate. Typically, the high level of TLS was significantly correlated with tumor size (P = 0.047), histological grade (P = 0.039), pTN stage (P = 0.044), and WHO subtype (P < 0.001). In addition, TLShi was a positive indicator of overall survival, as determined by Kaplan–Meier survival (P = 0.038) and multivariate Cox regression analyses (hazard ratio = 0.794, 95% CI: 0.668–0.942, P = 0.008). According to the results, TLShi had a positive effect on the primary cohort patients with pTN stages II and III (P = 0.027, P = 0.042). Conclusions: The histopathological evaluation of TLS was accurate. Diagnosis based solely on hematoxylin and eosin staining of the sections did not easily distinguish tumor-associated TLS. The density of TLS in the center of the tumor was found to be more indicative of patient prognosis than TLS in the invasive margin, with the levels of total TLS shown to best correlate with overall survival in patients with advanced-stage GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting He
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Dachuan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China.,Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Tongbing Chen
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Jun Xie
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Lei Peng
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Xiao Zheng
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China.,Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, China.,Institute of Cell Therapy, Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China.,Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, China.,Institute of Cell Therapy, Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Jingting Jiang
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China.,Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, China.,Institute of Cell Therapy, Soochow University, Changzhou, China
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29
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Regulation of Tumor Immunity by Lysophosphatidic Acid. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12051202. [PMID: 32397679 PMCID: PMC7281403 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) may be best conceptualized as an ecosystem comprised of cancer cells interacting with a multitude of stromal components such as the extracellular matrix (ECM), blood and lymphatic networks, fibroblasts, adipocytes, and cells of the immune system. At the center of this crosstalk between cancer cells and their TME is the bioactive lipid lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). High levels of LPA and the enzyme generating it, termed autotaxin (ATX), are present in many cancers. It is also well documented that LPA drives tumor progression by promoting angiogenesis, proliferation, survival, invasion and metastasis. One of the hallmarks of cancer is the ability to modulate and escape immune detection and eradication. Despite the profound role of LPA in regulating immune functions and inflammation, its role in the context of tumor immunity has not received much attention until recently where emerging studies highlight that this signaling axis may be a means that cancer cells adopt to evade immune detection and eradication. The present review aims to look at the immunomodulatory actions of LPA in baseline immunity to provide a broad understanding of the subject with a special emphasis on LPA and cancer immunity, highlighting the latest progress in this area of research.
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30
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Li H, Wang J, Liu H, Lan T, Xu L, Wang G, Yuan K, Wu H. Existence of intratumoral tertiary lymphoid structures is associated with immune cells infiltration and predicts better prognosis in early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:3451-3472. [PMID: 32087064 PMCID: PMC7066901 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-associated tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) play a critical role in the progression of various tumors. However, the dynamics of lymphocyte recruitment during hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) clinical progression have not been fully elucidated. In the present study, tissue microarrays and hematoxylin-eosin staining were used to evaluate the existence and degree of TLS in HCC patients. Nine immune biomarkers in intratumoral tissues were examined by immunohistochemical staining. A total of 462 patients were recruited for the study. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that TLS was inversely correlated with the risk of early tumor recurrence (P=0.014), whereas no association was found between TLS and overall survival. Cox regression analysis identified TLS as an independent prognostic factor for early HCC recurrence (P=0.005). In addition, TLS was associated with increased intratumoral CD3+, CD8+, CD20+, and decreased infiltration of Foxp3+ and CD68+ cells. A lower density of PD1+, TIM3+, and LAG3+ were found in TLS+ cases. Sub-analysis revealed the prognostic value of TLS on early-stage HCC (BCLC 0-A, TNM stage I-II) and HCC with solitary nodule. The validation cohort verified the prognostic value of TLS in early-stage HCC patients. These results suggest that TLS-targeted immune-modulating therapies may be a potential strategy for effective immune-mediated tumor suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Transplantation Division, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jinju Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Transplantation Division, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hailing Liu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Transplantation Division, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Tian Lan
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Transplantation Division, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lin Xu
- Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Genshu Wang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Kefei Yuan
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Transplantation Division, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hong Wu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Transplantation Division, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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31
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Baxevanis CN, Fortis SP, Perez SA. The balance between breast cancer and the immune system: Challenges for prognosis and clinical benefit from immunotherapies. Semin Cancer Biol 2019; 72:76-89. [PMID: 31881337 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer evolution is a complex process influenced by genetic factors and extracellular stimuli that trigger signaling pathways to coordinate the continuous and dynamic interaction between tumor cells and the elements of the immune system. For over 20 years now, the immune mechanisms controlling cancer progression have been the focus of intensive research. It is well established that the immune system conveys protective antitumor immunity by destroying immunogenic tumor variants, but also facilitates tumor progression by shaping tumor immunogenicity in a process called "immunoediting". It is also clear that immune-guided tumor editing is associated with tumor evasion from immune surveillance and therefore reinforcing the endogenous antitumor immunity is a desired goal in the context of cancer therapies. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex network which consists of various cell types and factors having important roles regarding tumor development and progression. Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and other tumor infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) are key to our understanding of tumor immune surveillance based on tumor immunogenicity, whereby the densities and location of TILs and TIICs in the tumor regions, as well as their functional programs (comprising the "immunoscore") have a prominent role for prognosis and prediction for several cancers. The presence of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) in the TME or in peritumoral areas has an influence on the locally produced antitumor immune response, and therefore also has a significant prognostic impact. The cross-talk between elements of the immune system with tumor cells in the TME is greatly influenced by hypoxia, the gut and/or the local microbiota, and several metabolic elements, which, in a dynamic interplay, have a crucial role for tumor cell heterogeneity and reprogramming of immune cells along their activation and differentiation pathways. Taking into consideration the recent clinical success with the application immunotherapies for the treatment of several cancer types, increasing endeavors have been made to gain better insights into the mechanisms underlying phenotypic and metabolic profiles in the context of tumor progression and immunotherapy. In this review we will address (i) the role of TILs, TIICs and TLS in breast cancer (BCa); (ii) the different metabolic-based pathways used by immune and breast cancer cells; and (iii) implications for immunotherapy-based strategies in BCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantin N Baxevanis
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Center, Saint Savas Cancer Hospital, 171 Alexandras Ave., 11522, Athens, Greece.
| | - Sotirios P Fortis
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Center, Saint Savas Cancer Hospital, 171 Alexandras Ave., 11522, Athens, Greece
| | - Sonia A Perez
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Center, Saint Savas Cancer Hospital, 171 Alexandras Ave., 11522, Athens, Greece
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Li K, Guo Q, Zhang X, Dong X, Liu W, Zhang A, Li Y, Yan J, Jia G, Zheng Z, Tang W, Pan L, An M, Zhang B, Liu S, Fu B. Oral cancer-associated tertiary lymphoid structures: gene expression profile and prognostic value. Clin Exp Immunol 2019; 199:172-181. [PMID: 31652350 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) provides a local and critical microenvironment for both cellular and humoral immunity and supports effective antigen presentation and lymphocyte activation. However, the gene expression profile and prognostic significance of TLS in oral cancer remain largely unrevealed. In this study, we found the presence of both intratumoral and peritumoral TLSs in a series of 65 patients with oral cancer treated by surgical resection, with positive detection rates of 33.8 and 75.4%, respectively. The presence of intratumoral TLSs, but not peritumoral TLSs, was significantly associated with decreased P53 and Ki67 scores (P = 0·027 and 0·047, respectively). The survival analyses revealed that oral cancer patients with higher grades of TLSs was associated with improved disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) (P = 0·037 and 0·031, respectively). Gene expression profiling analysis of the cytokines and chemokines responsible for lymph-node neogenesis identified a three-up-regulated-gene set, i.e. IL7, LTB and CXCL13, which was shown to be correlated with human oral cancer-associated TLSs. This study provides a framework for better understanding of oral cancer-associated TLSs and for delineating future innovative prognostic biomarkers and immune therapeutic strategies for oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China.,Department of Stomatology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, China.,Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Medicine, Liaocheng, China
| | - Q Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yidu Central Hospital of Weifang, Weifang, China
| | - X Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, China
| | - X Dong
- Department of Pathology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, China
| | - W Liu
- Department of Central Laboratory, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, China
| | - A Zhang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, China
| | - Y Li
- Department of Pathology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, China
| | - J Yan
- Department of Pathology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, China
| | - G Jia
- Department of Pathology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, China
| | - Z Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, China
| | - W Tang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, China
| | - L Pan
- Department of Central Laboratory, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, China
| | - M An
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, China
| | - B Zhang
- Department of Stomatology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, China.,Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Medicine, Liaocheng, China
| | - S Liu
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - B Fu
- Department of Central Laboratory, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, China
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Sofopoulos M, Fortis SP, Vaxevanis CK, Sotiriadou NN, Arnogiannaki N, Ardavanis A, Vlachodimitropoulos D, Perez SA, Baxevanis CN. The prognostic significance of peritumoral tertiary lymphoid structures in breast cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2019; 68:1733-1745. [PMID: 31598757 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-019-02407-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Tumors and their surrounding area represent spatially organized "ecosystems", where tumor cells and the immune contextures of the different compartments are in a dynamic interplay, with potential clinical impact. Here, we aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of peritumoral tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) either alone or jointly with the intratumoral densities and spatial distribution of CD8 + and CD163 + cells in breast cancer (BCa) patients. TLS were identified peritumorally, within the area distancing up to 5 mm from the infiltrative tumor border, counted and further characterized as adjacent or distal, in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor tissue samples from a cohort of 167 patients, with histologically confirmed invasive ductal BCa. TLS and tumor-infiltrating immune cells were determined by H&E and immunohistochemistry. Clinical follow-up was available for 112 of these patients. Patients with peritumoral TLS exhibited worse disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) as compared to patients lacking TLS. Moreover, the density of peritumoral TLS was found to be crucial for prognosis, since patients with abundant TLS exhibited the worst DFS and OS. By combining the density of adjacent TLS (aTLS) with our recently published intratumoral signatures based on the differential distribution of CD8 + and CD163 + in the tumor center and invasive margin, we created two improved immune signatures with superior prognostic strength and higher patient population coverage. Our observations strengthen the notion for the fundamental role of the dynamic interplay between the immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (center/invasive margin) and the tumor surrounding area (peritumoral TLS) on the clinical outcome of BCa patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sotirios P Fortis
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Center, Saint Savas Cancer Hospital, 171 Alexandras Avenue, 11522, Athens, Greece
| | - Christoforos K Vaxevanis
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Center, Saint Savas Cancer Hospital, 171 Alexandras Avenue, 11522, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | - Sonia A Perez
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Center, Saint Savas Cancer Hospital, 171 Alexandras Avenue, 11522, Athens, Greece
| | - Constantin N Baxevanis
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Center, Saint Savas Cancer Hospital, 171 Alexandras Avenue, 11522, Athens, Greece.
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Withers SS, York D, Choi JW, Woolard KD, Laufer-Amorim R, Sparger EE, Burton JH, McSorley SJ, Monjazeb AM, Murphy WJ, Canter RJ, Rebhun RB. Metastatic immune infiltrates correlate with those of the primary tumour in canine osteosarcoma. Vet Comp Oncol 2019; 17:242-252. [PMID: 30684301 PMCID: PMC6658355 DOI: 10.1111/vco.12459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Our lack of understanding of the immune microenvironment in canine osteosarcoma (cOSA) has limited the identification of potential immunotherapeutic targets. In particular, our ability to utilize readily available tissue from a dog's primary tumour to predict the type and extent of immune response in their pulmonary metastatic lesions is unknown. We, therefore, collected 21 matched pairs of primary tumours and pulmonary metastatic lesions from dogs with OSA and performed immunohistochemistry to quantify T-lymphocyte (CD3), FOXP3+ cell, B-lymphocyte (Pax-5), and CD204+ macrophage infiltration. We found that T-lymphocytes and FOXP3+ infiltrates in primary tumours positively correlated with that of metastatic lesions (ρ = 0.512, P = 0.038 and ρ = 0.698, P = 0.007, respectively), while a strong trend existed for CD204+ infiltrates (ρ = 0.404, P = 0.087). We also observed T- and B-lymphocytes, and CD204+ macrophages to be significantly higher in a dog's pulmonary metastasis compared to their primary tumour (P = 0.018, P = 0.018, P = 0.016, respectively), while FOXP3+ cells were only significantly higher in metastases when all primary tumour and metastasis lesions were compared without pairing (P = 0.036). Together, these findings suggest that the metastatic immune microenvironment may be influenced by that of the primary cOSA, and that primary tumour immune biomarkers could potentially be applied to predict immunotherapeutic responses in gross metastatic disease. We, therefore, provide a rationale for the treatment of cOSA pulmonary metastases with immunotherapeutics that enhance the anti-tumour activity of these immune cells, particularly in dogs with moderate to high immune cell infiltration in their primary tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sita S Withers
- The Comparative Oncology Laboratory and Center for Companion Animal Health, Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California
| | - Daniel York
- The Comparative Oncology Laboratory and Center for Companion Animal Health, Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California
| | - Jin W Choi
- Center for Comparative Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California
| | - Kevin D Woolard
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California
| | - Renee Laufer-Amorim
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Ellen E Sparger
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California
| | - Jenna H Burton
- The Comparative Oncology Laboratory and Center for Companion Animal Health, Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California
| | - Stephen J McSorley
- Center for Comparative Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California
| | - Arta M Monjazeb
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, California
| | - William J Murphy
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, California
| | - Robert J Canter
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, California
| | - Robert B Rebhun
- The Comparative Oncology Laboratory and Center for Companion Animal Health, Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California
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Pfuderer PL, Ballhausen A, Seidler F, Stark HJ, Grabe N, Frayling IM, Ager A, von Knebel Doeberitz M, Kloor M, Ahadova A. High endothelial venules are associated with microsatellite instability, hereditary background and immune evasion in colorectal cancer. Br J Cancer 2019; 121:395-404. [PMID: 31358939 PMCID: PMC6738093 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-019-0514-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microsatellite-unstable (MSI) tumours show a high load of mutational neoantigens, as a consequence of DNA mismatch repair deficiency. Consequently, MSI tumours commonly present with dense immune infiltration and develop immune evasion mechanisms. Whether improved lymphocyte recruitment contributes to the pronounced immune infiltration in MSI tumours is unknown. We analysed the density of high endothelial venules (HEV) and postcapillary blood vessels specialised for lymphocyte trafficking, in MSI colorectal cancers (CRC). METHODS HEV density was determined by immunohistochemical staining of FFPE tissue sections from MSI (n = 48) and microsatellite-stable (MSS, n = 35) CRCs. Associations with clinical and pathological variables were analysed. RESULTS We found elevated HEV densities in MSI compared with MSS CRCs (median 0.049 vs 0.000 counts/mm2, respectively, p = 0.0002), with the highest densities in Lynch syndrome MSI CRCs. Dramatically elevated HEV densities were observed in B2M-mutant Lynch syndrome CRCs, pointing towards a link between lymphocyte recruitment and immune evasion (median 0.485 vs 0.0885 counts/mm2 in B2M-wild-type tumours, p = 0.0237). CONCLUSIONS Our findings for the first time indicate a significant contribution of lymphocyte trafficking in immune responses against MSI CRC, particularly in the context of Lynch syndrome. High HEV densities in B2M-mutant tumours underline the significance of immunoediting during tumour evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline L Pfuderer
- Department of Applied Tumour Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumour Biology, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexej Ballhausen
- Department of Applied Tumour Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumour Biology, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Florian Seidler
- Department of Applied Tumour Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumour Biology, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hans-Jürgen Stark
- Department of Applied Tumour Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumour Biology, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Niels Grabe
- Hamamatsu Tissue Imaging and Analysis (TIGA) Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumour Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ian M Frayling
- Inherited Tumour Syndromes Research Group, Institute of Cancer & Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - Ann Ager
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine and Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Magnus von Knebel Doeberitz
- Department of Applied Tumour Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumour Biology, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Kloor
- Department of Applied Tumour Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumour Biology, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Aysel Ahadova
- Department of Applied Tumour Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumour Biology, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Correlation with lymphocyte infiltration, but lack of prognostic significance of MECA-79-positive high endothelial venules in primary malignant melanoma. Melanoma Res 2019; 28:304-310. [PMID: 29683859 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0000000000000457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
High endothelial venules (HEVs) are specialized vessels in lymphoid organs, supporting lymphocyte trafficking from the blood. As the presence of these vessels was described recently in tumors, it was proposed that they could facilitate the development of antitumor immune response, resulting in improved prognosis. The aim of our study was to analyze the correlation of the density of HEVs with that of the different immune cell types as well as with the clinicopathologic parameters and the disease outcomes in patients with cutaneous melanoma. Primary melanoma samples of 118 patients were analyzed retrospectively by immunohistochemical labeling and quantitation of vessels stained with the MECA-79 antibody, as well as a panel of eight different immune cell types (CD8 and CD45RO T cells, lymphocytes expressing the CD25, CD134, or CD137 activation markers, FOXP3 regulatory T cells, CD20 B cells, and DC-LAMP mature dendritic cells). Correlations of MECA-79 vessel density with that of the immune cells, as well as with clinicopathologic parameters and disease outcomes were evaluated. We showed that the number of MECA-79 vessels correlates strongly with the peritumoral density of B and T lymphocytes. Moreover, higher HEV numbers were detected in tumors hosting tertiary lymphoid structures as well as in those of axial location compared with the ones in the extremity and in men compared with women, whereas no association was found with patient age, tumor thickness, histologic type or ulceration, or with the survival of melanoma patients. The density of MECA-79 HEVs in primary melanomas shows a correlation with B and T-lymphocyte density and differences according to the presence of tertiary lymphoid structures, tumor site, and the sex of the patient. However, it has no prognostic value.
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Nishihira M, Nakazato Y, Maeda S, Inoue T, Araki O, Karube Y, Chida M. Impact of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and lymphoid follicle formation on patient survival following surgery for lung squamous cell carcinoma. Thorac Cancer 2018; 10:219-225. [PMID: 30561902 PMCID: PMC6360201 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.12935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are known to correlate with the prognosis of patients affected by a variety of cancer types. We evaluated TILs in patients who underwent surgery for lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). METHODS Specimens obtained from patients during resection of lung SCC were examined for TIL density, lymphoid follicle formation, PD-L1 expression, and the appearance of regulatory T cells (Tregs). RESULTS We enrolled 72 patients who underwent surgery for SCC (TIL grades 0, 1, and 2: 29, 18, and 25, respectively). Lymphoid follicles were observed in 13 (18.1%) patients and 8 were positive for Tregs, which were always observed in association with lymphoid follicles (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that lymphoid follicle formation, the appearance of Tregs, pathological stage, and pleural invasion were independent prognostic factors related to overall survival, whereas TIL density and PD-L1 expression were not. CONCLUSION SCC patients with lymphoid follicle formation accompanied by Tregs show poor survival following lung resection surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morimichi Nishihira
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yoshimasa Nakazato
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Sumiko Maeda
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Takashi Inoue
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Osamu Araki
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yoko Karube
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Masayuki Chida
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan
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38
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Johansson-Percival A, He B, Ganss R. Immunomodulation of Tumor Vessels: It Takes Two to Tango. Trends Immunol 2018; 39:801-814. [DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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39
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Zhu G, Nemoto S, Mailloux AW, Perez-Villarroel P, Nakagawa R, Falahat R, Berglund AE, Mulé JJ. Induction of Tertiary Lymphoid Structures With Antitumor Function by a Lymph Node-Derived Stromal Cell Line. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1609. [PMID: 30061886 PMCID: PMC6054958 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) associate with better prognosis in certain cancer types, but their underlying formation and immunological benefit remain to be determined. We established a mouse model of TLSs to study their contribution to antitumor immunity. Because the stroma in lymph nodes (sLN) participates in architectural support, lymphogenesis, and lymphocyte recruitment, we hypothesized that TLSs can be created by sLN. We selected a sLN line with fibroblast morphology that expressed sLN surface markers and lymphoid chemokines. The subcutaneous injection of the sLN line successfully induced TLSs that attracted infiltration of host immune cell subsets. Injection of MC38 tumor lysate-pulsed dendritic cells activated TLS-residing lymphocytes to demonstrate specific cytotoxicity. The presence of TLSs suppressed MC38 tumor growth in vivo by improving antitumor activity of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes with downregulated immune checkpoint proteins (PD-1 and Tim-3). Future engineering of sLN lines may allow for further enhancements of TLS functions and immune cell compositions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genyuan Zhu
- Immunology Program, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Satoshi Nemoto
- Immunology Program, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Adam W Mailloux
- Immunology Program, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | | | - Ryosuke Nakagawa
- Immunology Program, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Rana Falahat
- Immunology Program, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Anders E Berglund
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - James J Mulé
- Immunology Program, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States.,Cutaneous Oncology Program, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
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40
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Hill DG, Yu L, Gao H, Balic JJ, West A, Oshima H, McLeod L, Oshima M, Gallimore A, D'Costa K, Bhathal PS, Sievert W, Ferrero RL, Jenkins BJ, Jones GW. Hyperactive gp130/STAT3-driven gastric tumourigenesis promotes submucosal tertiary lymphoid structure development. Int J Cancer 2018; 143:167-178. [PMID: 29417587 PMCID: PMC5969244 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Revised: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) display phenotypic and functional characteristics of secondary lymphoid organs, and often develop in tissues affected by chronic inflammation, as well as in certain inflammation-associated cancers where they are prognostic of improved patient survival. However, the mechanisms that govern the development of tumour-associated TLSs remain ill-defined. Here, we observed tumour-associated TLSs in a preclinical mouse model (gp130F/F ) of gastric cancer, where tumourigenesis is dependent on hyperactive STAT3 signalling through the common IL-6 family signalling receptor, gp130. Gastric tumourigenesis was associated with the development of B and T cell-rich submucosal lymphoid aggregates, containing CD21+ cellular networks and high endothelial venules. Temporally, TLS formation coincided with the development of gastric adenomas and induction of homeostatic chemokines including Cxcl13, Ccl19 and Ccl21. Reflecting the requirement of gp130-driven STAT3 signalling for gastric tumourigenesis, submucosal TLS development was also STAT3-dependent, but independent of the cytokine IL-17 which has been linked with lymphoid neogenesis in chronic inflammation and autoimmunity. Interestingly, upregulated lymphoid chemokine expression and TLS formation were also observed in a chronic gastritis model induced by Helicobacter felis infection. Tumour-associated TLSs were also observed in patients with intestinal-type gastric cancer, and a gene signature linked with TLS development in gp130F/F mice was associated with advanced clinical disease, but was not prognostic of patient survival. Collectively, our in vivo data reveal that hyperactive gp130-STAT3 signalling closely links gastric tumourigenesis with lymphoid neogenesis, and while a TLS gene signature was associated with advanced gastric cancer in patients, it did not indicate a favourable prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G. Hill
- Division of Infection and ImmunitySystems Immunity Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff UniversityCardiffWalesUnited Kingdom
| | - Liang Yu
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious DiseasesHudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVICAustralia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Hugh Gao
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious DiseasesHudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVICAustralia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Jesse J. Balic
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious DiseasesHudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVICAustralia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Alison West
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious DiseasesHudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVICAustralia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Hiroko Oshima
- Division of GeneticsCancer Research Institute, Kanazawa UniversityKanazawaJapan
| | - Louise McLeod
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious DiseasesHudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Masanobu Oshima
- Division of GeneticsCancer Research Institute, Kanazawa UniversityKanazawaJapan
| | - Awen Gallimore
- Division of Infection and ImmunitySystems Immunity Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff UniversityCardiffWalesUnited Kingdom
| | - Kimberley D'Costa
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious DiseasesHudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVICAustralia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Prithi S. Bhathal
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - William Sievert
- Department of MedicineMonash Medical Centre, Monash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Richard L. Ferrero
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious DiseasesHudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVICAustralia
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of MicrobiologyMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Brendan J. Jenkins
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious DiseasesHudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVICAustralia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Gareth W. Jones
- Division of Infection and ImmunitySystems Immunity Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff UniversityCardiffWalesUnited Kingdom
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Engelhard VH, Rodriguez AB, Mauldin IS, Woods AN, Peske JD, Slingluff CL. Immune Cell Infiltration and Tertiary Lymphoid Structures as Determinants of Antitumor Immunity. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2018; 200:432-442. [PMID: 29311385 PMCID: PMC5777336 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1701269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Limited representation of intratumoral immune cells is a major barrier to tumor control. However, simply enhancing immune responses in tumor-draining lymph nodes or through adoptive transfer may not overcome the limited ability of tumor vasculature to support effector infiltration. An alternative is to promote a sustained immune response intratumorally. This idea has gained traction with the observation that many tumors are associated with tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS), which organizationally resemble lymph nodes. These peri- and intratumoral structures are usually, but not always, associated with positive prognoses in patients. Preclinical and clinical data support a role for TLS in modulating immunity in the tumor microenvironment. However, there appear to be varied functions of TLS, potentially based on their structure or location in relation to the tumor or the origin or location of the tumor itself. Understanding more about TLS development, composition, and function may offer new therapeutic opportunities to modulate antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor H Engelhard
- Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908;
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908; and
| | - Anthony B Rodriguez
- Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908; and
| | - Ileana S Mauldin
- Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Amber N Woods
- Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908; and
| | - J David Peske
- Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908; and
| | - Craig L Slingluff
- Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
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Jones E, Gallimore A, Ager A. Defining High Endothelial Venules and Tertiary Lymphoid Structures in Cancer. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1845:99-118. [PMID: 30141010 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8709-2_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
High endothelial venules (HEVs) are structurally distinct blood vessels that develop during embryonic and neonatal life in all secondary lymphoid organs except the spleen. HEVs are critical for initiating and maintaining immune responses because they extract naïve and memory lymphocytes from the bloodstream, regardless of antigen receptor specificity, and deliver them to antigen-presenting cells inside lymph nodes under homeostatic conditions. HEVs also develop postnatally in nonlymphoid organs during chronic inflammation driven by autoimmunity, infection, allografts, and cancer. Extranodal HEVs are usually surrounded by dense lymphocytic infiltrates organized into lymph-node like, T- and B-cell-rich areas called tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS). HEV neogenesis is thought to facilitate the generation of tissue-destroying lymphocytes inside chronically inflamed tissues and cancers.We are studying the mechanisms underpinning HEV neogenesis in solid cancers and the role of homeostatic T-cell trafficking in controlling cancer immunity. In this chapter we describe methods for identifying HEV in tissue sections of cancerous tissues in humans and mice using immunohistochemical staining for the HEV-specific marker peripheral lymph node addressin (PNAd). L-selectin binding to PNAd is a necessary first step in homeostatic lymphocyte trafficking which is the defining function of HEV. We also describe methods to measure L-selectin-dependent homing of lymphocytes from the bloodstream into lymphoid tissues and tumors in preclinical cancer models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Jones
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine and Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK.
| | - Awen Gallimore
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine and Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
| | - Ann Ager
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine and Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
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43
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Colbeck EJ, Ager A, Gallimore A, Jones GW. Tertiary Lymphoid Structures in Cancer: Drivers of Antitumor Immunity, Immunosuppression, or Bystander Sentinels in Disease? Front Immunol 2017; 8:1830. [PMID: 29312327 PMCID: PMC5742143 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Secondary lymphoid organs are integral to initiation and execution of adaptive immune responses. These organs provide a setting for interactions between antigen-specific lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells recruited from local infected or inflamed tissues. Secondary lymphoid organs develop as a part of a genetically preprogrammed process during embryogenesis. However, organogenesis of secondary lymphoid tissues can also be recapitulated in adulthood during de novo lymphoid neogenesis of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs). These ectopic lymphoid-like structures form in the inflamed tissues afflicted by various pathological conditions, including cancer, autoimmunity, infection, or allograft rejection. Studies are beginning to shed light on the function of such structures in different disease settings, raising important questions regarding their contribution to progression or resolution of disease. Data show an association between the tumor-associated TLSs and a favorable prognosis in various types of human cancer, attracting the speculation that TLSs support effective local antitumor immune responses. However, definitive evidence for the role for TLSs in fostering immune responses in vivo are lacking, with current data remaining largely correlative by nature. In fact, some more recent studies have even demonstrated an immunosuppressive, tumor-promoting role for cancer-associated TLSs. In this review, we will discuss what is known about the development of cancer-associated TLSs and the current understanding of their potential role in the antitumor immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ann Ager
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine and Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Awen Gallimore
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine and Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Gareth Wyn Jones
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine and Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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Colbeck EJ, Jones E, Hindley JP, Smart K, Schulz R, Browne M, Cutting S, Williams A, Parry L, Godkin A, Ware CF, Ager A, Gallimore A. Treg Depletion Licenses T Cell-Driven HEV Neogenesis and Promotes Tumor Destruction. Cancer Immunol Res 2017; 5:1005-1015. [PMID: 28947544 PMCID: PMC5668144 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-17-0131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
T-cell infiltration into tumors represents a critical bottleneck for immune-mediated control of cancer. We previously showed that this bottleneck can be overcome by depleting immunosuppressive Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), a process that can increase frequencies of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes through promoting the development of specialized portals for lymphocyte entry, namely high endothelial venules (HEVs). In this paper, we used a carcinogen-induced tumor model that allows for coevolution of the tumor microenvironment and the immune response to demonstrate that Treg depletion not only results in widespread disruption to HEV networks in lymph nodes (LNs) but also activates CD8+ T cells, which then drive intratumoral HEV development. Formation of these vessels contrasts with ontogenic HEV development in LNs in that the process is dependent on the TNF receptor and independent of lymphotoxin β receptor-mediated signaling. These intratumoral HEVs do not express the chemokine CCL21, revealing a previously undescribed intratumoral blood vessel phenotype. We propose a model where Treg depletion enables a self-amplifying loop of T-cell activation, which promotes HEV development, T-cell infiltration, and ultimately, tumor destruction. The findings point to a need to test for HEV development as part of ongoing clinical studies in patients with cancer. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(11); 1005-15. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Colbeck
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, SIURI, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
| | - Emma Jones
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, SIURI, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - James P Hindley
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, SIURI, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Kathryn Smart
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, SIURI, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Ralph Schulz
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, SIURI, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Molly Browne
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, SIURI, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Scott Cutting
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, SIURI, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Anwen Williams
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, SIURI, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Lee Parry
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Andrew Godkin
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, SIURI, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Carl F Ware
- Sanford-Burnham-Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, San Diego, California
| | - Ann Ager
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, SIURI, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Awen Gallimore
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, SIURI, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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Johansson-Percival A, He B, Li ZJ, Kjellén A, Russell K, Li J, Larma I, Ganss R. De novo induction of intratumoral lymphoid structures and vessel normalization enhances immunotherapy in resistant tumors. Nat Immunol 2017; 18:1207-1217. [DOI: 10.1038/ni.3836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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García-Hernández MDLL, Uribe-Uribe NO, Espinosa-González R, Kast WM, Khader SA, Rangel-Moreno J. A Unique Cellular and Molecular Microenvironment Is Present in Tertiary Lymphoid Organs of Patients with Spontaneous Prostate Cancer Regression. Front Immunol 2017; 8:563. [PMID: 28567040 PMCID: PMC5434117 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Multiple solid cancers contain tertiary lymphoid organs (TLO). However, it is unclear whether they promote tumor rejection, facilitate tumor evasion, or simply whether they are a byproduct of chronic inflammation. We hypothesize that although chronic inflammation induces TLO formation, the tumor milieu can modulate TLO organization and functions in prostate cancer. Therefore, our study seeks to elucidate the cellular and molecular signatures in unique prostatectomy specimens from evanescent carcinoma patients to identify markers of cancer regression, which could be harnessed to modulate local immunosuppression or potentially enhance TLO function. Methods We used multicolor immunofluorescence to stain prostate tissues, collected at different stages of cancer progression (prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, intermediate and advanced cancer) or from patients with evanescent prostate carcinoma. Tissues were stained with antibodies specific for pro-inflammatory molecules (cyclooxygenase 2, CXCL10, IL17), tumor-infiltrating immune cells (mature DC-LAMP+ dendritic cells, CD3+ T cells, CD3+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg), T bet+ Th1 cells, granzyme B+ cytotoxic cells), and stromal cell populations (lymphatic vessels, tumor neovessels, high endothelial venules (HEV), stromal cells), which promote prostate tumor growth or are critical components of tumor-associated TLO. Results Generally, inflammatory cells are located at the margins of tumors. Unexpectedly, we found TLO within prostate tumors from patients at different stages of cancer and in unique samples from patients with spontaneous cancer remission. In evanescent prostate carcinomas, accumulation of Treg was compromised, while Tbet+ T cells and CD8 T cells were abundant in tumor-associated TLO. In addition, we found a global decrease in tumor neovascularization and the coverage by cells positive for cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2). Finally, consistent with tumor regression, prostate stem cell antigen was considerably reduced in TLO and tumor areas from evanescent carcinoma patients. Conclusion Collectively, our results suggest that COX2 and Treg are attractive therapeutic targets that can be harnessed to enhance TLO-driven tumor immunity against prostate cancer. Specially, the presence of HEV and lymphatics indicate that TLO can be used as a platform for delivery of cell-based and/or COX2 blocking therapies to improve control of tumor growth in prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Norma Ofelia Uribe-Uribe
- Department of Anatomy and Anatomical Pathology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ricardo Espinosa-González
- Department of Anatomy and Anatomical Pathology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - W Martin Kast
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Urology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shabaana A Khader
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University in Saint Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Ager A. High Endothelial Venules and Other Blood Vessels: Critical Regulators of Lymphoid Organ Development and Function. Front Immunol 2017; 8:45. [PMID: 28217126 PMCID: PMC5289948 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood vasculature regulates both the development and function of secondary lymphoid organs by providing a portal for entry of hemopoietic cells. During the development of lymphoid organs in the embryo, blood vessels deliver lymphoid tissue inducer cells that initiate and sustain the development of lymphoid tissues. In adults, the blood vessels are structurally distinct from those in other organs due to the requirement for high levels of lymphocyte recruitment under non-inflammatory conditions. In lymph nodes (LNs) and Peyer's patches, high endothelial venules (HEVs) especially adapted for lymphocyte trafficking form a spatially organized network of blood vessels, which controls both the type of lymphocyte and the site of entry into lymphoid tissues. Uniquely, HEVs express vascular addressins that regulate lymphocyte entry into lymphoid organs and are, therefore, critical to the function of lymphoid organs. Recent studies have demonstrated important roles for CD11c+ dendritic cells in the induction, as well as the maintenance, of vascular addressin expression and, therefore, the function of HEVs. Tertiary lymphoid organs (TLOs) are HEV containing LN-like structures that develop inside organized tissues undergoing chronic immune-mediated inflammation. In autoimmune lesions, the development of TLOs is thought to exacerbate disease. In cancerous tissues, the development of HEVs and TLOs is associated with improved patient outcomes in several cancers. Therefore, it is important to understand what drives the development of HEVs and TLOs and how these structures contribute to pathology. In several human diseases and experimental animal models of chronic inflammation, there are some similarities between the development and function of HEVs within LN and TLOs. This review will summarize current knowledge of how hemopoietic cells with lymphoid tissue-inducing, HEV-inducing, and HEV-maintaining properties are recruited from the bloodstream to induce the development and control the function of lymphoid organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Ager
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine and Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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48
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Weinstein AM, Storkus WJ. Biosynthesis and Functional Significance of Peripheral Node Addressin in Cancer-Associated TLO. Front Immunol 2016; 7:301. [PMID: 27555845 PMCID: PMC4977569 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral node addressin (PNAd) marks high endothelial venules (HEV), which are crucial for the recruitment of lymphocytes into lymphoid organs in non-mucosal tissue sites. PNAd is a sulfated and fucosylated glycoprotein recognized by the prototypic monoclonal antibody, MECA-79. PNAd is the ligand for L-selectin, which is expressed on the surface of naive and central memory T cells, where it mediates leukocyte rolling on vascular endothelial surfaces. Although PNAd was first identified in the HEV of peripheral lymph nodes, recent work suggests a critical role for PNAd in the context of chronic inflammatory diseases, where it can be used as a marker for the formation of tertiary lymphoid organs (TLOs). TLO form in tissues impacted by sustained inflammation, such as the tumor microenvironment where they function as local sites of adaptive immune cell priming. This allows for specific B- and T-cell responses to be initiated or reactivated in inflamed tissues without dependency on secondary lymphoid organs. Recent studies of cancer in mice and humans have identified PNAd as a biomarker of improved disease prognosis. Blockade of PNAd or its ligand, L-selectin, can abrogate protective antitumor immunity in murine models. This review examines pathways regulating PNAd biosynthesis by the endothelial cells integral to HEV and the formation and maintenance of lymphoid structures throughout the body, particularly in the setting of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliyah M Weinstein
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine , Pittsburgh, PA , USA
| | - Walter J Storkus
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Hiraoka N, Ino Y, Yamazaki-Itoh R. Tertiary Lymphoid Organs in Cancer Tissues. Front Immunol 2016; 7:244. [PMID: 27446075 PMCID: PMC4916185 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tertiary lymphoid organs (TLOs) are induced postnatally in non-lymphoid tissues such as those affected by chronic infections, autoimmune diseases, and chronic allograft rejection, and also in cancer tissues. TLOs are thought to provide important lymphocytic functional environments for both cellular and humoral immunity, similar to lymph nodes or Peyer’s patches. TLOs have a structure similar to that of lymph nodes or Peyer’s patches, including T cell zones, B cell follicles, and high endothelial venules (HEV) without encapsulation. Here, we review recent advances in our knowledge of TLOs in human solid cancers, including their location, structure, methods of evaluation, and clinicopathological impact. We also discuss the formation and/or maintenance of TLOs in cancer tissues in association with the tumor immune microenvironment, cancer invasion, and the tissue structure of the cancer stroma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuyoshi Hiraoka
- Division of Pathology and Clinical Laboratories, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; Division of Molecular Pathology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan; Division of Analytical Pathology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Ino
- Division of Molecular Pathology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan; Division of Analytical Pathology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rie Yamazaki-Itoh
- Division of Molecular Pathology, National Cancer Center Research Institute , Tokyo , Japan
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Timperi E, Pacella I, Schinzari V, Focaccetti C, Sacco L, Farelli F, Caronna R, Del Bene G, Longo F, Ciardi A, Morelli S, Vestri AR, Chirletti P, Barnaba V, Piconese S. Regulatory T cells with multiple suppressive and potentially pro-tumor activities accumulate in human colorectal cancer. Oncoimmunology 2016; 5:e1175800. [PMID: 27622025 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2016.1175800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Revised: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tregs can contribute to tumor progression by suppressing antitumor immunity. Exceptionally, in human colorectal cancer (CRC), Tregs are thought to exert beneficial roles in controlling pro-tumor chronic inflammation. The goal of our study was to characterize CRC-infiltrating Tregs at multiple levels, by phenotypical, molecular and functional evaluation of Tregs from the tumor site, compared to non-tumoral mucosa and peripheral blood of CRC patients. The frequency of Tregs was higher in mucosa than in blood, and further significantly increased in tumor. Ex vivo, those Tregs suppressed the proliferation of tumor-infiltrating CD8(+) and CD4(+) T cells. A differential compartmentalization was detected between Helios(high) and Helios(low) Treg subsets (thymus-derived versus peripherally induced): while Helios(low) Tregs were enriched in both sites, only Helios(high) Tregs accumulated significantly and specifically in tumors, displayed a highly demethylated TSDR region and contained high proportions of cells expressing CD39 and OX40, markers of activation and suppression. Besides the suppression of T cells, Tregs may contribute to CRC progression also through releasing IL-17, or differentiating into Tfr cells that potentially antagonize a protective Tfh response, events that were both detected in tumor-associated Tregs. Overall, our data indicate that Treg accumulation may contribute through multiple mechanisms to CRC establishment and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Timperi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, Sapienza Università di Roma , Rome, Italy
| | - Ilenia Pacella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, Sapienza Università di Roma , Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Schinzari
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, Sapienza Università di Roma , Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Focaccetti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, Sapienza Università di Roma , Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Sacco
- Sezione di Chirurgia Interdisciplinare "F. Durante", Sapienza Università di Roma , Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Farelli
- Sezione di Chirurgia Interdisciplinare "F. Durante", Sapienza Università di Roma , Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Caronna
- Sezione di Chirurgia Interdisciplinare "F. Durante", Sapienza Università di Roma , Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Del Bene
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare, Sapienza Università di Roma , Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Longo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare, Sapienza Università di Roma , Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Ciardi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Radiologiche, Oncologiche e Anatomo-Patologiche, Sapienza Università di Roma , Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Morelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, Sapienza Università di Roma , Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Vestri
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Sapienza Università di Roma , Rome, Italy
| | - Piero Chirletti
- Sezione di Chirurgia Interdisciplinare "F. Durante", Sapienza Università di Roma , Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Barnaba
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy; Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy; Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Piconese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy; Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
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